HVAC Technician in Wichita Falls, TX

The Salary Picture: Where Wichita Falls Stands

As a HVAC technician in Wichita Falls, you’re entering a market that’s stable but not explosive. The numbers tell a clear story. The median salary is $53,816 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $25.87. This sits slightly below the national average of $55,670, which is typical for a mid-sized city in the Midwest or Southern Plains. However, what makes Wichita Falls compelling isn't just the base pay—it's the local context.

When you compare this to other Texas cities, the difference is stark. In Austin or Dallas, the median salary might be 10-15% higher, but the cost of living is exponentially greater. In Wichita Falls, with a cost of living index of 88.9 (US avg = 100), your paycheck stretches much further. The local market is modest, with 205 jobs in the metro area, reflecting a demand driven by both residential and light commercial needs. The 10-year job growth is projected at 6%, a solid, steady pace that aligns with the national average, ensuring you won’t face a saturated or shrinking market.

To give you a clearer picture of progression, here’s a breakdown of what you can expect at different career stages in the local market:

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	Key Responsibilities in Wichita Falls
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)	$38,000 - $45,000	Basic installs, preventative maintenance, assisting senior techs on residential calls.
Mid-Level (3-7 yrs)	$53,816 (Median)	Full diagnostic and repair work, residential system replacements, basic commercial service.
Senior (8-15 yrs)	$62,000 - $70,000	Commercial refrigeration, complex diagnostics, training junior techs, managing key accounts.
Expert (15+ yrs)	$75,000+	HVAC system design, commercial project management, owning/operating a small local business.

Compared to the broader Texas landscape, Wichita Falls offers a "sweet spot" for those who prioritize affordability and work-life balance over climbing the ladder in a high-cost metropolitan area. You won’t find the high-end specialty premiums of Houston or San Antonio here, but you also won’t face the intense competition or financial pressure.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get down to the nitty-gritty. With a median salary of $53,816, your take-home pay after federal, state, and FICA taxes will be approximately $42,500 per year, or about $3,542 per month. This assumes you file as single with one withholding allowance.

The biggest variable in your budget is housing. In Wichita Falls, the average 1BR rent is $843/month. This is a game-changer. Here’s a realistic monthly budget breakdown for an HVAC technician earning the median salary:

Expense Category	Average Monthly Cost	Notes
Rent (1BR)	$843	Varies by neighborhood (see below).
Utilities (Elec, Gas, Water, Internet)	$250	Higher in peak summer due to AC use.
Car Payment & Insurance	$500	Assuming a used vehicle, essential for work.
Groceries & Household	$400
Health Insurance	$250	Employer-sponsored or marketplace.
Retirement Savings (10%)	$354	401(k) or IRA.
Discretionary/Food Out	$400
Total	$2,997	Surplus: ~$545/month

With a surplus of over $500 monthly, you have real breathing room. This budget doesn't include overtime, which is common during the peak summer season (May-August), potentially adding 10-20% to your annual income.

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely. The median home price in Wichita Falls is around $160,000. With a 20% down payment ($32,000), a 30-year mortgage at current rates would result in a monthly payment (including taxes and insurance) of approximately $900-$1,000. This is only slightly higher than the average rent. Given your surplus, saving for a down payment is a realistic 5-7 year goal for a disciplined technician.

Where the Jobs Are: Wichita Falls's Major Employers

The job market here is anchored by a mix of established local companies, national chains, and institutional employers. Hiring is steady, with a notable uptick during the spring and summer months. Here are the key players you should know:

