Here is a comprehensive career guide for Software Developers considering a move to Moore, Oklahoma.

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The Software Developer's Guide to Moore, Oklahoma

Welcome to Moore. If you're looking at this guide, you're likely considering a move to this unique city nestled between Oklahoma City and Norman. As a local who's watched this place grow from a quiet suburb into a tech-adjacent hub, I'll give you the straight facts—no fluff, just the data and the on-the-ground reality. Moore isn't a sprawling metropolis like Austin or Denver; it's a tight-knit community with a specific economic engine. For a Software Developer, it presents a unique value proposition: a low cost of living paired with solid salaries, especially if you're willing to commute or work remotely.

Let's break down what your life as a developer would look like here.

The Salary Picture: Where Moore Stands

In Moore, you're not competing with Silicon Valley salaries, but your paycheck goes much, much further. The median salary for a Software Developer in Moore is $123,823/year, which translates to a very comfortable hourly rate of $59.53/hour. It's important to understand this number is a median, meaning half of the developers here earn more, and half earn less. Compared to the national average of $127,260/year, Moore sits just slightly below, but the cost of living difference makes that salary feel significantly more powerful.

The job market here is small but stable. There are approximately 378 developer jobs in the metro area (including the broader Oklahoma City-Norman-Moore MSA). The 10-year job growth is 17%, a healthy figure that indicates steady demand, particularly as local industries modernize and more companies adopt hybrid or remote work models that allow them to tap into Moore's talent pool.

Experience-Level Breakdown

Salaries in Moore increase predictably with experience. Here’s how the numbers typically break down:

Experience Level	Typical Salary Range	Notes
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$85,000 - $105,000	Often seen in local government, healthcare IT, or small agencies.
Mid-Level (3-5 years)	$110,000 - $135,000	This is the sweet spot for most roles at major local employers.
Senior-Level (6-9 years)	$135,000 - $155,000	Leads teams, architects systems. Often requires specialized skills.
Expert/Principal (10+ years)	$155,000+	Can exceed $165k in niche specializations like cybersecurity or cloud architecture.

Comparison to Other OK Cities

Moore is part of the larger Oklahoma City metro, but its salary dynamics differ from downtown OKC or Norman.

• Oklahoma City (Downtown/Midtown): Salaries can be 5-10% higher due to a higher concentration of corporate HQs and tech startups. However, commute times from Moore can be 25-45 minutes in traffic.
• Norman (South of Moore): Home to the University of Oklahoma, Norman has a strong tech talent pipeline. Salaries are very competitive with Moore, often slightly higher for roles at the university or its affiliated tech incubators. The vibe is more collegiate and artsy.
• Edmond (North OKC): A wealthy suburb with excellent schools. Salaries are generally on par with or slightly above Moore, but the cost of living, especially housing, is noticeably higher.

Insider Tip: Don't overlook remote opportunities. Many Moore-based developers work for companies based in OKC, Dallas, or even nationally, while enjoying Moore's affordability. Your value as a developer is the same; your location just makes your salary go further.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

This is where Moore truly shines. Let's look at a monthly budget for a developer earning the median salary of $123,823/year.

Assumptions:

• Taxes: We'll estimate a 22% effective tax rate (including federal, state, FICA). This is a conservative estimate for this income bracket in Oklahoma.
• Housing: The average 1BR rent in Moore is $773/month. We'll use this as a baseline.
• Utilities & Insurance: ~$250/month (Oklahoma's utility costs can be high in summer/winter).
• Transportation: ~$400/month (car payment, insurance, gas; public transit is limited).
• Groceries & Essentials: ~$450/month.
• Discretionary Spending: Remaining for savings, entertainment, etc.

Monthly Budget Breakdown

Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Gross Monthly Pay	$10,318	$123,823 / 12
Net Pay (After Taxes)	$8,048	($10,318 * 0.78)
Rent (1BR Average)	$773
Utilities & Insurance	$250
Transportation	$400
Groceries & Essentials	$450
Total Fixed Costs	$1,873
Remaining for Savings/Discretion	$6,175	This is your "real" take-home power.

With $6,175 left after covering all basic necessities, you have an immense amount of financial flexibility. You can max out a 401(k) ($22,500/year), save for a down payment aggressively, or enjoy a high quality of life.

Can They Afford to Buy a Home?

Absolutely, and with ease. The median home price in Moore is approximately $215,000 - $240,000 (as of late 2023). Let's use $230,000 for this example.

