Financial Analyst in Franklin, TN

The Salary Picture: Where Franklin Stands

As a local who's watched Franklin's economy evolve from a quiet suburb into a bona fide business hub, I can tell you the financial analyst role here is uniquely positioned. You're not just analyzing spreadsheets; you're analyzing a market that's growing faster than most realize, with a cost of living that's still reasonable compared to major coastal cities. The data paints a clear picture.

Franklin's median salary for a Financial Analyst is $98,237/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $47.23/hour. This is slightly below the national average of $99,010/year, but don't let that fool you. The real story is in the local context and growth trajectory. The metro area holds 177 jobs for financial analysts, and the 10-year job growth is projected at 9%, outpacing many national markets in this sector.

Here’s how that salary breaks down by experience level in the Franklin market:

Experience Level	Likely Salary Range (Franklin, TN)	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)	$65,000 - $78,000	Data collection, basic financial modeling, assisting with reports.
Mid-Career (3-7 yrs)	$85,000 - $105,000	Leading modeling projects, budgeting, forecasting, presenting to management.
Senior (8-12 yrs)	$105,000 - $135,000	Strategic planning, M&A analysis, leading teams, complex financial modeling.
Expert/Lead (12+ yrs)	$135,000 - $165,000+	Director-level roles, CFO track, setting financial strategy for large firms.

Note: These are estimated ranges based on the median and local market dynamics. Specifics vary by industry and company.

Now, let's compare Franklin to other major Tennessee cities. This is where the local advantage becomes clear.

City	Median Salary	Cost of Living Index (US Avg=100)	Key Market Notes
Franklin	$98,237	97.4	Strong corporate presence, lower COL than Nashville core.
Nashville	$101,500 (est.)	102.5	Higher salaries but steeper costs; more competition.
Memphis	$88,500 (est.)	88.7	Lower COL, but salaries and job growth lag.
Chattanooga	$86,000 (est.)	86.9	Growing tech scene, but smaller financial sector.
Knoxville	$89,000 (est.)	87.5	Strong in specific industries, fewer Fortune 500 HQs.

Franklin, sitting in the Nashville metro, commands salaries competitive with the state's capital while offering a significantly better cost of living, especially when you consider the commute from Franklin versus living in downtown Nashville.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get real about the numbers. A median salary of $98,237 sounds great, but what's the monthly reality? Here’s a realistic budget breakdown for a single Financial Analyst with no dependents, using local averages.

Assumptions:

• Gross Pay: $98,237/year, or $8,186/month.
• Taxes (Federal + State + FICA): Approx. 24% effective rate. -$1,965/month.
• Take-Home Pay: ~$6,221/month.
• Rent (1BR Average in Franklin): $1,442/month.
• Utilities (Electric, Water, Internet): ~$150/month.
• Car Payment & Insurance: Franklin is car-dependent. Budget $500/month.
• Groceries & Essentials: $400/month.
• Health Insurance (Employer-subsidized): $300/month.
• Retirement Savings (10% of Gross): $818/month (pre-tax, lowers taxable income).
• Discretionary Spending: The remainder.

Monthly Budget Breakdown:

Category	Monthly Cost	Notes
Take-Home Pay	$6,221	After taxes.
Rent	$1,442	Average 1BR.
Utilities	$150	Varies by season.
Transportation	$500	Car is essential in Franklin.
Groceries	$400
Health Insurance	$300	After employer contribution.
Retirement (401k)	$818	Pre-tax deduction.
Remaining (Discretionary)	$1,611	For dining, entertainment, savings, etc.

Can they afford to buy a home? This is the million-dollar question. A median Franklin home costs around $550,000. With a 20% down payment ($110,000), a 30-year mortgage at 7% would be ~$2,925/month (PITI). That's nearly double the average rent. On a $98k salary, a mortgage would consume about 36% of your gross income, which is at the upper limit of what's recommended. It's possible, especially with a dual-income household, but it's a significant stretch for a single person. The $1,611 in discretionary income would be heavily impacted. Insider Tip: Many Franklin professionals in finance live in nearby areas like Spring Hill or Nolensville for more affordable housing, commuting 20-30 minutes.

