Accountant in Moore, OK

The Salary Picture: Where Moore Stands

Moore, Oklahoma is a city that operates on the sharp edge of the metro economy. Nestled right in the heart of the Oklahoma City (OKC) metro area, it’s a suburban hub with a distinct cost-of-living advantage. The median salary for an accountant here is $83,755/year, which translates to an hourly rate of $40.27/hour. For context, the national average for accountants sits at $86,080/year. While Moore’s figure is slightly below the national average, the real story is the local purchasing power. With a cost of living index of 91.0 (US avg = 100), your dollar stretches significantly further here than in most major cities.

The job market is competitive but solid. There are approximately 126 accounting and finance jobs in the immediate metro area. The 10-year job growth projection is a modest 4%. This isn't explosive growth, but it indicates stable, consistent demand. Unlike booming tech hubs, Moore's accounting sector is heavily tied to its local industries: energy, agriculture, healthcare, and public service.

Experience-Level Breakdown

Your earning potential in Moore is directly tied to your experience and specialization. Here’s a realistic breakdown based on local market data and BLS projections for the region:

Experience Level	Years of Experience	Estimated Annual Salary Range (Moore, OK)	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$55,000 - $68,000	Bookkeeping, data entry, assisting with month-end close, preparing basic financial statements.
Mid-Level	3-7 years	$70,000 - $90,000	Managing general ledger, overseeing junior staff, tax preparation (individual & business), financial reporting.
Senior-Level	8-15 years	$85,000 - $110,000+	Leading audit processes, strategic financial planning, complex tax strategy, managing client relationships.
Expert/Specialist	15+ years	$115,000 - $140,000+	CFO-level advisory, forensic accounting, industry-specific consulting (e.g., energy sector), firm leadership.

Comparison to Other OK Cities

Moore holds a unique position. It's more affordable than Tulsa and the Oklahoma City core, which attracts professionals who want metro access without the metro price tag.

City	Median Salary	Cost of Living Index (US=100)	Job Market Vibe
Moore, OK	$83,755	91.0	Stable, suburban, family-oriented
Oklahoma City, OK	~$85,500	92.5	Larger, more diverse, faster-paced
Tulsa, OK	~$84,200	87.0	Energy & finance hub, slightly lower COL
Norman, OK	~$82,000	88.0	University influence, lower salaries in non-academic sectors

Insider Tip: The "Moore multiplier" is real. Earning $83,755 in Moore feels more like earning $95,000+ in a city like Dallas or Denver due to the affordable housing and lack of state income tax on groceries.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get down to the monthly math. For this breakdown, we'll use the median salary of $83,755/year. We'll assume a single filer with no dependents, taking the standard deduction, and accounting for federal income tax, FICA (7.65%), and Oklahoma state income tax (which tops out at 4.75% but is progressive).

Estimated Monthly Take-Home Pay: After taxes (federal, state, FICA), a single accountant earning $83,755 can expect a take-home pay of approximately $5,200 - $5,400/month, depending on pre-tax deductions like 401(k) or health insurance. We'll use $5,300/month for our budget.

Monthly Budget Breakdown:

Expense Category	Estimated Cost	Notes & Reality Check
Rent (1BR Average)	$773	This is the city-wide average. A nicer 1BR in a top neighborhood might be $950, while an older unit could be $650.
Utilities	$200	Includes electricity, water, gas, and internet. Summers can be high due to AC.
Groceries	$400	For one person. Oklahoma has a low grocery cost index.
Car Payment/Insurance	$450	Essential in Moore. Public transport is minimal. Insurance rates are moderate.
Fuel	$150	Commutes are short but car-dependent.
Health Insurance (Post-Employer)	$250	Varies widely, but this is a reasonable estimate for a single person.
Discretionary/Savings	$3,077	This is the key number. After essential expenses (~$2,223), you have over $3,000 for savings, entertainment, travel, or debt repayment.

Can They Afford to Buy a Home?

Yes, unequivocally. This is Moore's biggest draw. The median home price in Moore is approximately $215,000 - $240,000. With the $3,077/month of discretionary income, a 20% down payment ($43,000 - $48,000) could be saved in 14-16 months. A mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) on a $220,000 home would likely be around $1,400 - $1,500/month, which is very manageable on a $5,300/month take-home pay. This is a stark contrast to coastal cities where a similar salary might lock you out of homeownership for a decade.