• 20% Down Payment: $46,000
• Loan Amount: $184,000
• Estimated Monthly Mortgage (30-year fixed at 7%): ~$1,225
• Property Taxes & Insurance: ~$350/month
• Total Housing Payment: ~$1,575

Even with a total housing payment of ~$1,575 (which is double the average rent), you're still left with over $6,400 per month for other expenses, savings, and investments. A developer in Moore can comfortably buy a home within 2-3 years of moving here while maintaining a high savings rate.

Where the Jobs Are: Moore's Major Employers

Moore's economy is anchored in healthcare, education, and government. While it's not a tech hub like Austin, there are key local employers who hire software developers for internal IT, specialized applications, and system management.

1. Moore Public Schools (MPS): The largest employer in the city. MPS has a dedicated technology department that hires developers and systems analysts to manage student information systems, learning platforms, and network infrastructure. Hiring tends to be seasonal, aligned with the school year budget cycle.
2. Norman Regional Health System: While headquartered in Norman, this major healthcare provider has a significant presence in Moore, including the Moore Medical Center. They hire developers for electronic health record (EHR) customization, patient portal development, and data analytics. The shift towards telehealth has boosted demand here.
3. City of Moore IT Department: The city government itself is a steady employer. They need developers for public safety software (911 dispatch, police/fire records), utility billing systems, and public-facing websites and apps. These are stable, pension-eligible positions.
4. Love's Travel Stops & Country Stores: Headquartered just north in OKC, Love's has a massive tech division. Many of their developers live in Moore due to the short commute. They hire for roles in logistics software, mobile app development (for drivers), and payment systems.
5. Devoted Health (from nearby Edmond): A growing Medicare Advantage insurer with a strong tech team. They frequently hire remote and hybrid roles for software engineers, data engineers, and DevOps, and Moore is a prime location for their talent pool.
6. Local Agencies & Startups: A small but growing scene of digital marketing agencies and software consultancies (often in the greater OKC area) hire Moore-based developers for contract and full-time work. The 17% job growth is partly driven by these smaller firms.

Hiring Trends: The trend is toward hybrid models. Many local employers offer 2-3 days remote work. There's also a growing demand for developers with experience in health tech (FHIR standards), cloud platforms (AWS/Azure), and cybersecurity due to the concentration of healthcare and government entities.

Getting Licensed in Oklahoma

The good news for Software Developers: Oklahoma does not have a state-specific license to practice software development. Unlike fields like engineering or accounting, you don't need a state board certification to write code or work as a developer.

However, there are important certifications and registrations to consider:

• Professional Engineer (PE) License: Only required if you are working on software for critical infrastructure (e.g., public utilities, aerospace) and you are stamping designs as a licensed Professional Engineer. This is rare for most developers.
• State Business Registration: If you're starting your own freelance/consulting business, you must register with the Oklahoma Secretary of State. Filing a Certificate of Organization for an LLC costs $100. You'll also need to register for state taxes with the Oklahoma Tax Commission.
• Vendor Certifications: While not state-issued, certifications from major tech vendors are highly valued. For example, getting an AWS Certified Solutions Architect or Microsoft Certified: Azure Developer Associate can significantly boost your employability. Exam costs typically range from $100-$300.
• Timeline: You can start applying for jobs immediately. The process to register a business, if you go that route, can be done online in a matter of days.

Insider Tip: The most important "license" in Oklahoma tech is a strong portfolio and local networking. Attend meetups in the broader OKC metro (like OKC Python or OKC Devs) to build connections. Many jobs here are filled through referrals.

Best Neighborhoods for Software Developers

Moore is a city of distinct neighborhoods, each with a different feel and price point. Commutes are generally easy, as I-35 and I-240 run through the city.

1. East Moore (The "Tinker" Area): Close to Tinker Air Force Base, which drives a lot of the local defense contracting economy (via companies like Boeing, Northrop Grumman, and their subcontractors). This area is older, with mid-century homes and a strong military community. It's convenient for those who work on-base or in related defense IT. Rent Estimate: $700 - $900/mo for a 1BR.
2. South Moore (The "New" Moore): The newer development area south of I-240, with modern subdivisions, newer schools, and more amenities. This is popular with young families. Commute to OKC is easy via I-240/I-35. Rent Estimate: $800 - $1,000/mo for a 1BR (more options for 2BR townhomes).
3. Downtown Moore: A revitalizing historic district with older homes, walkable streets, and a growing number of local shops and cafes. It has a more urban, small-town vibe. Great for developers who want to bike to work (if they can find a local job) and enjoy community events. Rent Estimate: $650 - $850/mo (often in older complexes or duplexes).
4. West Moore/Norman Adjacent: This area borders Norman and offers a quieter, more suburban feel with larger lots. It's ideal for a longer commute to Norman's tech scene or for remote workers who want space. Rent Estimate: $850 - $1,100/mo.
5. The "Creek" Area (Near Little River): A mix of older and newer homes along the river. Offers more green space and is popular for outdoor enthusiasts. Commute times are consistent. Rent Estimate: $750 - $950/mo.

