A Career Guide for Real Estate Agents in Wichita Falls, TX

If you're considering a move to Wichita Falls as a real estate agent, you're looking at a market that's steady, affordable, and deeply connected to the military and agricultural economy of North Texas. As a local who's seen the ups and downs of this market, I can tell you it's not a get-rich-quick hotspot like Austin or Dallas. Instead, it's a place where hard work, local knowledge, and strong community ties are the real currency. This guide is built on hard data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC), and local market knowledge to give you a clear, unvarnished picture of what your career could look like here.

We'll break down the numbers, the neighborhoods, the employers, and the long-term picture to help you decide if Wichita Falls is the right place to build your real estate book.

The Salary Picture: Where Wichita Falls Stands

Let's get straight to the numbers. The median annual salary for a real estate agent in the Wichita Falls metro area is $59,432/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $28.57/hour. This is slightly below the national average of $61,480/year, which is typical for a city with a lower cost of living. The metro area supports about 205 real estate agent jobs, and the 10-year job growth is projected at a modest 3%. This isn't a market exploding with new agents; it's a stable, mature environment where established agents can thrive.

Here’s how salary typically breaks down by experience level in this market. These are estimates based on local broker feedback and commission structures, not official BLS data for each tier.

Experience Level	Typical Annual Earnings	Key Characteristics
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$40,000 - $55,000	Heavily reliant on broker leads, open houses, and building a referral network. First-year earnings can be lean.
Mid-Level (3-7 years)	$60,000 - $75,000	Steady client base, repeat business begins, and more listings. This is where most full-time agents land.
Senior-Level (8-15 years)	$75,000 - $95,000+	Strong local reputation, often specializing (e.g., farm & ranch, luxury). May mentor newer agents.
Expert/Top Producer (15+ years)	$100,000+	Dominates a niche, has a small team or high-volume solo practice. Income is heavily commission-based.

How It Compares to Other Texas Cities

Wichita Falls sits in the middle of the Texas pack—far from the high-cost, high-commission markets of the major metros but ahead of smaller rural towns. It’s a balancing act between opportunity and affordability.

City	Median Salary	Cost of Living Index (US Avg=100)	Notes
Wichita Falls	$59,432	88.9	Stable market, lower entry barrier, moderate competition.
Dallas-Fort Worth	$72,500	103.2	High volume, high competition, higher living costs.
Houston	$70,100	96.5	Diverse market, large inventory, sensitive to oil/gas.
San Antonio	$65,800	92.1	Steady military and government influence, growing suburbs.
Lubbock	$57,200	84.5	Similar agricultural/military economy, slightly lower salaries.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

The median salary of $59,432 doesn't tell the whole story. As an independent contractor, you'll be responsible for both the employer and employee portions of Social Security and Medicare taxes (about 15.3% total), plus federal and state income taxes. After a rough estimate of 25-30% for taxes, your take-home pay is closer to $41,600 - $44,500 annually, or about $3,467 - $3,708 per month.

Now, let's factor in rent. The average 1-bedroom apartment in Wichita Falls rents for $843/month. This leaves a significant portion of your income for other living expenses, savings, and business costs.

Monthly Budget Breakdown for an Agent Earning $59,432:

• Monthly Take-Home: ~$3,700
• Rent (1BR): -$843
• Utilities & Internet: -$200
• Groceries & Essentials: -$400
• Transportation (Gas/Insurance): -$300
• Health Insurance (private plan): -$350
• Business Expenses (MLS, E&O, Marketing): -$300
• Remaining: $1,307

This leftover amount is your discretionary income for savings, debt payoff, entertainment, and—critically—as a buffer for slow months. Unlike salaried employees, your income is irregular, so this buffer is non-negotiable.

Can They Afford to Buy a Home?
Yes, absolutely. With a take-home of ~$3,700/month and a median home price in Wichita Falls around $180,000, a standard 20% down payment is $36,000. A 30-year mortgage at 6.5% would have a monthly payment of ~$1,140 (including taxes and insurance). This leaves over $2,500 for all other expenses, which is very manageable. Many agents in Wichita Falls are homeowners, often buying within their first 3-5 years in the market. The key is saving for the down payment and maintaining a consistent income stream.

Where the Jobs Are: Wichita Falls's Major Employers

Real estate in Wichita Falls is closely tied to the city's major economic drivers. Knowing who's hiring and where people work will help you target your marketing and understand buyer needs.

