Human Resources Specialist in Moore, OK

Of course. Here is a comprehensive career guide for Human Resources Specialists considering a move to Moore, Oklahoma.

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The Salary Picture: Where Moore Stands

As a local, I can tell you straight up: Moore isn't a high-roller market for HR specialists, but it offers a solid, stable foundation with a low cost of living that makes your paycheck stretch further than in most cities. The median salary for a Human Resources Specialist here is $65,823 per year, which translates to an hourly rate of $31.65. This is slightly below the national average of $67,650, but with only about 126 HR specialist jobs in the entire metro area, competition is relatively low. The 10-year job growth projection for the region is a modest 8%, indicating steady rather than explosive demand.

Experience is the biggest driver of your earning potential. The local market adjusts salaries for HR professionals based on their track record, certifications, and ability to handle more complex responsibilities. Here’s a realistic breakdown of what you can expect in the Moore area:

Experience Level	Typical Years	Estimated Annual Salary Range (Moore, OK)
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$48,000 - $58,000
Mid-Career	3-7 years	$60,000 - $72,000
Senior Specialist	8-12 years	$70,000 - $85,000
Expert/Lead	12+ years	$80,000 - $95,000+

These figures are based on aggregated data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and local job postings, adjusted for the Moore cost of living.

How does Moore stack up against other Oklahoma cities? It's a classic mid-market position. You'll earn less than in Oklahoma City's core business districts (Bricktown, Midtown) but significantly more than in smaller, rural towns. The trade-off is the cost of living, which is a major advantage for Moore. While your salary might be 5-10% lower than in OKC proper, your housing costs can be 25-30% lower, leading to a higher disposable income. Tulsa, a larger metro with a different industrial base (energy, aerospace, finance), often offers more specialized HR roles and slightly higher median salaries, but the job market there is more competitive.

Insider Tip: Don't fixate on the base salary number alone. In Moore, the real value is in the total compensation package. Many local employers, particularly in healthcare and government, offer robust benefits—often including a pension plan (like the state's ERS system) and excellent health insurance—which can be worth an additional $15,000-$20,000 in value annually.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get practical. A salary of $65,823 sounds good, but how does it feel in your bank account each month? Here’s a breakdown for a single filer with no dependents, using standard deductions and Oklahoma's state income tax (which ranges from 2% to 4.75%). This is an estimate, and your take-home will vary based on your personal tax situation and deductions.

• Gross Monthly Pay: $5,485
• Estimated Taxes (Federal, State, FICA): ~$1,150
• Estimated Monthly Take-Home Pay: ~$4,335

Now, let's layer in the cost of living. The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Moore is $773/month. The overall cost of living index is 91.0, meaning it's 9% less expensive than the U.S. average. This is your biggest financial advantage.

Here’s a sample monthly budget for an HR Specialist in Moore:

Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Take-Home Pay	$4,335
Rent (1BR)	$773	Varies by neighborhood; see below
Utilities (Elec, Gas, Water)	$180	Average for a 1BR; winter heating can be higher
Groceries	$350	Comparable to national average
Car Payment/Insurance	$450	Assuming a moderate car payment; insurance is lower here
Gas	$120	Moore is car-dependent; commute is short
Health Insurance (if not employer-paid)	$250	Varies widely by plan
Discretionary (Dining, Entertainment)	$400	Plenty of local, affordable options
Savings/Debt Payoff	$1,812	Significant potential for savings

This budget leaves over $1,800 per month for student loans, retirement savings, investments, or building an emergency fund. This level of savings is far more attainable in Moore than in a high-cost-of-living city.

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely, and this is a key reason many HR professionals are drawn to the area. With a median home price in Moore hovering around $180,000 - $220,000, a 20% down payment is manageable. Using the $1,800/month you could allocate to savings, you could save for a $40,000 down payment in just over two years. A standard 30-year mortgage on a $200,000 home would have a monthly payment (including taxes and insurance) of roughly $1,200-$1,350, which is still affordable on this salary.

Where the Jobs Are: Moore's Major Employers

Moore's economy is deeply connected to the Oklahoma City metro, but it has its own anchors. HR roles are concentrated in a few key sectors: healthcare, education, and local government. Here are the major employers you should be targeting:

1. Norman Regional Health System (NRHS): While its primary campus is in neighboring Norman, NRHS is a massive employer for the entire region, including Moore. They have a significant presence at the Moore Medical Center (a 4-bed hospital). HR roles here are stable, with opportunities in talent acquisition, benefits administration, and employee relations. Hiring trends show consistent needs for HR generalists to support both clinical and administrative staff.

