Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in Moore, OK

As a career analyst who’s lived in Moore for over a decade and watched the healthcare landscape shift with the 2013 tornado and subsequent rebuilding, I can tell you straight: Moore isn’t the flashiest nursing market in Oklahoma, but it’s a solid, stable place to build a career, especially if you value affordability and a tight-knit community. This guide is for LPNs who want the unvarnished data and local insights to decide if Moore is their next stop.

The Salary Picture: Where Moore Stands

The median salary for an LPN in Moore is $53,145/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $25.55/hour. This is slightly below the national average of $54,620/year, but the trade-off is Moore’s significantly lower cost of living. The metro area (Cleveland County) has a relatively small but steady nursing job market, with approximately 126 LPN positions available at any given time and a projected 10-year job growth of 5%.

Here’s how experience translates into pay in our local market:

Experience Level	Typical Years in Field	Approximate Annual Salary Range in Moore
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$45,000 - $49,000
Mid-Career	3-8 years	$50,000 - $57,000
Senior	9-15 years	$58,000 - $65,000
Expert/Specialty	15+ years / specialty certs	$66,000+

Local Insight: While the base pay is competitive, you’ll often find that Moore-based employers offer sign-on bonuses (frequently $3,000-$5,000) to attract talent, especially for night or weekend shifts. It’s a common tactic to offset the slightly lower base wage.

Comparison to Other Oklahoma Cities:

• Oklahoma City Metro: Median salary is closer to $56,000, but rent and cost of living are 15-20% higher.
• Norman: Very similar to Moore in pay and cost of living, but with a larger university hospital influence.
• Tulsa: Median pay can be slightly higher ($54,500), but the job market is more saturated.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s be real about the numbers. A gross annual salary of $53,145 translates to a monthly gross of about $4,429. After federal taxes, Oklahoma state tax (4.75%), FICA, and local deductions, your take-home pay will be approximately $3,300 - $3,400 per month.

Moore’s average 1-bedroom rent is $773/month. Here’s a realistic monthly budget breakdown for an LPN living alone:

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Rent (1BR)	$773	Based on metro average. Newer complexes near I-35 can be $850+.
Utilities (Elec/Water/Gas)	$150	Higher in summer due to AC.
Groceries	$350	For one person.
Car Payment/Insurance	$350	Essential in Moore; public transit is limited.
Health Insurance (if not covered)	$200	Employer plans are common but vary.
Student Loans/Other Debt	$200	Varies widely.
Gas/Transport	$150	Commuting to Norman or OKC is common.
Miscellaneous/Leisure	$400	Eating out, entertainment, savings.
TOTAL	$2,573	Leaves ~$727-$827 for savings or debt.

Can they afford to buy a home?
Yes, but it requires planning. The median home price in Moore is approximately $210,000. With a down payment and good credit, a monthly mortgage payment (including taxes/insurance) could be around $1,400-$1,550. This is doable on an LPN salary if you forego a 1BR apartment and opt for a roommate or a starter home. Many local nurses buy in neighborhoods like South Moore or Eastside for better value.

Where the Jobs Are: Moore's Major Employers

The nursing job market in Moore is anchored by a mix of large hospitals (which are technically in neighboring cities but serve Moore residents) and local long-term care facilities. Commuting to Norman or OKC is the norm for hospital jobs.

1. Moore Medical Center (Norman Regional Health System): While the main hospital is in Norman, this outpatient clinic in Moore is a major local employer for LPNs in ambulatory care. Hiring is steady for day shifts.
2. The Villages at Moore: A large skilled nursing and rehabilitation facility right in Moore. They have a constant need for LPNs for long-term care and rehab units. Insider Tip: They often host open interview days on Wednesdays.
3. SSM Health St. Anthony Hospital (Shawnee/Midwest City): A 20-minute commute, but a major employer with a strong reputation. They frequently hire LPNs for their med-surg and specialty floors.
4. Norman Regional Hospital: The largest employer in the area, just 15 minutes south. They have a massive LPN workforce across multiple campuses. Hiring trends show a preference for candidates with EHR (Epic) experience.
5. Oklahoma Children's Hospital OU Health (OKC): A 30-minute commute, but offers premium pay for pediatric specialties. LPNs with a PALS certification are highly sought after here.
6. Local Home Health Agencies: Companies like SunCrest Home Health and Visiting Nurse Association have offices serving Moore. Pay is often per-visit, offering flexibility but requiring reliable transportation.
7. Private Duty Agencies: Several smaller agencies specialize in pediatric and geriatric private duty nursing. Good for those seeking non-traditional hours.

Hiring Trends: There’s a growing demand for LPNs in palliative care and home health, driven by an aging population. Hospitals are also increasingly using LPNs on med-surg floors, which was less common a decade ago.

Getting Licensed in OK

The Oklahoma Board of Nursing (OBON) oversees licensure. It’s a straightforward process but requires attention to detail.