1. Sheppard Air Force Base (SAFB): This is the city's largest employer, with over 15,000 military and civilian personnel. Hiring Trend: Steady. The base's continued role as a premier aviation training hub means constant turnover. A significant portion of the rental and sales market is driven by airmen and their families relocating. Specializing in VA loans and understanding military relocation is a huge advantage.
2. United Regional Health Care System: The major hospital system in the region, employing over 3,000 people. Hiring Trend: Strong growth. As the healthcare hub for a 10-county area, they are consistently adding medical staff. This creates a steady stream of professional buyers (doctors, nurses, administrators) looking for homes in preferred neighborhoods.
3. Wichita Falls ISD & Local Charter Schools: The school district is one of the largest employers. Hiring Trend: Stable. Teacher and staff turnover creates a constant demand for housing, particularly for families prioritizing school districts. Knowing the nuances of the WFISD boundaries is critical.
4. Cargill & Local Grain Elevators: Reflecting the region's agricultural backbone. Hiring Trend: Seasonal/Dependent on commodity prices. These employers provide high-paying jobs for managers, agronomists, and logistics personnel who often look for homes on larger lots or in quieter, rural-adjacent neighborhoods.
5. Baylor Scott & White Medical Center: A major regional provider that has expanded its presence. Hiring Trend: Positive growth. Similar to United Regional, this drives demand for mid-to-high-end housing from medical professionals.
6. Midwestern State University (MSU): A public university with over 6,000 students and staff. Hiring Trend: Stable. While student rentals are a niche, the faculty and staff provide a reliable pool of buyers, often looking near the university or in established neighborhoods.
7. Local Manufacturing (e.g., Parker Hannifin, PPG): Diverse industrial employers. Hiring Trend: Tied to the broader economy. These jobs support a middle-class buyer pool looking for affordable, quality housing in specific neighborhoods.

Insider Tip: Attend the monthly Wichita Falls Chamber of Commerce events. The military and healthcare sectors are so dominant here that building relationships with HR managers from SAFB and United Regional can lead to direct referrals for relocations.

Getting Licensed in TX

The process is standardized by the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC). Here’s the roadmap:

1. Education & Exam: You must complete 180 hours of approved pre-licensing courses. This can be done online (through providers like Colibri Real Estate or Kaplan) or in-person at local schools like the Wichita Falls Real Estate School. Cost: $500 - $900.
2. Apply for License: After passing the course, you apply to TREC. The application fee is $180. You will need to be sponsored by a licensed Texas broker.
3. Background Check & Fingerprints: Required. Cost: ~$50.
4. State Exam: Once approved, you schedule the Texas Real Estate Salesperson Exam. The exam fee is $81. The pass rate is around 65-70% for first-time takers.
5. Finding a Broker: This is critical. In Wichita Falls, you'll find a mix of large national franchises (e.g., Keller Williams, Coldwell Banker) and strong local independents (e.g., Joe Williams Realty, American Realty). Interview multiple brokers to understand their commission splits, training, and support for new agents.

Total Estimated Cost & Timeline:

• Total Cost: $800 - $1,200 (education, fees, fingerprints).
• Timeline: A dedicated student can complete the 180-hour course in 4-6 weeks. The entire process, from starting the course to holding an active license, typically takes 2-4 months.

Best Neighborhoods for Real Estate Agents

As an agent, where you live affects your commute, your networking, and your ability to serve clients. Here’s a local’s breakdown:

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Rent Estimate (1BR/2BR)	Why It's Good for Agents
Downtown / Historic District	Walkable, charming, older homes. 5-10 min to most offices.	$900 / $1,200	High visibility for open houses. Close to Chamber events and courthouses. Ideal for agents who love character.
Northside / Near SAFB	Family-oriented, established, near base. 10-15 min commute.	$800 / $1,100	Prime location for military relocations. Strong rental demand. Great for building a client base with young families.
Southwest / Kell Blvd Area	Suburban, newer developments, major retail. 10-20 min commute.	$850 / $1,150	Where many healthcare professionals and teachers live. Good for networking with stable, local employers.
Rural / Northwest	Acreage, privacy, farms. 20-30 min commute.	$700 / $900 (for a small house)	Niche market for farm & ranch. Less competition, higher sale prices. Requires a truck and knowledge of land.
Eastside	Affordable, diverse, growing. 10-15 min commute.	$750 / $1,000	First-time homebuyer territory. High volume potential. Good for agents who excel with financing (FHA, VA).