2. Moore Public Schools (MPS): As one of the largest school districts in Oklahoma, MPS is a major public-sector employer. HR roles are critical for managing teacher recruitment, certification compliance, and employee benefits. Jobs here are posted on the district's website and offer strong job security and a pension plan (Oklahoma Teachers' Retirement System or ERS). The district is always looking for ways to improve staff retention, making HR a valued function.

3. Southmoore High School & Moore High School: While part of MPS, these large individual schools often have on-site administrative support, sometimes including dedicated HR coordinators or assistants, especially during peak hiring seasons (spring and summer).

4. City of Moore Government: The city itself employs a significant number of people across public works, police, fire, and administration. The HR department is typically small but handles all municipal employee needs. This is a great path for someone interested in public sector HR, with a focus on policy compliance, labor relations (often with unions), and recruitment for specialized city roles.

5. Central Oklahoma Homeless Center (COHH): Located on the west side of Moore, this is a large nonprofit organization providing critical services. They have a growing staff and therefore a need for HR support, particularly in recruitment, volunteer management, and ensuring compliance with grant-related reporting. This can be a rewarding niche for an HR professional looking to work in the mission-driven sector.

6. Local Manufacturing & Retail Hubs: Moore is home to several manufacturing plants and distribution centers (e.g., along the I-35 corridor). Companies like Love's Travel Stops & Country Stores (corporate HQ is in Oklahoma City, but they have major operations nearby) and various industrial manufacturers require HR professionals skilled in safety compliance, shift scheduling, and managing an hourly workforce.

Insider Tip: Many of the best HR jobs in Moore are with city and school entities. These positions are posted on CityofMoore.com and MooreSchools.com. They often have a longer hiring cycle but offer unparalleled job security and benefits. Always check these sites first.

Getting Licensed in OK

Oklahoma does not have a mandatory state license to practice as an HR specialist, unlike fields like accounting or law. However, professional certification is highly valued and often expected for career advancement. The two most recognized credentials are from the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) and the HR Certification Institute (HRCI).

• SHRM-CP (Certified Professional): For early-to-mid-career professionals.
• SHRM-SCP (Senior Certified Professional): For senior-level HR practitioners.
• PHR (Professional in Human Resources) & SPHR (Senior Professional in Human Resources): HRCI's equivalent certifications.

Costs:

• Exam Fee: For SHRM, members pay $410; non-members pay $510. HRCI exam fees are similar, around $395 for PHR/SPHR.
• Membership: SHRM membership is about $219/year for professionals (includes access to study materials and resources).
• Prep Courses: Local or online prep courses range from $400 - $1,200.

Timeline to Get Started:

1. Eligibility: You'll need a combination of education and experience. For SHRM-CP, a bachelor's degree plus 1 year of HR experience is typical. Check the latest requirements on the SHRM or HRCI website.
2. Study (2-4 months): Dedicate 10-15 hours per week to studying. Use the official SHRM Learning System or HRCI books.
3. Exam: Schedule your exam at a testing center (nearest are in Oklahoma City or online). The exam itself is about 3.5 hours.
4. Maintenance: Both certifications require recertification every 3 years via continuing education credits.

Insider Tip: If you're moving to Moore, join the Oklahoma City SHRM chapter (OKC-SHRM). They host monthly luncheons and networking events, often in south OKC or Norman, which are an easy drive from Moore. It's the single best way to build a local professional network and get leads on unadvertised jobs.

Best Neighborhoods for Human Resources Specialists

Moore is a sprawling suburb with distinct neighborhoods, each with a different feel. Your choice will depend on your lifestyle, commute preferences, and budget.

1. East Moore (near I-35 & SE 4th St):

   • Vibe: Established, quiet, with older, well-maintained ranch-style homes and some affordable apartment complexes. Close to the Moore Medical Center and easy access to I-35 for commuting to OKC or Norman.
   • Commute: 5-10 minutes to most Moore employers; 20-25 minutes to downtown OKC (traffic dependent).
   • Average 1BR Rent: $700 - $800/month
   • Best For: HR professionals who value a short, simple commute and older, more spacious apartments.

2. South Moore (near SW 19th St & Santa Fe Ave):

   • Vibe: A mix of established neighborhoods and newer developments. Features good parks (like Brady Park) and a strong community feel. It's also home to the popular Moore War Memorial Park.
   • Commute: 10-15 minutes to most employers; 25-30 minutes to OKC.
   • Average 1BR Rent: $750 - $850/month
   • Best For: Those looking for a balance of suburban comfort and access to local amenities. Great for young professionals or couples.

