The Moore, OK Career Guide for Construction Managers

As someone who has watched Moore grow from a quiet suburb into a bustling hub for the Oklahoma City metro, I can tell you that construction management here isn’t just a job—it’s a front-row seat to the city’s evolution. With the National Weather Center anchoring the south side and a steady stream of residential and commercial projects, there’s real work here. But let’s cut through the marketing. This is a data-driven look at what you can realistically expect as a Construction Manager in Moore.

The Salary Picture: Where Moore Stands

Let’s get right to the numbers. The median salary for a Construction Manager in the Moore, OK area is $105,288/year. This translates to an hourly rate of $50.62/hour. It’s important to understand what this means in the local context. While the national average for the role sits at $108,210/year, Moore’s figure is competitive, especially when you factor in the lower cost of living. The cost of living index here is 91.0 (compared to a US average of 100), meaning your dollar stretches further.

The job market, while not massive, is stable. There are approximately 126 construction manager positions listed in the metro area. The 10-year job growth projection for the broader category (including related roles) is 8%, which indicates steady, long-term demand rather than explosive growth.

Experience-Level Breakdown

Your compensation will vary significantly based on your years in the field and project portfolio. Here’s a realistic breakdown for the Moore market:

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary Range	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level (0-3 years)	$75,000 - $90,000	Project Engineer, Assistant Superintendent. Focus on scheduling, submittals, and on-site coordination under supervision.
Mid-Career (4-9 years)	$95,000 - $120,000	Managing full project budgets, client relations, leading field crews. This is where the median $105,288 sits.
Senior-Level (10-15 years)	$120,000 - $150,000+	Overseeing multiple projects, strategic planning, complex problem-solving (e.g., tight timelines on commercial builds).
Expert/Executive (15+ years)	$150,000 - $180,000+	Director-level roles, business development, mentoring. Often tied to large commercial firms or specialized firms.

Comparison to Other OK Cities

How does Moore stack up against its neighbors? While the salary is solid, it's important to look at the broader metro.

City	Median Salary	Cost of Living Index (US Avg=100)	Key Driver
Moore, OK	$105,288	91.0	Residential & commercial growth, proximity to OKC.
Oklahoma City, OK (Metro)	$110,000+	92.5	Larger projects, state government, major corporate HQs.
Norman, OK	$102,000	90.5	University of Oklahoma projects, healthcare expansion.
Edmond, OK	$108,000	93.0	High-end residential, suburban commercial growth.

Insider Tip: While OKC and Edmond may post slightly higher median salaries, the difference is often offset by higher commuting costs and parking. Moore offers a strategic "sweet spot"—you can take on OKC-area projects (a 20-30 minute commute) while living in a more affordable market.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s break down the real monthly budget for an Mid-Career Construction Manager earning the median $105,288. This assumes a filing status of single, no dependents, and using standard deductions for estimation (actual take-home will vary).

Assumptions:

• Median Salary: $105,288
• Estimated Monthly Take-Home Pay (after ~25% for taxes/benefits): ~$6,580
• Average 1BR Rent in Moore: $773/month

Monthly Budget Breakdown

Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Gross Monthly Salary	$8,774
Taxes & Deductions (Est. 25%)	-$2,194	Federal, State (OK), FICA, and assumed 401(k)/health insurance.
Net Monthly Take-Home	$6,580	Your actionable monthly budget.
Rent (1BR Apartment)	-$773	Median cost. Can be lower in some areas, higher in newer complexes.
Utilities (Elec, Water, Internet)	-$250	Average for Moore; higher in summer due to A/C.
Car Payment & Insurance	-$600	Assuming a modest car note and full coverage. Moore is car-dependent.
Groceries & Household	-$500
Discretionary Spending	-$800	Dining out, entertainment, hobbies.
Savings & Investments	$3,657	This is the key number. With moderate spending, you can save over 55% of your take-home pay.

Can They Afford to Buy a Home?

Yes, unequivocally. With $3,657+ in monthly savings, a down payment for a home is achievable within 2-3 years of disciplined saving.

• Median Home Price in Moore: ~$230,000 (3-bedroom, 2-bath home in a stable neighborhood).
• 20% Down Payment: $46,000.
• Monthly Mortgage (Principal & Interest at ~6.5%): ~$1,450.
• Property Tax & Insurance: ~$350/month.
• Total Housing Cost: $1,800/month.

