Here is a comprehensive career guide for Pharmacists considering a move to Moore, Oklahoma.

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Career Guide: Pharmacist in Moore, OK

If you're a pharmacist looking at Moore, Oklahoma, you're probably eyeing a lower cost of living and a slower pace than major metros. Moore sits in the heart of the Oklahoma City metropolitan area, offering a suburban lifestyle with easy access to big-city amenities. It’s a community with deep roots, known for its resilience, particularly after weathering severe tornadoes. For a pharmacist, this means a market that’s stable but competitive, with a mix of retail chains, independent pharmacies, and hospital systems in the broader metro area.

This guide is built on data and local insight to help you decide if Moore is the right move for your career and life.

The Salary Picture: Where Moore Stands

Let’s get straight to the numbers. Moore’s pharmacy market is tied closely to the Oklahoma City metro, but with a slight rural/suburban discount. The median salary for a pharmacist in Moore is $132,357/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $63.63/hour. This is slightly below the national average of $136,030/year, a common trade-off for a significantly lower cost of living. The metro area has 126 pharmacist jobs, a tight but consistent market, though the 10-year job growth is -3%, reflecting a national trend of automation and consolidation in retail pharmacy.

Experience-Level Breakdown

Salaries in Moore follow a clear progression based on experience. Here’s how they typically break down:

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level (0-3 yrs)	$115,000 - $125,000	Staff pharmacist in retail or hospital, verifying orders, patient counseling.
Mid-Career (4-9 yrs)	$128,000 - $138,000	Increased autonomy, possible lead pharmacist role, managing pharmacy techs.
Senior (10-15 yrs)	$135,000 - $150,000	Specialist roles (e.g., oncology, pediatrics), clinical management, complex care.
Expert (15+ yrs)	$145,000+	Pharmacy director, corporate management, specialty clinical pharmacy.

Note: These ranges are estimates based on the local median of $132,357 and industry standards for the region.

Comparison to Other Oklahoma Cities

Moore offers a balanced value proposition. While salaries in Tulsa or Oklahoma City might be marginally higher, the cost of living in Moore is a major advantage.

City	Median Salary	Cost of Living Index (US Avg=100)	Median 1BR Rent
Moore	$132,357	91.0	$773/month
Oklahoma City (Metro)	~$135,000	92.5	~$950/month
Tulsa	~$134,500	90.5	~$875/month
Norman	~$131,000	92.0	~$825/month

Moore’s salary is competitive within the state, and when paired with its cost of living index of 91.0, your take-home pay stretches further than in larger metros.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Earning $132,357/year in Moore puts you in a strong financial position. Let’s break down a monthly budget for a single pharmacist with no dependents.

• Gross Monthly Income: $11,030
• Estimated Taxes (Federal, FICA, State ~25%): -$2,757
• Net Monthly Income: ~$8,273
• Average 1BR Rent: -$773
• Remaining for Expenses/Savings: ~$7,500

This leaves an exceptionally comfortable buffer for utilities ($150), groceries ($300), car payment/insurance (~$500), and significant savings or debt repayment ($6,000+).

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely. With a median home price in Moore around $190,000, a 20% down payment is $38,000. A 30-year mortgage at 7% on $152,000 would be roughly $1,010 per month. Even after this mortgage payment, you’d still have over $6,400 left monthly for other expenses and savings—a level of affordability that’s increasingly rare in the US.

Where the Jobs Are: Moore's Major Employers

The job market for pharmacists in Moore is anchored by the wider OKC metro. Most direct employers are retail chains, but opportunities exist in nearby hospitals and specialty clinics. Hiring trends are stable; the -3% growth means openings appear due to retirements and relocations rather than expansion.

