Career Guide for Loan Officers in Moore, Oklahoma

Hey there. If you're a Loan Officer considering Moore, you're probably looking for a place with a manageable cost of living, a stable housing market, and a community that doesn't get lost in the noise of a major metropolis. As a local who's seen the financial landscape of this city shift over the years, I can tell you Moore offers a unique blend of affordability and opportunity, especially if you're looking to build a solid client base in a community that values long-term relationships.

This isn't a promotional brochure. It's a data-driven breakdown of what your career and life could look like here, from your take-home pay to the neighborhoods where you might find your next home.

The Salary Picture: Where Moore Stands

First, let's talk numbers. The financial landscape for Loan Officers in Moore is modest but competitive, sitting slightly below the national average but with a cost of living that makes it very attractive. According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and local salary aggregators, the median salary for a Loan Officer in the Moore metro area is $74,142/year, translating to an hourly rate of $35.65/hour. This is just below the national average of $76,200/year.

However, Moore's job market for this specific role is tight. There are only 126 Loan Officer positions in the metro area, which includes Oklahoma City. This means competition exists, but opportunities are focused on experienced professionals who can handle both conventional and government-backed loans. The 10-year job growth is projected at 3%, which is steady but not explosive. This indicates a stable market that won't see drastic booms or busts, making it ideal for someone who prioritizes longevity over volatile commission spikes.

Experience-Level Breakdown in Moore

Level	Estimated Years of Experience	Salary Range (Annual)	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$55,000 - $65,000	Processing applications, basic loan submission, learning underwriting guidelines.
Mid-Level	3-7 years	$68,000 - $80,000	Managing a full pipeline, complex loan structuring, client relationship building.
Senior-Level	8-15 years	$82,000 - $95,000+	Specializing (e.g., VA, FHA), training junior staff, managing high-net-worth clients.
Expert/Managerial	15+ years	$100,000+	Branch management, compliance oversight, strategic business development.

Note: Ranges are estimates based on local job postings and industry standards. Performance-based commissions can significantly alter total compensation.

Comparison to Other Oklahoma Cities

Moore's salary sits in a middle ground within the state. It's more competitive than smaller rural towns but falls short of the higher salaries found in Oklahoma City's core financial districts. For instance, Loan Officers in downtown OKC can command salaries closer to the $80,000 range due to a higher concentration of corporate headquarters and larger lending institutions. However, the commute and cost of living in OKC are notably higher. Moore offers a strategic balance: you can service clients in OKC while living in a more affordable community.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get practical. A $74,142 salary sounds good, but what does it mean for your monthly budget in Moore? We'll use 2023 tax brackets and local cost data for a realistic picture.

Monthly Budget Breakdown for a $74,142 Salary in Moore, OK

Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Gross Monthly Income	$6,178.50	$74,142 / 12 months
Taxes (Federal & State)	-$1,350	Estimated (Married filing jointly, single dependents; includes OK state tax of 4.75%)
Net Take-Home Pay	$4,828.50	After taxes and FICA.
Rent (1BR Average)	-$773	Citywide average.
Utilities (Electric, Gas, Water, Internet)	-$200	Varies by season; summer AC bills can push this higher.
Groceries & Household	-$500	For one person.
Car Payment/Insurance	-$400	Assumes a moderate payment and OK's relatively low insurance rates.
Health Insurance	-$350	Employer-sponsored plan estimate with employee contribution.
Retirement Savings (5%)	-$309	Crucial for long-term financial health.
Discretionary Spending	-$1,296.50	Covers dining out, entertainment, personal shopping, and emergency fund.

This budget leaves a healthy cushion for discretionary spending or additional savings, which is a significant advantage in Moore compared to larger metro areas.

Can They Afford to Buy a Home?

Yes, absolutely. This is one of Moore's biggest draws. With a net take-home of $4,828.50 and an average 1BR rent of $773, the rent-to-income ratio is a comfortable 16%. This leaves substantial room for a mortgage.

Let's consider a modest home purchase. The median home price in Moore hovers around $225,000. With a 20% down payment ($45,000), a 30-year fixed mortgage at 7% would result in a monthly principal and interest payment of approximately $1,197. Adding taxes and insurance (PITI) brings the total to roughly $1,500/month. This is just 31% of your gross monthly income, which is well within the standard 28% guideline and leaves room for utilities and maintenance. For a Loan Officer, buying a home here is not just feasible; it's a smart financial move that builds equity in a stable market.

Where the Jobs Are: Moore's Major Employers

The job market for Loan Officers in Moore is anchored by a mix of local credit unions, regional banks, and proximity to OKC's financial sector. You won't find the headquarters of national mega-banks here, but you will find stable employers with deep community roots.