Where the Jobs Are: Moore's Major Employers

Moore's economy is a blend of local service, regional energy, and proximity to the massive OKC job market. Many accountants work in Moore but commute to OKC or Norman for more specialized roles.

1. Moore Public Schools: The district is one of the largest employers in the city. They have a dedicated finance department, offering roles as staff accountants, payroll specialists, and budget analysts. Hiring is cyclical, aligned with the fiscal year (July-June).
2. INTEGRIS Health Moore: A key healthcare provider. Hospitals have complex accounting needs, including patient billing, revenue cycle management, and compliance. Look for roles in their revenue integrity or finance departments.
3. Chesapeake Energy (and related service companies): While Chesapeake's headquarters is in OKC, its operations are throughout the region. Moore is a hub for midstream and service companies (pipelines, equipment). These companies offer high-paying roles for accountants with industry-specific knowledge. Insider Tip: Look at companies like Williams Companies or Enable Midstream Partners—they have significant local footprints.
4. Love's Travel Stops & Country Stores: Headquartered in Oklahoma City, but with a massive operational footprint in Moore and the surrounding I-35 corridor. They hire for corporate accounting, financial analysis, and internal audit roles.
5. Moore City Government: The municipal government provides stable, public-sector accounting jobs. These roles involve managing city budgets, utility billing, and grant accounting. They offer excellent benefits and job security.
6. Oklahoma City Thunder (and related sports biz): While not in Moore, the Thunder's business operations are a major employer in the metro. Many finance professionals live in Moore for the affordable lifestyle and a 20-30 minute commute to the Paycom Center.
7. Local CPA Firms: Dozens of small to mid-sized firms in Moore and Norman serve local businesses. These are great starting points for public accounting experience, especially in tax and small business advisory.

Hiring Trends: Demand is steady for staff accountants and bookkeepers. Specialized, higher-paying roles (financial analyst, controller, forensic accountant) are more concentrated in OKC but accessible via a short commute. The rise of remote work post-2020 has also opened up opportunities for Moore-based accountants to work for firms nationwide while enjoying the low cost of living.

Getting Licensed in OK

To practice as a CPA in Oklahoma, you must meet strict requirements set by the Oklahoma Accountancy Board. This is non-negotiable for career advancement beyond the staff level.

• Education: 150-credit hours, with a bachelor's degree (minimum 30 upper-division accounting hours and 24 business hours). This often means a Master's in Accounting (MACC) or a 5-year combined program.
• Exam: Pass all four sections of the Uniform CPA Exam.
• Experience: One year (2,000 hours) of work experience under the supervision of a licensed CPA. This can be in public accounting, industry, or government.
• Costs: Breakdown is as follows:
  • CPA Exam Fees: $1,500 - $2,000 (varies by state and section).
  • Education & Review Course: $2,000 - $10,000+ (depending on the school and course provider like Becker or Roger).
  • Licensing Application: $150 initial application fee.
  • Total Estimated Investment: $3,650 - $12,150+.
• Timeline: From start to finish, expect 18-24 months. This includes completing additional education (if needed), studying for the exam (6-12 months), and gaining the required experience.

Insider Tip: Many local companies, including Chesapeake and INTEGRIS, offer tuition reimbursement for accounting degrees. It's a major perk to ask about during interviews.

Best Neighborhoods for Accountants

Moore is largely suburban, but there are distinct areas with different vibes and price points.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Rent Estimate (1BR)	Best For...
Central Moore (Downtown)	Walkable to some local shops, older homes, some apartments. Easy access to I-35.	$700 - $850	Young professionals who want a short commute and are budget-conscious.
South Moore (S. 19th St area)	Newer subdivisions, family-oriented, excellent schools. Commute to OKC is 25-30 mins via I-35.	$850 - $1,100	Accountants planning to start a family or who want more space.
East Moore (near Moore Lake)	Quieter, more established neighborhoods with mature trees. A bit less density.	$750 - $950	Those seeking a quieter, more residential feel while staying close to amenities.
West Moore/Norman Border	Direct access to Moore-Norman border, quick commute to Norman's universities or OKC's south side.	$800 - $1,000	Good for those who might work in Norman or want easy access to OU.

The Long Game: Career Growth

With a 4% 10-year growth rate, advancement is about specialization, not just tenure.

