Project Manager Career Guide: Moore, Oklahoma

As a career analyst who’s spent years tracking the professional landscape in central Oklahoma, I can tell you that Moore, OK, presents a unique case study in regional project management careers. It’s not your typical metropolitan hub like Oklahoma City or Tulsa, but it offers compelling economics for the right professional. This guide breaks down exactly what a Project Manager needs to know to thrive in Moore—from your paycheck to your commute to your long-term career trajectory.

The Salary Picture: Where Moore Stands

Let’s get straight to the data, because the numbers tell the most honest story. For a Project Manager in Moore, the median salary is $98,545/year, which translates to an hourly rate of $47.38/hour. It’s crucial to understand that this median likely represents mid-career professionals, as the mix of employers in the area tends to value experienced project managers over entry-level coordinators.

Here’s how that breaks down by experience level. These figures are extrapolated from the median and regional pay scales, accounting for the more specialized roles often found in Moore’s manufacturing and healthcare sectors.

Experience-Level Salary Breakdown

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	Key Roles in Moore
Entry-Level (0-3 years)	$68,000 - $78,000	Project Coordinator, Assistant PM
Mid-Career (4-8 years)	$98,545 (Median)	Project Manager, IT PM, Construction PM
Senior (9-15 years)	$115,000 - $130,000	Senior PM, Program Manager
Expert (15+ years)	$135,000+	Director of PMO, Program Director

How does Moore stack up against other Oklahoma cities? The national average for a Project Manager is $101,280/year. Moore sits slightly below the national average, which is typical for a city of its size and cost of living. Compared to Oklahoma City, where salaries trend closer to the national average (and sometimes above it for tech or energy roles), Moore offers a slightly lower base but is offset by a significantly lower cost of living. Tulsa’s project management market is more aligned with national averages, particularly in aerospace and energy, but Moore’s cost of living is a distinct advantage.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

A six-figure salary number is invigorating, but the real question is about quality of life. Let’s run the numbers for a Project Manager earning the median $98,545.

Assumptions:

• Federal Taxes (approx. 22% effective rate): $21,680
• Oklahoma State Taxes (approx. 4.75%): $4,680
• FICA (7.65%): $7,540
• Total Estimated Annual Tax: ~$33,900
• Estimated Monthly Take-Home Pay: ~$5,387

Now, let’s factor in housing. The average 1BR rent in Moore is $773/month. This is one of the most compelling financial advantages of the city.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Median Salary)

Item	Cost	Notes
Monthly Take-Home Pay	$5,387	After taxes and deductions
Avg. 1BR Rent ($773)	-$773	Below national median
Utilities (Included)	$0	Often included in older Moore rentals
Remaining for Other Expenses	$4,614	Food, car, savings, entertainment

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely. With the median home price in Moore hovering around $210,000 - $250,000, a 20% down payment is $42,000 - $50,000. With a take-home pay of over $5,000 monthly and a mortgage payment of roughly $1,200 - $1,400 (including taxes and insurance), this is well within reach for a mid-career PM. This is a stark contrast to markets like Nashville or Austin, where a similar salary would barely cover rent.

Where the Jobs Are: Moore's Major Employers

Moore’s job market for project managers is not as vast as Oklahoma City, but it is specialized and stable. The 10-Year Job Growth is 6%, which is modest but steady, and there are approximately 126 core project management jobs in the metro area at any given time. The key is knowing which employers are consistently hiring.

1. Norman Regional Health System: While headquartered in neighboring Norman, its Moore Medical Center is a major hub. They need PMs for clinical expansion, IT system implementations (like new EHR systems), and operational process improvements. Hiring is cyclical but consistent.
2. Tinker Air Force Base (Oklahoma City, but major influence): This is the single biggest driver of high-level project management in the region. While the base itself is in OKC, its vast supply chain and contractor ecosystem reaches deep into Moore. Companies that hold contracts with Tinker (like aerospace manufacturers) are prime employers. Security clearances are a massive premium here.
3. Devon Energy (Oklahoma City): While based in downtown OKC, many employees live in Moore due to the short commute (20-25 minutes). Devon hires PMs for a wide range of projects, from corporate IT to facilities. Their project management office (PMO) is well-established.
4. Local Government & Municipalities: The City of Moore itself, Cleveland County, and the Moore Public Schools district all employ project managers for capital improvement projects (roads, utilities) and technology rollouts. These roles offer excellent job security and benefits.
5. Manufacturing & Construction Firms: Moore has a robust network of local contractors and manufacturers serving the construction and energy sectors. Companies like Swinerton or Manhattan Construction (with regional offices) and local firms like Dolese Bros. (ready-mix concrete) often need PMs to oversee regional projects.

Insider Tip: The most lucrative PM jobs in Moore aren't always posted on national boards. They’re often filled through networks at the Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce or through direct referrals from professionals at Tinker AFB contractors. LinkedIn is useful, but local networking is key.

Getting Licensed in OK

Oklahoma does not have a state-specific “project manager license” in the way that real estate or engineering does. However, certifications are the de facto license for career advancement.

1. PMP Certification (Project Management Institute - PMI): This is the gold standard. The exam cost is ~$405 for members, ~$555 for non-members. Preparation courses (online or local through Oklahoma City University) cost $1,000 - $2,500. There is no state exam, just the PMI credential.
2. State-Specific Requirements: For public sector roles (city, county, schools), you may need to pass a local background check and sometimes a basic civil service exam, but no specialized state license is required.
3. Timeline to Get Started: If you have a bachelor’s degree and the required hours (4,500 hours leading projects), you can apply for the PMP exam. The application review by PMI takes 5-7 days. After approval, you can schedule your exam. With 2-3 months of study, you can be certified. For roles requiring a security clearance (Tinker contractors), the process can take 6-18 months, so apply early.