1. Walgreens & CVS (Moore Locations): The primary employers for most community pharmacists. Expect a fast-paced retail environment. Hiring is consistent for both staff and manager roles. These are often the first point of entry for new pharmacists to the area.
2. Unity Health (Norman Regional Hospital System): While the main hospital is in Norman (15 minutes south), it’s a major employer for the region. They have outpatient pharmacies and offer more clinical roles. A key destination for pharmacists seeking hospital experience.
3. OU Health (University of Oklahoma Medical System): Located in downtown OKC (a 25-minute commute), this is the state’s premier academic health system. It offers positions in oncology, infectious disease, and critical care pharmacy. Highly competitive, requires a PGY-1 or relevant experience.
4. SSM Health St. Anthony Hospital (OKC): Another major hospital system in the OKC metro. They have a strong pharmacy residency program and hire for clinical and administrative roles. Commute from Moore is straightforward via I-35.
5. Independent Pharmacies (e.g., Moore Compounding Center): Moore has several independent pharmacies that focus on compounding and personalized service. These roles often offer more flexibility and a closer patient-pharmacist relationship but may pay slightly less than chain stores.
6. Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center (OKC): A federal employer offering excellent benefits and a different pace. The OKC VA is a 30-minute commute but is a major employer for pharmacists seeking a government role.
7. Retail Grocery Chains (H-E-B, Walmart): H-E-B is expanding in the OKC metro, and Walmart is a dominant employer. These positions mix pharmacy with retail management, offering a different career path.

Getting Licensed in Oklahoma

Oklahoma’s licensing process is managed by the Oklahoma State Board of Pharmacy. It’s straightforward if you’re coming from another state.

Requirements:

1. Graduation: Graduate from a CAPHE-accredited pharmacy school (Pharm.D.).
2. Examinations:
   • Pass the NAPLEX (North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination).
   • Pass the MPJE (Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination) for Oklahoma.
3. Internship Hours: Complete the required internship hours (typically 1,500 hours) as documented in your school’s program.
4. Background Check: Submit fingerprints for a state and national criminal background check.

For Pharmacists Licensed in Another State:

• Reciprocity: Oklahoma is part of the NABP Compact Licensure for pharmacists. This allows for more straightforward licensure if you’re already licensed in another compact state. Check the NABP website for current compact status.
• Process: Submit an application to the Oklahoma Board, provide verification of your current license, and pass the MPJE if you haven’t already. You may be required to take the Oklahoma MPJE even if you have passed another state’s jurisprudence exam.

Costs & Timeline:

• Total Fees: Approximately $400 - $500 (application, license, background check).
• Timeline: 4-8 weeks for in-state graduates. For out-of-state applicants, allow 8-12 weeks, especially if a compact license is involved. Start the process as soon as you have a job offer.

Best Neighborhoods for Pharmacists

Moore is largely suburban and flat, with a straightforward grid system. Commute times to major employers are generally under 30 minutes.

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

   • Commute: Best for jobs in Moore’s retail corridors or easy access to Norman Regional. 5-10 minutes to most local pharmacies.
   • Lifestyle: Close to shopping (Bass Pro, shopping centers) and dining. Good mix of older, affordable homes and newer builds.
   • Avg. 1BR Rent: $750/month.

2. South Moore (Around S. Sooner Rd & 19th St):

   • Commute: Good access to I-35 for commuting to OKC hospitals (25 min) or Norman (15 min). Quieter, more residential feel.
   • Lifestyle: Family-oriented with parks (e.g., Little River Park) and good schools. Growing area with new developments.
   • Avg. 1BR Rent: $800/month.

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

   • Commute: Walkable to local independent pharmacies and shops. 15-minute commute to OKC via I-240/I-35.
   • Lifestyle: Small-town charm with historic buildings, local eateries, and community events. Less apartment inventory, more townhomes and historic houses.
   • Avg. 1BR Rent: $850/month (limited options, often converted units).

4. West Moore (Near SW 34th St & Western Ave):

   • Commute: Easy access to I-40 and I-240, making the commute to SSM Health St. Anthony (OKC) about 20 minutes. Closer to the Thunderbird Lake area.
   • Lifestyle: More suburban sprawl, lower density, with larger lots. A bit farther from Moore’s core amenities.
   • Avg. 1BR Rent: $725/month.

5. Norman Adjacent (South of Moore):

   • Commute: Ideal for pharmacists working at Norman Regional or OU Health Norman clinics. 10-minute commute to Norman, 20 to OKC.
   • Lifestyle: Blurs the line between Moore and Norman, offering access to both cities’ amenities, including the University of Oklahoma campus culture.
   • Avg. 1BR Rent: $780/month.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The -3% job growth statistic demands a proactive approach to career development. Advancement in Moore often means specializing or moving into management.

