Electrician in Moore, OK

The Salary Picture: Where Moore Stands

Moore, OK, operates in the shadow of the Oklahoma City metro, but it has its own distinct economic pulse. For an Electrician, the local salary data paints a clear picture: it's a solid, stable market, but not one where you'll see the explosive growth of a tech hub. Let's break down the numbers.

The median salary for an Electrician in the Moore area is $59,888/year, which translates to an hourly rate of $28.79/hour. This is directly from BLS metro-level data. When you stack this against the national average of $61,550/year, Moore's electricians earn about 2.7% less than their peers nationwide. This gap is common for mid-sized cities in the Plains region, offset by a significantly lower cost of living.

The job market is stable, not booming. There are approximately 189 jobs for electricians in the metro area. The 10-year job growth projection is 11%, which is positive and consistent with national trends for skilled trades. It means steady demand, not a frantic hiring frenzy. This is a market for career builders, not gig-hoppers.

To get a more granular view, here’s how salaries typically break down by experience level within the Moore area. Note that these are estimates based on local market surveys and BLS data tiers, not national figures.

Experience Level	Typical Annual Salary (Moore)	Hourly Equivalent
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$42,000 - $51,000	$20.19 - $24.52
Mid-Level (3-6 years)	$59,888 (Median)	$28.79
Senior (7-12 years)	$68,000 - $78,000	$32.69 - $37.50
Expert/Lead (12+ years)	$80,000 - $95,000+	$38.46 - $45.67

Insider Tip: The jump from Mid-Level to Senior is where you start to see a real difference. At this stage, you're often taking on project lead roles on residential builds or commercial service calls. Companies in Moore and Oklahoma City are willing to pay a premium for licensed electricians who can manage apprenticeships and talk directly to clients.

Comparison to Other Oklahoma Cities:
How does Moore stack up against its neighbors?

• Oklahoma City Metro (Overall): Salaries are slightly higher, averaging about $62,000/year, but the commute from Moore is a straight shot on I-35, making many OKC-based jobs viable. The Jobs in Metro number for the entire metro is much larger.
• Tulsa: Salaries are comparable, often in the $60,000-$63,000 range, but the market is more focused on industrial and energy sector work (refineries, pipelines).
• Norman: Very similar to Moore, with a slight university influence. Salaries are nearly identical, hovering around the $59,000-$60,000 mark. The job market is a bit more tied to the University of Oklahoma's construction and maintenance cycles.

Moore's position as a bedroom community for OKC gives you the best of both worlds: local job stability with access to a larger metropolitan market if you're willing to drive.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get real about the math. A $59,888 salary in Moore goes a lot further than it would in a coastal city. Here’s a rough monthly breakdown for a single earner filing singly (using an estimated 22% effective tax rate for federal, state, and FICA).

• Gross Monthly Income: $4,990
• Estimated Taxes (22%): -$1,098
• Net Monthly Take-Home: ~$3,892

Now, let's factor in the cost of living. The Cost of Living Index for Moore is 91.0 (compared to a US average of 100). Housing is the biggest driver. The average 1BR rent is $773/month. Let's build a realistic monthly budget for an Electrician earning the median wage:

Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Rent (1BR)	$773	Can vary from $650 (older complexes) to $950 (new builds in south Moore).
Utilities	$200	Electricity, gas, water, trash. Oklahoma's climate means AC/heating costs can spike.
Groceries	$350	Moore has several Walmarts, an Aldi, and local grocers.
Transportation	$300	Gas, insurance, maintenance. This assumes a paid-off vehicle. A car is essential here.
Health Insurance	$250	Varies widely by employer; this is a post-deductible estimate.
Misc./Fun	$400	Eating out at local spots like The Mule, movies, hobbies.
Savings/Debt	$1,819	The remainder. This is where you build wealth.
Total	$4,092	Note: This slightly exceeds net, highlighting the need for a roommate or a cheaper apartment.

Insider Tip: Many electricians in Moore live with a partner or roommate, especially when starting out. This drops your housing cost to ~$400/month, freeing up nearly $1,000/month for savings, a car payment, or saving for a down payment.

Can they afford to buy a home?
Yes, absolutely. The median home price in Moore is around $210,000. With a 20% down payment ($42,000), a 30-year mortgage at 6.5% interest would have a monthly payment of roughly $1,070 (principal & interest). Add taxes, insurance, and utilities (~$400), and you're looking at a $1,470/month housing cost.

