Franklin, TN: A Career Guide for Graphic Designers

As a local who has watched Franklin grow from a quiet historic town into a thriving creative and business hub, I can tell you this city offers a unique blend of Southern charm and professional opportunity. It’s not Nashville—thankfully—and that distinction matters for your career and quality of life. This guide cuts through the marketing fluff to give you a data-driven, practical look at what it’s really like to build a graphic design career here.

The Salary Picture: Where Franklin Stands

Franklin’s job market for graphic designers is steady but not booming. The median salary for a Graphic Designer in Franklin is $60,861 per year, which translates to an hourly rate of $29.26. This is slightly below the national average of $61,340, a common reality for mid-sized Southern cities where the cost of living is often more favorable than in coastal metros. The metro area contains approximately 177 graphic design jobs, indicating a stable, if not explosive, demand.

Where you fall on the pay scale depends almost entirely on your experience, portfolio, and ability to work with local industry needs—namely healthcare, corporate branding, and publishing.

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary Range (Franklin, TN)	Key Local Factors
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$40,000 - $52,000	Often found at design agencies, smaller marketing firms, or in-house teams for local businesses. Portfolio and internships are critical.
Mid-Level (3-6 years)	$55,000 - $75,000	Can command higher pay by specializing in digital UX/UI, branding, or motion graphics. Experience with healthcare or corporate clients is a plus.
Senior-Level (7-10 years)	$75,000 - $95,000+	Roles in creative direction, brand management, or as a lead designer at a major employer like Community Health Systems or a large private firm.
Expert/Principal (10+ years)	$95,000 - $120,000+	Typically in-house at a major corporation, a partner at a boutique agency, or a high-demand freelance consultant. Leadership and strategic skills are key.

Compared to Other Tennessee Cities:
Franklin’s median salary sits between Nashville’s higher-paying, more competitive market (median ~$65,000) and smaller cities like Chattanooga or Knoxville (median ~$55,000-$58,000). You trade the higher ceiling of Nashville for a lower cost of living and a less frenetic pace. For many designers, that’s a worthwhile exchange.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s ground the $60,861 median salary in reality. Your take-home pay will be lower due to taxes and, most significantly, housing costs.

Estimated Monthly Budget Breakdown (Single Earner, No Dependents):

• Gross Monthly Income: $5,071
• Estimated Taxes (Federal, State, FICA): ~$1,150 (This is a rough estimate; consult a tax pro for your situation.)
• Net Monthly Income: ~$3,921
• Average 1BR Rent: $1,442/month
• Utilities, Internet, Phone: ~$200
• Groceries & Household: ~$400
• Car Payment/Insurance/Gas: ~$500 (Franklin requires a car; public transit is limited.)
• Health Insurance (if not covered by employer): ~$300
• Discretionary/Leftover: ~$1,079

This leaves a manageable cushion, but it’s not lavish. To build savings or make a major purchase, you’ll need to budget carefully.

Can They Afford to Buy a Home?
The median home price in Franklin is significantly higher than the national average, often exceeding $650,000. On a $60,861 salary, a single graphic designer would likely be priced out of the Franklin housing market without a substantial down payment or a dual-income household. Many residents in this income bracket choose to rent or look to more affordable suburbs like Nolensville or Spring Hill for homeownership.

Where the Jobs Are: Franklin's Major Employers

Franklin’s economy is anchored by healthcare, corporate headquarters, and a growing tech scene. This creates diverse opportunities for graphic designers beyond traditional ad agencies.

1. Community Health Systems (CHS): A massive healthcare network headquartered in Franklin. Their in-house marketing and communications teams constantly need designers for patient education materials, internal branding, and digital assets. Hiring Trend: Steady, with a focus on digital and print collateral.
2. Nissan North America: While the manufacturing plant is in Smyrna, Nissan’s corporate HQ in Franklin employs designers for internal communications, sales materials, and brand management. Hiring Trend: Corporate roles are competitive; they value portfolio experience with large-scale, multinational brands.
3. Pilot Flying J: The truck stop giant’s marketing department is based here. Designers work on B2B marketing materials, loyalty program graphics, and digital signage. Hiring Trend: Focus on clean, effective design for a broad, practical audience.
4. Franklin-based Marketing/Advertising Agencies: Firms like The Buntin Group (a large, full-service agency) and smaller boutique shops are a major source of jobs. They serve both local and national clients. Hiring Trend: Demand fluctuates with the economy, but agencies are always looking for strong portfolio pieces.
5. Williamson County Schools: The large, affluent school district has a communications department that hires designers for everything from annual reports to digital campaigns for bond measures. Hiring Trend: Public sector stability, but roles are limited and competitive.
6. Publishing & Music Industry Support: Franklin’s proximity to Nashville means some designers support music labels, publishers, and entertainment companies based in the area. Hiring Trend: Niche and project-based, often requiring specialized knowledge (e.g., album art, promotional materials).