Best Neighborhoods for Project Managers

Moore is a sprawling, suburban city. Choosing the right neighborhood impacts your commute, lifestyle, and budget.

• East Moore (near I-35 & 12th St): The most convenient for commuters heading to Oklahoma City. You’re 15-20 minutes from the I-240/I-35 interchange. You’ll find newer subdivisions and good schools. Rent for a 2BR: $950 - $1,100.
• Central Moore (downtown & near Moore High School): Offers a more established, walkable feel with older, character-filled homes. Commute to OKC is slightly longer (25-30 min) but you’re close to local shops and restaurants. Rent for a 2BR: $800 - $950.
• Southwest Moore (near 4th St & I-35): Growing area with newer retail and easy access to both Oklahoma City and Norman. A good compromise for professionals who might work in either city. Rent for a 2BR: $900 - $1,050.
• Moore’s "The Village" Area (NW of downtown): Quieter, more residential feel. Commutes are straightforward via Highway 9 or 19th St. Ideal for those seeking space and a suburban feel without being too far from amenities. Rent for a 2BR: $850 - $1,000.
• Moore West (near Indian Hills & telephone Rd): More rural feel, larger lots, and lower density. Commute times increase to 30-40 minutes to central OKC, but housing costs are lower. Rent for a 2BR: $700 - $900.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 10-year job growth of 6% in Moore is modest, but it doesn’t tell the whole story. Growth happens through specialization and moving up the chain.

• Specialty Premiums:

  • Construction PM: In high demand due to continuous residential and commercial development. Can command a 10-15% premium over the median.
  • IT/Software PM: Scarcer in Moore but critical for employers like Norman Regional and Devon. Often requires familiarity with specific systems (e.g., Epic for healthcare).
  • Security-Cleared PM (Tinker AFB): This is the top tier. Holding an active security clearance can add $20,000+ to your base salary. The demand for cleared professionals in the OKC metro is very high.

• Advancement Paths: A typical path is to move from a Project Manager to a Senior PM, then to a Program Manager (overseeing a portfolio of projects), and finally to a Director of Project Management. In Moore, these senior roles are most often found at the headquarters of local manufacturing firms, healthcare systems (like Norman Regional’s corporate office), or within the PMOs of major OKC employers that recruit from the area.

• 10-Year Outlook: The outlook is stable but requires proactive career management. The projects will be there—in infrastructure, healthcare expansion, and energy—but climbing to the six-figure-plus tier will likely require either a move to a larger corporate office (in OKC), obtaining a high-demand certification (like a PMP with a security clearance), or transitioning into a program management role. The cost-of-living advantage makes it feasible to invest in certifications without immediate financial pressure.

The Verdict: Is Moore Right for You?

The decision to build a project management career in Moore is a trade-off between cost of living and market size. It’s a fantastic place to build a stable financial life, but it requires a strategic approach to career growth.

Pros	Cons
Very Low Cost of Living: Your $98,545 median salary goes much further than in major metros.	Limited Local HQs: You’ll likely work for a branch office or a local company, which can limit the ceiling for top-tier roles.
Strong Commuter Base: Easy 20-30 min commute to the robust job market of Oklahoma City.	Niche Job Market: Fewer open positions at any given time, requiring more networking.
Stable, Growing Employers: Healthcare and government provide reliable, long-term project work.	Specialization is Key: Generalist PMs may struggle; you need to specialize (IT, construction, healthcare) to stand out.
Ideal for Homeownership: The math works beautifully for buying a home early in your career.	Lifestyle is Suburban: If you crave the energy of a dense urban core, Moore can feel quiet.

Final Recommendation: Moore is an excellent choice for Project Managers in the mid-career stage (4-15 years) who prioritize financial health and work-life balance. It’s less ideal for someone in the early stages of their career seeking a high-energy, networking-rich environment, or for an expert-level PM seeking a C-suite role in a Fortune 500. For many, the sweet spot is living in Moore for the affordability while managing projects for an employer in Oklahoma City’s metropolitan core.

FAQs

1. What’s the biggest challenge for Project Managers moving to Moore?
The biggest challenge is the limited local job market. You cannot rely on a constant stream of open positions on job boards. Success requires actively building a network in the Oklahoma City metro area, especially with contractors and employers tied to Tinker Air Force Base.

2. Is a PMP certification worth the cost in Moore’s market?
Yes, absolutely. While a PMP isn’t mandatory, it’s the single best way to differentiate yourself in a smaller market and command a salary at or above the $98,545 median. It’s especially valuable for landing roles with OKC-based employers who recruit from Moore.

3. How is the work-life balance for Project Managers in Moore?
Generally very good. The commute is manageable, and the city’s suburban nature means less grinding traffic and a more relaxed pace. Project deadlines are still real, but the overall culture in local employers tends to be less intense than in competitive coastal markets.

4. Can I work remotely as a Project Manager in Moore?
Yes, and this is a growing trend. Many professionals living in Moore work remotely for companies based in Oklahoma City, Tulsa, or even out of state. The reliable broadband infrastructure in most of Moore supports this. However, for roles requiring on-site management of construction or healthcare projects, remote work is not feasible.

5. What’s the primary industry for project management jobs in the area?
While there is diversity, the strongest sectors are Healthcare (Norman Regional), Government/Defense (Tinker AFB), and Construction/Manufacturing. The energy sector (Devon, Chesapeake) has a strong presence in the broader metro area, influencing Moore’s job market.