Where the Jobs Are: Franklin's Major Employers

Franklin isn't just a bedroom community. It's a corporate destination. The I-65 corridor from Cool Springs to Brentwood is a goldmine for financial analysts. Here are the key players:

1. McKesson Corporation: Their corporate headquarters is in Irving, TX, but Franklin houses a massive, critical operation for their pharmaceutical distribution. They constantly hire financial analysts for supply chain, revenue, and operational FP&A roles. The campus is located off McEwen Drive.
2. A.O. Smith Corporation: The world's largest water heater manufacturer is headquartered right in Franklin. Their finance team is robust, and they often seek analysts with manufacturing cost accounting and capital planning experience.
3. Coke North America: While not the global HQ, Franklin is home to a significant corporate office for bottling operations. They have steady openings for analysts in commercial finance and accounting.
4. HCA Healthcare: With a massive presence in Middle Tennessee, HCA's corporate offices (located in Nashville but a short commute from Franklin) are a major employer. They need analysts for hospital finance, revenue cycle, and investment analysis. Think of the Vanderbilt Health, TriStar Health, and HCA's own facilities.
5. Franklin Templeton: The global investment firm has a notable presence in the area. They hire for quantitative analysis, portfolio operations, and fund accounting roles. This is a prime spot for those looking to break into asset management.
6. Local & Regional Banks (FirstBank, Pinnacle Financial Partners): These Tennessee-based banks are headquartered in the region and have a strong need for credit analysts, commercial lenders, and financial analysts for their commercial banking divisions. FirstBank's HQ is in Lebanon, but they have a major footprint in Franklin.

Hiring Trends: We're seeing a shift. The post-pandemic era has solidified Franklin's appeal for companies looking to attract talent without the NYC/CHI price tag. There's a growing demand for analysts who understand data analytics (SQL, Python) alongside traditional Excel modeling. The 9% job growth is real, but competition is increasing. The best jobs are filled through networking, not just job boards.

Getting Licensed in TN

For most corporate Financial Analyst roles, you don't need a state-specific license. A degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or a related field is standard. However, credentials are critical for advancement.

• Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA): The gold standard for investment analysis and portfolio management. It's a self-study program with three exam levels. Cost: ~$1,500 - $2,500 for all levels. Timeline: 1-4 years, depending on your pace.
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA): Essential if you're on an accounting/finance track, especially for controller or CFO roles. Requires 150 credit hours (a fifth year of school). Cost: ~$3,000 for exam fees and review courses. Timeline: 1-2 years (for exams).
• Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst (CAIA): Gaining traction, especially with firms like Franklin Templeton. Focuses on alternatives like private equity and real estate. Cost: ~$1,800. Timeline: 1 year.
• Tennessee State Requirements: The Tennessee Board of Accountancy regulates the CPA. You must pass the CPA exam and have your education evaluated. For other roles, no state license is needed. Always check with the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance for any updates on financial advisor regulations if you move into wealth management.

Insider Tip: Many Franklin employers, especially in corporate FP&A, will provide tuition reimbursement for obtaining your CFA or MBA. Negotiate this during your offer.

Best Neighborhoods for Financial Analysts

Where you live impacts your daily life and budget. Franklin offers a range of options, but traffic on I-65 and Highway 96 is a major factor.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	1BR Rent Estimate	Best For
Downtown Franklin	Historic, walkable, charming. 10-15 min to most Franklin employers.	$1,600 - $1,900	Those who want a "main street" lifestyle, cafes, and festivals.
Cool Springs	Modern, corporate. Adjacent to major office parks (McKesson, etc.). 5-10 min commute.	$1,500 - $1,800	The ultimate convenience for work. Newer apartments.
Westhaven	Master-planned community. Family-oriented, golf course, schools. 10-20 min commute.	$1,650 - $2,000	Analysts with families or planning to start one.
Nolensville	Suburban, growing rapidly. More affordable housing. 20-30 min commute.	$1,300 - $1,550	Budget-conscious professionals willing to commute.
Brentwood	Upscale, excellent schools, low crime. 15-25 min commute.	$1,700 - $2,100	Those seeking high-end suburban life and top-tier schools.

