Social Worker in Moore, OK

As a career analyst who’s spent years mapping the professional landscape in central Oklahoma, I can tell you that Moore offers a compelling, if understated, proposition for social workers. It’s a city that sits in the shadow of Oklahoma City’s larger job market but carries its own distinct community fabric, a lower cost of living, and a tangible need for skilled human services professionals. This guide is your ground-level, data-driven breakdown of what it actually means to build a career as a social worker in Moore, Oklahoma. We’re not selling a dream; we’re analyzing the reality.

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The Salary Picture: Where Moore Stands

Let’s start with the numbers that matter. The data for social workers in the Oklahoma City metropolitan area (which includes Moore) paints a picture of stability with room for growth. The median annual salary for a social worker in this metro is $59,216/year, translating to an hourly rate of $28.47/hour. This sits slightly below the national average of $60,860/year, which is typical for a lower cost-of-living region. The job market is modest but steady, with 126 jobs currently available in the metro and a projected 10-year job growth of 7%. This growth is largely driven by Oklahoma’s aging population, increased focus on mental health services in schools, and ongoing needs in child and family welfare.

To understand the salary landscape, experience is the key differentiator. Here’s a realistic breakdown for Moore and the surrounding metro area:

Experience Level	Typical Title	Annual Salary Range (OKC Metro)
Entry-Level	BSW-Level Caseworker, School Social Worker (Assistant)	$42,000 - $52,000
Mid-Career	MSW-Level Therapist, Licensure Candidate (LMSW)	$56,000 - $68,000
Senior/Expert	LCSW, Clinical Supervisor, Program Director	$70,000 - $85,000+
Specialty Roles	Private Practice, Forensic Social Worker	$65,000 - $100,000+

Note: These ranges are synthesized from BLS metropolitan area data and local job postings.

Insider Tip: Salaries in Moore proper can be slightly lower than in downtown Oklahoma City, but they’re competitive within the suburban market. The biggest leverage for negotiation comes with licensure (see "Getting Licensed in OK" below). An LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker) can command a significantly higher salary, often in the $70,000+ range for clinical or supervisory roles.

Comparison to Other OK Cities:

• Oklahoma City: Salaries are slightly higher (median ~$61,500), but competition is fiercer and rents in desirable districts are 20-30% higher.
• Tulsa: Salaries are comparable (~$58,900), but the job market is more concentrated in healthcare and non-profits.
• Norman: Home to OU, it has a strong university and healthcare system, with salaries similar to Moore but a different community feel—more college-town, less suburban-family.
• Moore's Niche: It offers a unique blend of proximity to OKC’s large employer network (like INTEGRIS and the state government) with a tight-knit community feel. You’ll often find jobs at Moore schools or local clinics that you’d miss if you only searched OKC.

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The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

The median salary of $59,216/year is a nice headline, but what does it mean for your monthly budget in Moore? Let’s break it down with some real numbers.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Single Earner, No Dependents):

• Gross Monthly Income: $59,216 / 12 = $4,934.67
• Estimated Taxes (Federal, State, FICA): ~$1,035
• Net Take-Home Pay: ~$3,900/month (This is a conservative estimate; actual depends on benefits, retirement contributions, and tax credits).
• Average 1BR Rent in Moore: $773/month
• Utilities (Electric, Water, Internet): ~$180
• Groceries & Household: ~$400
• Car Payment/Gas/Insurance: ~$400 (essential, as Moore is car-dependent)
• Health Insurance (if not fully covered by employer): ~$250
• Student Loan/Other Debt: ~$200 (average for MSW)
• Savings & Discretionary: ~$1,297

Can they afford to buy a home? With a Cost of Living Index of 91.0 (US avg = 100), Moore is significantly more affordable than the national average. The median home price in Moore is around $215,000. With a 20% down payment ($43,000) and a mortgage rate of ~7%, the monthly payment (including taxes and insurance) would be roughly $1,400-$1,500.

For a single social worker earning the median, buying a home is a stretch without a dual income or substantial savings. However, it’s far more attainable than in OKC or national metros. Many social workers in Moore start by renting a 1BR apartment for a year or two, saving aggressively, and then buying a starter home in a neighborhood like Southridge or Moore West. The key is to view the $773 average rent as a major advantage—it frees up cash flow to build a down payment.

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Where the Jobs Are: Moore's Major Employers

Moore’s social work jobs are anchored in public service, healthcare, and education. Unlike a tech hub, the employers are stable, mission-driven, and often offer good benefits, if sometimes modest salaries.

