Insurance Agent in Moore, OK

As a career analyst who’s spent years mapping out professions across Oklahoma, I can tell you that Moore is a unique market. It’s not the bustling, dense urban core of Oklahoma City, but it’s not a sleepy suburb either. It’s a city with its own identity, strategic advantages, and specific challenges for professionals. For an Insurance Agent, understanding the local fabric—where people live, where they work, and how they think about risk—is just as important as understanding the premium rates.

This guide strips away the fluff and gives you a data-driven look at what your life as an Insurance Agent in Moore, OK, would actually look like. We’ll cover the numbers, the neighborhoods, the real employers, and the long-term career path. Let’s get to work.

The Salary Picture: Where Moore Stands

Let’s start with the most critical data point: your potential income. In Moore, the financial reality for an Insurance Agent is generally favorable, especially considering the local cost of living.

The median salary for an Insurance Agent in Moore is $77,781 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $37.39. This is crucial context. When you compare this to the national average of $79,940, you’ll see Moore is only slightly below the national benchmark—a strong position for a mid-sized city. The cost of living index of 91.0 (where the US average is 100) means your dollar stretches further here than in most places. For every national dollar, you get about $1.10 in purchasing power in Moore.

The job market itself isn't vast but is stable. There are approximately 126 jobs for Insurance Agents in the metro area. The 10-year job growth is projected at 5%, which is modest but steady. This indicates a mature market with consistent demand rather than a booming, high-churn sector.

To understand where you might land salary-wise, consider this experience-based breakdown. These are realistic ranges based on local market data and national trends adjusted for Moore's cost of living.

Experience Level	Annual Salary Range (Moore)	Key Responsibilities & Notes
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)	$55,000 - $68,000	Focus on study, licensing, and building a book of business. Often works under a senior agent. Commission is a smaller portion of income.
Mid-Level (3-7 yrs)	$68,000 - $85,000	Established client base, stronger renewals. Focus on cross-selling (life, health, commercial). May begin mentoring juniors.
Senior-Level (8-15 yrs)	$85,000 - $110,000	Large, stable book of business. Likely managing a small team or specializing in a high-value niche (e.g., agribusiness, specialized commercial).
Expert/Agency Owner (15+ yrs)	$110,000+	Runs own agency, manages multiple producers, focuses on high-net-worth clients and complex commercial accounts. Income heavily variable.

Comparison to Other Oklahoma Cities:

• Oklahoma City: Median salary slightly higher (~$80,500) but cost of living is 3-5% higher. The job volume is significantly larger, offering more corporate opportunities (e.g., at large insurers' regional offices).
• Tulsa: Similar to OKC in salary and cost of living. Stronger in energy and aerospace-related commercial insurance. Moore offers a quieter, more family-oriented lifestyle.
• Norman: Very close to Moore in salary and vibe, but heavily influenced by OU. The market has more seasonal flux and a younger demographic. Moore tends to be more stable and family-focused.

Insider Tip: The $77,781 median is a solid middle ground. The real key in Moore is building personal referrals. This is a community where trust is built on handshake agreements and local reputation. Your first 3-5 years will be about planting roots in local groups (Rotary, Chamber of Commerce, church groups) rather than cold-calling. The 5% growth isn't explosive, but it's built on a stable foundation of long-term residents.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

A $77,781 salary sounds great, but what does it mean for your monthly life? Let’s break it down with Moore-specific numbers.

Assumptions for a Single Filer (Annual Gross: $77,781):

• Federal Tax: ~$10,200 (approx. 13.1% effective rate)
• FICA (Social Security & Medicare): ~$5,950 (7.65%)
• OK State Tax: ~$3,800 (approx. 4.9% effective rate)
• Total Annual Tax (Est.): ~$19,950
• Annual Take-Home Pay: ~$57,831
• Monthly Take-Home Pay: ~$4,819

Monthly Budget Breakdown:

• Rent (Average 1BR): $773
• Utilities (Electric, Gas, Water, Trash): $150 (Moore has mild winters but hot summers; AC costs matter)
• Groceries: $350
• Car Payment/Insurance: $450 (Moore is car-dependent; a reliable vehicle is non-negotiable)
• Gas: $120 (Commutes are typically short, but you'll drive for appointments)
• Health Insurance (if not employer-paid): $300
• Phone/Internet: $120
• Miscellaneous (Entertainment, Dining, Personal Care): $400
• Total Monthly Expenses: ~$2,663
• Remaining for Savings/Debt/Investments: $2,156/month

Can They Afford to Buy a Home?
Absolutely, and this is one of Moore's biggest draws. The median home price in Moore is approximately $225,000. With a 20% down payment ($45,000), a 30-year mortgage at 7% interest would have a monthly payment of roughly $1,200 (including principal, interest, taxes, and insurance). Given your remaining $2,156, this is very manageable. You could be a homeowner within 1.5-2 years of saving, even on a single income. This contrasts sharply with national markets where home ownership is a distant dream for many professionals.

