The Data Analyst's Guide to Wichita Falls, Texas

As a career analyst who’s watched the data scene in Wichita Falls for years, I can tell you this city doesn’t shout about its tech jobs—it just quietly fills them. If you’re a data analyst looking for a place where your skills are in steady demand, your paycheck stretches further, and you can actually enjoy a weekend without battling traffic, Wichita Falls is worth a serious look. It’s not Austin or Dallas; it’s a pragmatic, mid-sized Texas city with a growing need for people who can make sense of numbers, especially in healthcare, manufacturing, and local government.

This guide is built on real numbers and local know-how. We’ll cut through the noise and get straight to what matters: your salary, your commute, your budget, and your career path.

The Salary Picture: Where Wichita Falls Stands

Let’s start with the bottom line. The median salary for a Data Analyst in Wichita Falls is $80,584/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $38.74/hour. This sits slightly below the national average of $83,360/year, but that gap is more than closed by the city’s significantly lower cost of living. With a cost of living index of 88.9 (US avg = 100), your dollar goes about 11% further here than the national average.

To give you a clearer picture, here’s how salaries typically break down by experience level in the Wichita Falls market. These are generalized estimates based on local job postings and industry reports.

Experience Level	Typical Salary Range (Wichita Falls)	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)	$55,000 - $68,000	Querying databases, creating basic dashboards, data cleaning, supporting senior analysts.
Mid-Level (3-5 yrs)	$70,000 - $85,000	Independent analysis, building complex models, presenting findings to managers, mentoring juniors.
Senior-Level (5-10 yrs)	$85,000 - $100,000	Leading projects, strategic planning, advanced statistical modeling, cross-departmental collaboration.
Expert/Specialist (10+ yrs)	$100,000+	Architecting data systems, managing teams, setting analytics strategy, specializing in fields like healthcare informatics or supply chain analytics.

How does this compare to other Texas cities?
Wichita Falls isn’t competing with the major metros on salary, but it offers a compelling value proposition.

• Dallas-Fort Worth: Median salary around $92,000, but rent for a 1BR averages $1,500+ and the cost of living index is ~105.
• Austin: Median salary around $90,000, but the competitive tech market and high housing costs (1BR rent ~$1,700) create a different lifestyle.
• Wichita Falls: Median salary $80,584 with a 1BR rent of $843/month and a cost of living index of 88.9. The trade-off is more money in your pocket for fewer "big city" amenities.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s run the numbers for a mid-level analyst earning the median salary of $80,584/year. This is a practical exercise to see what your monthly life looks like.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Single Filer, No Dependents):

• Gross Monthly Pay: $6,715
• Estimated Taxes (Federal + FICA + State): ~$1,400 (This is an estimate; consult a tax pro. Texas has no state income tax, which is a major plus.)
• Net Monthly Take-Home: ~$5,315
• 1BR Rent (City Average): $843
• Remaining for Utilities, Food, Transport, Savings, Fun: $4,472

This leaves a very comfortable buffer. Even with a car payment, groceries, and entertainment, you should be able to save 15-20% of your income without feeling pinched.

Can you afford to buy a home?
Yes, absolutely. The median home price in Wichita Falls is approximately $160,000. With a 10% down payment ($16,000), a standard 30-year mortgage at ~7% interest would have a monthly payment (including taxes and insurance) of roughly $1,100-$1,200. This is well within reach for someone earning the median salary, especially compared to the rent burden in larger cities.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s run the numbers for a mid-level analyst earning the median salary of $80,584/year. This is a practical exercise to see what your monthly life looks like.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Single Filer, No Dependents):

• Gross Monthly Pay: $6,715
• Estimated Taxes (Federal + FICA + State): ~$1,400 (This is an estimate; consult a tax pro. Texas has no state income tax, which is a major plus.)
• Net Monthly Take-Home: ~$5,315
• 1BR Rent (City Average): $843
• Remaining for Utilities, Food, Transport, Savings, Fun: $4,472

This leaves a very comfortable buffer. Even with a car payment, groceries, and entertainment, you should be able to save 15-20% of your income without feeling pinched.

Can you afford to buy a home?
Yes, absolutely. The median home price in Wichita Falls is approximately $160,000. With a 10% down payment ($16,000), a standard 30-year mortgage at ~7% interest would have a monthly payment (including taxes and insurance) of roughly $1,100-$1,200. This is well within reach for someone earning the median salary, especially compared to the rent burden in larger cities.