3. Central Moore (near Main St & Broadway):

   • Vibe: The historic heart of the city, with the Moore Public Library, city hall, and local shops. You'll find a mix of older homes, duplexes, and some newer townhome-style apartments.
   • Commute: A bike-ride or very short drive to many employers.
   • Average 1BR Rent: $650 - $750/month (often more unique, smaller units)
   • Best For: HR specialists who want a walkable, small-town feel with direct access to the city's core.

4. West Moore / Platinum Corridor (near SW 134th St & Penn Ave):

   • Vibe: This is the newer, more affluent part of Moore, blending into the Oklahoma City metro. Expect newer apartment complexes, larger single-family homes, and more retail/dining options.
   • Commute: 15-20 minutes to Moore employers; 20-25 minutes to south OKC (where many corporate offices are).
   • Average 1BR Rent: $850 - $950/month
   • Best For: HR professionals working for OKC-based companies who want a modern suburban home base with a quick interstate commute.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Staying in Moore for the long haul is a viable career strategy if you are strategic about specialization. With an 8% job growth over 10 years, you won't see the same rapid expansion as in a tech hub, but advancement is possible through specialization and networking within the OKC metro.

Specialty Premiums:

• Compensation & Benefits: Specialists who can design and manage competitive packages are in demand. In Moore, this often means expertise in managing pensions and healthcare plans common in public sector and healthcare jobs. This specialty can add a 10-15% premium to your base salary.
• Employee Relations & Labor Law: Given the presence of public sector and manufacturing employers, HR professionals with experience in handling grievances, union negotiations (Oklahoma is a right-to-work state, but public sector unions exist), and complex compliance issues are highly valued.
• HR Technology & Data Analytics: Even in a smaller market, employers are adopting HRIS systems (like ADP, Paylocity, or Workday). Gaining expertise in these platforms and using data to inform people strategy can set you apart and open doors to regional roles.

Advancement Paths:

1. Vertical: HR Specialist → HR Generalist → HR Manager → HR Director. The path to HR Director is often capped in a smaller city like Moore; the most senior roles are typically in OKC.
2. Lateral/Regional: Build expertise in Moore, then leverage that experience for a role with a larger employer in the OKC metro (e.g., at Devon Energy, Chesapeake Energy, or Integris Health). Your low cost of living in Moore allows you to commute to OKC for a higher salary while still maintaining an affordable lifestyle.
3. Niche Specialization: Become the go-to HR expert for a specific sector, like healthcare compliance or school district administration, allowing you to consult or move into leadership within that niche.

10-Year Outlook:
The 8% growth will likely come from the expansion of existing healthcare and public service employers, not from a flood of new corporate HQs. The key to thriving is to build your network in OKC through organizations like OKC-SHRM. Your career ceiling in Moore alone might be an HR Manager or Senior HR Generalist role, but by treating Moore as an affordable base to serve the entire central Oklahoma region, your potential is much greater.

The Verdict: Is Moore Right for You?

Deciding on Moore is less about the city itself and more about what you value in your career and personal life. It's a practical choice, not a glamorous one.

Pros	Cons
Extremely Low Cost of Living: Your $65,823 salary provides a high quality of life.	Limited Market Depth: Fewer HR jobs means less choice and potentially longer searches.
Proximity to OKC: Easy 20-30 minute commute to a much larger job market.	Lack of Specialization: Fewer roles in cutting-edge HR tech, global HR, or niche industries.
Stable Employer Base: Schools, government, and healthcare offer job security.	Career Ceiling: The most senior HR roles (Director, VP) are typically in OKC.
Short, Easy Commutes: Minimal traffic within Moore itself.	Car-Dependent: Public transit is limited; you need a reliable vehicle.
Strong Community Feel: Family-friendly, with good public schools and parks.	Limited "Nightlife": Social life is quieter; most entertainment is in OKC or Norman.

Final Recommendation:

Moore is an excellent choice for an HR Specialist at the mid-career stage who is budget-conscious, values job stability, and is willing to commute for higher-level opportunities in the future. It's perfect for someone looking to buy a first home, start a family, or simply build substantial savings without sacrificing proximity to a major city.

It may be less ideal for a recent graduate seeking a vibrant, fast-paced corporate environment or for a highly specialized HR professional (e.g., in global mobility or tech HR) who needs a dense cluster of similar employers. If you're ambitious and willing to build a network in OKC, Moore can be a strategic and financially rewarding home base for a long and successful career in central Oklahoma.

FAQs

1. What’s the job market like for HR specialists in Moore compared to Oklahoma City?
The job market in Moore itself is smaller and less diverse. You'll find about 126 jobs in the metro area, primarily in public sector, healthcare, and education. Oklahoma City offers hundreds more opportunities across all industries,