Plumber in Wichita Falls, TX

The Salary Picture: Where Wichita Falls Stands

As someone who’s watched the trades evolve in Wichita Falls for over a decade, I can tell you that plumbing is a solid, stable career here. The city’s economy is anchored by manufacturing, healthcare, and agriculture, all of which create consistent demand for skilled tradespeople. When we look at the numbers, Wichita Falls offers a respectable living, especially when you factor in the city’s low cost of living.

According to the most recent data, the median salary for a plumber in Wichita Falls is $61,240 per year, which translates to an hourly rate of $29.44. This is just slightly below the national average of $63,350, but the gap closes—and often reverses in your favor—once you adjust for the local cost of living. The metro area employs approximately 205 plumbers, and the 10-year job growth is projected at 6%, which is steady and reflects the ongoing need for infrastructure maintenance and new residential construction.

Experience-Level Breakdown

The salary range in plumbing is heavily influenced by licensure and specialization. Here’s how it typically breaks down in this market:

Experience Level	Typical Years	Estimated Annual Salary	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level / Apprentice	0-2 years	$35,000 - $45,000	Assist journeymen, basic trenching, fixture installation, material handling
Mid-Level / Journeyman	2-5 years	$50,000 - $65,000	Lead jobsites, interpret blueprints, install complex systems, local service calls
Senior / Master Plumber	5-10+ years	$65,000 - $85,000+	Design systems, manage projects, train apprentices, business development
Expert / Specialist	10+ years	$80,000 - $100,000+	Medical gas, industrial piping, backflow prevention, consulting

Comparison to Other Texas Cities

How does Wichita Falls stack up against other Texas metros for plumbers? The cost of living is the great equalizer.

City	Median Salary (Plumber)	Cost of Living Index (US Avg=100)	Real Value
Wichita Falls	$61,240	88.9	Excellent
Dallas-Fort Worth	$65,000+	103.5	Good
Austin	$63,000+	120.1	Challenging
San Antonio	$58,000	92.5	Good
Houston	$64,000	96.5	Good

Insider Tip: While Dallas and Austin offer higher nominal salaries, a $65k salary in Austin with its 120.1 index doesn't stretch as far as our $61k here in Wichita Falls. You can live comfortably here on a journeyman's wage without the financial stress of the I-35 corridor.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get real about the budget. A plumber earning the median salary of $61,240 will see a significant portion of that go to taxes. Texas has no state income tax, which is a major advantage. However, federal taxes, FICA (7.65%), and local property taxes (which are notable in Texas) will apply.

Estimated Monthly Take-Home Pay: After federal taxes and FICA, a single filer with no dependents can expect a monthly take-home pay of approximately $3,850 - $4,100. This can vary based on pre-tax deductions (health insurance, 401k).

Monthly Budget Breakdown for a Plumber Earning $61,240

Here’s a realistic monthly budget for a single person living in Wichita Falls.

Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Take-Home Pay	$3,950	(Average)
Rent (1BR Average)	$843	22% of take-home pay
Utilities (Electric, Gas, Water)	$200	Average for 1BR
Car Payment & Insurance	$500	Essential in WF; no robust public transit
Groceries & Household	$450
Health Insurance (if not employer-paid)	$300	Varies widely
Retirement Savings (5%)	$255	Crucial starting point
Fuel (Commuting)	$200	Based on average commute
Total Expenses	$2,748
Remaining (Discretionary)	$1,202	For savings, entertainment, emergencies

Verdict on Homeownership: With over $1,200 in discretionary income, buying a home is very feasible. The median home price in Wichita Falls is around $180,000. A 20% down payment ($36,000) might take 2-3 years of disciplined saving, but a FHA loan with 3.5% down ($6,300) is attainable much sooner. Your mortgage payment on a $180k home would likely be comparable to or less than your rent.

Where the Jobs Are: Wichita Falls's Major Employers

The job market here is diverse. You won’t find the skyscrapers of Dallas, but you’ll find stable employers who value long-term tradespeople.

