Chef/Head Cook in Wichita Falls, TX

The Salary Picture: Where Wichita Falls Stands

If you're a Chef or Head Cook eyeing Wichita Falls, the first thing you need to know is that the numbers are solid, but context is everything. The median salary for this role in the Wichita Falls metro area is $60,531/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $29.1/hour. This puts you slightly above the national average of $60,350/year. It’s a modest but meaningful edge, especially when you factor in the local cost of living.

Let’s break down what you can expect to earn at different stages of your career. This data is compiled from local job postings, Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data for the region, and insights from area restaurant managers.

Experience Level	Typical Years	Local Salary Range (Annual)	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level Chef	0-3	$42,000 - $50,000	Line cook, prep, assisting sous chef.
Mid-Level Chef	3-7	$50,000 - $65,000	Station lead, menu development, kitchen management.
Senior Chef	7-12	$65,000 - $80,000	Executive chef duties, full P&L responsibility, staff training.
Expert/Owner	12+	$80,000+ (often with profit share)	Concept creation, multi-unit oversight, consulting.

Compared to other Texas cities, Wichita Falls offers a different value proposition. It won't match the raw salary of Houston or Dallas, where top-tier chefs can command six figures, but the purchasing power is the real story. In Austin, a chef might earn $68,000 but face a cost of living index of 115.8 and rent that’s 60% higher. In Wichita Falls, with a cost of living index of 101.0 (just above the US average of 100), that $60,531 stretches much further.

Insider Tip: Don’t just look at the salary number. The 10-year job growth is 5% for the metro area, which is steady but not explosive. This means opportunities are available, but you’ll need to be proactive. The job market is defined by a tight knit of about 205 positions in the metro, so networking is non-negotiable.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

A salary is just a number until you see what’s left after the government and the landlord take their share. For a single filer with no dependents, earning $60,531/year, your take-home pay after federal, state (Texas has no state income tax), and FICA taxes will be roughly $46,500 annually, or about $3,875 per month. This is a simplified estimate, but it’s the starting point for your budget.

Here’s a sample monthly budget breakdown for Chef/Head Cooks in Wichita Falls:

Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Gross Monthly Pay	$5,044	Based on $60,531/year
Net Pay (Take-Home)	~$3,875	After taxes (est.)
Rent (1BR Apartment)	$843	City average for a decent 1BR.
Utilities (Elec, Gas, Water, Internet)	$200	Varies by season; summer AC is a factor.
Groceries	$350	Chef-quality ingredients for home cooking.
Transportation (Gas/Insurance)	$250	Assumes 1 car; insurance is reasonable in TX.
Health Insurance	$200	If not provided by employer (marketplace cost).
Dining Out/Entertainment	$300	Important for staying connected to the scene.
Savings/Debt/Other	$1,732	The remaining buffer for savings, student loans, etc.

The numbers look good on paper. With an average 1BR rent of $843/month, your housing costs are a manageable 22% of your take-home pay. This is well below the recommended 30% threshold, leaving you with significant financial breathing room.

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely. With your remaining $1,732 monthly buffer, you could save a 20% down payment on a $200,000 home in about 18-24 months. The median home price in Wichita Falls is around $175,000, making homeownership a very realistic goal for a chef earning the median wage. This is a stark contrast to cities like Dallas or Austin, where saving for a down payment can take a decade.

Where the Jobs Are: Wichita Falls's Major Employers

The Wichita Falls culinary scene is anchored by a mix of hospital systems, local institutions, and a growing number of independent restaurants. The 205 jobs in the metro aren't evenly distributed; they cluster around these key employers.