1. Carter & Sons HVAC: A locally-owned, family-operated business that’s been serving the Wichita Falls area for decades. They focus heavily on residential service and replacement. They’re known for training apprentices and promoting from within. A great place to start if you’re new to the trade.
2. North Texas Air & Electric: This company handles a significant portion of the local commercial work, serving retail chains, small businesses, and light industrial facilities. They often seek techs with some commercial experience and offer more complex diagnostic challenges.
3. EcoAir Solutions: A newer, growing company focusing on high-efficiency installations and smart home HVAC integration. They represent the industry's shift toward energy efficiency and technology, which is a growing niche in Wichita Falls.
4. Sheppard Air Force Base (FMD): As a federal facility, the base employs civilian HVAC technicians for facilities maintenance. These jobs are highly sought-after for their stability, benefits, and pay. They often require a specific application process, sometimes through USAJobs.gov, and may favor veterans.
5. United Regional Health Care System: The largest hospital in the region requires a dedicated in-house team for their complex medical-grade HVAC and refrigeration systems. This is a specialized, high-stakes environment that pays a premium for reliability and expertise.
6. Kroger / United Supermarkets (Store Maintenance): Major grocery chains have in-house teams to maintain their commercial refrigeration and HVAC systems. These are often unionized positions with strong benefits and a predictable schedule, a contrast to the on-call nature of residential service.
7. Wichita Falls Independent School District (WFISD): The school district employs technicians to maintain the HVAC systems across dozens of facilities. This is a public sector job with excellent benefits and a set schedule, ideal for those with families.

Getting Licensed in TX

Texas is a "reciprocity state," which simplifies the process for those already licensed elsewhere. For new technicians, here’s the direct path:

1. No State-Level Journeyman License: Texas does not have a statewide HVAC journeyman license. Instead, you must work under the supervision of a licensed contractor.
2. Get an Apprentice Registration: You must register as an HVAC Apprentice with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR). This is required before you can perform any HVAC work for pay. The fee is $20.
3. Experience & Training: You need a minimum of 48 months of practical experience under a licensed contractor, along with 2,000 hours of on-the-job training. You’ll need to document this with an experience verification form.
4. Pass the Exam: Once your experience is verified, you must pass the Air Conditioning and Refrigeration (ACR) Contractor License Exam. The exam fee is $118. You must also pass a business and law exam (the ACR Business and Law Exam, fee $118).
5. Apply for Your Contractor License: The application fee is $300. You’ll need to provide proof of insurance (general liability, typically a minimum of $100,000) and a surety bond (also $100,000).

Total Upfront Cost (for a new contractor): Roughly $556 for exam and application fees, plus the ongoing cost of insurance and bonding. Timeline: It takes a minimum of 4 years from your first apprentice registration to be eligible to apply for your own contractor license. Many technicians work as journeyman-level employees for several years after that before starting their own business.

Best Neighborhoods for HVAC Technicians

Living in Wichita Falls means choosing between established, quiet neighborhoods and newer, more active areas. Your choice should factor in your commute to the major employment hubs (like the base, the hospital, or commercial districts).

1. The Downtown/Sheppard Air Force Base Area: This area offers the shortest commute to the base and the older, established commercial districts. It’s a mix of historic homes and apartments. Rent for a 1BR: $750 - $900/month. It’s a practical choice for technicians working at the base or with commercial contractors.
2. The Southwest (near Kell Blvd/I-44): This is a major commercial corridor with newer apartment complexes and shopping centers. It’s convenient for commuting to the airport, the industrial parks, and the city’s bigger retail employers. Rent for a 1BR: $850 - $1,000/month. The median rent here is close to the city average.
3. The Northeast (near Memorial Hospital): This neighborhood is close to United Regional Health Care System and the older residential neighborhoods. It’s a quiet, established area with affordable older homes and apartments. Rent for a 1BR: $700 - $850/month. A great choice if you work at the hospital or for a residential company based on the north side of town.
4. The Southwest (near MSU Texas Campus): This area is dominated by student housing and older homes. It’s affordable and offers a lively atmosphere, but parking can be tight. Rent for a 1BR: $650 - $800/month. Ideal for a young technician just starting out, though it’s a longer commute to the base or commercial zones.
5. The Northwest (near I-44 and the Airport): This is a more suburban, family-friendly area with newer subdivisions and larger lots. Commutes to the base or downtown are reasonable. Rent for a 1BR is less common here (more single-family homes), but apartments start around $900/month. A good long-term option if you plan to buy a home.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In Wichita Falls, career growth is less about climbing a corporate ladder and more about specializing and building a reputation. The "specialty premium" here comes from certifications and a proven track record.