Insider Tip: Most agents live within a 10-minute drive of their target market. If you plan to work with military families, living near SAFB is a strategic advantage. If you want to target the professional class, the Southwest area near the hospital and university is ideal.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 3% growth projection means you must be proactive. Growth here isn't about market expansion; it's about capturing a larger share of a stable market.

• Specialty Premiums: The biggest opportunities are in niche markets:
  • Farm & Ranch: Requires specific knowledge of land values, water rights, and agricultural law. Commands a higher commission due to complexity and price point.
  • Luxury Homes: The market is small but exists, mainly in the southwest corners and near the country club. Requires high-end marketing and networking.
  • Relocation Specialist: Mastering the VA loan process, understanding SAFB housing policies, and building a network with military housing offices can make you the go-to agent for relocations.
• Advancement Paths: The classic path is to become a broker (requires an additional 630 hours of education and 4 years of experience). However, many successful agents in Wichita Falls stay as top-producing sales agents, sometimes forming small, independent teams under a single broker. Another path is to get into property management, which is a steady income stream given the large rental market tied to SAFB.
• 10-Year Outlook: The outlook is stable, not explosive. The key will be adapting to technology (virtual tours, digital marketing) while doubling down on the personal relationships that drive this market. Agents who become community fixtures—sponsoring local sports teams, serving on boards—will outperform those who rely solely on online leads.

The Verdict: Is Wichita Falls Right for You?

Pros:

• Low Cost of Living: Your $59,432 median salary goes much further here than in major metros.
• Stable Client Base: The military and healthcare sectors provide a non-stop flow of potential clients.
• Tight-Knit Community: It's easier to build a reputation and get referrals in a smaller, interconnected city.
• Low Competition: Compared to Texas metros, there are fewer agents vying for each listing.

Cons:

• Modest Earning Potential: The median salary is below the national average, and the market isn't growing rapidly.
• Limited Luxury Market: If you dream of selling multi-million dollar estates, this isn't the place.
• Economic Sensitivity: The local economy is tied to defense spending and agriculture, which can be cyclical.
• Fewer "Big" Brokerages: Less corporate structure and support; you'll need more self-direction.

Pros	Cons
Affordable housing and low cost of living.	Lower median salary compared to national average.
Stable, recession-resistant employers (military, healthcare).	Modest 3% job growth; limited market expansion.
Strong community ties for referral business.	Fewer high-end luxury properties to sell.
Less agent competition than in major metros.	Income can be inconsistent, especially for new agents.

Final Recommendation: Wichita Falls is an excellent choice for a real estate agent who values stability, affordability, and a strong sense of community over chasing the highest possible commissions. It's ideal for those who are self-motivated, enjoy working within specific sectors like military or healthcare, and are willing to be a part of the city's fabric. If you're an agent who thrives on personal relationships and doesn't mind a slower-paced market, you can build a very comfortable, sustainable career here.

FAQs

Q: Is it hard for a new agent to make a living in Wichita Falls?
A: It can be challenging the first year, as the $59,432 median is built on years of experience. New agents should plan for a 6-12 month runway with savings. Working for a broker with strong lead generation, focusing on rentals and first-time buyers (which are abundant), and leveraging open houses are key strategies.

Q: Do I need to know about farming or ranching to succeed here?
A: No, but it's a valuable niche. The vast majority of sales are residential. However, understanding the basics of land can help you serve clients who buy property with acreage, even if they're not farmers.

Q: How important is it to specialize in VA loans?
A: Critically important. With SAFB, VA loans are a huge part of the market. Not being comfortable with the VA process will cost you clients. Take a VA loan certification course—it's a small investment for a major advantage.

Q: What's the #1 thing a new agent should do when moving to Wichita Falls?
A: Join the Wichita Falls Association of Realtors (WFAR) immediately. Attend every meeting and volunteer for a committee. Your network will be your most valuable asset. Also, drive every neighborhood for a full month to learn the geography and price points intimately.

Q: Can I work remotely from Wichita Falls for a brokerage in another city?
A: Legally, you must be licensed in Texas and hold your license with a Texas-based broker. You can't be "remote" from a brokerage in another state. However, some Texas brokerages have a remote-friendly model, but you'll need a Texas broker to sponsor you.

Data Sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2023 data for the Wichita Falls, TX metropolitan area. Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) for licensing requirements. Local rent and home price data from Zillow and local MLS analysis. Cost of Living Index from BestPlaces.net.