1. Sheffer Corporation: A major commercial and industrial contractor. They handle projects for Sheppard AFB, local manufacturers, and large-scale commercial builds. They often hire for both service and construction sides.
2. City of Wichita Falls: The municipal utility and public works departments are steady employers for plumbers, especially in water/sewer main maintenance and public facility projects.
3. Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Plaza: As the largest hospital in the region, their facilities management team has constant demand for licensed plumbers to maintain medical gas systems, boilers, and general infrastructure.
4. L3Harris Technologies (Sheppard AFB): While not a direct plumbing employer, the extensive facilities at the Air Force Base are maintained by a network of contractors (like Sheffer) and base civil engineers, creating a cluster of specialized work.
5. Local Service Companies: Companies like Carter Plumbing, Heating & Air and Wichita Falls Plumbing are the backbone of the residential service market. They hire apprentices and journeyman for repair, remodel, and installation work.
6. Housing Developers: With steady residential growth on the city's west side (e.g., near the Kemp Blvd corridor), developers like Scott Felder Homes and local builders are consistently hiring for new construction rough-in and finish plumbing.
7. Oil & Gas Sector Companies: While not as dominant as in West Texas, companies servicing the Wichita County oil field operations provide specialized industrial plumbing work, often paying a premium.

Hiring Trends: Demand is strongest for licensed journeyman and master plumbers. There's a noticeable gap in apprenticeship opportunities, making it crucial to connect with a company that invests in training. The 6% growth aligns with new housing starts and aging infrastructure replacement.

Getting Licensed in TX

Texas licenses plumbers at the state level through the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners (TSBPE). It’s a rigorous but straightforward process.

1. Apprenticeship: There is no formal state license for apprentices, but you must register with the TSBPE. You need 4,000 hours of on-the-job training under a licensed master or journeyman plumber.
2. Journeyman Plumber License: After completing your 4,000 hours and 24 hours of classroom training (from an approved school or program), you can apply to take the journeyman exam.
   • Exam Cost: ~$150 for the application and exam fee.
   • Timeline: Typically 2-3 years to complete the hours.
3. Master Plumber License: Requires 12,000 hours of experience (as a journeyman or equivalent) and 48 hours of classroom training. The master exam is more complex, covering business and law in addition to advanced technical knowledge.
   • Exam Cost: ~$200.
   • Timeline: Requires at least 5-7 years of total experience.

Insider Tip: Many employers in Wichita Falls, particularly larger contractors, have in-house or partnered training programs that help you meet the classroom requirement. Ask about this during your job search. It’s a huge benefit.

Best Neighborhoods for Plumbers

Wichita Falls is a driving city, but where you live affects your commute and lifestyle. Here are four areas that offer a good balance for tradespeople.

1. Northwest (Sheppard AFB Area):

   • Vibe: Quiet, established neighborhoods with older homes (1950s-70s). Lots of military families and retirees.
   • Commute: Excellent access to base and industrial areas north of I-44. Easy to get to downtown or the south side.
   • Rent Estimate (2BR): $950 - $1,200/month.
   • Best For: Plumbers working on base contracts or with commercial companies located in the industrial park.

2. Southwest (Kemp Blvd / Kell Blvd Corridor):

   • Vibe: The fastest-growing area. Modern subdivisions, new retail, and restaurants. More young families and professionals.
   • Commute: Central access to all major employers. Slightly longer to the base but easy highway access.
   • Rent Estimate (2BR): $1,100 - $1,400/month.
   • Best For: Plumbers in new construction or residential service, who want a modern home and amenities.

3. Midtown / Downtown:

   • Vibe: Historic, walkable (for Wichita Falls), revitalizing. Older, charming homes and some new loft-style apartments.
   • Commute: Central, but traffic is minimal. You’re close to the central business district and many older neighborhoods.
   • Rent Estimate (1BR): $700 - $950/month.
   • Best For: Plumbers who value a short commute, want to be near the city’s core, and enjoy a more urban feel.

4. East Side (US-82 Corridor):

   • Vibe: Affordable, with a mix of older homes and newer developments. More of a "local" feel.
   • Commute: Good access to eastern parts of the city and the airport. Can be a longer commute to the west side.
   • Rent Estimate (2BR): $850 - $1,100/month.
   • Best For: Plumbers on a tighter budget or those working for companies based on the east side of town.