On a $59,888 salary ($3,892 net), that housing cost is ~38% of take-home pay—tight but manageable for a dual-income household or a single person with no other major debt. The 91.0 cost of living index makes this far more achievable than in many parts of the country. Many local electricians buy homes in their late 20s or early 30s in neighborhoods like Eastside or Moore NW.

Where the Jobs Are: Moore's Major Employers

The job market is a mix of local contractors, regional players, and large-scale projects tied to the OKC metro. You won't find massive corporate HQs, but you'll find steady work from these key sources:

1. Dillner Electric: A prominent local contractor based in the OKC metro but serving Moore extensively. They specialize in residential new construction and service. They are a major hirer for apprentices and journeymen. Hiring Trend: Steady, tied to the local housing market.
2. Oklahoma Gas & Electric (OG&E): While their corporate HQ is in OKC, their field operations are critical for Moore. They handle all utility distribution and have regular postings for line workers and substation technicians. Hiring Trend: Cyclical but predictable, with retirements creating openings.
3. Moore Public Schools: The district employs in-house electricians for its 35+ schools and facilities. These are coveted, stable government jobs with benefits. Hiring Trend: Slow but steady, mostly filling retiree positions.
4. INTEGRIS Health (Moore & Baptist Medical Center): Healthcare facilities have complex electrical systems and require 24/7 maintenance. INTEGRIS employs facilities electricians. Hiring Trend: Growth is tied to healthcare expansion in the metro.
5. Commercial & Industrial Contractors (e.g., Manhattan Construction, HENSEL PHELPS): These large firms handle major projects in the metro (like the new OKC airport terminal, hospital expansions, and large warehouses). They hire electricians for project-specific work, often out of their OKC offices but serving Moore. Hiring Trend: Project-based, with high demand for commercial/industrial specialists.
6. Local Service Companies (e.g., All-Star Electric, Jefferson Electric): Numerous small-to-midsize contractors serve the residential and light commercial markets. These are excellent places to start. Hiring Trend: Very consistent, especially for service/repair work.
7. Self-Employment/Small Business: Moore's suburban sprawl creates constant demand for independent electricians for residential remodels, panel upgrades, and EV charger installations. Hiring Trend: Growing, driven by new home construction and tech upgrades in older homes.

Insider Tip: The highest paying and most consistent work is in the commercial and industrial sector. If you want to maximize your earnings above the median, get experience in these areas and consider getting your journeyman license as soon as possible. The residential market is plentiful but pays less.

Getting Licensed in OK

Oklahoma has a clear, state-regulated path to licensure. You cannot legally work as an electrician without the proper credential.

1. Apprentice Electrician (Entry-Level):

• Requirement: No license, but you must be employed by a licensed electrical contractor and registered with the Oklahoma Department of Labor (DOL).
• Cost: Minimal. The registration is around $50-$100.
• Timeline: You can start immediately upon finding a job with a sponsor.

2. Journeyman Electrician:

• Requirement: Complete an approved apprenticeship program (typically 4 years, 8,000 hours of on-the-job training) and pass the state journeyman exam. You can also use a combination of education and experience.
• Exam: The exam is based on the National Electrical Code (NEC) and is administered by the Oklahoma DOL.
• Cost: Exam fee is approximately $150. License fee is around $125.
• Timeline: The apprenticeship takes 4 years. Once you complete the hours and training, you can apply to take the exam.

3. Master Electrician:

• Requirement: Hold a journeyman license for a minimum of 2 years (or have equivalent experience) and pass a more advanced exam. You must also have a business license if you plan to run your own contracting business.
• Exam: Covers more complex NEC applications and business management.
• Cost: Exam fee is approximately $200. License fee is around $150.
• Timeline: A minimum of 6 years from starting as an apprentice to earning your Master license.

Insider Tip: The most critical step is finding a contractor willing to sponsor your apprenticeship. Many local companies, like Dillner Electric and the local IBEW chapter (International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local 1141 in OKC), offer structured programs. The IBEW route often includes training but may have stricter entry requirements. Always verify your program's hours with the Oklahoma DOL.

Best Neighborhoods for Electricians

Moore's layout is largely suburban, with distinct areas offering different lifestyles and commute times. For an electrician, proximity to I-35 is key for accessing job sites across the metro.

