Carpenter in Moore, OK

The Salary Picture: Where Moore Stands

As a local who’s watched this market for years, I can tell you straight: carpentry in Moore isn’t a get-rich-quick field, but it’s a stable, respectable trade if you know how to play the cards right. The median salary for Carpenters here is $55,383/year, or about $26.63/hour. That’s a hair under the national average of $56,920/year, which makes sense given our lower cost of living. With only 126 jobs in the metro, it’s a tight-knit community where reputation is everything. The 10-year job growth is projected at 5%—not explosive, but steady, driven by continued residential expansion and rebuilding from our infamous tornado cycles.

Experience is the biggest lever on your paycheck. Here’s a realistic breakdown based on local job postings and conversations with contractors:

Experience Level	Typical Years in Trade	Local Hourly Rate Range	Annual Potential (at 40 hrs/wk)
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$18 - $22	$37,440 - $45,760
Mid-Level	2-8 years	$23 - $28	$47,840 - $58,240
Senior Carpenter	8-15 years	$28 - $35	$58,240 - $72,800
Expert/Foreman	15+ years	$35 - $45+	$72,800 - $93,600+

How does Moore compare to other Oklahoma cities? You’ll earn less than in Oklahoma City, where median pay is closer to $58,500, but you also avoid the brutal traffic and higher rents of the metro. Tulsa is similar to OKC. The real perk? You can live in Moore and commute 20 minutes into south OKC for a premium job, leveraging Moore’s affordability. Norman, just to the south, pays about the same as Moore but has more commercial and institutional work (OU campus projects).

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get real about the numbers. For a Carpenter earning the median $55,383/year, your monthly take-home pay after Oklahoma state tax (4.75%), federal tax (estimated ~12%), and FICA is roughly $3,550/month. Oklahoma’s tax structure is moderate, but don’t forget property taxes are relatively low.

Now, the biggest expense: rent. The average 1-bedroom apartment in Moore rents for $773/month. That’s incredibly manageable. Here’s a sample monthly budget:

Item	Estimated Cost	Notes
Take-Home Pay	$3,550	After taxes for median salary
Rent (1BR)	$773	Average for Moore
Utilities (Electric, Gas, Water)	$200	Varies by season; summer AC is a factor
Groceries & Household	$400	For one person
Car Payment & Insurance	$350	Essential in Moore; no real public transit
Gas & Maintenance	$150	Commutes add up, even if short
Health Insurance	$200	If not covered by employer
Tools & Work Gear	$100	Ongoing investment for a carpenter
Miscellaneous/Savings	$1,377	This is your real disposable income

Can you afford to buy a home? Absolutely. With a $3,550 monthly take-home, a mortgage of $900-$1,100 is well within reach. The median home price in Moore is around $210,000 - $230,000. With a 10% down payment, a 30-year mortgage at current rates would have a monthly payment (including taxes and insurance) of roughly $1,300 - $1,400. That’s about 35-38% of your take-home pay, which is at the higher end of recommended budgets but doable, especially if you have a partner’s income or work overtime regularly. Many local carpenters buy homes within 2-3 years of moving here.

Where the Jobs Are: Moore's Major Employers

The Moore job market for carpenters is dominated by residential construction, with some commercial and industrial work. Your best bet is to network with local contractors. Here are the key players:

1. Homes by Taber: A major regional home builder with a significant presence in Moore and the south OKC metro. They hire for framing, finish carpentry, and remodel crews. They often post on Indeed and their website. Hiring is consistent due to their high-volume subdivisions.
2. The Home Depot (Moore Store #603): Not just for DIYers. The Pro Services desk is a huge hub for contractors. Many local carpenters get their start here in the lumber/building materials department, learning the supply chain and meeting future employers. They also hire for their millwork and installation services.
3. Local Custom Builders & Remodelers: This is where the real opportunity is for skilled tradespeople. Companies like M & M Construction (Moore-based), C & C Custom Builders, and Lone Star Remodeling (Oklahoma City-based but work heavily in Moore) are always looking for reliable, experienced carpenters. The best way to find them is through the Cleveland County Home Builders Association or word-of-mouth at the local lumberyards.
4. Moore Public Schools: The district has a full-time maintenance and facilities crew. They need carpenters for everything from building sets for plays to repairing classroom fixtures. Check the Moore Public Schools HR website for job postings. It’s stable, union-adjacent work with great benefits.
5. Oklahoma City Metro Projects: Don’t limit yourself to city lines. Major commercial projects, like the recent renovations at INTEGRIS Southwest Medical Center or new developments in south OKC (like the Tinker Air Force Base area), often employ Moore-based carpenters. The commute is short (20-25 mins), and the pay can be higher for commercial/industrial work.
6. Lumberyards & Supply Houses: Moore Lumber & Supply and 84 Lumber (in nearby Norman) are not just places to buy materials; they’re community centers. Regulars often get tipped off on who’s hiring before a job is even posted.

Hiring Trends: Demand is strongest in the spring and summer. Post-tornado rebuilds create sudden, high-intensity projects. The trend is toward specialization—carpenters who can handle complex framing, high-end finish work, or have experience with energy-efficient building (like spray foam insulation or advanced window installation) can command higher rates.

Getting Licensed in OK

Oklahoma does not require a state-level license for general carpenters. This is a huge advantage for getting started quickly. However, you must operate legally and safely.