Where the Jobs Are: Wichita Falls's Major Employers

The job market here is stable, not flashy. There are 205 data analyst jobs in the metro area, with a 10-year job growth of 36%—a strong indicator of sustained demand. You won’t find a thousand startups, but you will find solid employers who need data to run their operations.

1. United Regional Health Care System: The largest employer in the region. They have a dedicated Health Informatics/Analytics team. They need analysts to track patient outcomes, optimize staffing, manage supply chains, and ensure billing accuracy. Hiring is steady, often for analysts with SQL and healthcare data experience (HIPAA knowledge is a plus).
2. Sheppard Air Force Base & its Contractors: A massive economic engine. Base operations, logistics, and training programs (like the Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training program) generate tons of data. Contractors like Northrop Grumman and L3Harris hire analysts for logistics, maintenance, and operational efficiency. Security clearance can be a huge advantage here.
3. Wichita Falls ISD: The school district employs analysts to track student performance metrics, budget allocations, and resource allocation across dozens of schools. This role often interfaces with state education agencies and requires strong reporting skills.
4. J.S. Helwig & Sons (Manufacturing): A major local manufacturer. They use data analysts for quality control, supply chain optimization, and production line efficiency. This is a great path for someone interested in industrial data and IoT (Internet of Things) applications.
5. City of Wichita Falls: The municipal government has a growing need for data analysts to manage everything from public works projects and traffic flow data to budget analysis and crime statistics. Public sector jobs offer great stability and benefits.
6. Local Banks & Credit Unions (e.g., First National Bank of Wichita Falls): Financial institutions rely heavily on data for risk assessment, customer segmentation, and fraud detection. These roles often require a blend of financial acumen and analytical skill.
7. Midwestern State University: As a public university, MSU needs analysts for enrollment management, accreditation reporting, and institutional research. It’s a good environment for those who enjoy the academic setting.

Insider Tip: The best way to find jobs here isn't always LinkedIn. Check the "Careers" sections directly on the websites of United Regional, the City, and the ISD. Also, the Wichita Falls Chamber of Commerce job board often lists roles that aren't posted elsewhere.

Getting Licensed in TX

Texas does not have a state-specific license required to work as a Data Analyst. The field is based on skills, experience, and certifications rather than government licensure. However, there are important considerations for your career.

• State-Specific Requirements: No license is needed. Your degree (typically a Bachelor's in Statistics, Computer Science, Economics, or a related field) and your portfolio of work are your primary credentials.
• Key Certifications (Highly Recommended):
  • Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate: Excellent for entry-level candidates.
  • Microsoft Certified: Power BI Data Analyst Associate: Very relevant, as Power BI is widely used by local employers like the city and school district.
  • Tableau Desktop Specialist: Another popular BI tool in the region.
  • Certified Analytics Professional (CAP): For senior-level analysts looking to validate their expertise.
• Costs: Certification exam fees range from $100-$250. Study materials can add another $50-$300.
• Timeline: If you're starting from scratch, you can prepare for an entry-level certification in 2-4 months of dedicated study. For a career changer, a bootcamp or online course (3-6 months) is a common path to build the necessary portfolio.

Important Note: If you're interested in data science roles (which involve more machine learning and advanced programming), a Master's degree is often preferred, but for pure data analysis, a Bachelor's and solid experience are typically sufficient.

Best Neighborhoods for Data Analysts

Wichita Falls is a driving city. Commutes are rarely longer than 20 minutes, which opens up your housing options. Here’s a breakdown of popular areas.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	1BR Rent Estimate	Best For
Downtown/Route 66	Walkable, historic, with new apartments and lofts. Close to the Riverwalk and entertainment. Easy 5-10 min commute to central employers.	$950 - $1,200	Young professionals who want a social scene and a short commute.
Northside/Kemp Blvd	Established residential area with older homes, parks, and good schools. Very central. 10-15 min commute anywhere.	$750 - $900	Those seeking a quiet, family-friendly environment with character.
Southwest Wichita Falls	Newer subdivisions (like Willow Creek), modern apartments, and shopping centers. 15-20 min commute to downtown.	$850 - $1,050	People who want more space, modern amenities, and don’t mind a slightly longer drive.
Sheppard AFB Area	Primarily rental housing catering to military personnel and contractors. Affordable and functional. 10-15 min commute to the base.	$700 - $850	Analysts working on base or with contractors. Good for budget-conscious renters.