1. United Regional Health Care System: As the largest employer in the region, United Regional has multiple cafeterias and catering operations for staff and patients. They look for consistent, high-volume chefs who can manage large-scale food production. Hiring is steady, with openings typically posted on their website.
2. Wichita Falls Independent School District (WFISD): WFISD runs one of the largest school lunch programs in the area. These positions are stable, with great hours (no nights or weekends) and benefits. It’s a prime spot for chefs seeking work-life balance.
3. Catering by Design / Local Event Companies: Wichita Falls has a robust wedding and corporate event scene. Companies like Catering by Design and The Venue at Sheppard Air Force Base are major players for high-end catering. Hiring is seasonal but can lead to full-time roles.
4. Independent Restaurants & Steakhouses: This is the heart of the local scene. Look for openings at established spots like The Grill on the Boulevard (a local favorite for steak and seafood) or in the growing downtown area. These jobs are often filled through word-of-mouth.
5. Sheppard Air Force Base (SAFB): The base has its own dining facilities and contract management services. Federal jobs (GS scale) are stable and come with excellent benefits. You’ll need to navigate USAJobs.gov and may require a security clearance for certain roles.
6. Midwestern State University (MSU): MSU’s dining services, operated by companies like Aramark, offer positions in campus dining halls and catering. Similar to school districts, these provide structured hours and academic year schedules.
7. Local Hotel Chains: Hotels like the Holiday Inn Wichita Falls Airport and Courtyard by Marriott have on-site restaurants and banquet facilities. These are good entry points for chefs looking to build a resume in a corporate environment.

Insider Tip: The hiring trend in Wichita Falls is relationship-driven. Many chefs get hired through referrals from other kitchen staff or by building a reputation at local food festivals like the Hotter'N Hell Hundred pepper cook-off. Don’t just apply online; visit restaurants and talk to managers.

Getting Licensed in TX

Texas is a "home rule" state for food safety, which means there is no state-level chef license. However, you and all your kitchen staff are required to have a Food Handler's Card. For a Head Chef or Manager (Person in Charge), the requirement is more stringent.

1. Food Handler's Card: Required for all food employees. You can get it online through an ANSI-accredited provider (like ServSafe or 360training). The course takes 1-2 hours, and the exam is straightforward. Cost: $10-$15. It’s valid for 2 years.
2. Food Manager Certification: As the Head Chef, you are the Person in Charge (PIC). Texas requires at least one PIC per shift to be a Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM). You must pass an exam from an accredited provider (ServSafe is the most common). The course is more in-depth, covering HACCP, temperature control, and allergen management.
   • Cost: $150-$200 for the class and exam.
   • Timeline: You can take a 1-day class and exam, or study online and schedule the proctored exam. Certification is valid for 5 years.
3. Health Department Permit: The individual chef does not get a permit, but the restaurant's permit from the Wichita Falls-Wichita County Public Health District is tied to having a certified manager on staff. Ensure the restaurant you join is compliant.

Timeline to Get Started: If you start today, you can have your Food Handler's Card in 24 hours and your Food Manager Certification within a week by taking an accelerated course. Total cost to get fully compliant: Under $220.

Best Neighborhoods for Chef/Head Cooks

Your choice of neighborhood will impact your commute, lifestyle, and rent. Here’s a breakdown of the best areas for culinary professionals.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Rent (1BR Estimate)	Why It's Good for Chefs
Downtown / Historic District	Walkable, artsy, burgeoning food scene. 5-10 min commute to most downtown restaurants.	$900 - $1,100	You’re in the epicenter. Easy to network, grab a drink after work, and walk home. Ideal for chefs who want to be part of the local culinary pulse.
Sikes Senter Area	Established, family-friendly, central. 10-15 min commute to most employers.	$800 - $950	A quiet, safe area with easy access to everything. Great for chefs who want a peaceful home base without a long drive after a closing shift.
Sheppard AFB / Northside	Practical, affordable, near the base. 15-20 min commute to downtown.	$700 - $850	Perfect for chefs working at SAFB or on the north side. Rents are lower, leaving more money for savings or hobbies.
Southside / Near MSU	College-town feel, more apartments, vibrant. 10-15 min commute.	$750 - $900	Close to MSU and the growing southside dining spots. Good for younger chefs or those who appreciate a lively, student-oriented atmosphere.