Personal Insight: If you're new to the area and single, Cool Springs or Downtown Franklin offer the best balance of short commutes and social opportunities. The traffic from Brentwood into Franklin during morning rush is predictable but can add 15-20 minutes.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Franklin is a fantastic launchpad for a long-term finance career. Here's how to play the long game.

Specialty Premiums:

• M&A Analysis: High demand in the corporate sector (A.O. Smith, HCA). Can command a 10-15% salary premium.
• Quantitative Finance: With Franklin Templeton and tech firms, analysts with Python, R, and statistical modeling skills can earn $115,000+ at mid-career.
• Healthcare Finance: HCA's ecosystem means analysts with revenue cycle or hospital finance experience are highly valued and can move between related companies easily.

Advancement Paths:
The typical path is Financial Analyst → Senior Financial Analyst → Finance Manager → Director of Finance → VP/CFO. In Franklin, many VPs and CFOs of local companies have long tenures, creating opportunities. Another path is to move between the major employers (e.g., start at McKesson, move to A.O. Smith for a role in corporate strategy). The network here is tight.

10-Year Outlook with 9% Growth:
The 9% job growth suggests continued expansion. We'll see more financial tech (FinTech) firms and back-office operations for national companies relocate here. The key will be upskilling. The analyst of 2034 will need to be a hybrid: part financial modeler, part data scientist, part strategic advisor. Those who master this blend will see the most significant growth and salary increases, potentially pushing the median well above $98,237 within the decade.

The Verdict: Is Franklin Right for You?

This isn't a simple yes or no. It depends on your priorities.

Pros	Cons
Strong, growing job market in a stable corporate sector.	Rising housing costs are eroding the COL advantage.
Median salary of $98,237 goes further here than in Nashville proper.	Traffic congestion is real, especially on I-65.
High quality of life: excellent schools, low crime, vibrant downtown.	Limited public transit—a car is non-negotiable.
Proximity to Nashville: access to a major music/cultural scene.	Can feel "suburban" if you crave a dense, urban environment.
Cost of Living Index of 97.4 is below the national average.	Competition for top jobs is increasing as the city's profile rises.

Final Recommendation:
Franklin is an excellent choice for mid-career Financial Analysts (3-10 years experience) seeking to balance a high-quality lifestyle with a strong professional trajectory. It's particularly ideal for those in corporate FP&A, healthcare finance, or manufacturing. If you're early-career, you'll find good opportunities, but you may need to start with a roommate to manage costs. If you're an expert looking for a CFO role, the network is there, but you may be competing with Nashville-based candidates. For the $98,237 median salary, the quality of life in Franklin is hard to beat in the Southeast.

FAQs

1. Is the Franklin job market for analysts saturated?
No. While competitive, the 177 jobs and 9% growth rate indicate healthy demand. The key is specialization. Generic analysts will struggle; those with niche skills (healthcare, data analytics, M&A) are in high demand.

2. How important is a CPA or CFA for advancement?
In corporate finance, a CPA is often the ticket to manager/director roles. The CFA is highly respected in asset management (like at Franklin Templeton) and investment banking. Both are worth the investment and will be valued by local employers.

3. What's the commute really like?
It's a car-dependent area. If you live in Franklin and work in Franklin, you're golden. If you commute from Nashville, budget 30-45 minutes via I-65. From Nolensville or Spring Hill, 20-30 minutes. Insider Tip: Listen to local traffic reports (102.5 The Game for sports, WPLN for news) to gauge real-time conditions.

4. Can I live comfortably on the median salary?
Yes, but with budgeting. Your biggest cost is housing. If you stick to the 30% rule (spending no more than $2,455/month on rent and utilities), you'll be comfortable. The discretionary income of ~$1,600 allows for savings and a good life, but home ownership is a stretch on a single income.

5. Where should I look for jobs?
Start with LinkedIn, but then get local. Attend events by the Tennessee Financial Analysts Society. Network with alumni from your university in the area. Many Franklin companies use local recruiters who specialize in finance. Sites like Built In Nashville also list tech-enabled finance roles.

Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Tennessee Economic Development, RentCafe, BestPlaces, State of Tennessee licensing boards.