Plumber in Moore, OK

The Salary Picture: Where Moore Stands

If you're a plumber considering a move to Moore, OK, the numbers paint a clear, if modest, picture. The median salary for a plumber in Moore is $61,639/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $29.63. It's important to frame this correctly: this is a solid, middle-of-the-road wage for the region, but it sits slightly below the national average of $63,350. In a city where the cost of living is only 91% of the U.S. average, this salary provides a comfortable, working-class lifestyle, but it won't make you rich. The job market is tight, with only 126 plumbing jobs in the entire metro area, but the 10-year job growth projection is a healthy 6%, indicating steady demand driven by new housing developments and the replacement of aging infrastructure in older parts of Moore and south Oklahoma City.

To understand where you might fit into this landscape, it's helpful to break down salaries by experience level. These are generalized estimates based on local industry standards and the provided median data.

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	Key Responsibilities & Notes
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$45,000 - $54,000	Apprentice work, pipe cutting, basic repairs, assisting journeymen. Often starts in the $20-$25/hr range.
Mid-Level (2-5 years)	$61,639 (Median)	Can handle residential and light commercial jobs independently, drain cleaning, water heater installs. This is the core of the workforce.
Senior (5-10 years)	$70,000 - $80,000	Complex troubleshooting, service management, mentoring apprentices, commercial work. Often leads small crews.
Expert/Specialist (10+ years)	$85,000+	Master plumber, backflow tester, medical gas certification, business owner. Top earners often run their own companies.

When compared to other Oklahoma cities, Moore's plumbing salary reflects its position as a bedroom community to Oklahoma City. OKC, with its larger commercial and industrial base, offers slightly higher median wages (closer to $65,000), but competition is fiercer. Smaller, more rural towns may offer similar or lower base pay but with less job mobility. Moore strikes a balance: a stable market with a lower cost of living than the state's capital, making your $61,639 go further.

Insider Tip: The best way to jump from the median to the senior or expert tier in Moore is to specialize. The local market has a notable gap in certified backflow testers and technicians proficient in PEX and modern commercial systems. Getting these certifications can add a 15-20% premium to your base wage.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

A salary of $61,639 sounds manageable, but the real question is what it means for your monthly life. Let's break it down for a single plumber living in a typical 1-bedroom apartment.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Estimated for a Single Person)

• Gross Monthly Pay: $5,136
• Estimated Taxes (Federal, State, FICA): ~$1,150
• Net Take-Home Pay: ~$3,986
• Average 1BR Rent in Moore: $773
• Utilities (Electric, Water, Gas, Internet): $200
• Groceries: $400
• Transportation (Gas, Insurance, Maintenance): $350
• Health Insurance: $300 (estimate through employer)
• Miscellaneous (Entertainment, Savings, Debt): $500
• Remaining Buffer: $1,463

This is a very healthy financial picture. With a take-home of nearly $4,000 and essential expenses (rent, utilities, food, transport) costing around $1,723, you have a significant buffer for savings, debt repayment, or discretionary spending. The low rent is the key here. At $773/month, Moore's average 1-bedroom rent is exceptionally affordable compared to the U.S. average, allowing a plumber earning the median salary to save for homeownership.

Can you afford to buy a home? Absolutely. With a monthly surplus of over $1,400, saving for a down payment is feasible. The median home price in Moore hovers around $225,000. A 10% down payment ($22,500) could be saved in under two years with disciplined budgeting. With a $29.63 hourly wage, mortgage lenders will see you as a stable borrower. Many local plumbers achieve homeownership within their first 3-5 years in the trade, often in neighborhoods like Eastwood or Southgate, where starter homes are common.

Where the Jobs Are: Moore's Major Employers

The plumbing job market in Moore isn't vast, but it's anchored by a mix of local trades companies, residential builders, and the broader Oklahoma City metro's commercial sector. Most plumbers work for small to mid-sized firms that service the entire south OKC metro, including Moore, Norman, and Mustang.

