Electrician in Franklin, TN

As a career analyst who’s spent years mapping out professional paths, I’ve seen countless skilled tradespeople look at Franklin, TN, and ask one question: “Can I build a good life here?” The answer is a qualified yes, but it requires understanding the local landscape in a way that goes beyond a quick Google search. Franklin isn't just a historic suburb of Nashville; it's a powerhouse of its own, with a unique economy and a housing market that can feel both alluring and intimidating.

This guide is designed to give you a comprehensive, data-driven look at what it’s really like to work as an Electrician in Franklin. We’ll use real local numbers, name specific employers, and break down the practicalities of your potential budget. Let's get to work.

The Salary Picture: Where Franklin Stands

Franklin’s job market for skilled trades is robust, but your earnings will be heavily influenced by your experience level and the specific niche you carve out. The median salary for Electricians here is $61,069/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $29.36/hour. This is nearly identical to the national average of $61,550/year, which is a good sign—it suggests Franklin values this trade competitively without extreme deviation.

The metro area (which includes Williamson and surrounding counties) supports about 265 jobs for Electricians. While that may not sound like a massive number, it reflects a stable, consistent demand rather than a boom-and-bust cycle. The 10-year job growth projection for this region is 11%, which is a healthy, above-average rate of expansion.

Here’s how salary typically breaks down by experience level in this market:

| Experience Level | Estimated Annual Salary | Notes for Franklin |
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
| Entry-Level (0-2 years) | $42,000 - $52,000 | Typically starts as a helper or apprentice. Strong demand for those with a Tennessee license. |
| Mid-Career (3-7 years) | $58,000 - $72,000 | Where the median $61,069 falls. You're likely running jobs and managing apprentices. |
| Senior (8-15 years) | $70,000 - $85,000 | Often shifts into project management, estimating, or specialized commercial work. |
| Expert/Leadership (15+ years) | $85,000+ | Can include master electricians, business owners, or specialists in high-demand fields. |

Comparison to Other Tennessee Cities:
Franklin holds its own against other major Tennessee metros. It typically pays slightly more than Memphis ($58,200) and Knoxville ($57,800), and is on par with Chattanooga ($59,900). It’s slightly below Nashville’s city proper ($63,800), but Franklin’s lower cost of living can make the take-home pay more favorable. The key differentiator is the 11% job growth; many regional markets are growing slower, making Franklin a more stable bet for long-term employment.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Salary is just a number. To understand your financial reality, we need to factor in taxes and Franklin’s cost of living. The city’s Cost of Living Index is 97.4, meaning it’s about 2.6% cheaper than the U.S. average—a significant advantage given the region's growth.

Let’s break down a monthly budget for an Electrician earning the median $61,069/year. For a single filer with no dependents, after federal, state, and FICA taxes (approx. 24% effective rate), your take-home pay is roughly $3,840/month.

Monthly Budget Breakdown:

• Take-Home Pay: $3,840
• Rent (1BR Average): -$1,442 (Our guide’s data point)
• Utilities (Electric, Water, Gas): -$150
• Car Payment/Fuel (Essential in Franklin): -$400
• Groceries & Household: -$400
• Health Insurance (if not employer-paid): -$200
• Savings/Retirement (10%): -$384
• Discretionary: -$864

Can They Afford to Buy a Home?
This is the million-dollar question—or in Franklin’s case, the $400,000-$500,000 question. The median single-family home price in Franklin has soared past $600,000. For a conventional mortgage with 20% down, you’d need $120,000 saved. On a $61,069 salary, this is a significant stretch without a dual income. However, many Electricians in Franklin opt for homes in neighboring communities like Nolensville or Spring Hill, where prices are 15-20% lower. The VA loan (for veterans) and USDA rural loans (for properties in the outer metro) are popular paths for local tradespeople to become homeowners. Insider Tip: Don’t rule out older neighborhoods in Franklin like Columbia Avenue or East Franklin. While prices are high, you can find smaller, well-maintained homes that are more affordable than the new developments.