Getting Licensed in TN

Good news: Graphic design is not a state-licensed profession in Tennessee. You do not need a state-issued license to practice as a graphic designer.

• Key Requirement: Your “license” is your portfolio and your ability to prove your skills. There are no state-mandated exams or continuing education credits.
• Costs: The only relevant costs are for your own tools (Adobe Creative Cloud subscription, computer, etc.) and possibly certifications from platforms like Adobe, Google (for UX/UI), or AIGA. A local AIGA chapter (Nashville) can provide networking and events.
• Timeline: You can start applying for jobs immediately. There is no waiting period or bureaucratic process.

Best Neighborhoods for Graphic Designers

Where you live in Franklin will drastically affect your commute, budget, and lifestyle. Franklin is car-centric, so proximity to I-65 or major arteries is key.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Avg. 1BR Rent	Insider Tip
Downtown Franklin	Historic, walkable, charming. Close to many agencies and boutiques. Commute to corporate HQs (Nissan, CHS) is easy via I-65.	$1,600+	Perfect if you love a vibrant street life, but parking can be a nightmare. Best for those working locally or in downtown Nashville.
Cool Springs	Modern, corporate, and commercial. A hub for corporate HQs. Sprawling, car-dependent.	$1,450	Ideal for a short commute to Nissan, CHS, or Pilot Flying J. Lots of chain restaurants and retail. Very convenient.
Westhaven	A master-planned community with a classic, upscale feel. Family-friendly, with pools, trails, and a town center.	$1,500	A bit of a commute (15-20 mins to downtown), but excellent value for space and amenities. Great for designers with families.
Nolensville	A growing suburb just south of Franklin. More affordable, with a small-town feel and new developments.	$1,350	The budget-friendly choice. A 20-30 minute commute to Franklin jobs, but you get more for your money. Ideal for saving for a home.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Franklin’s 10-year job growth for graphic designers is projected at 3%, which is slow and steady. To grow your career and income here, you must specialize.

• Specialty Premiums: The biggest salary jumps come from specializing in high-demand areas:
  • UX/UI Design: Critical for tech companies and any business with a digital presence. Can command a 15-20% premium.
  • Motion Graphics & Video: In high demand for marketing and social media content.
  • Branding & Packaging: A core need for Franklin’s many consumer goods companies (from food to wellness products).
• Advancement Paths: The typical path is from Junior Designer to Mid-level, then to Senior Designer. From there, you can move into Creative Director (managing teams), Brand Manager (strategic oversight), or Principal Designer (at an agency). Many successful designers in Franklin also build a freelance business, serving multiple local clients. This offers flexibility and higher earning potential but requires business savvy.

The Verdict: Is Franklin Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Lower Cost of Living than Nashville or national averages (Cost of Living Index: 97.4).	Limited Job Market (177 jobs), with slow growth (3%).
High Quality of Life in a safe, historic, and beautiful environment.	Car-Dependent city with limited public transportation.
Proximity to Nashville’s music, culture, and additional job opportunities (30-min commute).	Competitive Housing Market where buying a home is tough on a single graphic designer’s salary.
Stable Major Employers in healthcare and corporate sectors.	Can feel suburban and family-oriented; may lack a bustling arts scene for some.
Network of Supportive Communities and professional groups.	Salaries are slightly below the national average.

Final Recommendation:
Franklin is an excellent choice for a graphic designer who values a high quality of life, stability, and a lower cost of living over the highest potential salary and a frenetic urban pace. It’s best suited for mid-career professionals, those with families, or anyone looking to build a freelance client base while enjoying a beautiful, manageable city. If you’re a recent grad seeking the most vibrant creative scene and fastest career growth, you might start in Nashville and consider moving to Franklin later.

FAQs

Q: Is it necessary to live in Franklin to work there?
A: No, but be prepared for a commute. Many designers live in Nashville, Nolensville, or Brentwood and drive into Franklin for work. The traffic on I-65 southbound in the morning and northbound in the evening can add 15-30 minutes to your trip.

Q: How do I build a network in Franklin?
A: Join the local AIGA Nashville chapter (which includes Franklin professionals). Attend events at the Factory at Franklin or networking meetups at local coffee shops like The Grateful Bean. Many jobs are filled through referrals, so local connections are key.

Q: What software skills are most in-demand here?
A: Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop) is non-negotiable. Increasingly, employers look for Figma for UI/UX work and After Effects for motion graphics. Knowledge of WordPress or Shopify is also a plus for in-house roles.

Q: Can I survive without a car?
A: It’s extremely challenging. Franklin’s neighborhoods and commercial areas are spread out. While downtown is walkable, your job will likely be in a corporate park or office complex requiring a car. Rideshares are available but expensive for daily commuting.

Q: Are there opportunities for freelance work?
A: Yes, a strong freelance market exists, especially with small businesses, startups, and nonprofits in the area. Building a local portfolio and networking at events like the Franklin Chamber of Commerce meetings or Pitch & Pour (a local entrepreneur event) is the best way to find clients.