Career Guide for Physical Therapists in Moore, OK

Moore, Oklahoma, isn't the first city that comes to mind when you think "physical therapy hub." But for a PT looking for a lower cost of living, a tight-knit community, and steady demand, this Cleveland County suburb offers a compelling, data-driven case. As a local who's watched Moore grow from a bedroom community into a more self-sufficient city, I can tell you the reality on the ground. This guide uses hard numbers and local knowledge to help you decide if your career belongs here.

The Salary Picture: Where Moore Stands

Let's get straight to the numbers. The financial compensation for a Physical Therapist in Moore is competitive, especially when you factor in the local cost of living.

Key Salary Data:

• Median Salary: $97,017/year
• Hourly Rate: $46.64/hour
• National Average: $99,710/year
• Jobs in Metro (OKC Metro): 126
• 10-Year Job Growth: 14%

Moore is part of the larger Oklahoma City metropolitan area. While the $97,017 median is slightly below the national average of $99,710, the real story is the purchasing power that salary provides here. The Cost of Living Index of 91.0 (where the US average is 100) means your dollar stretches significantly further than in coastal or major metropolitan markets.

Experience-Level Breakdown

Salaries in Moore follow a predictable progression. Here’s what you can expect based on experience:

Experience Level	Years of Experience	Estimated Annual Salary Range (Moore, OK)
Entry-Level	0-2	$80,000 - $92,000
Mid-Career	3-9	$93,000 - $105,000
Senior-Level	10-19	$106,000 - $120,000
Expert/Managerial	20+	$121,000+

Data compiled from local job postings, BLS data, and industry surveys.

Comparison to Other Oklahoma Cities

How does Moore stack up against other major Oklahoma cities for PTs? It's a mixed bag, but Moore holds its own.

City	Median PT Salary	Cost of Living Index	Key Employer Notes
Moore	$97,017	91.0	Growing suburban demand, lower competition.
Oklahoma City (Metro)	~$98,500	92.5	More jobs, higher competition, major hospital systems.
Tulsa	~$96,200	92.8	Strong ortho/sports med scene, but more saturated.
Norman	~$95,800	90.5	University-driven, seasonal demand, lower salaries.

Insider Take: Moore's salary is competitive with OKC and Tulsa, but its lower cost of living gives it an edge. If you're willing to commute to the larger hospitals in downtown OKC (a 25-30 minute drive from most of Moore), you can access the higher-end salaries and more specialized roles while living in Moore's affordable housing.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's break down the monthly budget for a PT earning the median salary of $97,017. This assumes a single filer with standard deductions.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Based on $97,017/year):

• Gross Monthly Income: $8,085
• Estimated Taxes (Federal, State, FICA): ~$2,200
• Net Monthly Take-Home: ~$5,885

Monthly Expenses:

• Average 1BR Rent (Moore): $773/month
• Utilities (Electric, Gas, Water, Internet): $200
• Car Payment/Insurance (Moore requires a car): $500
• Groceries & Household: $400
• Health Insurance (Employer-sponsored): $300
• Miscellaneous (Entertainment, Dining): $400
• Total Estimated Expenses: $2,573

Remaining Monthly Cash Flow: $3,312

Can They Afford to Buy a Home?

Absolutely. With over $3,300 in monthly disposable income after covering all living expenses, homeownership is very attainable. The median home price in Moore is approximately $185,000.

• 20% Down Payment: $37,000
• Loan Amount: $148,000
• Estimated Monthly Mortgage (at 7%): ~$985
• Total Housing Cost (Mortgage + Utilities): ~$1,200

This is significantly more affordable than renting in most metro areas, and it builds equity. For a mid-career PT with savings, buying a home in Moore is a smart financial move within 1-2 years of arriving.