1. Moore Public Schools: The district is a massive employer for school social workers. With over 35 schools and a student population nearing 25,000, the need for BSW and MSW-level professionals to handle truancy, behavioral interventions, and family support is constant. Hiring Trend: Increasing focus on trauma-informed care and mental health support post-pandemic.
2. INTEGRIS Health Moore (formerly Moore Medical Center): A key hospital in the INTEGRIS network. They employ medical social workers for discharge planning, case management, and behavioral health. Insider Tip: INTEGRIS often hires BSWs for case management and requires (or pays for) MSWs to get their LMSW. They are a major pathway to licensure.
3. Oklahoma Department of Human Services (DHS): While the main office is in OKC, DHS has a significant presence in Moore for child welfare services. Caseworker positions here are foundational but high-burnout; they provide invaluable experience. Hiring Trend: Statewide efforts to reduce caseloads are creating more stable positions.
4. Cleveland County Crisis Center: Located just south of Moore in Norman, this center serves the entire metro, including Moore families. They offer crisis intervention, shelter services, and counseling. A prime employer for direct-service social workers.
5. Private Practice Clinics: Moore has a growing number of small group practices, like Moore Counseling Services and Heartland Behavioral Health. These are often the best employers for LCSWs seeking clinical roles. They frequently hire on a contract-to-privilege basis.
6. Central Oklahoma Community Action Agency (COCAA): Based in nearby Norman, this anti-poverty agency serves Moore with programs like Head Start, energy assistance, and housing counseling. They hire MSWs for program coordination and case management.
7. The City of Moore: The city government employs social workers for community development, senior services, and crisis response programs. These are competitive, stable government jobs with excellent benefits.

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Getting Licensed in OK

Oklahoma’s licensing is centralized under the Oklahoma State Board of Licensed Social Workers (OSBLSW). The process is straightforward but requires meticulous paperwork.

Steps & Costs:

1. Education: Complete a CSWE-accredited BSW or MSW program.
2. Exam: Pass the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) exam. The fee is $230 for the BSW-level exam and $260 for the MSW-level exam.
3. Application: Submit an application to the OSBLSW. The fee is $200 for an LMSW (Licensed Master Social Worker) or $250 for an LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker).
4. Supervision (for LCSW): To upgrade from LMSW to LCSW, you need 3,000 hours of post-master’s supervised experience over a minimum of two years. Supervision costs (if private) can range from $50-$100/hour. Many employers, like INTEGRIS or DHS, provide supervision as a benefit.

Timeline to Get Started:

• From MSW Graduation to LMSW: 3-6 months (time to study for and pass the exam).
• From LMSW to LCSW: 2-3 years (the required 3,000 supervised hours).
• Total Time to Full Licensure: 3-4 years post-MSW.

Insider Tip: Oklahoma has reciprocity with many states, but you must apply and provide documentation. If you’re moving from another state, start the process with the OSBLSW before you move. The board is responsive and helpful—don’t hesitate to call them.

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Best Neighborhoods for Social Workers

Your choice of neighborhood impacts your commute, access to community resources, and lifestyle. Here’s a breakdown:

Neighborhood	Vibe & Lifestyle	Avg. 1BR Rent	Commute to Major Employers
Central Moore (near Moore High)	Established, walkable to older shops, family-oriented. Close to city services.	$725-$800	10-15 mins to INTEGRIS, DHS office. Easy access to I-35.
Southridge	Newer, affordable homes, young families. Quiet, suburban feel.	$775-$875	15 mins to most employers; easy highway access.
Moore West (near I-40)	Growing area with new apartments and eateries. More transient population.	$750-$850	10-20 mins to OKC jobs, 15 mins to INTEGRIS.
Eastside	Older, more affordable. Quieter, but can feel isolated from main hubs.	$675-$750	15-20 mins to most locations; requires driving on busier roads.
Norman Adjacent (S. of 12th)	Blurs line with Norman. More diverse, closer to OU and downtown Norman.	$800-$900	10 mins to Norman employers, 20-25 mins to Moore/OKC.

Insider Tip: For a new social worker, Central Moore or Southridge offer the best balance. You’re close to the schools and hospital, and you’ll find a supportive community. If you want more nightlife or cultural amenities, look at the Norman border, but expect a slightly longer commute to Moore-specific jobs.

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The Long Game: Career Growth

Social work in Moore is not a dead-end path; it’s about strategic advancement.