1. Education: Graduate from a state-approved LPN program (there are several in the OKC metro area, including Moore’s own Mid-America Technology Center which offers an LPN program).
2. NCLEX-PN Exam: Apply for your license by examination through the OBON website. The application fee is $115. Once approved, you’ll register for the NCLEX-PN with Pearson VUE ($200 exam fee).
3. Background Check: A fingerprint-based criminal history check is required (~$65).
4. Timeline: From graduation to holding your license typically takes 6-8 weeks if you pass the NCLEX on the first attempt. Total cost for the process is roughly $380.

Insider Tip: Oklahoma is part of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), meaning if you get your Oklahoma license, you can practice in other compact states (like Texas, Kansas, Missouri) without additional licenses. This is a huge plus for nurses considering future moves.

Best Neighborhoods for Licensed Practical Nurse (LPNs)

Moore is a commuter town, so your neighborhood choice often balances commute time with lifestyle and rent.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	1BR Rent Estimate	Why an LPN Might Choose It
South Moore	Quiet, family-oriented, newer builds. 15-20 min to Norman hospitals.	$800 - $950	Great for those working at Norman Regional or SSM. Good schools if you have a family.
Eastside / Southeast Moore	Older, established, very affordable. 25-30 min to OKC, 20 min to Norman.	$650 - $750	Best for budget-conscious nurses. Close to I-35 for easy commutes to any direction.
Downtown Moore	Walkable, small-town feel, older homes. 20-25 min to OKC/Norman.	$700 - $800	Ideal if you want a short commute to Moore Medical Center and enjoy local cafes/stores.
West Moore / Ranchwood	Suburban, mid-century homes, good value. 25-30 min to most hospitals.	$750 - $850	A solid middle-ground. Good for nurses who work varied shifts and want a quiet home base.
Central Moore (Near I-35)	Commercial, convenient, mix of apartments and older homes. 15-20 min to anything.	$725 - $825	Perfect if you work odd hours and need quick highway access. Less community feel.

The Long Game: Career Growth

While Moore itself has limited specialty roles, its proximity to OKC and Norman opens up growth paths.

Specialty Premiums (in the OKC Metro):

• Gerontology/Geriatrics: +$2-$3/hour
• IV Therapy Certification: +$1.50-$2.50/hour
• LPN to RN Bridge: The most significant jump. RNs in the metro earn a median of $76,000+. Local options include Rose State College and Oklahoma City Community College (both have evening/weekend RN programs ideal for working LPNs).

10-Year Outlook: With a 5% growth rate, the market is stable but not exploding. The key to advancement is specialization. Consider obtaining certifications in wound care or diabetes education through the Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Nurses Society (WOCN). These credentials make you valuable to home health and long-term care facilities, which are the primary employers in Moore.

The Verdict: Is Moore Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Extremely Affordable Cost of Living (Index: 91.0 vs US 100)	Limited Local Specialties – Commute is required for hospital roles
Stable, Predictable Job Market (126 jobs, 5% growth)	Lower Median Salary vs. national average
Short, Easy Commutes to OKC and Norman	Limited Public Transit – Car is a must
Tight-Knit Nursing Community – easy to network	Fewer Continuing Ed Opportunities locally vs. OKC
Nurse Licensure Compact state	Tornado Risk – a real consideration for housing location

Final Recommendation:
Moore is an excellent choice for LPNs who prioritize affordability and work-life balance over high-cost, fast-paced city life. It’s ideal for:

• New graduates looking to pay down student loans aggressively.
• Experienced LPNs seeking a slower pace without leaving a major metro area.
• Nurses with families who want good schools and safe neighborhoods.

If you’re aiming for a high-salary, high-specialty hospital role from day one, OKC or Tulsa might be better. But for a sustainable, long-term career with a strong quality of life, Moore is a hidden gem.

FAQs

1. Can I get a job in Moore without prior experience?
Yes, but it’s competitive. Long-term care facilities like The Villages at Moore are the most likely to hire new grads. Having a CNA certification first can give you a major advantage.

2. How bad are the tornadoes really?
The 2013 event was catastrophic, but Moore has since implemented some of the nation’s strictest building codes. Most newer homes and apartments have safe rooms or storm shelters. It’s a factor to consider when choosing a rental, but not a dealbreaker for most residents.

3. Is the commute to OKC/Norman manageable?
Absolutely. The I-35 corridor is a straight shot. Most commutes are 20-30 minutes. However, traffic can be heavy during rush hour. Many LPNs work 7a-7p shifts, which helps avoid the worst traffic.

4. What’s the best way to find local LPN jobs?
Check the Oklahoma Board of Nursing job board, but also use Indeed and filter for Moore, Norman, and Midwest City. Networking is key—join the Oklahoma Nurses Association local chapter. Many jobs are filled through word-of-mouth.

5. Do I need to specialize to advance in Moore?
Not necessarily. You can advance in pay and title within long-term care or home health through experience and leadership roles (e.g., Charge Nurse). However, if you want to move into hospital specialties (like ICU or Pediatrics), you’ll need to commute and may need additional certifications.