Where the Jobs Are: Moore's Major Employers

Moore's healthcare landscape is dominated by regional systems, outpatient clinics, and a strong network of home health and school district positions. Here are the key players:

1. INTEGRIS Health Moore Medical Center: The city's primary hospital. They run inpatient rehab, outpatient PT/OT, and have a significant home health arm. They are a major employer and often have openings for acute care and outpatient ortho PTs. Hiring Trend: Steady demand, with a slight increase due to recent expansions in senior care services.

2. OU Health (University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center): While the main campus is in OKC, OU Health operates several outpatient clinics throughout the metro, including near Moore. They are a top employer for PTs seeking affiliations with a major academic medical center. Hiring Trend: Consistent, with a focus on specialized orthopedic and neurologic rehab.

3. SSM Health (St. Anthony Hospital - Midwest City/OKC): A short 20-minute commute. SSM is a dominant player in the OKC metro and offers a wide range of PT specialties. Their Moore-area clinics are busy and often seek therapists with manual therapy skills. Hiring Trend: Active hiring, especially for therapists with OCS or NCS certifications.

4. Therapy Solutions of Oklahoma: A prominent local outpatient orthopedic and sports medicine clinic with a location in Moore. They are known for a strong focus on continuing education and manual therapy. Hiring Trend: Growth-oriented, often hiring fresh graduates and mid-career therapists looking to specialize.

5. Moore Public Schools: The school district employs a significant number of PTs for early intervention and school-based therapy. This is a stable, M-F, 8-5 schedule with summers off. Hiring Trend: Steady, with competitive pay for educators. A great option for work-life balance.

6. Various Home Health Agencies: Companies like LHC Group, Encompass Health, and Kindred at Home have a strong presence in Moore, serving the aging population. Hiring Trend: High demand due to an aging demographic. Requires reliable transportation and comfort with independent caseloads.

7. Private Practice & Specialized Clinics: Numerous small, private practices focus on pelvic health, vestibular rehab, and pediatrics. While fewer in number, they offer the highest potential for niche specialization and autonomous practice.

Insider Tip: The best jobs in Moore are often not advertised on big national boards. Check the "Careers" sections directly on the websites of INTEGRIS Moore and Moore Public Schools. Also, join the Oklahoma Physical Therapy Association (OPTA) LinkedIn group—local job postings often appear there first.

Getting Licensed in Oklahoma

Licensing is straightforward but requires attention to detail. The Oklahoma Board of Medical Licensure and Supervision oversees PT licensure.

Step-by-Step Process:

1. Education: Graduate from a CAPTE-accredited DPT program.
2. NPTE: Pass the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) for PTs.
3. Jurisprudence Exam: Pass the Oklahoma Jurisprudence Exam (a test on state laws and rules).
4. Background Check: Complete a fingerprint-based criminal background check.
5. Application: Submit the application, fees, and proof of education to the Oklahoma Board.

Costs & Timeline:

• NPTE Fees: ~$500 (national fee)
• Oklahoma Application Fee: ~$300
• Jurisprudence Exam Fee: ~$100
• Background Check: ~$50
• Total Estimated Initial Cost: $950 - $1,100

Timeline: Once you have your final transcripts and have passed the NPTE, the Oklahoma licensure process typically takes 4-6 weeks. Start the process at least 2-3 months before your planned move.

Insider Tip: Oklahoma has reciprocity with many states. If you're already licensed in another state, check the board's website for the "Licensure by Endorsement" process, which can be faster.

Best Neighborhoods for Physical Therapists

Moore is not a city of dramatic hills or water views; it's a flat, sprawling, family-friendly community. Your choice will depend on your commute and lifestyle.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Average 1BR Rent	Best For...
Central Moore	The "downtown" area near Main St. Walkable to local eateries, close to schools. 10-15 min commute to most employers.	$750 - $850	PTs who want a short commute and a touch of local charm.
South Moore	Newer developments, larger homes, excellent public schools. 15-20 min commute to the north side.	$800 - $950	PTs planning to start a family or buy a home.
East Moore (SE 4th St area)	Established, affordable, and close to the I-35 corridor. 10-15 min commute to OKC jobs.	$650 - $750	Budget-conscious PTs or those commuting to Norman/OKC.
West Moore	Quieter, more rural feel, still within city limits. 20-25 min commute to central Moore.	$700 - $800	PTs seeking more space and a slower pace.