Insider Tip: If you work in a downtown restaurant, living downtown is a major perk. The 5-minute commute means you can go home and change for a late-night shift or pop over for a quick lunch. It’s a huge quality-of-life improvement over a long, late-night drive.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In Wichita Falls, career growth is less about climbing a corporate ladder and more about expanding your skill set and reputation. The 5% job growth over 10 years means you have to be strategic.

• Specialty Premiums: Chefs who specialize can command higher pay. A Sous Chef might earn the median, but a Chef de Cuisine at a fine-dining establishment can push into the $70,000+ range. A Pastry Chef with a unique style is a rarity and can be a huge asset, potentially earning a premium for weddings and events.
• Advancement Paths: The most common path is from Line Cook > Sous Chef > Head Chef. However, savvy chefs in Wichita Falls branch out. Many launch pop-up dinners, become personal chefs for local families, or start consulting for new restaurant openings. The low cost of living allows you to take a financial risk on a side project.
• 10-Year Outlook: The outlook is stable but competitive. The demand for chefs won’t skyrocket, but the need for skilled, creative leaders who can manage costs and staff will always be there. The growth will be in niche markets: farm-to-table concepts, health-conscious menus (reflecting the hospital and wellness community), and elevated casual dining. The chefs who succeed are those who engage with local farmers and build a personal brand in the community.

The Verdict: Is Wichita Falls Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Affordable Living: Your salary has strong purchasing power. Homeownership is within reach.	Limited Culinary Scene: Not a foodie destination like Austin or San Antonio. Fewer high-end, avant-garde kitchens.
Manageable Commutes: You can live and work in the same neighborhood.	Salary Ceiling: Top-end pay is lower than in major metros. You won’t get rich as an employee here.
Stable Job Market: Local employers (hospitals, schools, SAFB) offer steady, reliable positions.	Networking is Essential: The job market is small; you must know people to find the best opportunities.
Tight-Knit Community: It’s easy to get to know other chefs, suppliers, and food writers.	Slower Pace: The city moves slowly. If you crave constant stimulation and new trends, you may feel bored.

Final Recommendation: Wichita Falls is an excellent choice for a chef who values stability, affordability, and work-life balance over chasing a fast-paced, high-stress career in a major metropolis. It’s ideal for those looking to buy a home, start a family, or build a business. If you are a highly ambitious chef who needs to be at the cutting edge of trends, you may find the ceiling too low. But for a strategic chef who wants to control their finances and build a meaningful life, Wichita Falls offers a compelling, practical path.

FAQs

1. What’s the job market really like for an experienced chef?
For an experienced chef (7+ years), the market is competitive but accessible. The 205 jobs in the metro are not all entry-level. With a strong resume, you can target lead positions in schools, hospitals, or independent restaurants. Your best bet is to connect with the local restaurant association or staffing agencies that specialize in culinary placements.

2. Is the cost of living as low as it seems?
Yes, but with a caveat. The Cost of Living Index of 101.0 means it’s nearly identical to the national average, but housing is the key driver. While rent is low, groceries, utilities, and gas are standard. The real win is that your $60,531 salary goes much further than it would in a high-cost city, allowing for significant savings.

3. Do I need to know anyone to get a good job here?
It’s highly recommended. The culinary scene is small and personal. While you can find openings on Indeed or LinkedIn, the best positions at top independent restaurants are often filled through referrals. Attend local events, join the Wichita Falls Chamber of Commerce (they have a food committee), and get to know the local suppliers (like the farmers at the Downtown Farmer's Market).

4. What’s the nightlife like for someone in the industry?
It’s modest but present. Downtown has a growing number of bars and taverns where chefs and industry folks congregate after shifts. You won’t find the late-night, large-scale clubs of Dallas, but you will find a close-knit group of peers. The community is more about post-shift drinks and conversation than all-night partying.

5. Is it a good place to open my own restaurant someday?
Potentially, yes, and that’s a unique draw. The lower startup costs for real estate and permits make it a more feasible testing ground for a concept than in a major city. The local community is loyal and supports new businesses. However, the market is smaller, so your concept needs to be well-targeted. It’s a great place to build a reputation before potentially taking a concept to a larger market.