• Specialty Premiums:

  • CPA License: The single biggest salary booster. Expect a 15-25% increase over a non-CPA.
  • CMA (Certified Management Accountant): Highly valued in corporate roles (energy, manufacturing).
  • Industry Specialization: Accountants with experience in energy accounting (revenue, joint interest) command the highest premiums locally, often pushing senior salaries to $110,000+.
  • Forensic/IT Auditing: Niche skills in fraud detection or data analytics are in demand within the larger OKC metro.

• Advancement Paths:

  1. Public Accounting to Industry: Start at a local CPA firm, then move to a corporate role (Chesapeake, Love's) for a better work/life balance and higher pay.
  2. Staff to Manager to Controller: In corporate or government settings, the path is clear. In Moore's smaller ecosystem, becoming a Controller at a local hospital or school district is a peak position.
  3. Consulting/Advisory: With experience, you can offer niche services to the many small businesses in Moore and the surrounding area.

• 10-Year Outlook: The 4% growth means competition for the best roles will remain steady. The key will be leveraging technology (AI in auditing, data visualization) and obtaining a CPA. Remote work will also allow Moore-based accountants to compete for national salaries while living on a local budget.

The Verdict: Is Moore Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Extreme Affordability: Your $83,755 salary provides a lifestyle that would require $110,000+ in many other cities.	Limited High-Specialty Jobs: For forensic accounting, international tax, or investment banking, you'll commute to OKC.
Stable Job Market: 126 local jobs provide a solid foundation, especially in healthcare, education, and energy.	Car-Dependent: Public transit is sparse. You'll need a reliable vehicle.
Short Commutes: No traffic congestion. Most commutes are 10-20 minutes within the city.	Social/Cultural Scene: While improving, it's not a major metropolitan hub. You'll often drive to OKC for concerts, major sports, or diverse dining.
Homeownership is Achievable: You can buy a nice home within a few years of your starting salary.	Weather: Tornadoes are a real seasonal concern (May-June). This requires preparedness and affects insurance costs.
Family-Friendly: Excellent schools and safe neighborhoods make it ideal for planning a family.	Professional Network: Smaller professional community; you'll need to actively network in OKC for career growth.

Final Recommendation:
Moore, OK is an excellent choice for accountants in the mid-career stage (mid-level to senior) who prioritize financial stability, homeownership, and family life over the hustle of a major coastal city. It’s less ideal for early-career specialists targeting ultra-niche fields (like M&A at a bulge-bracket bank). The sweet spot is an accountant earning the median $83,755 who values a $773/month rent and a 10-minute commute over a crowded subway. If you can handle the occasional tornado drill, Moore offers one of the best quality-of-life-to-salary ratios for accountants in the United States.

FAQs

1. Is the job market for accountants in Moore recession-proof?
No industry is 100% recession-proof, but Moore's economy is more stable than most. The energy sector (Chesapeake, etc.) can be volatile with oil prices, but healthcare (INTEGRIS) and education (Moore Public Schools) are highly recession-resistant. This diversification provides a buffer.

2. Do I need a CPA license to earn the median salary?
Not necessarily. You can earn $70,000 - $90,000 as a mid-level staff accountant without a CPA. However, to break into the $110,000+ range as a senior or manager, the CPA is almost always required, especially in public accounting or for controller positions.

3. What's the commute like to Oklahoma City?
It's very manageable. From central Moore, it's a direct 15-25 minute drive on I-35 to downtown OKC or the Bricktown district. Traffic is minimal compared to other metro areas. Many accountants live in Moore and commute to OKC for higher-paying roles, taking advantage of the local housing costs.

4. How competitive is the job market?
With 126 jobs and a 4% growth rate, it's a stable market but not a hiring frenzy. For entry-level roles, you'll have competition. For specialized roles (CPA with 5+ years), you are a highly sought-after candidate. Networking in OKC is key for the best opportunities.

5. What's the best way to start my job search?

1. Check local firm websites: Start with the CPA firms in Moore and Norman.
2. Look at major employer career pages: INTEGRIS, Moore Public Schools, and the City of Moore.
3. Use OKC-based job boards: Many Moore accountants find work on LinkedIn and Indeed by targeting OKC-based companies but indicating they live locally.
4. Connect with the Oklahoma Society of CPAs (OSCPA) – Central Chapter: Attend their events in OKC to build your network.