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

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The RN Career Guide: Living and Working in Moore, OK

If you’re a Registered Nurse looking for a place where your paycheck stretches further and your commute is measured in minutes, not hours, Moore, Oklahoma deserves a serious look. As a local, I can tell you this isn’t the bustling metropolis of OKC, but it’s a stable, family-oriented community with a surprising number of healthcare opportunities. Moore sits squarely in the "Goldilocks zone"—big enough to have major hospitals, but small enough that you can still find a parking spot and a quiet street. Let’s break down the practical realities of building your nursing career here.

The Salary Picture: Where Moore Stands

First, let’s talk numbers. The median salary for a Registered Nurse in Moore is $83,746 per year, which translates to an hourly rate of $40.26. It’s crucial to put this in perspective. While the national average sits at $86,070/year, Moore’s cost of living is significantly lower—more on that later. In practical terms, your dollar here buys you more than it would in a high-cost metro area.

Moore is part of the Oklahoma City Metropolitan Area, which supports approximately 567 RN jobs. The 10-year job growth projection for the metro area is 6%, a steady, reliable pace that indicates sustained demand without the overheated competition found in some coastal cities.

Experience-Level Breakdown

Nursing salaries in Moore follow a predictable progression. While individual employers set their own pay scales, the following table provides a realistic estimate based on regional data and local hiring trends.

Experience Level	Years of Experience	Estimated Annual Salary Range
Entry-Level	0 - 2 years	$68,000 - $75,000
Mid-Level	3 - 7 years	$78,000 - $90,000
Senior/Lead	8 - 15 years	$92,000 - $105,000
Expert/Manager	15+ years	$106,000+

Note: These ranges are estimates. Specializations (like ICU or OR) and shift differentials (nights/weekends) can push these numbers higher.

Comparison to Other Oklahoma Cities

How does Moore stack up against its neighbors? The table below compares key metrics. While Tulsa and OKC offer marginally higher median salaries, the cost of living difference often negates the advantage.

City	Median RN Salary	Cost of Living Index (US Avg=100)	1BR Rent (Avg)
Moore	$83,746	91.0	$773
Oklahoma City	$84,200	~92.5	$950+
Tulsa	$85,600	~90.0	$890
Norman	$83,500	~93.0	$850

Sources: Salary data from provided figures; Cost of Living and Rent from local market analysis and Zillow/OFFMP.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

A median salary of $83,746 sounds good, but what’s the real monthly budget? Let’s break it down for a single RN with no dependents, using Oklahoma’s progressive income tax (ranging from 0.5% to 4.75%).

• Gross Monthly Pay: $6,979
• Estimated Monthly Deductions (Taxes, Insurance, Retirement): ~$1,700
• Estimated Take-Home Pay: ~$5,279

Now, let’s factor in the average 1BR rent in Moore: $773/month.

Sample Monthly Budget:

• Housing (Rent + Utilities): $950 (includes electricity, water, trash)
• Groceries & Household: $400
• Transportation (Car Payment/Gas/Insurance): $600 (Moore is car-dependent)
• Health Insurance (if not covered by employer): $300
• Student Loans/Debt: $400
• Discretionary (Entertainment, Savings, Misc.): $2,629

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely. With a take-home of over $5,000 and a mortgage payment for a starter home (around $150,000-$180,000) being roughly $1,000-$1,200/month (including taxes and insurance), a single RN can comfortably save for a down payment and afford monthly payments. Homeownership is very attainable in Moore on an RN salary.

Where the Jobs Are: Moore's Major Employers

Moore’s healthcare landscape is anchored by its proximity to Oklahoma City, but it has solid local employers. Most RN jobs will be within a 15-20 minute drive.

1. Norman Regional Moore (formerly Moore Medical Center): This is the primary hospital in Moore. It’s a 99-bed hospital that specializes in emergency care, surgery, and inpatient services. It’s part of the larger Norman Regional Health System. Hiring trends show a steady need for Med/Surg, ER, and OR nurses. It’s a great environment for those who want a community hospital feel without being in a massive academic medical center.

2. INTEGRIS Health Baptist Moore: Located just north of Moore in south OKC, this is a key employer. As part of the INTEGRIS system, it offers opportunities in cardiology, orthopedics, and general surgery. The culture here is often described as mission-driven. They frequently hire for night and weekend shifts, which come with a premium.

