Graphic Designer in Moore, OK

The Salary Picture: Where Moore Stands

You're eyeing Moore, Oklahoma, and you're a graphic designer. Let's cut right to the numbers. Moore isn't a design hub like Austin or Denver, and frankly, the local market reflects that. It's a stable, affordable community, but the salary data tells a story of a market that's more about steady employment than explosive creative growth.

The median salary for a Graphic Designer in Moore is $59,683/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $28.69/hour. This is slightly below the national average of $61,340/year. In a metro area with a population of 63,045, there are approximately 126 graphic design jobs. It’s a small pond, but it’s one with consistent demand.

The 10-year job growth projection for the region is 3%. This is critical to understand. It’s not a boomtown for creatives, but it’s not stagnant either. This growth rate suggests a stable need for design work, particularly in local business, healthcare, and municipal sectors, rather than in cutting-edge tech or advertising agencies.

Here’s how salaries typically break down by experience level in Moore. Remember, these are estimates based on the local median and regional trends.

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	Key Responsibilities in Moore
Entry-Level	$40,000 - $50,000	Social media graphics, basic print collateral, assisting senior designers.
Mid-Level	$55,000 - $65,000	Full branding projects, web design, managing junior designers, client-facing work.
Senior-Level	$65,000 - $75,000	Art direction, strategy, complex projects, leading design teams.
Expert/Lead	$75,000+	Department head, creative director, high-level consultancy for major local firms.

How does Moore stack up against other Oklahoma cities?
You'll find more opportunities and higher pay in Oklahoma City, the state's capital and largest metro, where you're competing with a larger pool of employers and agencies. Tulsa offers a more vibrant arts and startup scene, though rents are higher. Moore is a bedroom community to OKC, offering a lower cost of living but fewer specialized design roles. You'll often commute to OKC for the highest-paying roles, but Moore-based employers (like Norman Regional or the Moore Public Schools) are your best bet for local work.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's talk real-world take-home pay. With a median salary of $59,683/year, your monthly gross income is about $4,973. After federal, state, and FICA taxes (roughly 22-25% effective rate), your take-home pay is approximately $3,730 per month.

Now, factor in the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Moore: $773/month. This is a key advantage. Your rent-to-income ratio is a healthy 20.7%, well below the recommended 30% threshold.

Here’s a hypothetical monthly budget for a graphic designer earning the median salary in Moore:

Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Take-Home Pay	$3,730	After taxes
Rent (1BR)	$773	Average for Moore
Utilities & Internet	$180	Including electric, gas, water, and high-speed internet
Car Payment & Insurance	$400	Essential; Moore is car-dependent
Groceries	$350	For one person
Health Insurance	$200	If not fully covered by employer
Gas/Transport	$150	Commuting to OKC would increase this
Entertainment/Dining	$300	Moderate lifestyle
Savings/Debt	$1,377	Leftover for savings, student loans, or retirement
Total Expenses	$2,353
Remaining	$1,377

Can you afford to buy a home? Absolutely. With a lower cost of living and the potential for significant savings, homeownership is very attainable. The median home price in Moore is around $215,000. With a 10% down payment ($21,500), a 30-year mortgage at current rates would have a monthly payment (including taxes and insurance) of roughly $1,400-$1,500. This is feasible on a $59,683 salary, especially if you have a dual income. The affordability index is a major draw for Moore.

Where the Jobs Are: Moore's Major Employers

Moore’s job market for graphic designers is tied to its major local institutions. You won't find global ad agencies here, but you'll find stable, full-time roles with benefits. The key is to target these employers and be prepared to handle a wide range of design tasks.

1. Norman Regional Health System: With a large campus in Moore, the health system needs designers for patient education materials, internal communications, marketing for community events, and digital assets for their website and social media. This is a major source of stable, professional employment.

2. Moore Public Schools: The district employs graphic designers for everything from event flyers and sports programs to annual reports and recruitment materials. It’s a great role for someone who enjoys a community-focused, mission-driven environment.