With a take-home of $6,580, a $1,800 mortgage payment is only 27% of your net income—well within the recommended 30% threshold. This is a major advantage of living in Moore compared to pricier metros.

Where the Jobs Are: Moore's Major Employers

The construction market in Moore is driven by a mix of local firms, metro-area contractors, and specific large employers. Here are the key players to target:

1. Homer Construction Company: A Moore-based firm specializing in commercial and industrial projects. They are deeply embedded in the local market and are a top employer for construction managers who want to work on projects in their own backyard.
2. Manhattan Construction Company: While headquartered in Tulsa, their Oklahoma City division is a major force in the metro. They handle large-scale commercial, healthcare, and education projects. Their presence in Moore projects is common.
3. Baker Hughes (CFD Research): Located at the National Weather Center (120 David L Boren Blvd), this is a major facility for aerospace and energy research. It generates consistent, specialized construction and retrofit projects requiring managers with experience in high-tech or government work.
4. Moore Public Schools: The district is continually expanding and renovating. Projects range from new elementary schools (like the recent Southlake Elementary) to stadium upgrades and security enhancements. These are stable, publicly-funded projects.
5. Integris Health Moore Hospital: As one of the primary medical facilities in the city, ongoing expansion and updates to the hospital campus generate a steady stream of healthcare construction projects, which have their own strict codes and requirements.
6. Oklahoma City-based Residential Developers: Companies like D.R. Horton and Lennar have significant operations in Moore’s rapidly expanding southern neighborhoods (e.g., The Ranch at Moore). These firms are a major source of high-volume residential construction manager roles.

Hiring Trends: There’s a noticeable push towards sustainable and resilient building post-tornado events. Managers with experience in reinforced construction (like ICF—Insulated Concrete Forms) or storm-resistant designs are highly valued. The commercial sector is seeing growth in light industrial and logistics near I-35 and I-44.

Getting Licensed in Oklahoma

Oklahoma has clear requirements for Construction Managers. It’s not as stringent as some coastal states, but certification adds credibility and is often required for larger projects.

• State Licensing: Oklahoma does not have a state-specific "Construction Manager" license. However, the work often falls under the Oklahoma Construction Industries Board (CIB) for contractor licensing. If you are acting as a General Contractor (GC), you will need a CIB license.
• Key Certifications (Highly Recommended):
  • Certified Construction Manager (CCM) from the Construction Management Association of America (CMAA). This is the gold standard and significantly boosts earning potential.
  • OSHA 30-Hour Construction Certification: A non-negotiable for any site manager.
  • LEED AP BD+C: If you're interested in sustainable, green building projects.
• Costs: Expect to pay $400-$600 for the CCM exam, plus study materials. OSHA 30-hour training runs $150-$250. CIB contractor licensing application fees are around $300.
• Timeline: You can start the process immediately. The OSHA 30 can be completed in a week. Studying for and scheduling the CCM exam typically takes 3-6 months of dedicated preparation.

Best Neighborhoods for Construction Managers

Your neighborhood choice affects your commute, lifestyle, and budget. Here’s a local’s take:

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Rent Estimate (1BR/2BR)	Why It’s a Good Fit
Central Moore	Walkable to Main St., older homes, authentic local vibe. Easy access to I-35.	$700 / $950	Close to downtown Moore eateries and bars. Short commute to the National Weather Center and core commercial areas.
South Moore (The Ranch)	Newer developments, master-planned communities, family-oriented. Commute is easy via I-35.	$950 / $1,250	Ideal if you’re working with home builders. Very safe, with new parks and schools.
West Moore/Norman Corridor	Mix of older and new, near the Moore/Norman border. Access to I-240 & US-77.	$800 / $1,100	Good compromise if you work in south OKC or Norman. More affordable than Norman proper.
East Moore	Established neighborhoods, larger lots, more affordable older homes.	$750 / $1,000	Quieter, less traffic. Commute to OKC is straightforward via I-35. Good value.
Telegraph Road Area	Commercial corridor with apartment complexes. Very central, walkable to shopping.	$850 / $1,150	Maximum convenience for renters. Ideal for a single professional who wants to minimize commute time.