• Specialty Premiums:

  • LCSW: The single biggest salary booster. Unlocks private practice, clinical supervisor roles, and higher-level government jobs.
  • School Social Worker (Certified): Requires a separate Oklahoma teaching certificate but offers a higher, structured salary schedule (often starting at $45,000+ with summers off).
  • Medical Social Worker (MSW): Case management in a hospital system like INTEGRIS can lead to $65,000+ with experience.
  • Forensic/Child Welfare Specialist: Requires additional training but commands a premium in state and legal settings.

• Advancement Paths:

  1. Clinical Track: BSW Caseworker → MSW Therapist (LMSW) → Clinical Therapist (LCSW) → Clinical Supervisor/Program Director.
  2. Administrative Track: Case Manager → Program Coordinator → Non-Profit Director or Government Agency Manager.
  3. Private Practice: After LCSW, you can rent office space in Moore (e.g., in a professional building on SE 4th) and build a private client base. This offers the highest income potential but requires business acumen.

• 10-Year Outlook (7% Growth): The demand will be strongest in:

  • Geriatric Social Work: Advising on aging in place, navigating Medicare, and senior housing.
  • Integrated Behavioral Health: Working in primary care clinics (like those at INTEGRIS) to provide immediate mental health support.
  • School-Based Mental Health: Moore Schools are actively expanding these services, creating more dedicated positions.

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The Verdict: Is Moore Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Affordable Living: Rent and home prices are well below national averages.	Smaller Job Market: Fewer specialized roles than OKC or Tulsa.
Strong Community Ties: Easier to build a professional network and see your impact.	Car-Dependent: Limited public transit; a reliable vehicle is a must.
Proximity to OKC: Access to major hospitals, government jobs, and cultural amenities.	Limited Nightlife/Arts: Very suburban; for big-city amenities, you’ll drive to OKC.
Stable Employers: Schools, hospitals, and state agencies offer job security.	Lower Ceiling: Top-tier salaries (e.g., corporate EAP) are in OKC.
Manageable Caseloads: Compared to denser metros, client loads can be more sustainable.	Licensure Timeline: Requires 2-3 years of supervised work for full licensure.

Final Recommendation:
Moore is an excellent choice for a social worker who values work-life balance, community integration, and financial stability over high-octane urban career tracks. It’s ideal for:

• Early-career MSWs looking for a low-cost place to gain hours for licensure while working in schools or healthcare.
• School-focused social workers who want a supportive district and a suburban lifestyle.
• LCSWs seeking a quieter, lower-stress practice environment with a stable client base.

If your goal is to work in a specialized, high-paying niche (like forensic psychology or corporate EAP), you’d be better served in OKC. But for a sustainable, meaningful career where your salary goes far, Moore is a hidden gem.

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FAQs

1. Do I need a car to work as a social worker in Moore?
Absolutely. Moore is not walkable, and public transportation is limited (Oklahoma City’s MetroLink has a Moore route, but it’s not comprehensive for door-to-door service). You’ll be driving to client homes, schools, and offices across the metro.

2. What’s the demand for BSW vs. MSW in Moore?
BSW-level jobs (case management, advocacy, some school roles) are available but are often entry-level with lower pay ($42k-$52k). The majority of career-track positions, especially in clinical work, therapy, and supervision, require an MSW. The investment in an MSW significantly increases your earning potential and job options.

3. How competitive is the job market?
With only 126 jobs in the metro, it’s not as saturated as larger cities, but it’s not wide-open either. Competition is highest for school positions and hospital-based roles. Insider Tip: Network with professionals at INTEGRIS Moore or Moore Public Schools before you graduate. Many jobs are filled through referrals.

4. Can I work in private practice right after licensure?
You can, but it’s risky. Oklahoma requires 3,000 supervised hours for LCSW. After that, you can practice independently. However, building a full caseload in a smaller market like Moore takes time. Many LCSWs start part-time in private practice while maintaining a part-time role at a clinic or hospital.

5. What benefits do employers in Moore typically offer?
Public sector (schools, DHS) and large hospitals (INTEGRIS) offer robust packages: health insurance, retirement (often Oklahoma’s state system or 403(b)), and paid time off. Smaller clinics may offer more flexibility but fewer benefits. Always ask about supervision availability if you’re not yet an LCSW—it’s a key benefit that saves you thousands.

Data Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) for Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), Oklahoma State Board of Licensed Social Workers (OSBLSW), Oklahoma City Metropolitan Statistical Area data, and local rental and real estate market reports from platforms like Zillow and the Oklahoma Association of Realtors.