1. Tinker Federal Credit Union (TFCU): A major regional player with a strong branch presence in Moore. They are consistently hiring for loan officers, especially those with experience in auto, personal, and mortgage lending. Their focus on member service aligns well with Moore's community-oriented culture.
2. Bank of Oklahoma (BOK Financial): While their corporate HQ is in Tulsa, BOK has a significant retail and commercial presence in the OKC metro, including branches in Moore. They offer competitive salaries and benefits and often seek officers with experience in commercial lending to service local small businesses.
3. First Fidelity Bank: A Oklahoma-based institution with a dedicated branch in Moore. They emphasize personal banking and lending, making it a good fit for loan officers who prefer a relationship-based approach over high-volume sales.
4. Oklahoma Central Credit Union: Another key local lender serving the Moore area, particularly for auto and home equity loans. They often promote from within and provide strong internal training.
5. Local Independent Mortgage Brokers: Moore has a handful of small, independent mortgage brokerages. These can be excellent opportunities for experienced loan officers who want more autonomy and a higher commission split, though they may lack the stability of a large institution.
6. Nearby OKC Institutions: It's common for Moore-based loan officers to work for banks and credit unions with headquarters or major operations in nearby Oklahoma City, such as First United Bank or Vast Bank. The commute is manageable (20-30 minutes), and the salary potential is slightly higher.

Hiring Trends: There's a steady demand for loan officers with expertise in FHA and VA loans, given the proximity to Tinker Air Force Base and a veteran population. Digital fluency—using online application systems and video conferencing—is now a baseline expectation. Employers are also looking for officers with bilingual skills (Spanish) to serve the growing Hispanic community.

Getting Licensed in Oklahoma

Before you can originate loans in Oklahoma, you must be properly licensed. The process is managed by the Oklahoma Department of Consumer Credit (ODCC).

Requirements & Costs:

1. Pre-Licensing Education (PLE): You must complete 20 hours of approved pre-licensing education. This covers federal and state mortgage laws, ethics, and lending standards. Cost: Approximately $200 - $350.
2. NMLS Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System: You must create an account on the NMLS website. This is where your application and credentials will be managed. Cost: $30 for the NMLS processing fee.
3. State Application & Background Check: Submit an application through the ODCC. This includes a credit report and a nationwide criminal background check. Cost: $50 application fee + $36.25 for fingerprints.
4. Examination: You must pass the National Mortgage Licensing System (NMLS) SAFE MLO Exam. The exam is challenging and requires dedicated study. Cost: $80 for the exam fee.
5. Surety Bond: Oklahoma requires a $25,000 surety bond. For most new MLOs, this is covered by their employing broker/dealer, so you typically don't pay this out-of-pocket.

Total Estimated Cost to Get Licensed: $400 - $600 (excluding study materials and potential retake fees for the exam).

Timeline to Get Started:

• Weeks 1-2: Enroll in and complete your 20-hour pre-licensing course.
• Weeks 3-4: Study intensely for the NMLS exam. Use the official NMLS study materials and practice tests.
• Week 5: Schedule and take the SAFE MLO Exam.
• Week 6: Submit your application and fingerprints to the ODCC/NMLS.
• Weeks 7-10: Wait for processing and background check. Once approved, you can be sponsored by a broker and begin originating loans.

Insider Tip: Don't wait for a job offer to start this process. Having your license in hand makes you a far more attractive candidate. Many local lenders will sponsor you, but they prefer candidates who are already in the pipeline.

Best Neighborhoods for Loan Officers

Where you live in Moore impacts your commute, lifestyle, and sense of community. Here’s a breakdown of key areas.

1. East Moore (Near I-35 & SW 19th St):

   • Commute: Excellent. Direct access to I-35 for a 20-minute drive to downtown OKC or the northern suburbs. Most local bank branches are within a 10-minute drive.
   • Lifestyle: Established, quiet, and family-friendly. Close to Santa Fe Plaza for shopping and dining. Rent for a 1BR averages $750 - $825.
   • Best For: Those who want a short, predictable commute and classic suburban living.

2. South Moore (Around SW 4th St & I-35):

   • Commute: Very good. Similar to East Moore but closer to the Moore Medical Center and Southgate Shopping Center.
   • Lifestyle: A mix of older, affordable homes and newer developments. Great access to parks and community pools. Rent for a 1BR averages $725 - $800.
   • Best For: Budget-conscious professionals who want to be close to amenities.

