Here is a comprehensive career guide for Real Estate Agents considering a move to Moore, Oklahoma.

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Real Estate Agent Career Guide: Moore, Oklahoma

As a career analyst who has watched the Oklahoma City metro area evolve for years, I can tell you that Moore is a unique market. It’s not just a suburb; it’s a city with its own identity, sandwiched between the state capital and the quieter southern stretches of Cleveland County. For a real estate agent, this means a specific type of clientele: families seeking affordability, military personnel from nearby Tinker Air Force Base, and professionals who commute to OKC but want a quieter home base.

This guide is built on data—specifically from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the U.S. Census, and the Oklahoma Real Estate Commission (OREC). I’ve included local insights on where to live, where to work, and how to navigate the licensing process. Let’s break down whether Moore, OK, is the right launchpad for your real estate career.

The Salary Picture: Where Moore Stands

The financial reality for a real estate agent in Moore is defined by a lower cost of living, but also a potentially lower volume of high-ticket sales compared to downtown Oklahoma City. The median salary for Real Estate Agents in the metro area is $59,820 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $28.76. This is slightly below the national average of $61,480/year, but the gap narrows significantly when you account for the local purchasing power.

The job market is tight. There are approximately 126 Real Estate Agent jobs in the metro area, with a 10-year job growth projection of 3%. This indicates a stable, but not booming, market. You aren't walking into a gold rush; you are building a business on consistency and local knowledge.

Experience-Level Breakdown

Real estate is a commission-based industry, so salaries vary wildly. Here is a realistic breakdown of what you can expect in the Moore/OKC metro area based on transaction volume and commission splits.

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Income	Typical Monthly Commission (Pre-Tax)	Key Characteristics
Entry-Level (0-2 Years)	$35,000 - $48,000	$2,900 - $4,000	Building a network, working under a broker, heavy marketing costs. Often works a part-time job initially.
Mid-Level (3-7 Years)	$55,000 - $75,000	$4,600 - $6,250	Steady client base, referrals starting to come in, efficient systems in place.
Senior Level (8-15 Years)	$80,000 - $110,000+	$6,650 - $9,165+	Established brand, likely specializes (e.g., luxury, land), manages a team or assistant.
Expert/Top Producer (15+ Years)	$120,000+	$10,000+	Dominates a niche market, high referral volume, often a broker-owner or team lead.

Comparison to Other OK Cities

Moore offers a distinct middle ground within the state.

City	Median Salary	Cost of Living (Index)	Job Market Vibe
Moore	$59,820	91.0	Family-oriented, stable, military-influenced.
Oklahoma City (Downtown/Metro)	$61,480	89.0	Higher volume, faster pace, more corporate/luxury clients.
Norman (South of Moore)	$58,500	88.5	University-driven (OU), younger demographic, rental market focus.
Edmond (North of OKC)	$62,500	95.0	Affluent suburbs, higher price points, competitive luxury market.

Insider Tip: While Edmond commands higher salaries, the cost of living is also higher, and the competition is fierce. Moore allows you to carve out a niche without the intense pressure of the north side.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s look at the monthly budget for an agent earning the median salary of $59,820. Real estate agents are 1099 independent contractors, meaning you pay both the employer and employee portions of Social Security and Medicare (roughly 15.3% total), plus federal and state income taxes.

Estimated Monthly Take-Home Pay:

• Gross Monthly Income: $4,985
• Estimated Taxes (30% avg): -$1,495
• Net Monthly Income: $3,490

Monthly Budget Breakdown:

• Housing (Rent): $773 (Average 1BR)
• Utilities (Electric, Water, Internet): $200
• Car Payment/Insurance (Essential for driving clients): $500
• Groceries: $300
• Health Insurance (Private/Marketplace): $350
• Realtor Dues/MLS Fees/Marketing: $300
• Miscellaneous/Entertainment: $300
• Total Expenses: $2,723
• Remaining/Savings: $767

Can They Afford to Buy a Home?