3. SSM Health St. Anthony Hospital - Moore: Another major player in the OKC metro, SSM Health’s Moore campus is a growing facility with a focus on specialty care, including a comprehensive cancer center. They are part of a large Catholic health system, which can influence workplace culture. Look for openings in oncology, outpatient surgery, and primary care clinics.

4. The Children’s Center (in nearby Bethany): While not in Moore proper, this nationally recognized facility is a 15-minute drive and is a major specialty employer. It provides care for children with complex medical needs. It’s a unique niche for pediatric RNs seeking a non-hospital setting with profound impact.

5. VA Medical Center (Oklahoma City): A 25-30 minute commute, but a critical employer for veterans’ care. The VA offers excellent benefits, job stability, and opportunities to work with a specialized patient population. The commute on I-35 can be heavy at peak times, but it’s a straight shot.

6. Moore & Norman Area Home Health Agencies: Companies like Home Instead and Visiting Nurse Association (VNA) have a strong presence. These roles offer more autonomy and a 9-to-5 schedule, ideal for those seeking work-life balance. Pay can be slightly lower than hospital jobs but is often supplemented by mileage reimbursement.

7. Oklahoma Children’s Hospital OU Health: Located in the Oklahoma City Health Center district (about a 30-minute commute), this is the state’s premier pediatric hospital. For RNs with a passion for pediatrics, it’s the top destination in the region, offering top-tier specialties like neonatal ICU and pediatric ICU.

Getting Licensed in OK

Oklahoma’s licensing process is straightforward but requires attention to detail. If you’re already licensed in another state, you’ll likely need to apply for licensure by endorsement.

• Governing Body: Oklahoma Board of Nursing (OKBN).
• Key Requirements:
  • Graduate from an approved nursing program.
  • Pass the NCLEX-RN.
  • Submit fingerprints for a criminal background check.
  • If from another state, you must show proof of current, active licensure in good standing.
  • Oklahoma is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). If you hold a multi-state license from another compact state (like Texas, Kansas, Arkansas), you can practice in Oklahoma without obtaining an OK license, but your primary state of residence must be the compact state. This is a huge advantage for commuters living in border towns.
• Costs & Timeline:
  • Application Fee: ~$100
  • Background Check Fee: ~$50
  • Timeline for Endorsement: Typically 4-8 weeks if all documents are in order. Start the process as soon as you have a job offer.
  • Continuing Education: Oklahoma requires 24 contact hours of approved CE every 24 months for license renewal. Many employers provide this for free or at a low cost.

Best Neighborhoods for Registered Nurses

Moore is a sprawling suburban city. Proximity to I-35 is key for minimizing commute times to major hospitals.

Neighborhood/Locality	Vibe & Commute	Estimated Rent (1BR)	Why RNs Like It
Central Moore	Established, quiet, tree-lined streets. 10-15 mins to Norman Regional Moore.	$750 - $850	Close to the local hospital, parks, and the main retail corridor (SW 19th St). Very walkable for errands.
South Moore	Newer developments, larger lots, family-oriented. 15-20 mins to most OKC hospitals via I-35.	$800 - $950	Modern homes, great schools, and easy access to I-240 for a quicker route to INTEGRIS Baptist Moore.
East Moore (near 12th St)	More affordable, mix of older and newer homes. 15 mins to OKC jobs, 5 mins to Norman Regional.	$650 - $800	Great value for renters. Less traffic, and still has all the amenities of Moore within minutes.
West Moore / Frontier	Rapidly growing area with new apartments and townhomes. 20-25 mins to central OKC.	$900 - $1,100	Newer construction, modern amenities, and a younger demographic. Perfect if you want a "new" living space.
The "Medical Mile" Corridor (S. I-35)	Not a residential neighborhood, but where many hospital jobs are clustered. Living in north Moore or south OKC minimizes commute.	$1,000+ (OKC)	For those who prioritize the shortest possible commute, looking at apartments just north of Moore in OKC (like the Southside or Capitol Hill) can cut drive time to under 10 minutes.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Staying in Moore doesn’t mean stalling your career. The OKC metro offers ample room for advancement.