The Long Game: Career Growth in Wichita Falls

A plumber’s career in Wichita Falls can branch into several high-paying specialties. The 10-year job growth of 6% indicates steady demand, but specialization can make you indispensable.

• Specialty Premiums:

  • Industrial/Commercial Piping: Working on large-scale projects for Sheffer or local manufacturers can command 10-15% above median.
  • Medical Gas: Certification in medical gas systems (required in hospitals) can add a $5,000-$10,000 annual premium.
  • Backflow Prevention: A state-certified backflow tester is in high demand, especially with agricultural and industrial clients. This is a lucrative side business.
  • Welding: A certified welder (especially for pipe) is a rare and highly valued skill in the industrial sector, potentially pushing earnings toward $90,000+.

• Advancement Paths:

  1. Field to Office: Move from a journeyman to a project estimator or supervisor. Master plumbers often transition into project management.
  2. Start Your Own Business: The low cost of living and steady demand make starting a small service company viable. Many successful local plumbers started as apprentices here.
  3. Niche Specialization: Focus on a sector like fire sprinkler systems or commercial boilers, becoming the go-to expert in that niche.

• 10-Year Outlook: The base demand will remain strong due to aging infrastructure and new housing. The key to growth is specialization. Plumbers who adapt to new technologies (like PEX, tankless water heaters, and smart water systems) and hold multiple certifications will see the highest earning potential.

The Verdict: Is Wichita Falls Right for You?

Wichita Falls offers a compelling package for plumbers seeking stability, a low cost of living, and a manageable pace of life. It’s not a boomtown, but it’s a place where a tradesperson can build a solid career and a comfortable life without the financial pressures of major metros.

Pros	Cons
Very Low Cost of Living (88.9 index)	Limited public transit; a car is a must
No State Income Tax	Fewer "big city" entertainment options
Stable Job Market (205 jobs, 6% growth)	Salaries are modest compared to national peaks
Affordable Homeownership	Can feel politically and culturally insular
Short, Easy Commutes	Limited niche specialization opportunities
Strong Sense of Community	Dependence on agriculture/defense can create economic dips

Final Recommendation: Wichita Falls is an excellent choice for plumbers at the journeyman and master level, especially those who value financial stability over rapid career "upside." It’s ideal for someone who wants to buy a home, raise a family in a safe community, and have their skills in steady demand. For an apprentice, it’s a great place to get started if you can find a company with a strong training program. If you’re an expert seeking the highest possible salary in a high-energy urban environment, you might look at Austin or Dallas first, but for a balanced, data-driven career, Wichita Falls is a winner.

FAQs

1. Do I need to be licensed to work as a plumber in Wichita Falls?
Yes, Texas state law requires a license to do any plumbing work for hire. You must be a registered apprentice working under a licensed journeyman or master, or hold your own journeyman/master license. The City of Wichita Falls may also have local registration requirements for contractors.

2. What’s the job market like for apprentices?
It’s competitive. While there are jobs, formal apprenticeship programs are less common than in larger cities. Your best bet is to apply directly to local service companies (like Carter Plumbing) or commercial contractors (like Sheffer) and express a willingness to learn and work hard. Persistence is key.

3. How does the weather affect plumbing work here?
Wichita Falls has hot, dry summers and mild winters. The main challenges are occasional severe storms (hail, high winds) and the freeze-thaw cycles in winter, which can cause pipe bursts. Summer is peak season for new construction and A/C-related service calls, while winter is busy with repair work.

4. Is it worth getting a Master Plumber license if I’m already a journeyman?
Absolutely. A Master Plumber license is required to start your own business or supervise other plumbers. In Wichita Falls, master plumbers are in shorter supply and can command the highest salaries, especially in project management or consulting roles.

5. What’s the biggest challenge for plumbers moving to Wichita Falls?
The biggest adjustment is often the pace and scale. If you’re coming from a major metro, you’ll notice fewer large-scale commercial projects and a more personal, relationship-based business network. Building a reputation is everything here. Also, the lack of public transit means your vehicle and tools are your lifeline, so maintenance is non-negotiable.