1. Local Residential Service Companies: Firms like Moore Plumbing & Heating or All Seasons Heating & Cooling (which often employs plumbers) are the backbone. They focus on residential repairs, water heater replacements, and new construction rough-ins for the city's steady stream of subdivisions. Hiring is constant for reliable, customer-service-oriented technicians.
2. New Construction Subcontractors: With Moore's growth, especially in the Southwest Moore area, there is consistent demand for plumbers on framing crews. Companies like Canyon Creek Plumbing or crews working for builders like D.R. Horton or Lennar hire for project-based work. This is where you get your hours fast, though it can be seasonal.
3. Commercial & Industrial Contractors: Larger firms based in OKC, such as Manhattan Construction or Morgan Contractors, often have projects at the Oklahoma City Community College (Southwest Campus) or the Norman Regional Healthplex (just south of Moore). These jobs offer higher pay but require commercial experience.
4. Property Management Companies: Companies managing the many apartment complexes in Moore (e.g., The Villages at Central Park) need in-house or contracted plumbers for maintenance. This is a stable, salaried option with regular hours.
5. The Norman Regional Health System: While the main hospital is in Norman, the Healthplex on the Norman/Moore border is a major employer. Its facilities management team hires plumbers for facility maintenance—a steady, union-adjacent gig with good benefits.
6. Oklahoma City Metro Schools: Moore Public Schools and the wider OKC district employ maintenance plumbers for their facilities. These are state jobs with pensions, competitive benefits, and a slower pace, ideal for those seeking long-term stability.

Hiring Trend: Demand is strongest for technicians who can handle both traditional copper work and modern PEX systems. The shift to more energy-efficient and water-saving fixtures in new builds (a trend driven by state building codes) means plumbers who stay current have a clear edge.

Getting Licensed in OK

Oklahoma's licensing is handled by the Oklahoma Construction Industries Board (CIB). It's a straightforward, experience-based system.

• Apprentice Plumber: No license required, but you must be registered with the CIB. You need to log 4,000 hours of on-the-job training under a licensed plumber over 2-3 years. Cost: ~$50 for registration.
• Journeyman Plumber: Requires 8,000 hours of apprenticeship (typically 4 years) and passing the CIB journeyman exam. Exam fee: ~$100. Once licensed, you can work independently on residential and light commercial jobs. This is the standard license held by most working plumbers in Moore.
• Master Plumber: Requires 12,000 hours of experience (8,000 as a journeyman) and passing the master exam. This license allows you to pull permits, design systems, and own a plumbing company. Exam fee: ~$150.

Timeline to Get Started: You can begin working as a registered apprentice immediately. Aim to get your journeyman license within 4 years of starting your apprenticeship. The total cost to licensure (apprentice fees, exam fees, study materials) is typically under $500. Local trade schools like Moore Norman Technology Center offer excellent pre-apprenticeship programs and can help you connect with employers.

Insider Tip: Oklahoma has a reciprocal agreement with Texas, meaning if you hold a Texas license, the process is streamlined. For everyone else, the journeyman exam is based on the International Plumbing Code (IPC) with Oklahoma amendments. Focus your study on the IPC.

Best Neighborhoods for Plumbers

Where you live in Moore affects your commute, lifestyle, and budget. Here’s a neighborhood breakdown tailored for a trade professional.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Typical 1BR Rent	Best For...
East Moore	Established, quiet, near I-35 and Moore Medical Center. 10-15 min drive to most job sites.	$750 - $850	Plumbers with families or who want quick access to OKC for higher-paying commercial work.
Southgate	Older, affordable, close to Moore High School and Central Park. Very central.	$700 - $800	New apprentices or journeymen looking to minimize rent and commute. Walkable to some services.
SW Moore (Near 12th St/Telephone Rd)	Newer developments, larger homes, more suburban feel. Can have longer commutes to north Moore.	$800 - $950	Plumbers who work on new construction in the area or want a quieter, family-oriented setting.
Midwest City Proximity	Technically a different city, but many plumbers live here for the same affordability and commute to OKC.	$750 - $850	Those who prioritize access to the larger OKC job market while keeping housing costs low.
Plaza Mayor Area	A dense, mixed-use area with apartments and shops. Less typical for trade workers but offers walkability.	$900 - $1,100	Younger plumbers who want a more urban, social lifestyle and don't mind a slightly higher rent.

