Marketing Manager in Moore, OK

As a career analyst who’s spent years tracking Oklahoma's job market, I can tell you that Moore, OK, is a strategic play for marketing managers. It’s not the bustling hub of Oklahoma City, but its proximity, combined with a low cost of living, creates a unique financial advantage. Let’s break down the real numbers and the local landscape to see if this is the right move for your career.

The Salary Picture: Where Moore Stands

The salary for a Marketing Manager in Moore is heavily influenced by the Oklahoma City metro area. While Moore itself is a smaller market, the surrounding economic activity sets the benchmark. The median salary for a Marketing Manager here is $153,364/year, which breaks down to roughly $73.73/hour. This is slightly below the national average of $157,620/year, a typical adjustment for the lower cost of living in the region.

However, the job market is specialized. There are approximately 126 marketing manager positions in the broader metro area, which includes Moore, Norman, and OKC. This isn’t a massive volume, meaning competition can be fierce for the best roles, but it also means companies are willing to pay a premium for proven talent. The 10-year job growth is projected at 8%, a steady but not explosive rate, indicating a stable market rather than a boom.

To understand where you fit, here’s a look at the salary progression:

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary Range	Key Responsibilities in Moore
Entry-Level	$95,000 - $115,000	Assisting with campaigns, social media management, local event coordination for small-to-midsized businesses.
Mid-Career	$125,000 - $160,000	Leading campaigns, managing budgets, analyzing ROI for regional employers.
Senior	$165,000 - $195,000	Strategic planning, managing teams, overseeing multi-channel marketing for larger employers.
Expert/Leadership	$200,000+	C-suite or director-level roles, often requiring expertise in digital transformation or corporate communications.

Compared to other Oklahoma cities, Moore offers a compelling balance. Oklahoma City (the metro core) has a slightly higher median salary for the role (around $158,000), but the cost of living is higher. Tulsa’s market is smaller, with salaries closer to $148,000. Norman, the home of the University of Oklahoma, offers comparable salaries to Moore but with a more academic and tech-focused employer base. Moore’s edge is its affordability combined with direct access to the OKC metro's largest employers.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get practical. With a median salary of $153,364, your take-home pay after taxes (federal, state, and FICA) will be approximately $111,000 - $115,000 annually, or about $9,250 - $9,600 per month. This is an estimate; your exact take-home depends on your filing status, deductions, and retirement contributions.

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 (US average = 100), making the city about 9% cheaper than the national average.

Here’s a sample monthly budget for a Marketing Manager earning the median salary:

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes for Moore
Take-Home Pay	$9,500	After taxes & 401(k) contribution
Rent (1BR)	$773	Below national average
Utilities	$250	Includes electricity, water, internet
Groceries	$450	Comparable to national averages
Transportation	$400	Car insurance & gas (Moore is car-dependent)
Health Insurance	$500	Varies by employer plan
Discretionary	$2,000	Dining, entertainment, savings
Remaining for Savings/Debt	$5,127	Significant financial flexibility

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely. With over $5,000 in monthly surplus, a Marketing Manager could save a 20% down payment on a median-priced home in Moore (around $200,000 - $250,000) in just 12-18 months. Mortgage payments would likely be higher than rent but still manageable within this budget, especially with $5,127 in monthly surplus. This financial runway is Moore’s biggest draw.

Where the Jobs Are: Moore's Major Employers

The job market for Marketing Managers in Moore isn’t defined by Fortune 500 headquarters but by regional operations, healthcare, and service industries. You’ll find the most opportunities in the following sectors and employers:

1. Norman Regional Health System (NRHS): A major employer for the metro area, with facilities in both Norman and Moore (Moore Medical Center). Marketing roles here focus on community outreach, patient acquisition, and physician relations. Hiring is steady due to ongoing healthcare expansion.

2. Moore Public Schools (MPS): The district is one of the largest in the state. Marketing/Communications roles are focused on district branding, community engagement, bond campaigns, and digital content for parents and students. These positions are stable but competitive.

3. Local Government (City of Moore): The city itself hires marketing and public information officers. These roles involve promoting city events, managing social media for the city, and handling public relations. The hiring process is formal and tied to municipal budgets.

4. Tinker Air Force Base (Adjacent): While the base is in Oklahoma City, its economic ripple effect is massive in Moore. Many defense contractors (like Boeing, Lockheed Martin subcontractors) and service companies that support the base have offices in the metro area. Marketing roles here often involve B2B and government contracting.

5. Retail & Automotive Hubs: Moore is a major retail corridor along I-35. Large dealership groups (like Bob Howard, David Stanley) and regional retail chains have marketing teams focused on local TV, radio, and digital advertising. These roles often have a strong sales-driven metric.

6. Oklahoma City Thunder (OKC): While based in OKC, the Thunder’s marketing and community relations teams often look for talent from the broader metro. This is a competitive, high-prestige role that requires a deep understanding of sports marketing.

Insider Tip: Your best strategy is to target the Oklahoma City metro job board, not just Moore-specific listings. Use LinkedIn and set your location to "Oklahoma City Area." Many employers list "Moore" as a remote or hybrid work location without posting specifically in the city.

Getting Licensed in OK

For Marketing Managers, there is no state-specific license required to practice in Oklahoma. The state does not regulate the marketing profession in the way it does for accountants, engineers, or real estate agents.

However, there are important certifications that are highly valued in the local market:

• Google Analytics & Ads Certifications: Free and essential for any digital marketing role.
• HubSpot Inbound Marketing Certification: Recognized by many local agencies and corporate teams.
• Oklahoma Real Estate License: Only required if you plan to work in real estate marketing (e.g., for a brokerage). The course and exam cost approximately $500-$700, and the process takes 3-4 months.