Insider Tip: Don't just look at the big "for sale" signs in Moore. A lot of homes are sold by owner or through small, local brokerages. Connect with a local realtor who knows the "off-market" opportunities in neighborhoods like Shady Brook or Appalachian Place. For insurance agents, your own home can be a powerful marketing tool—showing you're invested in the community you serve.

Where the Jobs Are: Moore's Major Employers

Moore's economy is anchored by healthcare, public services, light manufacturing, and education. For an Insurance Agent, this translates into specific client bases and potential employer opportunities.

1. Norman Regional Health System (Moore Campus): The largest employer in the region. This includes the Moore Medical Center and numerous clinics. This is a goldmine for group health insurance (for employees) and key-person insurance for medical professionals. Hiring trends show a constant need for agents who understand the complexities of healthcare plans.
2. Moore Public Schools: A massive district with over 35 schools. They have a large, stable workforce. Agents can focus on group benefits for teachers and staff, as well as personal life and disability insurance for educators. The district's stability means less turnover in potential clients.
3. Oklahoma City Air Logistics Complex (Tinker AFB): While the base is in Oklahoma City, Moore is a primary bedroom community for its civilian employees. These are stable, often middle-to-upper-income jobs with excellent benefits. The niche here is retirement planning, supplemental insurance, and veteran-specific products (VA loans, SGLI conversions).
4. City of Moore: The municipal government employs hundreds in public safety, utilities, and administration. Public sector jobs often have good base benefits but gaps in coverage, creating demand for supplemental life, disability, and umbrella policies.
5. Local Manufacturing & Logistics: Moore is home to several light manufacturing facilities and distribution centers (e.g., for food processing, automotive parts). These businesses need commercial property, liability, and workers' compensation insurance. This is a B2B (business-to-business) sales opportunity that often pays higher commissions than personal lines.
6. Downtown Moore & Local Businesses: The revitalization of downtown Moore has spurred small business growth (restaurants, boutique shops, professional services). Each is a potential client for commercial general liability, property, and business interruption insurance. Building relationships with the Moore Chamber of Commerce is essential here.

Insider Tip: The hiring trend in Moore is less about mass postings and more about relationships. Many agency owners are approaching retirement age. Networking with the Moore Chamber of Commerce and attending events like the Moore Summer Festival can land you an opportunity before it's publicly advertised. Focus on industries underserved by large, impersonal carriers—specializing in agribusiness for surrounding rural areas can be a lucrative niche.

Getting Licensed in OK

To practice in Oklahoma, you must be licensed by the Oklahoma Insurance Department (OID). The process is straightforward but requires commitment.

State-Specific Requirements:

1. Pre-Licensing Education: You must complete a state-approved course. For a Property & Casualty license (most common for starting agents), this is typically 20 hours. For a Life & Health license, it's 40 hours. Many agents get both licenses to be more versatile. Courses cost between $150-$300 online.
2. State Exam: After completing your course, you schedule the exam with Pearson VUE. The fee is $62 per attempt. The state exam is known for being detailed; study the Oklahoma-specific statutes.
3. Fingerprinting and Background Check: Required for licensing. Costs about $50.
4. License Application & Fee: Once you pass the exam, you apply online through the OID. The license fee is $200 for a resident producer license.

Total Estimated Cost & Timeline:

• Total Cost: $462 - $612 (Pre-licensing + Exam + Fingerprinting + License Fee).
• Timeline: 4-8 weeks from start to holding your license. This includes study time (2-4 weeks), scheduling the exam, and processing paperwork.

Insider Tip: Don't just stop at the state license. Oklahoma has a strong network of independent agencies. Consider getting appointed with major carriers like State Farm, Allstate, or Farm Bureau, which have a significant presence in the state. Also, look into Surety and Crop Insurance licenses if you're interested in the agricultural sector—a major part of Oklahoma's economy that touches Moore's surrounding areas.