Commute Note: Moore is a grid-based city. Traffic is minimal compared to OKC. A 15-20 minute drive is typical for most commutes within the city. Living in East Moore provides the easiest access to I-35 for trips to Norman or OKC.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 6% 10-year job growth is good news, but your personal growth will depend on specialization. The median salary of $61,639 is a plateau for generalists. To break past it:

• Commercial & Industrial: Transitioning to commercial work can boost your salary to the $70,000 - $85,000 range. This requires experience with larger diameter pipe, industrial valves, and compliance with stricter codes. The work is often at sites like the Tinker Air Force Base (a short commute) or the Oklahoma City Airport.
• Backflow Prevention Testing: This is a high-demand, low-competition specialty in central Oklahoma. Getting certified (a one-day course and exam) allows you to perform mandatory annual testing for businesses, irrigation systems, and fire sprinklers. Certified testers can earn $75 - $100 per test, adding a significant side income.
• Medical Gas: Certification in medical gas systems (for hospitals, clinics) is rare and highly paid. The Norman Regional Healthplex and OKC hospitals provide a steady client base.
• Business Ownership: The ultimate path. With low start-up costs in Moore (no need for a fancy office), a skilled plumber can start a one- or two-van service company. The median salary jumps to $90,000+ for successful small business owners, though it comes with the risks of entrepreneurship.

10-Year Outlook: The plumbing trade in Moore and the OKC metro is recession-resistant. As the population grows and the housing stock ages, demand will remain steady. Plumbers who adapt to new technologies (like tankless water heaters, sewer line cameras, and PEX) and who build a reputation for reliability will see their income grow steadily, likely exceeding the $61,639 median within 5-7 years.

The Verdict: Is Moore Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Very Low Cost of Living: Your $61,639 median salary provides a high quality of life.	Limited Local Job Market: Only 126 jobs means you may need to commute to OKC or Norman for the best opportunities.
Stable, Growing Demand: 6% job growth over 10 years indicates a healthy, long-term market.	Lower Ceiling than Major Metros: Top-end salaries are lower than in larger cities like Dallas or Houston.
Central Location: Easy access to the larger OKC job market for higher pay and specialty work.	Can Be Dependent on Oil & Gas Cycles: A slowdown in the energy sector can dampen commercial construction.
Affordable Homeownership: The path to buying a house is realistic and relatively quick.	Less Diverse Economy: Fewer large corporate headquarters means fewer large-scale commercial plumbing projects.
Strong Apprenticeship Pathway: Local trade schools and employers make it easy to get started.	Weather: Summers are hot and humid; outdoor work can be challenging.

Final Recommendation: Moore is an ideal choice for a plumber who values stability, affordability, and a straightforward path to homeownership. It's perfect for journeyman plumbers who are solid all-rounders and want a comfortable, family-friendly lifestyle without the intense competition or high costs of a major coastal city. It's less ideal for those seeking the absolute highest earnings or who want to specialize in ultra-niche, high-rise commercial work. If you're willing to commute to OKC for the best projects, Moore offers the best of both worlds: a low-cost home base and access to a larger market.

FAQs

Q: How competitive is the job market for plumbers in Moore?
A: It's moderately competitive but not cutthroat. With only 126 jobs in the metro, you won't have a dozen offers at once. However, the 6% growth means employers are actively looking for reliable, licensed journeymen. Having your Oklahoma journeyman license and a clean driving record puts you ahead of the pack.

Q: Is the work mostly residential or commercial?
A: It's predominantly residential, split between service/repair and new construction. Commercial work is available but often requires commuting to Norman or OKC. Most plumbers in Moore build their career in residential service before potentially moving into commercial for higher pay.

Q: What's the biggest challenge for plumbers new to Moore?
A: Building a client base if you go independent, or finding the right company fit in a smaller market. Networking with other local tradespeople at suppliers like Canyon Plumbing Supply in OKC is key. The community is tight-knit; reputation matters.

Q: Do I need to know anything specific about Oklahoma plumbing codes?
A: Yes. Oklahoma uses the International Plumbing Code (IPC) with state amendments. The amendments are relatively minor but cover things like water heater venting and freeze protection, which are critical in our climate. The CIB exam will test you on these.

Q: What's the outlook for apprentices?
A: Excellent. Employers are always looking for apprentices to fill their pipelines (pun intended). The median salary means a journeyman is a valuable asset, so companies invest in training apprentices. Starting at a local company like Moore Plumbing or through a union (UA Local 344) is a great path.