Security Guard in Wichita Falls, TX

Here is a comprehensive career guide for Security Guards considering a move to Wichita Falls, TX.

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The Salary Picture: Where Wichita Falls Stands

Wichita Falls isn't a city where you chase a sky-high security guard salary, but what you earn here goes a surprisingly long way. The local market is stable, supported by a mix of healthcare, education, and light industrial employers. Understanding the numbers is the first step to making a smart decision.

The median salary for security guards in the Wichita Falls metro area is $36,248 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $17.43. This is slightly above the national average of $36,140, which is a good sign for local opportunities. The metro supports about 205 jobs in the field, and the 10-year job growth projection is 3%. This isn't high-growth territory, but it indicates a consistent, reliable demand rather than a boom-and-bust cycle.

Experience is the primary driver of pay increases. Here’s how salary typically breaks down in the Wichita Falls market:

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	Notes
Entry-Level	$30,000 - $34,000	Armed positions start closer to $35k. Unarmed posts at schools or retail.
Mid-Career (2-5 yrs)	$36,000 - $42,000	This is where the median $36,248 sits. Supervisory roles kick in here.
Senior (5-10 yrs)	$42,000 - $48,000	Shift lead, operations manager, or specialized site (e.g., hospital).
Expert/Management	$48,000+	Site manager, regional coordinator, or corporate security director.

When you compare Wichita Falls to other Texas cities, the picture becomes clearer. You won't touch the pay scales of Dallas or Houston, but your cost of living is a fraction of theirs.

City	Median Salary	Avg. 1BR Rent	Cost of Living Index (US=100)
Wichita Falls	$36,248	$843	101.0
Dallas-Fort Worth	$38,500+	$1,350+	103.5
Houston	$37,800+	$1,200+	96.0
San Antonio	$35,500	$1,050	92.5
Austin	$39,000+	$1,500+	115.0

Insider Tip: Many local security companies, like those servicing Sheppard Air Force Base or the hospital, offer shift differentials for nights and weekends. This can add $1.50 - $3.00/hour to your base rate, pushing your effective hourly wage toward $19 - $20/hour.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get down to brass tacks. A $36,248 salary is about $3,020 per month before taxes. After federal, state (Texas has no state income tax!), and FICA taxes (approx. 15-18% combined), your take-home pay will be roughly $2,500 - $2,600 per month.

Monthly Budget Breakdown for a Security Guard Earning $36,248:

Expense Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Gross Monthly Pay	$3,020	Based on $36,248 annual salary.
Taxes & Deductions	-$460	Approx. 15-18% for taxes, insurance, retirement.
Net Take-Home Pay	$2,560	Your "in-the-pocket" number.
Rent (1BR Avg.)	-$843	This is the citywide average.
Utilities, Internet	-$200	Electricity, water, trash, internet.
Transportation	-$250	Gas, insurance, basic maintenance (Wichita Falls is car-dependent).
Food & Groceries	-$350	Cooking at home is key.
Health & Misc.	-$200	Copays, toiletries, etc.
Remaining	-$717	This is your buffer for savings, emergencies, or debt.

Can they afford to buy a home?
On a $36,248 salary, buying a home in Wichita Falls is challenging but not impossible, especially if you have a dual income. The median home price is around $160,000 - $180,000. A 20% down payment is out of reach for most, but FHA loans require only 3.5% down ($5,600 - $6,300). However, your monthly mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) would likely exceed $1,200/month, which is over 40% of your net income—a risky ratio. Verdict: Renting is the more financially secure option for a single-income security guard. Buying becomes realistic with a spouse's income, a promotion to a supervisory role, or years of savings.

Where the Jobs Are: Wichita Falls's Major Employers

The local security market is anchored by a few key sectors. Knowing who's hiring gives you a strategic edge.

1. Sheppard Air Force Base (SAFB): The city's largest employer. Contract security for base access, perimeter patrol, and facility checks. Companies like Mantech and Amentum often hold these contracts. These jobs often require or prefer a Clearance (even a basic one), which can bump pay by $2-$4/hour.
2. United Regional Health Care System: The city's primary hospital complex. They hire in-house security officers for patient safety, asset protection, and parking control. These are stable, union-adjacent jobs with good benefits. Hiring is consistent due to turnover and expansion.
3. Wichita Falls Independent School District (WFISD): Schools are a major employer of security guards, especially for after-hours patrols, event security, and bus lot monitoring. These positions often align with school schedules, which can be a lifestyle perk.
4. Manufacturing & Industrial: Companies like Bomag America (construction equipment) and Caterpillar (remediation services) have facilities here. They hire for internal security, gatehouse duty, and overnight plant protection. These jobs often require some technical/mechanical aptitude.
5. Retail & Hospitality: The Sikes Senter Mall and stores along Kemp Blvd and I-44 require loss prevention (LP) officers. Hotels like the Drury Inn or Embassy Suites hire for overnight desk security and patrol. These are good entry points but have higher turnover.
6. Private Security Firms: Local companies like Allied Universal and smaller, local outfits (e.g., Wichita Falls Security Services) are always looking for warm bodies. They service everything from construction sites to office parks. This is the most common way to get your foot in the door.

Hiring Trend: There's a slow but steady shift toward armed positions, especially for banks, federal contracts, and high-value industrial sites. Getting your armed guard license from the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is a career accelerator here.

Getting Licensed in TX

Texas licensing is straightforward but regulated by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), Private Security Bureau.

Unarmed Security Officer:

• Requirements: 18+ years old, clean criminal background, pass a federal fingerprint check.
• Training: Complete a 6-hour classroom course from a DPS-approved school. The course covers Texas law, use of force, and duties.
• Cost: Course fee (~$75-$150) + application fee ($75). Total: ~$150 - $225.
• Timeline: 1-2 weeks. Training is quick, but DPS processing can take 30-60 days for your license card.

Armed Security Officer:

• Requirements: All unarmed requirements, plus you must be 21+. You also need a separate License to Carry (LTC) handgun license from DPS.
• Training: An additional 6-hour armed course focusing on firearms safety, qualification, and legal use. You must qualify with your firearm at a range.
• Cost: Unarmed course + LTC course (~$100) + LTC application ($40) + firearm/qualification costs. Total: ~$300 - $500.
• Timeline: 4-6 weeks. The LTC process takes longer due to background and fingerprinting.

Insider Tip: Many employers in Wichita Falls will reimburse you for unarmed training if you commit to working for them for a set period (e.g., 6-12 months). Armed training is rarely reimbursed. Ask about this during interviews. Also, keep your license active; lapses require retraining.

Best Neighborhoods for Security Guards

Where you live affects your commute, lifestyle, and rent budget. Security shifts often start early or end late, so proximity matters.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Avg. 1BR Rent	Why It's a Good Fit
Central/North	Established, quiet, close to major employers. Easy access to SAFB and downtown.	$750 - $900	Low traffic to the base or hospital. Older, cheaper apartments. Good for day-shift workers.
Southside	Near Sikes Senter Mall, retail corridors, and I-44. More modern apartments.	$800 - $950	Ideal for retail LP or hotel security jobs. Quick access to highways for patrols.
Westside	Family-oriented, near Midwestern State University. Residential feel.	$700 - $850	Steady, safe area. Good for school district or university security posts. Longer commute to SAFB.
Eastside	More affordable, mix of older homes and apartments. Closer to industrial parks.	$650 - $800	Best for manufacturing/industrial security jobs. Can be a longer drive to the hospital.
Lake Wichita Area	More scenic, slightly higher cost, mix of single-family homes.	$900 - $1,100	For experienced guards with higher income (senior/supervisor roles) seeking a quieter lifestyle.

Insider Tip: If you'll work at Sheppard Air Force Base, look at the Northside or even the small town of Burkburnett (15 min north). Rent is similar, and you avoid the I-44 traffic getting on/off base.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 3% 10-year job growth means competition for promotions is key. Your path forward isn't about more jobs, but better jobs.