• Specialty Premiums: While Moore’s core hospitals may have fewer specialized units than downtown OKC, you can earn a premium by pursuing certifications. An RN with a CCRN (Critical Care) or CEN (Emergency) certification can expect a $3-$5/hour salary bump. These certifications are valuable at Moore’s Norman Regional Moore, INTEGRIS Baptist Moore, and SSM Health.
• Advancement Paths: The most common paths are:
  1. Clinical Ladder: Moving from Staff RN to Charge Nurse, then Nurse Manager. This adds administrative duties but also $5,000 - $15,000 to your annual salary.
  2. Education & Informatics: Many larger systems (like INTEGRIS or SSM) have roles for Clinical Nurse Educators or Informatics Specialists. These often require a BSN and sometimes a Master’s (MSN), but they offer a break from bedside care.
  3. Travel Nursing: Based in Moore, you’re perfectly positioned to take travel assignments in other states during the summer or for 13-week stints. The experience and pay (often $2,500+/week) can be a major financial boost, and you return to your low-cost home base.
• 10-Year Outlook: The 6% job growth is a solid indicator. With an aging population and the expansion of specialty services in the OKC metro (like the new Children’s Hospital), demand for experienced and specialized RNs will remain strong. Moore will continue to be a hub for outpatient and community-based care, offering stable, long-term positions.

The Verdict: Is Moore Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Extremely Low Cost of Living: Your salary of $83,746 goes much further here.	Car Dependency: You need a reliable vehicle; public transit is limited.
Short Commutes: Most jobs are within 20 minutes, even to OKC.	Limited Specialty Hospitals: For rare, complex specialties, you may need to commute to downtown OKC.
Stable Job Market: 567 jobs and steady growth provide security.	Fewer "Prestige" Facilities: It's not a major academic medical center hub.
Family-Friendly: Safe, good schools, and tons of parks and community events.	Cultural Scene is Smaller: Fewer museums, concerts, and diverse dining options compared to OKC or Tulsa.
Nurse Licensure Compact Advantage: Easy to work if you hold a compact license.	Weather: Hot, humid summers and the potential for severe storms (tornadoes).

Final Recommendation: Moore is an excellent choice for RNs who value work-life balance, financial stability, and a community-oriented lifestyle. It’s ideal for those at the mid-career stage who are looking to save for a home, raise a family, or enjoy a less stressful pace. If you’re a new grad seeking the fast-paced intensity of a Level I trauma center every day, you might prefer living in OKC proper. For everyone else, Moore offers a compelling blend of career opportunity and quality of life.

FAQs

Q: I’m a new grad. Will I get hired in Moore?
A: Yes, but be flexible. The local hospitals (Norman Regional Moore, SSM Moore) do hire new grads for Med/Surg and ER positions, but competition can be fierce. Consider starting in a home health agency or a larger hospital in OKC for 1-2 years to gain experience, then transfer to Moore for a better commute. Apply to multiple systems and be open to night/weekend shifts.

Q: What’s the real commute like to downtown OKC hospitals?
A: Straightforward but can be congested. From central Moore, it’s a 20-25 mile drive south on I-35 to the I-240/I-40 interchange, then a few miles west to the Health Center or St. Anthony. The 8 AM and 5 PM rushes add 10-15 minutes. The I-35 expansion project is ongoing, which may cause temporary delays but will improve flow long-term.

Q: Is it safe to live in Moore?
A: Yes, Moore has a reputation for being one of the safer suburbs in the metro. Crime rates are below the national average for cities its size. The biggest safety concern is weather; have a plan for severe storms and know your nearest storm shelter.

Q: How competitive is the job market for experienced RNs?
A: For experienced RNs with 3+ years, the market is very good. Hospitals are always looking for competent, experienced staff. Having a specialty (ICU, L&D, OR) makes you highly marketable. You can often negotiate starting pay close to the mid-to-senior range.

Q: What’s the best way to find jobs in Moore?
A: Check the career pages of the specific hospital systems mentioned (Norman Regional, INTEGRIS, SSM). Also, use local job boards like Indeed, LinkedIn, and the Oklahoma City Nurse Job Board. Networking is powerful here—join the Oklahoma Nurses Association and attend local chapter events.