Insider Tip: Avoid living directly south of I-35 if you commute to Homer Construction or other firms on the east side. The railroad tracks near S. Eastern Ave can cause traffic delays. The area west of I-35 is generally smoother for commuting to the metro.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Your career trajectory in Moore is tied to the broader Oklahoma City metro growth, but with a local advantage.

• Specialty Premiums: In Moore, you can command a 10-15% salary premium for disaster mitigation and resilient construction expertise. Given the region’s tornado history, this is a critical niche. Healthcare construction (on projects at Integris) and high-tech facility work (like at the National Weather Center) also pay above the median.
• Advancement Paths:
  1. Project Manager → Senior Project Manager: The standard path, focusing on larger budgets and more complex logistics.
  2. Field Superintendent → Project Executive: Moving from hands-on site management to high-level strategy and client relations.
  3. Specialist → Firm Owner: Leverage your network from local projects (like Moore Public Schools or Homer) to start your own niche firm, perhaps focusing on municipal or school projects.
• 10-Year Outlook: The 8% job growth is solid. The key will be adaptability. As Moore’s suburbs fill out, the focus will shift from new residential to commercial retrofits, mixed-use developments, and infrastructure upgrades. Managers who stay current with building codes (especially energy efficiency) and software (like Procore, Autodesk Build) will see the most opportunities.

The Verdict: Is Moore Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Excellent Affordability: Your salary ($105,288) goes much further than in OKC or Norman. Homeownership is very attainable.	Limited Nightlife/Scene: It’s a family-oriented suburb. For high-end dining and entertainment, you’ll drive to OKC (20-30 mins).
Strategic Location: You’re at the crossroads of I-35 and I-44, with easy access to all major OKC projects without paying metro rent.	Car Dependency: You will need a reliable car. Public transit is virtually non-existent.
Stable, Growing Job Market: The 126 local jobs and 8% growth provide security. Local employers like Homer and Moore Schools offer long-term projects.	Weather Risks: Moore is in "Tornado Alley." You must be prepared for severe weather season (April-June). This also means insurance costs are a factor.
Strong Sense of Community: It’s easy to build a professional network here. The construction community is tight-knit.	Salary Ceiling: While the median is strong, the absolute top-tier salaries for executive roles are slightly higher in OKC.

Final Recommendation: Moore is an excellent choice for a Construction Manager at the mid-career level looking to maximize savings and quality of life. It’s ideal for professionals who value practicality over urban hustle, who are willing to commute to OKC for the right project, and who want to be part of a growing community. It’s less ideal for those seeking a fast-paced, cosmopolitan lifestyle or unwilling to adapt to a car-dependent, weather-conscious environment.

FAQs

1. Is a license required to work as a Construction Manager in Moore?
No, Oklahoma does not require a specific state license for the title "Construction Manager." However, if you are acting as the General Contractor, you will need a license from the Oklahoma Construction Industries Board (CIB). Certifications like the CCM (Certified Construction Manager) are highly recommended for career advancement.

2. How competitive is the job market with only 126 jobs listed?
The number 126 refers to the metro area. It’s a stable, niche market, not a high-volume one. Competition exists, but it’s less fierce than in larger metros. Networking with local firms like Homer Construction and attending Oklahoma City Metro Chamber events is crucial. Many jobs are filled through referrals before being publicly listed.

3. What’s the commute like to Oklahoma City?
Most job sites are within a 20-40 minute commute. From central Moore, the drive to downtown OKC is about 25 minutes via I-35. The rush hour can add 10-15 minutes. Living in South Moore gives you quicker access to the southern OKC suburbs (like Moore Rd. area), while East Moore is closer to the I-44 corridor.

4. How important is storm-resistant construction knowledge?
Crucial. After the 2013 and 2011 tornadoes, building codes have been updated. Knowledge of IBHS (Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety) guidelines, wind-resistant roofing, and ICF (Insulated Concrete Forms) is a significant advantage. Many local projects, especially schools and commercial buildings, now mandate these standards.

5. Can I live in Moore and work in Norman?
Absolutely. The commute is straightforward. Norman is a 15-20 minute drive south via I-35. Many professionals live in Moore for the better housing value and commute to Norman (home to the University of Oklahoma and Integris Norman Regional) or OKC. It’s a common pattern in the metro.