3. City of Moore: Municipal government work involves designing public service announcements, park district materials, city council presentation graphics, and website content. This is a great entry into public sector design with excellent benefits.

4. Local Manufacturing & Industrial Companies: Moore has a strong industrial base. Companies like Midwest Fabrication or Moore Automotive may need in-house designers for product catalogs, trade show displays, and internal training materials. These roles are often overlooked but can be very stable.

5. Tinker Federal Credit Union: As a large local financial institution, TFCU requires marketing materials, digital ad campaigns, and branch signage. Their marketing department is a key target for design roles.

6. Agency Work (via OKC): While not in Moore, many designers living in Moore commute to Oklahoma City agencies like Ackerman McQueen or Savage for higher-paced, agency-style work. This is where you'll find more specialized roles (UX/UI, motion graphics) and higher pay.

Hiring Trends: Local employers are looking for versatile designers who are proficient in the Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign) and have basic web design skills (WordPress, HTML/CSS). Knowledge of video editing (Premiere Pro) is a significant plus. Networking through the Oklahoma City chapter of AIGA is the best way to find these roles.

Getting Licensed in OK

Here’s the straightforward truth: There is no state license required to practice graphic design in Oklahoma. Graphic design is not a licensed profession like architecture or nursing. Your "license" is your portfolio, your experience, and your professional reputation.

However, you should be aware of the following:

• Business License: If you plan to operate as a freelance designer or run your own studio out of Moore, you will need to register your business with the City of Moore and potentially the State of Oklahoma. This is a simple process with minimal cost (typically under $100 for a basic DBA or LLC filing).
• Professional Certifications: While not required, certifications can boost your credibility. Adobe Certified Professional (ACP) certifications are the industry standard. The cost for an exam is around $100-$150 per application. This is a valuable investment.
• Timeline to Get Started: There is no mandatory timeline. You can start applying for jobs immediately. However, if you're building a portfolio from scratch or upskilling, a 3-6 month dedicated period is realistic.

Insider Tip: In Oklahoma, your professional network is everything. Join the AIGA Oklahoma City chapter and attend events (often held in OKC but attended by designers from the entire metro). The Oklahoma Film & Music Office also hosts events that can be valuable for networking.

Best Neighborhoods for Graphic Designers

Moore is a sprawling, suburban city. Your choice of neighborhood will largely dictate your commute, lifestyle, and rent cost.

1. East Moore / Tecumseh Road Area: This is the heart of Moore. It's close to the Moore Medical Center, major retail on I-35, and has a mix of older homes and newer apartments. Commute to anywhere in Moore is short, and it's a 25-minute drive to downtown OKC. Rent for a 1BR is right at the city average: $750-$800/month.

2. South Moore (Between I-35 and Santa Fe Ave): This area is quieter, more residential, and has excellent access to the Moore Public Schools. It’s ideal if you work for the school district or want a more family-friendly vibe. Commute to OKC is similar to East Moore. Rent is comparable: $770-$820/month.

3. West Moore / Near the Canadian River: This area is closer to the Oklahoma City limits and has easy access to the I-240/I-44 interchange. It's a good compromise if you find a job in the southern part of OKC. You'll find slightly newer apartment complexes. Rent can be a bit higher: $800-$900/month for a 1BR.

4. North Moore / Near the Moore/Tinker AFB border: This area is less densely populated and offers more space. The commute to downtown OKC is slightly longer (30+ minutes), but it's quieter. This is where you might find more affordable older rentals or even a small house for the same price as an OKC apartment. Rent: $700-$780/month.

Insider Tip: Traffic on I-35 during rush hour is the biggest commute factor. If you land a job in south OKC or Norman, living in East Moore is ideal. If your job is in downtown OKC, living in West Moore saves you 10-15 minutes each way.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In Moore, career growth isn't about climbing a corporate ladder at a massive agency. It's about depth, versatility, and strategic movement.