Yes, but with caveats. The median home price in Moore is approximately $180,000 - $200,000. With a 20% down payment ($36k-$40k), a mortgage payment (PITI) would be roughly $1,100 - $1,250 per month.

This fits within the 30% rule of housing costs relative to the net income of $3,490. However, as a real estate agent, you must maintain a 6-month emergency fund due to the fluctuating nature of commissions. Buying a home is feasible after 2-3 years of steady income, but it requires disciplined saving during the lean months.

Cost of Living Context: With a Cost of Living Index of 91.0 (US avg = 100), Moore is significantly cheaper than the national average. Your dollar stretches further here, particularly in housing and transportation.

Where the Jobs Are: Moore's Major Employers

While you are self-employed, your "job" is tied to the economic health of the city. You need to know where the money is flowing and where potential clients work. Moore is heavily influenced by the Oklahoma City metro economy.

1. Tinker Air Force Base: Located just northeast of Moore, this is the economic engine of the region. It employs over 26,000 civilians and military personnel. A significant portion of your client base will be active-duty military using VA loans or civilian employees looking for homes within a 30-minute commute.
2. Moore Public Schools: The district is one of the largest employers in the city. Teachers and administrators are constant buyers and sellers, often looking for homes in neighborhoods zoned for specific schools like Moore High or Westmoore High.
3. Integris Health or OU Health (Moore Campus): Healthcare is a massive driver. The new OU Health Moore Medical Center has expanded the local medical footprint. Nurses, doctors, and support staff value proximity to work, often seeking homes in the quieter subdivisions near the hospital.
4. Oklahoma City Metro Economy: Many Moore residents commute to downtown OKC for jobs in finance (BancFirst, Paycom), energy (Chesapeake Energy, Devon Energy), or government. Your market extends to helping these commuters find affordable housing outside the city core.
5. Local Retail & Service: The shopping corridors along I-35 (Main Street exit) and South Western Avenue employ thousands in retail management and service roles. These are first-time homebuyer prospects.
6. Hiring Trends: The housing market in Moore is resilient. While new construction has slowed slightly from post-2020 highs, the demand for existing homes remains steady due to the city's affordability compared to Norman and Edmond.

Getting Licensed in OK

Oklahoma has a straightforward but rigorous licensing process managed by the Oklahoma Real Estate Commission (OREC).

Requirements:

1. Education: You must complete 90 hours of approved pre-licensing education from an accredited school (e.g., Oklahoma Real Estate School, Superior School of Real Estate). This covers real estate principles, contracts, and Oklahoma-specific laws.
2. Exam: Pass the state licensing exam administered by Pearson VUE. The pass rate hovers around 60-70% for first-time takers.
3. Background Check: Submit fingerprints for a state and federal background check.
4. Sponsorship: You must be hired by a licensed Oklahoma broker. You cannot practice independently as a new agent.

Timeline & Costs:

• Pre-Licensing Course: Takes 2-4 weeks (online or in-person). Cost: $300 - $500.
• Exam Fee: $68.
• License Application Fee: $185 (includes background check).
• Total Startup Cost: ~$550 - $750.
• MLS & Board Dues: Expect to pay $500 - $800 annually for the Central Oklahoma Multiple Listing Service (COMLS) and local association membership.
• Timeline: From starting class to holding an active license, expect 6-8 weeks.

Insider Tip: Choose a broker with a strong training program. In Moore, look for brokerages that specialize in military relocation (e.g., those with a VA loan specialist) or new construction, as these are dominant market segments.

Best Neighborhoods for Real Estate Agents

Where you live affects your networking and commute. Here are the top neighborhoods for agents in Moore:

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Avg. 1BR Rent	Why Agents Love It
Central Moore (Downtown)	Walkable, historic charm. 20 mins to OKC.	$800	Close to the courthouse, coffee shops, and networking events. High visibility.
East Moore (Near I-35)	Convenient, modern subdivisions. 15 mins to Tinker AFB.	$750	Easy access to clients and the highway. Great for agents covering the east side.
South Moore (Near 19th St)	Family-centric, excellent schools. 25 mins to OKC.	$725	Strong resale market. You can learn the school districts intimately by living here.
West Moore (Airport Rd area)	Quieter, larger lots. 20 mins to OKC.	$700	Good mix of older established homes and new builds. Lower rent means more savings.