Insider Tip: Traffic on I-35 is the main commute challenge. If you work in OKC, living in East Moore can shave 10-15 minutes off your daily drive compared to South Moore.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Staying in Moore long-term means strategically managing your career growth. The local market has ceilings, but with the right approach, you can thrive.

• Specialty Premiums: The highest salaries in Moore are found not in generalist roles, but in specializations that serve the local economy:
  • Cybersecurity: With government and healthcare employers, this is a high-demand field.
  • Cloud Engineering: As local companies migrate to AWS/Azure, these skills command a premium.
  • Healthcare IT (FHIR/HL7): Deep knowledge of healthcare data standards is invaluable for Norman Regional and other providers.
• Advancement Paths: The path often leads from a local role (e.g., at MPS) to a senior position at a larger OKC-based company, or into a remote leadership role. The 17% growth suggests there will be more senior-level opportunities in the coming decade as the tech scene matures.
• 10-Year Outlook: Moore will likely see continued integration with the OKC metro tech economy. The low cost of living will remain a major draw for remote companies. Expect the local job market to grow in sectors that support the city's core industries: specialized software for education, healthcare, and local government. Developers who can bridge the gap between technical skills and these industry domains will be the most successful.

The Verdict: Is Moore Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Extreme Affordability: Your salary stretches further here than almost anywhere else.	Limited Local Tech Scene: Fewer tech meetups, startups, and networking events compared to OKC or Norman.
Short, Easy Commutes: Less time in traffic = more time for life.	Career Ceiling: Local senior/lead roles can be limited; may require commuting or remote work to advance past a certain point.
Strong Job Stability: Anchored by healthcare, education, and government.	Cultural & Social Options: Fewer fine dining, arts, and nightlife options than a major city. You'll go to OKC for most of that.
Family-Friendly: Great schools, safe neighborhoods, community events.	Conservative Social Climate: As a deeply religious, family-oriented community, it may not suit everyone's lifestyle preferences.
Gateway to OKC & Norman: You can easily access the benefits of two larger cities.	Weather: Tornadoes are a real seasonal risk (spring/early summer).

Final Recommendation:
Moore is an outstanding choice for Software Developers who prioritize financial freedom, work-life balance, and a family-oriented environment. It's ideal for mid-career professionals looking to buy a home, start a family, and build significant savings without a long commute. It's also perfect for remote workers who want a low-cost, stable base of operations.

It may not be the best fit for those who thrive on the energy of a dense tech startup scene, who are single and want a vibrant nightlife within walking distance, or who are at the very beginning of their career and need intense local mentorship and networking.

For the right person, Moore offers a rare combination: a solid tech salary with a small-town cost of living.

FAQs

Q: Do I need to know someone to get a job in Moore?
A: It helps, but it's not mandatory. The market is small, so networking is effective. Apply directly to employers like MPS and Norman Regional, and use LinkedIn to connect with recruiters in the OKC metro. Many jobs are posted online, but referrals can get your resume seen faster.

Q: What's the commute like from Moore to downtown OKC?
A: It's approximately 15-25 miles, depending on your exact location. The drive on I-35/I-240 can take 25-45 minutes during rush hour. Many people find this acceptable for higher-paying OKC jobs. Carpooling is common.

Q: Is the internet infrastructure good enough for remote work?
A: Generally, yes. Major providers like AT&T Fiber and Cox offer high-speed internet in most of Moore. You should verify availability for your specific address, but as a rule, the city has modern infrastructure supporting remote development work.

Q: How volatile is the job market with Tinker Air Force Base?
A: Tinker provides significant stability due to its federal funding. While there are fluctuations with government contracts, the base is a massive, constant economic engine. Many local IT jobs are tied to it, providing a steady demand for cleared and non-cleared developers alike.

Q: What's the best way to prepare for a move to Moore?
A: 1. Research the specific neighborhoods to match your lifestyle. 2. Start applying for jobs 2-3 months before your move. 3. Get your resume and LinkedIn profile polished with keywords relevant to Moore's key industries (healthcare, education, government). 4. Budget for a security deposit and first month's rent, which is very affordable compared to national averages.