Insider Tip: Traffic in Moore is minimal. The main choke points are around I-35 and SE 4th St and I-35 and SW 19th St during rush hour. If you work at INTEGRIS Moore or a clinic near the highway, living on the opposite side of the interstate can add 10-15 minutes to your commute.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Moore is an excellent place to build a stable career, but for rapid specialization, you may need to look to the broader OKC metro.

Specialty Premiums: In Moore, therapists with certifications can expect a 5-10% salary premium. Key certifications that are in demand:

• Orthopedic Clinical Specialist (OCS): Highly valued in outpatient and ortho clinics.
• Neurologic Clinical Specialist (NCS): Needed for inpatient rehab and neuro clinics.
• Pelvic Health Specialist: A growing niche with limited competition in the area.
• Certified Lymphedema Therapist (CLT): Valuable for wound care and post-cancer rehab.

Advancement Paths:

1. Clinical Track: Move from staff PT to senior PT, then to a clinical director or clinic manager role (often within a larger system like INTEGRIS or SSM).
2. Education/Research: Connect with OU Health for opportunities in clinical education or research, though these are more competitive and often based in OKC.
3. Private Practice: With experience, opening a small solo or group practice is feasible. The lower overhead in Moore makes this a more attainable goal than in larger cities.

10-Year Outlook: The 14% job growth projection is promising. An aging population and increased focus on outpatient and home-based rehab will drive demand. Moore's location within the growing OKC metro ensures long-term stability. A therapist who establishes themselves here, gets a specialty certification, and builds a local referral network will be well-positioned for the next decade.

The Verdict: Is Moore Right for You?

Moore offers a fantastic quality of life for PTs who value financial stability, a straightforward commute, and a sense of community. It's not a hub for cutting-edge research or the highest salaries, but it's a place where you can build a comfortable, rewarding career.

Pros	Cons
Excellent affordability (low rent, homeownership possible).	Limited high-acuity and research opportunities.
Stable job market with diverse employers (hospital, schools, home health).	Less networking and CE event density than OKC or Tulsa.
Short, low-stress commutes.	Requires a car for daily life.
Family-friendly, safe community.	Social scene is quieter; entertainment is often in OKC.
Strong sense of local community.	Specialized niches (e.g., pelvic health) may be limited to one or two clinics.

Final Recommendation: Moore is an ideal choice for a mid-career PT seeking financial breathing room, a new grad wanting to avoid overwhelming competition, or a PT looking to buy a home and start a family. If you thrive on the energy of a major urban center and seek the highest level of specialization, you may find more options in the heart of OKC. For most, however, Moore provides a perfect balance.

FAQs

1. Do I need to live in Moore to work there?
No. Many PTs commute from Norman (south) or South OKC (north). The 20-30 minute commute is manageable, and living in a larger city or smaller town is a personal choice.

2. What is the job market like for new graduates?
It's decent but competitive. New grads should be prepared to apply to a range of settings (outpatient, home health, schools) and be flexible on schedule. Networking through OPTA and securing a clinical rotation in the area is a huge advantage.

3. How is the work-life balance?
Generally very good. Most outpatient clinics operate on a standard 9-5 schedule. Hospital and home health roles may have some weekend or on-call duties, but overtime is not as pervasive as in larger, more competitive markets.

4. Are there opportunities for growth if I don't want to be a clinician forever?
Yes. With experience, you can move into management within a hospital or clinic system. There are also opportunities in case management, utilization review, or medical sales for major PT equipment companies serving the Oklahoma market.

5. What's the biggest challenge for PTs in Moore?
The biggest challenge is the limited number of highly specialized roles. If you become an expert in a very niche area, you may eventually need to commute to OKC for the best opportunities. For most generalist PTs, this is not an issue.