1. South Moore (73165):

• Vibe: The newest part of the city, with large, modern subdivisions. This is where new residential construction is booming.
• Commute: 10-15 minutes to the I-35 interchange. Easy access to Norman and south OKC.
• Rent Estimate: $850 - $1,100/month for a 1BR. More expensive due to newness.
• Why it's good for electricians: Close to construction sites. Higher-end homes often have more complex electrical systems, leading to more service work.

2. Central Moore / Historic District (73165):

• Vibe: The heart of the city, with older homes (1950s-1980s), established neighborhoods, and the main commercial corridors (SW 19th St).
• Commute: 5-10 minutes to I-35. Very central.
• Rent Estimate: $700 - $850/month for a 1BR.
• Why it's good for electricians: High demand for upgrades—panel replacements, rewiring, and adding circuits for modern appliances. This is the service work bread-and-butter.

3. Eastside / The East End (73165):

• Vibe: A mix of older homes and some newer developments, east of I-35. More affordable, with access to Moore's parks and community center.
• Commute: 10 minutes to I-35.
• Rent Estimate: $650 - $800/month for a 1BR.
• Why it's good for electricians: Lower cost of living means more disposable income for homeowners, who then spend on electrical projects. Good balance of affordability and location.

4. Moore NW / Near the Airport (73160):

• Vibe: Extends into the 73160 zip code, closer to the Will Rogers World Airport and the I-40 interchange. More industrial and commercial.
• Commute: 15-20 minutes to I-35, but excellent access to I-40 and I-240 for metro-wide work.
• Rent Estimate: $700 - $900/month for a 1BR.
• Why it's good for electricians: Proximity to the airport and industrial zones means access to commercial/industrial job sites. This is ideal if you're aiming for that higher-paying contractor work.

Insider Tip: When looking for an apartment, don't just look at the zip code. Drive the area. The difference in quality and price between a 1970s complex and a 2010s build on the same street can be significant. Also, check the parking situation—you'll need space for your work truck/van.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Your career trajectory in Moore is defined by specialization and licensure. Here’s how you can grow your income and responsibility.

Specialty Premiums (Where the Money Is):

• Commercial/Industrial: This is the biggest premium. Specializing in commercial controls, industrial motor controls, or high-voltage systems can push your salary to the $75,000 - $95,000+ range. These skills are in high demand in the OKC metro's growing data center and healthcare sectors.
• Residential Specialist: Becoming the go-to expert for historic home rewiring, smart home integrations, or EV charger installations can lead to a thriving small business. Master electricians running their own shops can clear $100,000+.
• Renewables/Alternative Energy: Oklahoma's wind industry is massive, and solar is slowly growing. Specializing in solar installation or wind farm maintenance (often requiring travel) can be lucrative.
• Estimating/Project Management: Moving from the field to an office role as a project estimator or manager often comes with a salary bump and a more stable schedule.

Advancement Paths:

1. Apprentice -> Journeyman: The first major step. This unlocks higher wages and the ability to work without direct supervision.
2. Journeyman -> Foreman/Lead: You start managing a small crew or a specific job site. Pay increases with responsibility.
3. Journeyman -> Master Electrician: The key to running your own business. Requires more experience and a harder exam.
4. Field -> Office: Transition to a role in sales, estimation, or project management. This leverages your field knowledge in a different, often higher-paying way.

10-Year Outlook (11% Growth):
The projected 11% growth over 10 years is solid. This will be driven by:

• New Construction: Moore and the OKC metro continue to grow. New homes, schools, and commercial buildings need wiring.
• Aging Infrastructure: Older homes and buildings in Central and Eastside Moore will need panel upgrades, rewiring, and code compliance updates.
• Technology Upgrades: The demand for smart home tech, EV chargers, and home office power is creating a new service niche.
• Energy Transition: While Oklahoma is oil and gas country, the push for renewables and grid modernization will create specialized jobs.

Insider Tip: The key to long-term growth is never stopping your education. Take the NEC update classes every three years. Learn about new technologies like battery storage and advanced building automation. The electrician who is also a tech expert will always be more valuable than the one who only knows traditional wiring.

The Verdict: Is Moore Right for You?

Here’s a final, data-driven look at the pros and cons of building your electrical career in Moore.

Pros	Cons
Low Cost of Living (91.0 Index): Your salary stretches much further, enabling home ownership.	Lower Median Salary: You earn less than the national average ($59,888 vs. $61,550).
Stable Job Market (189 jobs, 11% growth): Predictable demand, not a boom-and-bust cycle.	Limited High-Paying Specialties: To earn top dollar, you often must commute to OKC for industrial work.
Access to OKC Metro: