Welder in Wichita Falls, TX

The Salary Picture: Where Wichita Falls Stands

Let's get straight to the numbers, because that’s what matters when you're deciding on a move. For a Welder in Wichita Falls, the median salary is $47,938/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $23.05/hour. It’s important to understand that this is the median—meaning half of the welders in the metro area earn more than this, and half earn less. The national average for welders sits at $49,590/year, so Wichita Falls is slightly below the national curve, but this is often offset by the city's significantly lower cost of living.

The job market here is stable, with approximately 205 welding jobs currently in the metro area. Over the next decade, the projected job growth is 2%. This isn't a boomtown for welders, but it's a steady, reliable market. You won't see the explosive growth of a major coastal port city, but you also won't face the same level of competition. This is a place for solid, consistent work.

Here’s how experience typically translates into earnings in this market:

Experience Level	Typical Salary Range (Annual)	Hourly Equivalent
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$36,000 - $42,000	$17.31 - $20.19
Mid-Career (2-5 years)	$45,000 - $52,000	$21.63 - $24.99
Senior (5-10 years)	$52,000 - $60,000	$24.99 - $28.84
Expert/Lead (10+ years)	$60,000 - $70,000+	$28.84 - $33.65+

Insider Tip: These ranges are for general welding. Specialized certs (like ASME Section IX for pressure vessels or AWS D1.1 for structural steel) can push you into the expert range faster. In Wichita Falls, the big money is often in custom fabrication shops or oil & gas service companies, not just general repair shops.

How does this compare to other Texas cities?

• Dallas-Fort Worth: Median is closer to $55,000+. The cost of living is also 20-30% higher, especially for housing.
• Houston: Similar to DFW, with median pay around $54,000, but heavily tied to the volatile oil and gas industry. Higher risk, higher potential reward.
• Lubbock: Very similar profile to Wichita Falls—median pay around $48,000, low cost of living, steady agricultural and manufacturing base.

Wichita Falls sits in a sweet spot for a welder who values affordability and stability over the hustle of a major metro. You trade a slightly lower salary for a much easier daily life.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s talk real money. A single filer earning the median salary of $47,938 in Texas (which has no state income tax) would take home roughly $3,800 - $3,900 per month after federal taxes, Social Security, and Medicare.

Now, let’s layer in the local cost of living. The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Wichita Falls is $843/month. The city’s overall Cost of Living Index is 88.9 (U.S. average is 100), meaning everything from groceries to utilities is about 11% cheaper than the national average.

Here’s a sample monthly budget for a single welder earning the median:

Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Gross Monthly Pay	$3,995	$47,938 / 12
Take-Home Pay	~$3,850	After federal taxes (no TX state tax)
Rent (1BR)	$843	Can vary; more in historic districts, less in suburbs
Utilities (Electric, Gas, Water)	$180	Higher in summer due to A/C
Groceries	$300	Based on USDA moderate-cost plan for 1 adult
Car Payment/Insurance	$450	Assumes a modest used car payment & full coverage
Fuel	$120	Given average commute distances in a car-centric city
Health Insurance (if not employer-provided)	$250	Market plans can be pricey; employer plans are better
Total Expenses	$2,143
Remaining for Savings/Discretionary	~$1,707

Can they afford to buy a home? Yes, absolutely. The median home price in Wichita Falls is around $180,000 - $200,000 (as of late 2023/early 2024). With a 20% down payment ($36k-$40k), a monthly mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) would likely be $1,100 - $1,300. This is often more affordable than renting a larger space. Many welders in the area achieve homeownership within 3-5 years of steady work. The key is saving aggressively for the down payment, which is very doable on this salary in this city.

Where the Jobs Are: Wichita Falls's Major Employers

The welding job market here is anchored by a few key sectors: aviation, agriculture, energy services, and custom fabrication. Here are the specific employers you should have on your radar:

1. Textron Aviation (Cessna, Beechcraft): This is the biggest name in town. Located on the southeast side near Sheppard Air Force Base, they employ a massive workforce for aircraft manufacturing and repair. They hire welders for structural work on airframes (often requiring specialized aluminum and titanium welding certs). This is a union shop (UAW) with excellent benefits, but hiring can be cyclical based on aircraft orders. Insider Tip: Check their careers page frequently and consider getting your FAA-approved welding certs if you want to stand out.

2. Baker Manufacturing (A Division of IES): A major custom metal fabrication and machining shop. They work on everything from agricultural equipment parts to custom architectural metalwork. This is a classic "shop welder" job—MIG, TIG, and stick welding on carbon and stainless steel. They often have steady demand for skilled tradespeople.