• Specialty Premiums: To increase your salary above the $132,357 median, consider specializing. Oncology, infectious disease, and critical care pharmacists in the OKC metro can command salaries 15-25% higher. This typically requires a PGY-1 residency and may require commuting to OU Health or SSM Health.
• Advancement Paths:
  1. Clinical Specialist: Requires a residency and offers the best salary growth and professional fulfillment in a hospital setting.
  2. Pharmacy Manager (Retail): Moving from staff pharmacist to manager at a chain like Walgreens or CVS. Salary can jump above $140,000, but comes with heavy administrative and sales responsibilities.
  3. Pharmacy Director/Administrator: Overseeing a pharmacy department or a chain of independents. Requires an MBA or MHA and significant experience. Salaries can reach $150,000+.
  4. Independent Ownership: Starting or buying an independent pharmacy in Moore. Highest risk but potentially highest reward, with no salary ceiling. The local market supports independents that focus on compounding and personalized service.

10-Year Outlook: The national trend of pharmacy school graduates exceeding job openings will continue. In Moore, this means competition for desirable hospital and clinical roles will remain high. Retail positions will be more plentiful but may face pressure from mail-order and automation. Pharmacists who adapt by pursuing specialize certifications (BCPS, BCOP) and embracing clinical roles will have the most stable and lucrative careers.

The Verdict: Is Moore Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Extremely Low Cost of Living: Your $132,357 salary affords a very high quality of life.	Tight Job Market: Only 126 jobs in the metro with -3% growth. Be prepared to commute or take a retail role initially.
Short Commutes: Easy access to OKC and Norman jobs with minimal traffic.	Limited Urban Amenities: Moore is a suburb; you’ll drive to OKC for major concerts, pro sports, and diverse dining.
Family-Friendly & Safe: Great schools, community parks, and a strong sense of local pride.	Weather Risk: Moore is in Tornado Alley. You must be prepared for severe weather and have a safety plan.
Balanced Lifestyle: Avoids the stress of large metros while offering big-city access.	Cultural Homogeneity: Less diverse than a major metro; social scenes can be centered on family and church.

Final Recommendation:
Moore, OK, is an excellent choice for a pharmacist who prioritizes financial stability, a manageable commute, and a family-oriented lifestyle. It’s ideal for early to mid-career pharmacists looking to buy a home, pay off student loans aggressively, and build a solid foundation. It’s less ideal for new graduates seeking a specialized clinical role immediately, as those are competitive and often require a residency. The key is to view Moore not as an isolated town, but as an affordable, quiet home base within the vibrant OKC metro—a strategy that works very well for many healthcare professionals.

FAQs

1. Is it hard to find a job as a pharmacist in Moore?
It’s competitive, but manageable. With only 126 jobs in the metro, you can’t be overly picky. The key is flexibility. Be open to roles in retail (the most common) or commuting to Norman or OKC for hospital positions. Networking with local pharmacy managers and using sites like LinkedIn and Indeed is crucial.

2. Do I need to know another language?
While not a formal requirement, speaking Spanish is a significant asset in Moore and the broader OKC area. Given the Hispanic population in Oklahoma, pharmacists who can counsel patients in Spanish are highly valued by employers.

3. What’s the typical schedule for a retail pharmacist in Moore?
Most retail chains operate 9 am - 9 pm (some with 24-hour pharmacies in OKC). Expect to work rotating shifts, including weekends and some holidays. Schedule flexibility is better in independent pharmacies. Hospital positions are typically more regular business hours or on-call rotations.

4. How is the cost of living really?
It’s a major advantage. The Cost of Living Index is 91.0 (US=100). Groceries, utilities, and transportation are notably cheaper than the national average. The biggest savings are in housing, where the median 1BR rent is $773—less than half of what you’d pay in a major coastal city.

5. Can I get by without a car?
No. Moore is a car-dependent city. Public transportation is minimal (a bus system exists but is not efficient for daily commutes). You will need a reliable car to get to work, shop, and enjoy the amenities of the wider OKC metro.