Where the Jobs Are: Franklin's Major Employers

Franklin’s economy is a mix of healthcare, corporate headquarters, and high-end residential construction. Electricians are essential in all three. Here are the major players:

1. Vanderbilt Health (arrington campus & local clinics): Vanderbilt is a massive employer in Franklin. They require electricians for facility maintenance, new clinic build-outs, and critical systems for medical equipment. These are often union jobs (IBEW Local 429) with excellent benefits and predictable schedules.
2. Amazon (Nashville Metro Fulfillment Centers): While the main hubs are in Lebanon and Murfreesboro, the logistics boom directly benefits Franklin’s commercial electricians. These jobs are for high-voltage specialists who can handle the complex power needs of a fulfillment center.
3. HCA Healthcare (TriStar Health): TriStar Summit Medical Center and other facilities in the area require in-house maintenance electricians and partner with local contractors for renovations.
4. Mars Petcare (U.S. Headquarters): Located in Thompson’s Station, just south of Franklin, Mars is a major regional employer. Their operations include complex manufacturing and R&D facilities, creating demand for industrial electricians.
5. Local Residential & Commercial Contractors: Franklin is a hotbed for construction. Companies like Southern Land Company, Harpeth Valley Electric, and Crouch & Associates are consistently hiring for residential and commercial projects. The trend is a strong push toward green energy and smart home integrations.
6. The City of Franklin (Public Works): The municipality itself employs electricians for street lighting, traffic signals, and municipal building maintenance. These jobs offer stability and public sector benefits.

Hiring Trends: There’s a clear shift toward electricians with certifications in low-voltage systems (security, home automation) and renewable energy (solar, EV charger installations). Companies are also desperate for licensed journeymen who can work independently.

Getting Licensed in Tennessee

Tennessee’s licensing is managed by the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance (TDCI) - Board for Licensing Contractors. The process is straightforward but requires diligence.

Requirements & Costs:

• Apprenticeship: You typically need 8,000 hours of on-the-job training over 4 years under a licensed electrician.
• Exam: Pass the Tennessee Electrical Contractor Exam (administered by PSI). For a Journeyman, you need 4 years (8,000 hours) of experience. For a Master Electrician, you need 7 years (12,000 hours).
• Exam Fees: Approximately $150 for the exam fee.
• Application Fee: $250 for the initial license application.
• Total Estimated Cost to Get Licensed: $400 - $500 (excluding books and study materials, which can add $200-$400).

Timeline to Get Started:

1. Find an Apprenticeship: Apply to the Nashville JATC (Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee), which serves the Franklin area. The waitlist can be 6-12 months. Alternatively, secure a helper position with a local contractor to start earning and logging hours immediately.
2. Complete Training: A typical apprenticeship takes 4 years. You’ll work during the day and attend classes 1-2 nights a week.
3. Apply for Exam: Once you meet the hour requirements, submit your application to the TDCI. Processing can take 4-8 weeks.
4. Schedule & Pass Exam: PSI centers are in Nashville. Study recommended materials thoroughly.
5. Receive License: Once you pass, your license is issued. You can now work as a Journeyman Electrician.

Insider Tip: The Tennessee Electrical Contractors Association (TECA) is an invaluable resource for study guides and networking with potential employers.

Best Neighborhoods for Electricians

Where you live affects your commute, daily life, and budget. Franklin is diverse, and the right neighborhood depends on your priorities.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	1BR Rent Estimate	Why It's Good for an Electrician
Downtown Franklin	Historic, walkable, trendy. 10-15 min commute to most in-town jobs.	$1,600 - $2,000	Proximity to high-end residential and commercial jobs. Older homes here mean consistent repair/remodel work.
Cool Springs	Corporate & modern. 10-20 min commute.	$1,500 - $1,800	Heart of commercial district. Close to major employers (Vanderbilt, corporate parks). Newer apartment complexes.
Nolensville	Family-oriented, suburban. 20-30 min commute to Franklin core.	$1,300 - $1,500	Significant cost savings on rent. A huge amount of new residential construction is happening here.
Leiper's Fork	Rural, rustic, artsy. 25-35 min commute.	$1,100 - $1,400 (if you can find one)	Ideal for someone who wants space and doesn't mind a longer drive. Appeals to high-end custom home builders.
Brentwood	Upscale, established. 15-25 min commute to Franklin.	$1,550 - $1,900	High demand for residential service electricians in affluent neighborhoods. Excellent school districts if you have a family.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 11% job growth over the next decade is promising, but how do you maximize your earning potential?

