Firefighter in Moore, OK

Here is a comprehensive career guide for Firefighters considering a move to Moore, Oklahoma.

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The Salary Picture: Where Moore Stands

As a local, let's cut straight to the numbers. Moore isn't Oklahoma City, and that's reflected in the pay scale. The median salary for a Firefighter in Moore is $55,577/year. That breaks down to an hourly rate of $26.72/hour. It's important to understand this is a median figure—meaning half of the firefighters in the area earn more, and half earn less. When you compare this to the national average of $57,120/year, Moore comes in slightly below the U.S. standard. However, the cost of living here (more on that later) is a significant factor that makes this salary go further than it might elsewhere.

The job market is stable but competitive. There are approximately 126 firefighting jobs in the metro area, which includes Oklahoma City and its suburbs. The 10-year job growth projection is 4%. This isn't an explosive growth sector; it's a steady, reliable field. This means openings are often created by retirements rather than rapid expansion, so patience and persistence are key.

To give you a realistic picture of your earning potential, here’s a breakdown by experience level. These are estimates based on typical municipal pay scales in central Oklahoma.

Experience Level	Estimated Years of Service	Estimated Annual Salary Range
Entry-Level (Firefighter I/II)	0-4 years	$45,000 - $52,000
Mid-Career (Driver/Engineer)	5-9 years	$55,000 - $65,000
Senior (Lieutenant/Captain)	10-18 years	$65,000 - $78,000
Expert (Battalion Chief)	19+ years	$78,000 - $92,000+

When compared to other Oklahoma cities, Moore's position is clear. It's more affordable than Oklahoma City but has a slightly lower median salary. Tulsa firefighters might see a marginally higher median pay, but the cost of living in the Tulsa metro is also higher. For a firefighter valuing a suburban lifestyle with a manageable commute, Moore presents a solid, if not spectacular, financial proposition.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

The $55,577 median salary is your gross income. Let's break down what that looks like after the essentials. Oklahoma has a progressive state income tax, ranging from 0.5% to 4.75%. For a single filer earning $55,577, you can expect to lose roughly 15-18% of your gross income to federal and state taxes combined. Your take-home pay will likely be around $42,000 - $44,000 annually, or about $3,500 - $3,650 per month.

Now, let's factor in rent. The average for a 1-bedroom apartment in Moore is $773/month. This is a critical advantage. Here’s a monthly budget breakdown for a firefighter earning the median salary:

• Take-Home Pay: ~$3,550
• Rent (1BR): $773
• Utilities (Electric, Gas, Water, Internet): ~$200
• Car Payment/Insurance/Gas: ~$450 (Moore requires a car; public transit is limited)
• Groceries: ~$350
• Health Insurance (if not covered by city): ~$200
• Retirement/ Savings (5%): ~$175
• Miscellaneous (Food, Supplies, Entertainment): ~$300
• Remaining Buffer: ~$1,102

This budget is comfortable, especially when compared to national averages. The key metric is the rent-to-income ratio. At $773/month, housing is well within the recommended 30% threshold for someone earning $55,577/year.

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely. The median home price in Moore is approximately $170,000 - $190,000. With a strong credit score and a down payment, a monthly mortgage (including taxes and insurance) could be around $1,100 - $1,300. This is higher than rent but still feasible on this salary, especially for a senior firefighter with a spouse or partner contributing to the household income. The low cost of living is Moore's biggest financial draw.

The Jobs Are: Moore's Major Employers

Moore's firefighting jobs are overwhelmingly with the Moore Fire Department (MFD). As a suburb of Oklahoma City, MFD serves a population of over 63,000 and covers 22 square miles. They operate from 7 fire stations and are known for their aggressive fire attack and strong community involvement.