Specialty Premiums: In this market, generalists are more valuable than ultra-specialists. However, you can command a premium if you have:

• Web/UI/UX Design Skills: Add $5,000-$10,000 to your salary potential. Local businesses desperately need this.
• Motion Graphics & Video: This is a huge differentiator, especially for marketing roles at Norman Regional or Tinker FCU. Add $7,000-$12,000.
• Print Production Expertise: Knowing the ins and outs of offset printing and large-format production is rare and valuable for local manufacturers and event planners.

Advancement Paths:

1. In-House to Management: Start as a designer at Norman Regional, move to a senior role, then become the Creative Director for the marketing department. This is a realistic 5-8 year path.
2. Freelance to Agency Owner: Many designers start by freelancing for local clients, then build a reputation and hire other designers, eventually opening a small studio serving Moore and south OKC.
3. The OKC Commute: The most common path for ambitious designers is to use Moore as a home base and commute to a higher-paying, specialized role in Oklahoma City. After 3-5 years, you could be earning $70,000+ while benefiting from Moore's low cost of living.

10-Year Outlook: The 3% job growth is modest. The field will become more tech-integrated. Designers who are comfortable with digital signage, interactive PDFs, and basic front-end development will have the most stability. The demand for pure print design will continue to shrink. Your long-term success in Moore depends on adaptability.

The Verdict: Is Moore Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Extremely Low Cost of Living: Your salary goes much further here.	Limited Specialized Roles: Few agencies or tech companies.
Affordable Homeownership: The dream is very attainable.	Competition from OKC: Top-tier jobs and pay are in the metro.
Stable, Local Employers: Schools, hospitals, and government offer secure jobs.	Salary Ceiling: Median pay is below the national average.
Short Commutes (Within Moore): Easy access to everything in town.	Can Feel Isolated: The creative community is small and in OKC.
Strong Community Feel: It's a true community, not a transient city.	Car Dependency: You need a car to live and work here.

Final Recommendation:
Moore, OK, is an excellent choice for a graphic designer who prioritizes financial stability and quality of life over a high-paced, high-salary creative career. It's perfect for:

• A designer with a family who wants to own a home.
• A recent graduate looking to build a portfolio with real, meaningful work for local institutions.
• A professional who wants to telecommute for an out-of-state company while enjoying an affordable lifestyle.

It is not the right choice for a designer whose primary goal is to work at a cutting-edge ad agency or tech startup. For that, you should look to Oklahoma City or Tulsa. But if you're pragmatic, value-focused, and willing to be a big fish in a small pond, Moore offers a rare combination of affordability and steady opportunity.

FAQs

1. Can I really find a graphic design job in Moore without commuting to OKC?
Yes, but your options are concentrated. Your best bets are the major employers listed above: Norman Regional, Moore Public Schools, the City of Moore, and local industrial companies. These roles are posted on their websites and local job boards like Indeed. Be prepared to wear many hats.

2. How does the cost of living really compare to a national average?
Moore's Cost of Living Index is 91.0 (US avg = 100). This means it's about 9% cheaper than the national average. The biggest savings are in housing ($773/month rent vs. a national average of over $1,400). Groceries, utilities, and transportation are also notably lower. Your $59,683 salary in Moore feels like earning over $70,000 in many other parts of the country.

3. What software skills are most in-demand by Moore employers?
The non-negotiables are Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign. Beyond that, WordPress (for basic website updates) and Canva (for quick marketing graphics) are increasingly important. Knowledge of Microsoft PowerPoint for presentations is also surprisingly valuable for corporate and government roles. Video editing skills (Adobe Premiere) are a major differentiator.

4. Is the 10-year job growth of 3% something to worry about?
It's not a red flag for stability, but it signals limited growth. This means the market isn't expanding rapidly with new companies. Your growth will come from changing jobs (e.g., moving from a junior to senior role at a local employer), gaining new skills, or commuting to OKC for a higher-level position. It's a stable market, not a booming one.

5. How do I build a network in such a small design community?
Your network will be built in Oklahoma City. Join AIGA Oklahoma City and attend their events. Follow local design studios and creatives on social media. The Oklahoma Film & Music Office hosts events that attract designers. In Moore, attend community events and volunteer your design skills for local non-profits—it’s a fantastic way to get your name known and build a portfolio.