Commute Insight: Living in Moore puts you within a 20-30 minute drive of the entire OKC metro. However, avoid the immediate I-35 corridor if you dislike traffic noise. The neighborhoods just east of the highway offer the best value.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 3% job growth projection suggests a stable, not explosive, market. To grow your income beyond the median, you need to specialize.

• Specialty Premiums:
  • Military Relocation Professional (MRP): Essential for Tinker AFB clients. Can increase referral volume by 20-30%.
  • New Construction Specialist: Moore has ongoing development in areas like the Towne Centre and South Moore. Builders often offer higher commission splits to agents who can move inventory.
  • First-Time Homebuyer Expert: With a cost of living index of 91.0, Moore attracts many first-time buyers. Becoming the "go-to" agent for FHA and USDA loans (common in surrounding rural parts of Cleveland County) is lucrative.

10-Year Outlook:
In 10 years, Moore’s population is projected to grow slowly but steadily as OKC expands south. The median salary may rise to $65,000 - $70,000, but the cost of living will likely remain below the national average. The agents who survive will be those who embrace technology (virtual tours, digital marketing) while maintaining the personal touch that small-town Oklahoma values.

The Verdict: Is Moore Right for You?

Moore is not a get-rich-quick market. It is a "get-steady-rich" market. It requires patience, community involvement, and a willingness to drive to OKC for higher-end listings.

Pros	Cons
Low Cost of Living: Your savings rate can be higher here than in major metros.	Limited High-End Market: Fewer luxury listings compared to Edmond or north OKC.
Stable Client Base: Tinker AFB and the school system provide consistent demand.	Heavy Competition: The market is saturated with local agents; you must differentiate.
Proximity to OKC: Access to a major metro area’s amenities without the price tag.	Commuting: If you want to work primarily in OKC proper, the commute adds up.
Community Feel: Easy to build a reputation in a city of 63,045 people.	Slower Growth: The 3% growth rate means you won't see rapid market booms.

Final Recommendation

Moore is an excellent choice for:

• New agents who want to start in a supportive, affordable community.
• Military spouses or veterans who understand the VA loan process.
• Agents seeking work-life balance who don’t want the cutthroat pace of a major coastal city.

Moore is not ideal for:

• Agents solely chasing high commissions from luxury sales.
• Those unwilling to commute to the broader OKC metro for business.

FAQs

1. Do I need a car to be a real estate agent in Moore?
Absolutely. While central Moore is walkable, you will be driving clients to viewings in suburbs, to the courthouse in Norman, or to OKC. Public transit is limited. A reliable vehicle is non-negotiable.

2. How do I find a broker in Moore?
Attend local Realtor® association meetings at the Cleveland County Association of Realtors®. Visit brokerage websites and look for those advertising "new agent training." Interview at least three brokers to compare commission splits (typically 70/30 to 50/50 for new agents) and desk fees.

3. Is the market competitive?
Yes. With 126 agents in the metro and steady demand, you need a niche. Don't just be "another agent." Be the "West Moore new construction expert" or the "Tinker AFB relocation specialist."

4. What is the biggest challenge for agents new to Moore?
Building a sphere of influence. Moore is a community where people know people. You need to get involved—join the Chamber of Commerce, volunteer at local events, and sponsor little league teams. Transaction volume comes from relationships here.

5. Can I work remotely from Moore?
You must have a physical broker’s office in Oklahoma, but much of your work (emails, contracts, marketing) can be done from home. However, in-person client meetings and showings require local presence.

Data Sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau, Oklahoma Real Estate Commission (OREC), Sperling's BestPlaces, Central Oklahoma Multiple Listing Service (COMLS).