• Certifications Matter: Getting EPA 608 certified (Type II or Universal) is a given. Going further with North American Technician Excellence (NATE) certifications, especially in heat pumps or commercial refrigeration, can add $2-$5 per hour to your wage. This is highly valued by employers like United Regional or grocery chains.
• Commercial vs. Residential Path: Residential service offers more immediate job openings and a straightforward path. Commercial work (at companies like North Texas Air & Electric or the base) offers higher earning potential and more complex challenges, but requires a deeper understanding of controls, refrigeration, and large systems.
• The Entrepreneurial Route: Wichita Falls has a supportive environment for small business owners. The city’s lower overhead costs make it feasible to start your own operation after gaining 5-10 years of experience. Many successful local HVAC companies were founded by former techs who mastered their craft and built a local client base.
• 10-Year Outlook: The 6% job growth is solid. The demand will be driven by an aging housing stock (requiring replacements) and new commercial development (like the ongoing growth of the airport and industrial parks). Technicians who adapt to smart thermostats, variable-speed systems, and heat pump technology will be in the highest demand.

The Verdict: Is Wichita Falls Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Extremely Low Cost of Living: Your $53,816 salary goes much further here than in a major metro.	Smaller Job Market: Fewer employers and niches compared to DFW or Houston.
Stable, Steady Demand: No boom-and-bust cycles; HVAC is a constant need.	Limited Specialty Premiums: Pay for highly specialized work (e.g., data center cooling) is lower.
Manageable Commutes: You can live affordably anywhere and be at work in under 20 minutes.	Cultural & Entertainment Options are more limited than in larger cities.
Strong Community for Trades: A respected, traditional trade culture with opportunities to build a local reputation.	Weather Extremes: Hot, dry summers and occasional severe storms (hail, tornadoes) mean intense work seasons and potential for weather-related damage calls.

Final Recommendation: Wichita Falls is an exceptional choice for an HVAC technician who values financial stability, a reasonable pace of life, and the ability to own a home. It’s ideal for those early to mid-career who want to build equity and a strong local reputation without being crushed by high costs. It may not be the best fit for someone seeking a fast-paced, high-salaried career in a cutting-edge tech hub, but for solid, rewarding work with a high quality of life, it’s a standout market.

FAQs

1. Do I need my own tools when starting out?
Yes. For entry-level positions, you’ll need a basic set of hand tools (gauges, wrenches, screwdrivers). Many companies provide specialized or power tools, but having your own basic kit shows professionalism. Expect to invest $500-$1,000 for a good starter set.

2. Is overtime guaranteed in Wichita Falls?
Not "guaranteed," but it’s very common from May through September due to high AC demand. Many technicians earn an extra $3,000-$8,000 in overtime pay annually. Companies like Carter & Sons or North Texas Air often have on-call rotations for emergencies.

3. How does the weather impact the job?
It defines the season. Summers are consistently hot (90°F+), driving high demand for AC repairs and installations. Winters are mild but can have cold snaps requiring heat pump or furnace work. Spring brings severe weather (hail, wind) that can damage condenser units, leading to a surge in repair calls.

4. Are there union opportunities here?
Union presence is limited but exists. Some positions at United Regional or the school district may be part of a larger union, offering structured pay scales and benefits. Most residential and small commercial shops are non-union, with pay negotiated individually.

5. What’s the best way to find a job?
Start with the local companies listed above. Check their websites directly. Also, use Indeed and LinkedIn with the location set to Wichita Falls. Don’t underestimate walking into a shop with your resume. The local trade is small, and a direct approach can make a strong impression. Networking through local trade associations or even parts supply houses (like Johnstone Supply) can also uncover unposted opportunities.