Here are the primary employers and related opportunities in the area:

1. Moore Fire Department (MFD): The main employer. They hire periodically, often in academy classes. MFD is a combination department (some full-time, some paid-on-call), but their full-time ranks are competitive. They respond to everything from structure fires to medical assists and motor vehicle accidents. Insider Tip: MFD values EMT-Basic and Paramedic certifications highly. Having your EMT before applying gives you a significant edge.
2. Oklahoma City Fire Department (OCFD): While not in Moore, OCFD is the largest department in the state and a major employer in the metro area. Commuting to downtown OKC from Moore is 20-30 minutes, which is standard for many firefighters who live in suburbs. They have a much larger scale of operations and more specialized units (HazMat, Technical Rescue, Airport).
3. Norman Fire Department: To the south, Norman is home to the University of Oklahoma and a growing population. Their hiring cycles are separate from Moore and OKC. The commute is reasonable (30-40 minutes).
4. Cleveland County Emergency Management: While not a fire department, this office coordinates disaster response and may have opportunities for firefighters with planning or administrative backgrounds.
5. Private Ambulance Services: Companies like EMSA (Emergency Medical Services Authority) serve the Oklahoma City metro area, including Moore. Many firefighters work here part-time or as a stepping stone to a full-time fire position, gaining crucial medical experience.
6. Tinker Air Force Base Fire Protection (Civil Service): Located about 20 minutes northeast in Oklahoma City, this is a federal position with excellent benefits and pay. It requires a different application process (USAJobs.gov) but is a top-tier employer for firefighters in the region.
7. State of Oklahoma Fire Marshal's Office: This is a post-career option for seasoned firefighters with investigation experience. It's based in Oklahoma City but covers the entire state.

Getting Licensed in OK

To be a firefighter in Oklahoma, you must be certified by the Oklahoma Department of Labor (ODL) - Firefighter Certification. The process is straightforward but requires commitment.

State-Specific Requirements:

• Be at least 18 years old.
• Possess a high school diploma or GED.
• Hold a valid Oklahoma driver's license.
• Pass a background check, physical agility test (CPAT), and medical exam.
• Complete the required training: Firefighter I & II (typically 200+ hours) and EMT-Basic (190 hours). Some departments may require Paramedic.

Costs and Timeline:
Training costs vary. If you attend a state-approved academy (like the Oklahoma City Fire Academy or a community college program), you can expect to pay between $2,000 and $5,000 for Firefighter I/II and EMT-Basic combined. Paramedic school is an additional investment of $5,000 - $10,000 and takes 12-18 months.

The timeline to get started:

1. Pre-Application (3-6 months): Get in peak physical shape. Study for the CPAT. Obtain CPR certification.
2. Academy (6-9 months): Enroll in a combined Fire/EMT academy. This is an intensive, full-time commitment.
3. State Certification (1-2 months): After passing your academy exams, you must pass the state certification exams for Firefighter I & II and the National Registry EMT exam.
4. Job Application (Variable): Apply to departments. The hiring process (written test, interview, background, polygraph, medical) can take 3-6 months.

Insider Tip: Many departments, including Moore and OKC, will sponsor you through the academy if you are hired. This means you get paid while you train. These positions are highly competitive, so attending an academy first makes you a more attractive candidate.

Best Neighborhoods for Firefighters

Moore is a city of distinct neighborhoods, each with a different vibe. Commute to your station is important, as you may be called in from home. Here are the top areas for firefighters.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Approx. 1BR Rent	Why It's a Fit
East Moore (SE 4th St area)	Quiet, established, family-friendly. 5-10 min to Station 2 or 3.	$750 - $850	Older homes with character, mature trees, close to excellent parks. Very stable and safe.
South Moore (SE 19th St area)	Newer, master-planned communities. 10-15 min to Station 4 or 5.	$800 - $950	Affordable new construction, great for young families. Modern amenities, wider streets.
Downtown Moore (Main St)	Urban-suburban mix, walkable. 5-10 min to Station 1 (HQ).	$700 - $800	You're in the heart of it. Local shops, cafes, and community events. Older apartments and townhomes.
Northwest Moore (SW 4th St)	Transitional, affordable. 10 min to Station 1 or 2.	$650 - $750	Best for budget-conscious firefighters. Older rentals, but central location.
Broadmoor (SW 134th St)	Affluent, quiet, slightly isolated. 15-20 min to stations.	$900 - $1,100	For senior firefighters with families. Larger lots, excellent schools, but longer commute to stations.