• Specialty Premiums (How to earn more):

  • Armed Guard: The fastest way to get a $2-$5/hour raise.
  • Clearance (DOD): Working at SAFB with a clearance can bump pay by $3+/hour and opens doors to federal contractor work.
  • CPR/AED/First Aid Instructor: Certify to teach these classes. This can lead to a trainer role with a security company.
  • Technology/Systems: Learning access control (keycard systems) and surveillance (CCTV) software can make you a site supervisor candidate.

• Advancement Paths:

  1. Officer → Shift Lead: After 1-2 years, you can supervise a small team. Pay increase to ~$38k-$42k.
  2. Shift Lead → Site Manager: Overseeing a single location (e.g., a hospital wing, a school). Pay: $45k-$55k.
  3. Site Manager → Regional Analyst/Operations: Working for a corporate security firm managing multiple sites. Requires strong administrative skills. Pay: $55k+.

• 10-Year Outlook: The demand for basic warm-body security will remain stable. The growth will be in technology-augmented security (CCTV monitoring, access control) and specialized roles (executive protection, cybersecurity for physical assets). The smart guard learns the tech side now.

The Verdict: Is Wichita Falls Right for You?

Wichita Falls is a practical choice for a security guard seeking stability and a low cost of living. It's not a launchpad for a high-flying career, but a solid foundation for a comfortable life.

Pros	Cons
Cost of Living is Key: Your $36,248 salary stretches much further than in major metros.	Limited Upper-End Pay: Salary ceiling is lower; you'll need to move into management to earn significantly more.
Stable Job Market: Steady demand from SAFB, healthcare, and schools means less risk of unemployment.	Limited Career Diversity: If you tired of security, few other local industries pay well for similar skills.
Manageable Commutes: No major traffic jams; a 15-20 minute drive is typical.	Isolation & Entertainment: Fewer cultural/social amenities than a big city. It can feel isolating.
Friendly, Community Feel: It's easier to build a network and know your employers.	Slower Pace: If you crave fast-paced growth and change, this isn't the place.

Final Recommendation: Wichita Falls is an excellent choice for a security guard who is early in their career or seeking a lower-stress, lower-cost lifestyle. It's ideal if you value stability over rapid advancement. If your goal is to make $60k+ within five years, you'll likely need to start in Wichita Falls and then transfer to a Dallas or Houston branch of a large security firm. For everyone else, it's a place where you can build a life without being crushed by rent.

FAQs

1. What's the real difference between a security guard and a peace officer in Texas?
A security guard has limited powers and can only detain someone for a crime committed in their presence until police arrive. A sworn peace officer (police, sheriff) has full arrest powers. You cannot carry a firearm in an official security capacity without the proper DPS licenses.

2. Do I need a degree to be a security guard in Wichita Falls?
No. A high school diploma or GED is the standard requirement. The value is in your experience, clean record, and any special licenses (armed, clearance, CPR).

3. How competitive is the job market?
For unarmed positions, it's moderately competitive—many applicants. For armed or clearance-required positions, the field shrinks dramatically, making it much easier to get hired if you have the credentials.

4. Can I work as a security guard while attending Midwestern State University or Vernon College?
Yes, absolutely. The shift work (evenings, weekends) is conducive to a class schedule. Many students use these jobs to gain experience and make connections before graduating into other fields.

5. What's the biggest mistake new guards make in Wichita Falls?
Not networking. This is a small city. The security community is interconnected. If you burn a bridge at one company (e.g., pissing off a supervisor at Allied Universal), it can affect your chances at another, like Mantech or United Regional. Be professional, reliable, and show up on time. Your reputation is your most valuable asset.

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Data Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), Zillow Rental Data, Sperling's BestPlaces Cost of Living Index, Local Job Board Aggregators (Indeed, Glassdoor - Wichita Falls Metro Area).