Best Neighborhoods for Insurance Agents

Where you live affects your commute, your client base, and your lifestyle. Moore offers distinct neighborhoods, each with a different feel.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Typical Home Price	Typical Rent (1BR)	Ideal For...
Central Moore (Downtown Adjacent)	Walkable to local shops, older, established homes. 10-min commute to most of Moore.	$180,000 - $275,000	$800 - $950	Agents who value community integration, older homes with character, and minimal commute.
South Moore (Near I-35)	Newer subdivisions, master-planned communities (e.g., Yorktown). 15-20 min commute to OKC.	$250,000 - $350,000+	$900 - $1,100	Growing families, agents wanting more space/modern amenities, and easy access to Tinker AFB/OKC.
East Moore (Near 4th St)	More affordable, mix of older and newer homes. 10-15 min commute.	$160,000 - $225,000	$700 - $850	First-time homebuyers, agents starting their career who want to keep housing costs low.
West Moore (Near Indian Meridian Rd)	Quieter, more rural feel, larger lots. 15-20 min commute to central Moore/OKC.	$275,000 - $400,000+	$950 - $1,200	Agents who prefer privacy, have a family, or want a home-based office with space.

Insider Tip: For an insurance agent, visibility and accessibility matter. Living in Central Moore puts you in the heart of the community, making it easier to pop into local businesses and network. If you work from home, West Moore offers the peace and space for a professional home office. However, be aware that clients may expect to meet you in person; being centrally located can be an advantage.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In Moore, career growth isn't about climbing a corporate ladder; it's about deepening your expertise and expanding your network.

• Specialty Premiums: The real money in insurance comes from specialization. In Moore, consider:
  • Agribusiness: Oklahoma is a top agricultural state. Insuring farms, ranches, and agribusinesses requires specialized knowledge but commands high premiums.
  • Commercial Lines: Moving from personal auto/home to commercial property & liability for the many small businesses in Moore and surrounding areas.
  • Life & Financial Services: Partnering with financial advisors to offer comprehensive plans for Tinker AFB employees and local professionals.
• Advancement Paths: The typical path is Producer -> Senior Producer -> Agency Owner. Many agents in Moore start as captive agents (working for one company) and later transition to independent agencies to have more product flexibility. Some leverage their book of business to buy a retiring agent's agency.
• 10-Year Outlook (5% Growth): This steady growth suggests a market that rewards relationship-based selling and specialization. Technology will play a larger role (e.g., digital client portals, drones for property assessments), but the human element—trust, local knowledge, and face-to-face service—will remain paramount. The agents who thrive will be those who embed themselves in the community's fabric, not just those who sell the cheapest policy.

Insider Tip: Plan for succession early. Many of the top-performing agents in Moore are baby boomers. If you can demonstrate reliability and a strong client focus, you may be in a position to partner with or eventually acquire a mature book of business. This is a faster path to a six-figure income than building from scratch.

The Verdict: Is Moore Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Affordable Cost of Living: Your $77,781 salary goes far, making homeownership realistic.	Limited Job Volume: Only 126 jobs in the metro; competition can be fierce for top agency positions.
Stable, Community-Focused Market: Built on trust and relationships, ideal for long-term career building.	Less Diverse Economy: Heavily reliant on OKC/Tinker AFB, limiting specialized niches outside of those sectors.
Strong Local Employers: Provides a steady stream of potential clients in healthcare, education, and government.	Slower Growth (5%): Not a market for rapid, explosive income growth; requires patience and persistence.
Strategic Location: Close to OKC for networking and larger agency opportunities, but with a quieter, family-friendly base.	Car-Dependent City: You'll need a reliable vehicle, adding to your monthly expenses.
Low Stress & High Quality of Life: Less traffic, lower crime, and a strong sense of community compared to major metros.	Limited Cultural/Nightlife: If you thrive on big-city energy, Moore may feel too quiet.

Final Recommendation:
Moore is an excellent choice for a mid-career insurance agent or a new agent with a long-term mindset. It's not the place for someone looking to get rich quick in a high-volume, cutthroat market. It is the place for an agent who values stability, understands the power of a handshake, and wants to build a meaningful career while enjoying a high quality of life and affordable living. If you're willing to invest 3-5 years in building your local network, the financial and personal rewards in Moore are significant.

FAQs

Q: Is the $77,781 median salary for a solo agent or does it include agency owners?
A: This median typically reflects all insurance agents, including those working for large agencies and a portion of independent agents. Agency owners' income is more variable and often higher, pulling the median up. A new, solo agent should expect to start in the entry-level range and work toward the median over several years.

Q: How competitive is the market for new agents in Moore?
A: It's moderately competitive but not saturated. The key is differentiation. Instead of competing on price with big national brands, focus on a niche (e.g., serving teachers, small manufacturers, or new homeowners) and provide superior, personalized service. New agents often succeed by partnering with a senior agent in a well-respected local agency.

Q: Do I need to specialize in a specific type of insurance for Moore?
A: Not immediately, but it's highly recommended for long-term growth. Start with Property & Casualty (auto, home, renters) to build your base. As you grow, consider adding Life & Health or a specialty line like Commercial or Ag