3. Midwest Oil & Gas (and similar service companies): Wichita Falls is a hub for the North Texas oil patch. Companies that service the Permian Basin often have fabrication shops and field repair needs. Pay can be higher here due to field work and overtime, but it's more physically demanding and can be tied to oil price volatility.

4. City of Wichita Falls: The municipal government hires welders for its Public Works department. You'd be maintaining city infrastructure—water lines, street lights, park equipment, and sewer systems. These jobs offer fantastic job security, a pension, and good benefits, but the hiring process is competitive and slow.

5. Sheppard Air Force Base: As a major training base, Sheppard has a huge maintenance operation for training aircraft. They hire civilian welders (often through contractors like V2X or Boeing) for aircraft maintenance on a variety of platforms. This work often requires security clearances and specific military specs.

6. Local Agricultural Equipment Dealers (e.g., John Deere, Case IH): The surrounding farming communities create constant demand for repair and fabrication of heavy machinery. These jobs are often found at local dealerships or independent repair shops in towns like Henrietta or Seymour, a short drive from the city.

Hiring Trends: The most consistent hiring happens at Textron and the fabrication shops. The oil & gas sector is opportunistic. A great way to find jobs is through the North Texas Workforce Solutions office, which has a strong local branch and relationships with these employers. Don't just rely on online postings—walk into shops with your resume and a list of your certs.

Getting Licensed in TX

Here’s the straightforward truth: Texas does not have a state-level licensing requirement for welders. You don't need a state license to weld for hire. However, this doesn't mean you can just pick up a torch. Credibility and certification are everything.

The Real Requirements:

1. AWS Certifications: The American Welding Society (AWS) certifications are the industry standard. The most common is the AWS D1.1 Structural Steel Code certification (for stick, MIG, or TIG). For oil & gas work, you'll often need ASME Section IX (for pressure vessels/piping). Getting these requires passing a practical test at an accredited testing facility.
2. Employer-Specific Certs: Most major employers (like Textron) have their own internal certification programs. You'll be tested on their specific procedures and materials. They may hire you contingent on you passing their test within a certain period.
3. Specialty Certs: For aviation (Textron, Sheppard), you might need FAA-approved welding procedures. For structural steel on buildings, you may need certifications from the American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC).

Costs and Timeline:

• AWS D1.1 Test: Typically $300 - $500 for the test itself. Training courses can range from $2,000 - $5,000 for a comprehensive program.
• Timeline: A full welding program at a local technical school (like North Central Texas College - Bowie Campus or Wichita Falls ISD Career Education Center) takes 6-12 months. Shorter, focused certification prep courses can be completed in 6-8 weeks.
• Timeline to Start: For an experienced welder moving in, you can often start applying immediately. A local employer might hire you on a probationary period while you get their specific cert. For someone starting fresh, plan for a 6-12 month training period before you're fully job-ready.

Insider Tip: The Wichita Falls Welding Training Center (often run in partnership with the workforce board) offers low-cost refresher courses and certification tests. This is a fantastic local resource for getting your AWS certs without going to a full-time college program.

Best Neighborhoods for Welders

Wichita Falls is a driving city. Your choice of neighborhood will be a balance between commute time, rent cost, and lifestyle. Here’s a breakdown:

1. North Side / Airport Area (Near Textron):

   • Vibe: Industrial, practical, and quiet. This is where most of the large manufacturing plants are located.
   • Commute: 10-20 minutes to Textron, Sheppard AFB, and most fabrication shops. Easy highway access.
   • Rent Estimate: $750 - $900 for a 1BR. More affordable, less "character" than the historic districts.
   • Best For: The welder who wants a short, easy commute to work and doesn't mind a more utilitarian setting.

2. Downtown / Historic Districts (Sheppard Air Force Base Area):

   • Vibe: Historic bungalows, tree-lined streets, and a growing but still modest downtown scene. Close to coffee shops, local bars, and parks.
   • Commute: 15-25 minutes to the major employers. You'll deal with more traffic lights but get more walkability.
   • Rent Estimate: $800 - $1,000 for a 1BR. Older buildings, some with character.
   • Best For: The welder who wants a bit more community and nightlife after work, and doesn't mind a slightly longer commute.

3. South Side / Kell Parkway:

   • Vibe: A mix of residential and commercial. Home to the Sikes Senter Mall area and many chain restaurants. A very typical suburban experience.
   • Commute: 20-30 minutes to the northern employers. Good highway access.
   • Rent Estimate: $850 - $1,050 for a 1BR. Newer apartment complexes are common here.
   • Best For: The welder who wants modern amenities (in-unit laundry, pool, gym) and a central location for shopping and errands.