Specialty Premiums:

• Industrial/Commercial Automation: With the growth of Mars and logistics centers, electricians with PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) skills can command $5-$10/hour more than the median.
• Solar & EV Installation: Franklin homeowners are investing in sustainability. Certified solar installers often earn $70,000+. NABCEP certification is key here.
• Low-Voltage & Data: Smart home integration is a booming niche. Expertise in home automation systems (Control4, Crestron) can lead to high-end residential work.

Advancement Paths:

1. Journeyman -> Master Electrician: The natural progression, allowing you to pull permits and start your own business.
2. Field Electrician -> Project Manager: Move from hands-on work to overseeing budgets, schedules, and teams for larger commercial projects.
3. Employee -> Business Owner: Franklin’s growth supports new contractors. Starting a focused business (e.g., "Franklin Smart Home Electric") can be lucrative with the right marketing.

10-Year Outlook: The demand will remain strong. New commercial developments are constant, and the residential market, while slower to move, will always need upgrades and repairs. The key will be adapting to new technologies (renewables, EVs, smart grids) to stay relevant.

The Verdict: Is Franklin Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Stable, growing job market with 11% projected growth.	High housing costs can strain a single income, especially for homeownership.
Competitive pay near the national average ($61,069).	Traffic on I-65 and local roads can be significant, especially during rush hour.
Lower cost of living (97.4 index) than the U.S. average.	Competition for the best jobs at top employers can be fierce.
Diverse work environments – from historic homes to corporate HQs.	Licensing requires a 4+ year apprenticeship, which is a significant time investment.
Proximity to Nashville for entertainment and additional opportunities.	Growth is uneven – some areas are rural, and development is concentrated.

Final Recommendation:
Franklin, TN, is an excellent choice for licensed or near-licensed Journeyman Electricians with a willingness to specialize. If you’re a Master Electrician or have entrepreneurial drive, the market is ripe for starting your own business. It’s a tougher sell for apprentices or entry-level workers unless you have a clear pathway to an apprenticeship and are prepared for a financial tightrope walk for the first few years.

For a family with dual income, Franklin offers a high quality of life with great schools and amenities. For a single person earning the median, renting in a neighborhood like Nolensville or Leiper's Fork is a smart financial move that allows you to save while building your career.

FAQs

Q: Do I need a union membership to get a good job in Franklin?
A: No. While union jobs (IBEW Local 429) offer great benefits and pay, many successful electricians in Franklin work for non-union contractors. Tennessee is a right-to-work state. Having a valid Tennessee license is far more important than union membership. Check with the Tennessee Electrical Contractors Association (TECA) for non-union job boards.

Q: How does the cost of living in Franklin compare to Nashville itself?
A: Franklin is generally more expensive for housing than many parts of Nashville, especially compared to East or South Nashville. However, it offers more space, better schools, and a safer environment. The overall cost of living is very close, but Franklin’s lower property crime rates and strong public services add value that isn’t captured in the index.

Q: Is it feasible to commute from a cheaper town like Spring Hill or Columbia?
A: Absolutely. Many tradespeople do this. Commuting from Spring Hill (south) or Columbia (southwest) can cut 15-25% off your housing costs. However, you must factor in the $400+/month in gas and vehicle wear, plus the daily time cost (30-45 minutes each way on I-65). For many, the trade-off is worth it.

Q: What’s the best way to find an apprenticeship in Franklin?
A: Start with the Nashville JATC for the structured union path. For non-union, directly contact local contractors like Southern Land Company or Harpeth Valley Electric and ask if they have helper positions. Also, visit the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development website for registered apprenticeship programs. Persistence is key.

Q: Are there opportunities for side work?
A: Yes, but legally, you must be a Licensed Journeyman or Master Electrician to perform electrical work for hire in Tennessee. Many licensed electricians do side work, but it’s crucial to understand the liability and insurance requirements. The market for side work is strong—think installing ceiling fans, lighting, or troubleshooting in older homes. Insider Tip: Word-of-mouth in Franklin is powerful. A reputation for quality work can lead to a significant side income.