3. West Moore/Norman Edge (Near SW 134th & Penn):

   • Commute: Good, but requires crossing I-35 or using Indian Nation Turnpike. About 25-30 minutes to OKC.
   • Lifestyle: More rural feel, with larger lots and newer, more spacious homes. Quieter and less traffic. Rent for a 1BR averages $700 - $775.
   • Best For: Those who prefer a bit more space and don't mind a slightly longer commute.

4. Downtown Moore (Around Main St & Broadway):

   • Commute: Walkable to local businesses, but you'll likely need to drive to larger employers. 20 minutes to OKC.
   • Lifestyle: The heart of the community. Walkable to local coffee shops, restaurants like The Mule and Flashback Retro Pub, and city events. There's a revitalization effort underway. Rent for a 1BR is harder to find but averages $800 - $900.
   • Best For: Social butterflies who want to be in the center of the action and support local business.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Moore isn't a "get rich quick" market for loan officers, but it's an excellent place to build a sustainable, high-earning career over time.

Specialty Premiums: To increase your earnings, specialize. In this market, expertise in USDA Rural Development loans (for surrounding areas), VA loans (for veterans at Tinker AFB), and FHA loans (for first-time buyers) commands higher value. Officers with these skills can easily push their earnings 10-20% above the median base.

Advancement Paths:

• Senior Loan Officer: Focus on complex jumbo loans and commercial lending for local businesses.
• Branch Manager: Oversee a local branch for a bank or credit union, managing a team and P&L.
• Mortgage Broker/Owner: The ultimate goal for many. Open your own brokerage, set your own splits, and build a brand. The low cost of living in Moore makes the startup phase less risky.

10-Year Outlook: The 3% job growth suggests a stable market. The key to growth will be adapting to technology (AI-driven underwriting, digital document collection) and building a referral network in the community. Officers who become trusted advisors to real estate agents, builders, and financial planners will thrive. Long-term, your income will grow not from a booming market, but from a deepening client base that values your local expertise.

The Verdict: Is Moore Right for You?

Moore presents a compelling case for Loan Officers seeking stability and a high quality of life, but it's not without its trade-offs.

Pros	Cons
Low Cost of Living (91.0 index). Your salary goes much further here.	Limited job market. Only 126 positions; competition can be fierce for openings.
Stable, predictable market. No wild swings, ideal for long-term planning.	Lower salary ceiling. Top earners are capped below $100k without moving to OKC or into management.
Strong community ties. Easy to build a referral network and become a local expert.	Fewer major employers. Less diversity in institutional lending opportunities.
Excellent home affordability. You can buy a home comfortably on the median salary.	Proximity to OKC. A double-edged sword; you may need to commute for the best opportunities.
Manageable commute. You're never far from work, shopping, or amenities.	Slower career pace. Not for those seeking rapid, explosive growth.

Final Recommendation:
Moore is an ideal choice for Loan Officers in the mid-level stage of their career (3-10 years of experience) who are looking to settle down, buy a home, and build a stable, community-focused practice. It's perfect for professionals who value work-life balance over chasing the highest possible commission in a cutthroat market. If you're an entry-level officer, it's a great place to start if you prioritize affordability, but you may need to look toward OKC for broader training opportunities. For experts, Moore offers a chance to become a big fish in a small, supportive pond.

FAQs

Q: What's the real earning potential for a Loan Officer in Moore?
A: While the median is $74,142, top performers who specialize and build a strong network can earn $90,000 - $100,000. However, the majority of earners cluster between $65,000 and $85,000. Commission structure varies by employer, so ask detailed questions about splits and bonus tiers during interviews.

Q: How does the proximity to Tinker Air Force Base affect the job market?
A: It's a significant driver. Tinker brings in a steady stream of active-duty military and veterans who need VA loans. Being knowledgeable about the VA loan process—especially the specific paperwork and entitlement rules—is a huge advantage and can set you apart from competitors.

Q: Is the job market competitive with nearby Oklahoma City?
A: Yes, but in a specific way. You won't compete with OKC for the same corporate banking roles, but you will compete for local clients. Many Moore residents work in OKC and may be serviced by OKC-based loan officers. Your edge will be your local presence—attending community events, being visible in Moore's neighborhoods, and building relationships with Moore-based realtors.

Q: What's the best way to network in Moore?
A: Join the Moore Chamber of Commerce. Attend events hosted by the Moore Association of Realtors. Frequent local coffee shops and restaurants—being a familiar face matters here. Also, volunteer with community organizations; it's a powerful way to build trust.

Q: Are there opportunities for remote work?
A: Yes, especially post-pandemic. Many lenders hire loan officers to work