The Long Game: Career Growth

A career with the Moore Fire Department or in the OKC metro offers clear advancement paths. Growth isn't just about rank; it's about specialization.

• Specialty Premiums: Firefighters with advanced certifications can earn additional pay. A Paramedic certification often comes with a monthly stipend (e.g., $150-$300/month). Specialties like Technical Rescue (Rope, Confined Space), HazMat Operations, or Fire Inspector certifications can open doors to team assignments and leadership roles.
• Advancement Path: The typical path is Firefighter → Engineer (drives the apparatus) → Lieutenant (company officer) → Captain → Battalion Chief. Each step requires additional training (often through the National Fire Academy and state programs) and competitive promotional exams. Moore's 4% job growth indicates that most advancement will be through internal promotion rather than new positions.
• 10-Year Outlook: The field is stable. The need for firefighters won't disappear, but the role is evolving. There's a greater emphasis on medical calls (often 70-80% of runs). Firefighters with strong medical skills (EMT-P) will be the most valuable. The low cost of living in Moore allows for financial planning—pensions in Oklahoma are solid (typically 2.5% per year of service at final average salary), and you can afford to save independently. In 10 years, a firefighter who started at $45,000 could be earning over $75,000 as a Captain, in a city where their housing costs are still reasonable.

The Verdict: Is Moore Right for You?

Moore is a pragmatic choice for a firefighter. It's not a glamorous city, but it's a functional, affordable, and stable community where a public servant's salary can provide a very comfortable life.

Pros	Cons
Very Low Cost of Living – Your $55,577 salary goes far.	Competitive Hiring – Fewer openings than a larger city like OKC.
Short Commutes – You can live close to your station.	Limited Specialties – Smaller department may have fewer specialty teams.
Stable Job Market – 4% growth means predictable retirements.	Suburban Lifestyle – If you crave a big-city vibe, Moore may feel quiet.
Strong Community Ties – A close-knit department and city.	Weather – Tornadoes and severe storms are a real, recurring threat.
Close to OKC – Access to big-city amenities without the cost.	Over-reliance on Car – Not a walkable city; you'll need a vehicle.

Final Recommendation: For a firefighter who values financial stability, a family-friendly environment, and a manageable lifestyle, Moore is an excellent choice. It's a place where you can build a life without being house-poor. If you're a newly certified firefighter looking for your first job, Moore is a great place to start. If you're a seasoned firefighter from a high-cost area, moving to Moore could dramatically increase your disposable income and quality of life.

FAQs

1. How competitive is the hiring process for Moore Fire Department?
It's moderately competitive. With only 126 jobs in the metro, openings are limited. Having your EMT-Basic certification and passing the CPAT with a strong score are essential. Attend open houses and network with current firefighters.

2. Is the cost of living truly as low as it seems?
Yes. A Cost of Living Index of 91.0 (where the US average is 100) means you need about 9% less money for the same lifestyle. Your biggest savings will be on housing and overall daily expenses compared to national averages.

3. What's the weather like, and how does it affect the job?
Moore is in "Tornado Alley." Spring brings severe thunderstorms and tornadoes, which means the fire department is highly active in response and public education. Summers are hot (often over 100°F), making hydration and heat management on scenes critical. Winters are generally mild with occasional ice storms.

4. Can I live in OKC and commute to Moore?
Yes, many do. The commute from central OKC (like the Bricktown or Midtown areas) to Moore is 20-30 minutes via I-35. However, you'd be paying higher rent and losing the financial advantage of living in Moore itself.

5. Is a career in Moore a long-term plan?
It can be. The low cost of living allows you to save aggressively, and the pension system provides a solid foundation. Many firefighters start in Moore and later move to specialized units in OKC or Tinker AFB, but many also build their entire 25-30 year career within the Moore department.

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Sources: Salary data based on BLS metropolitan area statistics and Oklahoma municipal pay scales. Cost of Living: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER). Population: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey. Job Growth: State of Oklahoma Employment Security Commission.