The main "barrier to entry" is building a portfolio. For someone relocating, I recommend joining the Oklahoma City Chapter of the American Marketing Association (OKC AMA). Membership (around $150/year) provides networking opportunities that are critical for breaking into the local market.

Best Neighborhoods for Marketing Managers

Moore is a sprawling, family-oriented city. Your choice of neighborhood will depend on your commute, lifestyle, and budget. Here are four key areas:

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

   • Vibe: The commercial heart of Moore. Close to shopping, restaurants, and the Moore Medical Center.
   • Commute: 20-25 minutes to downtown OKC; 10 minutes to Norman.
   • Rent Estimate: $800 - $950/month for a 1BR.
   • Best For: Those who want a short, easy commute and walkability to amenities.

2. East Moore (Near 12th St & Eastern Ave):

   • Vibe: Established, quiet residential area with older homes and larger lots.
   • Commute: 25-30 minutes to OKC; 15 minutes to Norman.
   • Rent Estimate: $700 - $850/month for a 1BR.
   • Best For: A more residential feel with lower rent, ideal for professionals working from home.

3. West Moore (Near 4th St & Santa Fe Ave):

   • Vibe: A mix of older homes and new developments. Closer to the interstate but less commercial.
   • Commute: 20 minutes to OKC; 15 minutes to Norman.
   • Rent Estimate: $750 - $900/month for a 1BR.
   • Best For: A balance of affordability and convenience, with easy access to both OKC and Norman.

4. The "Downtown" Area (Around Main St & Broadway):

   • Vibe: Quaint, small-town feel with local shops and cafes. Less inventory for rentals.
   • Commute: 25 minutes to OKC; 15 minutes to Norman.
   • Rent Estimate: $700 - $825/month (fewer options).
   • Best For: Those who want a walkable, community-focused lifestyle.

Insider Tip: Traffic on I-35 can be heavy during rush hour. If you work in OKC, living in South or West Moore can shave 10-15 minutes off your commute compared to East Moore.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 8% 10-year growth projection is modest, but it doesn't tell the full story. Marketing as a field is evolving rapidly. To advance, you’ll need to specialize.

Specialty Premiums: In the Moore/OKC market, these skills command higher salaries:

• B2B Marketing: Especially in the energy, aerospace, and manufacturing sectors. Professionals can earn 10-15% above the median.
• Healthcare Marketing: With the growth of Norman Regional and Integris, this is a stable, growing niche.
• Digital Marketing & Analytics: A universal premium. Mastery of SEO, PPC, and data visualization tools (Tableau, Power BI) is non-negotiable for senior roles.

Advancement Paths: The typical path is from Marketing Coordinator to Manager, then to Senior Marketing Manager or Director. In smaller markets like Moore, lateral moves to OKC-based companies are common for advancement. The key is to build a track record of measurable ROI (e.g., "Increased lead generation by 30% for a local hospital campaign").

10-Year Outlook: The market will remain stable. The biggest growth will likely be in hybrid and remote marketing roles based in Oklahoma City but with Moore as a residence. This allows Moore-based marketers to access higher salaries while enjoying the lower cost of living.

The Verdict: Is Moore Right for You?

The decision comes down to prioritizing financial flexibility and quality of life over a bustling urban core.

Pros	Cons
Exceptional affordability allows for high savings and home ownership.	Limited local job market; most senior roles require commuting to OKC.
Proximity to OKC provides access to a diverse range of employers.	Less cultural and networking density than a major city.
Family-friendly with good schools and safe neighborhoods.	Car-dependent; public transportation is minimal.
Stable job market with steady demand in healthcare and education.	Salary ceiling may be lower than in national metros.
Lower stress and easier pace of life compared to larger cities.	Fewer niche marketing roles (e.g., tech, luxury retail).

Final Recommendation: Moore is an excellent choice for Marketing Managers who are early to mid-career and looking to build wealth quickly, or for those with families seeking space and safety. It’s less ideal for a single professional seeking a vibrant, 24/7 urban scene or someone aiming for the very top tier of agency or tech marketing careers. If you can leverage the OKC metro job market while living in Moore, the financial math is hard to beat.

FAQs

1. Is the commute from Moore to Oklahoma City manageable?
Yes. The drive to downtown OKC is typically 20-30 minutes via I-35 or I-240. Traffic is predictable but can be heavy during peak hours. Many companies offer hybrid schedules, making this a non-issue for many roles.

2. What’s the networking scene like for marketing professionals?
It’s active but smaller than in major metros. The OKC AMA is the primary hub. I recommend attending their monthly mixers. Additionally, follow the OKC Digital Marketing and Oklahoma Marketers groups on LinkedIn. Many professionals also commute to Dallas for larger industry events 2-3 times a year.

3. How competitive is the job market for 126 listed positions?
With a metro population of 63,045, the ratio of jobs to candidates is workable, but you must be strategic. Tailor your resume to local industries (healthcare, education, retail). The 8% growth indicates new opportunities, but you’ll be competing with candidates from Norman and OKC.

4. Can I work fully remote and live in Moore?
Absolutely. This is a growing trend. Many Oklahoma City-based companies are open to remote work for marketing roles. This allows you to access the $157,620 national average salary while paying Moore’s $773/month rent. This is the most financially optimal scenario.

5. What’s the best way to break into the market as a new resident?
Start with informational interviews. Reach out to marketing directors at local employers like Norman Regional or Moore Public Schools via LinkedIn. Offer to buy them coffee. The local market values personal connection. Also, consider contract or project-based work through agencies in OKC to build local references.