4. The "Outskirts" (Burkburnett, Iowa Park, Henrietta):

   • Vibe: Small-town life, 15-25 minutes outside the city limits. Quieter, more space, and often stronger community ties.
   • Commute: 25-40 minutes to Wichita Falls employers. You'll be driving but on less congested roads.
   • Rent Estimate: $650 - $800 for a 1BR or even a small house. Much cheaper for more square footage.
   • Best For: The welder who prioritizes a lower cost of living, a quiet home life, and doesn't mind a significant daily commute.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Wichita Falls isn't a place for rapid-fire promotions, but it is an excellent place to build a deep, specialized, and stable career. Here’s the path:

Specialty Premiums:

• Aircraft Welding (Textron/Sheppard): The highest premium. Welders with FAA-approved certs and experience on airframe materials (Aluminum 2024, 7075, Titanium) can command $30 - $40+/hour. This requires ongoing training and meticulous documentation.
• Pressure Pipe Welding (ASME): Critical for the oil & gas sector and any industrial plant maintenance. Certified pipe welders (especially those who can pass X-ray inspections) are always in demand and can earn $35 - $45/hour, often with significant overtime.
• Structural Welding (AISC): For large-scale commercial or industrial construction projects. Stable, but less frequent than repair/maintenance work.
• Custom Fabrication Specialist (Stainless, Aluminum TIG): The "artist" welder. High-end custom shops (e.g., for architectural metal, food-grade equipment) pay a premium for flawless, aesthetic TIG work. This is a niche but rewarding path.

Advancement Paths:

1. Welder -> Fitter/Welding Lead: You move from just running beads to reading blueprints, laying out parts, and guiding a small team. This comes with a $2-$4/hour raise.
2. Welder -> Inspector (CWI): With 5+ years of experience, you can get an AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) credential. This moves you from the shop floor to a desk/field role, checking quality and ensuring code compliance. Pay can jump to $60,000 - $80,000/year.
3. Welder -> Shop Foreman/Manager: Requires people skills, knowledge of scheduling, and cost management. This is a long-term goal (10+ years) but solidly achievable in a stable shop like Baker Manufacturing or a municipal department.
4. Specialization for Consulting: A master-level welder in a specific niche (e.g., aerospace repair) can eventually go independent as a consultant or contractor, serving multiple local employers.

10-Year Outlook (2% Growth): The 2% growth means the pie isn't expanding quickly. Your career growth will come from:

• Upskilling: Getting more advanced certs.
• Changing Employers: Moving from a general shop to a specialty employer (e.g., from a farm implement shop to Textron).
• Reliability: In a small market, your reputation is everything. Being known as a dependable, high-quality welder will get you the best jobs and the biggest raises.

The Verdict: Is Wichita Falls Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Extremely Low Cost of Living: Your $47,938 salary goes much further here than in a major metro. Homeownership is very attainable.	Limited Job Market: Only 205 jobs total. If you lose your job, your options are few. You can't hop between 10 different companies.
Stable, Predictable Employers: Textron, the City, and major fabricators provide steady work not as susceptible to boom/bust cycles as pure oil & gas towns.	Slower Pace & Fewer Amenities: It's a quiet city. Limited nightlife, fewer cultural events, and less diversity compared to Austin or DFW.
Short Commutes: You can live almost anywhere and be at work in 20 minutes. No grinding hours in traffic.	Car Dependency: You need a reliable vehicle. Public transit is minimal.
Strong Community: It's a "big small town." You'll know your neighbors and local shop owners. Great for raising a family.	2% Job Growth: The market is stable but not expanding. Your career growth depends on your own effort and skill, not the market pulling you up.
No State Income Tax: More money in your pocket from every paycheck.	Isolation: It's a 2-hour drive to Dallas/Fort Worth. You might feel disconnected from major urban centers.

Final Recommendation:
Wichita Falls is an excellent choice for a welder who is:

• Family-oriented and values homeownership.
• Practical and prefers a stable, predictable work environment over high-risk/high-reward.
• Self-motivated to specialize and seek out the best employers and certs.
• Comfortable with a quiet, car-centric lifestyle.

It is a poor choice for a welder who:

• Thinks job-hopping is their primary career strategy.
• Craves urban excitement, constant new experiences, and a vibrant nightlife.
• Is not willing to drive for work or life.

For the