Insider Tip: Traffic is minimal. Don't overthink your commute. Focus on finding a neighborhood that fits your lifestyle—whether that's the buzz of Downtown or the quiet of the Southwest. The biggest factor will be your budget and proximity to amenities you value (like gyms or parks).

The Long Game: Career Growth

Your growth in Wichita Falls will be more about depth than breadth. You’ll become an expert in your specific industry (healthcare, manufacturing, education) rather than jumping between tech sectors.

• Specialty Premiums: Analysts with skills in these areas can command higher salaries (potentially 10-15% above median):
  • Healthcare Informatics: (United Regional) SQL, understanding of medical coding (ICD-10), data privacy (HIPAA).
  • Supply Chain/Manufacturing Analytics: (J.S. Helwig, Sheppard contractors) Experience with ERP systems (like SAP or Oracle), process optimization, and IoT data.
  • GIS (Geographic Information Systems): (City of Wichita Falls, Public Works) ArcGIS or QGIS skills for mapping and spatial analysis.
• Advancement Paths: The typical path is from Data Analyst -> Senior Data Analyst -> Analytics Manager or Director of Business Intelligence. Many senior roles are filled internally. Building a reputation for reliability and clear communication is key to moving up.
• 10-Year Outlook: With a projected 36% job growth over 10 years and a stable base of major employers, the outlook is solid. The demand won't be explosive like in a major tech hub, but it will be consistent. Your long-term security is tied to the health of the healthcare, military, and manufacturing sectors—three pillars of the local economy.

The Verdict: Is Wichita Falls Right for You?

The decision ultimately comes down to your priorities. Here’s a straightforward comparison.

Pros	Cons
High Purchasing Power: Your salary stretches far, allowing for home ownership and comfortable savings.	Limited "Tech Scene": Fewer meetups, conferences, and networking events compared to major metros.
Strong Job Stability: Anchored by large, non-cyclical employers (healthcare, military, government).	Fewer Job Options: Total number of roles (205) is small; you may need to be patient for the right fit.
Short, Easy Commutes: You can live anywhere in the city and get to work in under 20 minutes.	Car Dependency: You will need a reliable car; public transit is limited.
Low Stress, High Quality of Life: Less competition, less traffic, a more relaxed pace of life.	Smaller Cultural Scene: Fewer museums, concerts, and diverse dining options than a big city.

Final Recommendation:
Wichita Falls is an excellent choice for data analysts who value stability, affordability, and work-life balance over the hustle of a tech startup. It's ideal for:

• Early-career analysts looking to build experience without high living costs.
• Mid-career professionals ready to buy a home and start a family.
• Specialists interested in healthcare, military, or manufacturing data.

If you crave the constant buzz of a major tech hub and a wide variety of industries, it might feel too quiet. But if you want a career where your skills are valued, your paycheck goes the distance, and you can enjoy a peaceful weekend, Wichita Falls is a pragmatic and rewarding destination.

FAQs

Q: Do I need to know someone to get a job here?
A: While it's a smaller market where networking helps, the major employers (United Regional, the City, Sheppard contractors) have formal HR processes. A strong application and relevant skills are your primary ticket in. Attending a local tech meetup or Chamber event can give you an edge, but it's not a requirement.

Q: What’s the tech stack I should focus on?
A: SQL is non-negotiable. For BI tools, Microsoft Power BI is dominant in local government and education, while Tableau is used in healthcare and some private sectors. Excel (including Power Query) is still heavily used. Python is a plus but not always required for pure analyst roles.

Q: How is the dating/social scene for a young professional?
A: It's what you make of it. It's not a college town, so the scene is more mature. You'll find social groups through hobbies (running clubs, sports leagues, church groups) more than through nightlife. The Riverwalk and the downtown breweries are common spots. It’s a great place to build deep friendships, but not the place for endless new faces.

Q: Is it family-friendly?
A:** Absolutely. Excellent public schools (Wichita Falls ISD), low crime rates, affordable housing, and tons of parks and youth sports programs make it a top choice for families. The slower pace is a benefit for raising kids.

Q: What about remote work? Can I get a remote job and live in Wichita Falls?
A: Yes, you can. Many analysts in Wichita Falls work remotely for companies in Dallas or even out of state. The key challenge is internet reliability—ensure you get a fiber connection if available in your area. This can be a best-of-both-worlds strategy: a Dallas salary with Wichita Falls living costs. However, it can be isolating, so you'll need to be proactive about building local connections.