• Business License: If you’re going out on your own, you’ll need a business license from the City of Moore (approx. $50-$100 annually).
• Permits: For any structural work, electrical, or plumbing, you’ll need permits from the Moore Building Safety Department. As a carpenter, you are responsible for pulling the correct permit for your scope of work (e.g., a building permit for a new deck).
• Insurance: This is non-negotiable. General liability insurance is a must, and it’s often required by contractors you sub for. Expect to pay $500 - $1,200/year for a basic policy.
• Certifications (Optional but Valuable): While not required, certifications make you stand out. The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) offers certifications like “Certified Graduate Remodeler” or “Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist.” The Oklahoma State Department of Commerce or local vo-techs (like Mid-America Technology Center in nearby Wayne) often offer short courses in safety (OSHA 10/30), blueprint reading, or green building.

Timeline to Get Started: You can start working as a carpenter’s helper immediately. To be a lead carpenter or start your own business, plan for 2-3 years of solid experience. Securing insurance and a business license can take a few weeks. The real timeline is about building your portfolio and reputation.

Best Neighborhoods for Carpenters

Moore is a sprawling suburb with distinct areas. Your choice depends on commute, lifestyle, and budget.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Rent Estimate (1BR)	Insider Tip
Central Moore (Downtown)	Older, established homes. Walkable to local shops. Easy access to I-35 for OKC jobs.	$700 - $800	Look for older apartments or garage apartments. The area is rebuilding post-tornado, so lots of local remodel work.
South Moore (Around SW 19th St)	Newer subdivisions, family-friendly. Further from I-35 but quieter.	$800 - $900	Many new homes here—great for networking with builders and homeowners. Target for remodel work.
East Moore (East of I-35)	Mix of older and newer homes. Directly on the OKC border.	$750 - $850	Best for commuting to south OKC. Close to the Riverwind Casino and Chickasaw Bricktown Arena for side gigs.
West Moore (Near Firestation Park)	Affordable, solid middle-class neighborhoods.	$700 - $825	Very stable rental market. Good for families. Short drive to Moore Lumber & Supply.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Where you start is not where you end. The carpentry path in Moore has clear rungs.

• Specialty Premiums: General framing pays the median. Moving into high-end finish carpentry (custom cabinetry, intricate trim work) can add $5-$10/hour. Commercial carpentry (tenant build-outs, medical offices) often pays 10-15% above residential rates. The biggest premium is for project management or foreman roles, where you’ll make $70,000+.
• Advancement Paths:
  1. Helper → Carpenter: (1-2 years) Learn the tools, safety, and basic techniques.
  2. Carpenter → Lead Carpenter: (3-5 years) Run a small crew, manage materials, interface with subs.
  3. Lead Carpenter → Foreman/Project Manager: (5-10 years) Oversee multiple trades, schedule, client communication.
  4. Self-Employment: (5+ years) Start your own small business. The key is building a network of reliable subs (plumbers, electricians).
• 10-Year Outlook: The 5% job growth is solid. Moore’s population is growing, and the city is actively incentivizing development in certain corridors (like the I-35/SE 4th St area). Carpenters who adapt to trends—like building energy-efficient homes, using advanced materials (like laminated veneer lumber), or learning basic digital design (SketchUp)—will have the most opportunities. The post-tornado rebuild cycle also means resilience-focused construction skills are increasingly valuable.

The Verdict: Is Moore Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Very low cost of living (Index 91.0). Your dollar stretches far.	Limited job volume (only 126 jobs). Competition for the best positions is fierce.
Stable, growing residential market with consistent work.	Pay is slightly below national average. Can be hard to break $60k without specialization or overtime.
Strategic location for OKC premium jobs with a short commute.	Reliant on personal vehicle; public transit is minimal.
Tight-knit trade community; reputation travels fast.	Exposure to severe weather (tornadoes) means project volatility—boom after a storm, possible lulls.
Excellent for starting a family or buying a first home.	Less diverse work than a major metro; mostly residential.

Final Recommendation: Moore is an excellent choice for a carpenter who values stability, affordability, and a family-friendly environment over high-octane metropolitan pay. It’s ideal for mid-career carpenters (3-10 years of experience) looking to buy a home, or for those who want to start their own small business with a low overhead. It’s less ideal for a brand-new apprentice (wages are tight at the start) or for someone seeking the massive variety of commercial projects found in a major city. If you’re a solid, reliable carpenter who can network at the lumberyard, you can build a very good life here.

FAQs

Q: How do I find jobs in Moore if I’m not from there?
A: Start with online boards (Indeed, LinkedIn) but don’t stop there. Call local contractors directly. Visit Moore Lumber & Supply and talk to the staff—they know everyone. Join the Cleveland County Home Builders Association (even as an associate member) for networking events.

Q: Is it hard to get work after a tornado?
A: It’s the opposite. Immediately after a tornado, there’s a massive surge of demolition and rebuild work. The challenge is the intense, short-term demand. Have your insurance and safety gear in order. The best time to be looking is 1-3 months after an event, as larger rebuild projects ramp up.

Q: Do I need my own tools to get hired?
A: For an entry-level helper, no. For a lead carpenter position, yes, absolutely. A basic set of power tools (circular saw, impact driver, miter saw) is expected. Many companies provide larger, specialized tools. Invest in quality; your tools are your livelihood.

Q: What’s the biggest mistake new carpenters make in Moore?
A: Not networking. This isn’t New York; you can’t just send resumes. Go to local pancake breakfasts, church events, and sports games. Your next job will come from a homeowner you met at a Little League game or a builder you helped at the lumberyard. Build your reputation as the person who shows up on time and does it right the first time.

Q: Can I survive the summers?
A: Yes, but you learn to adapt. Work hours often shift to start at 6:00 AM to beat the worst of the heat. A good cooler, electrolyte drinks, and a high-quality shirt are as important as your hammer. Most non-commercial work slows down during the peak of July/August, which can be a good time for vacation or focusing on interior finish work.