Plumber in Franklin, TN

The Salary Picture: Where Franklin Stands

Franklin, Tennessee offers a solid earning potential for plumbers, sitting slightly below the national average but competitive within the state. The median salary for a plumber here is $62,855/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $30.22/hour. For context, the national average for plumbers is $63,350/year, meaning Franklin's plumbers earn about 0.8% less than the typical American plumber. This small gap is largely offset by Tennessee's favorable tax environment and Franklin's cost of living, which is slightly below the national average.

The job market is stable but modest. There are approximately 177 plumbing jobs in the Franklin metro area, which includes Williamson County and parts of surrounding counties. This isn't a booming, high-volume market like Nashville's core, but it provides steady work, especially given the area's continuous growth. The 10-year job growth for plumbers is projected at 6%, slightly slower than the national average but still positive, driven by new construction and the maintenance of older housing stock.

Experience-Level Breakdown

Here’s how earnings typically progress for a plumber in Franklin. Note that these are generalized ranges based on local market data and national benchmarks; individual earnings can vary based on specialization, company, and overtime.

Experience Level	Years of Experience	Estimated Annual Salary Range
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$45,000 - $52,000
Mid-Level	2-5 years	$55,000 - $68,000
Senior-Level	5-10 years	$65,000 - $78,000
Expert/Master	10+ years	$75,000 - $95,000+

Entry-level plumbers often start as helpers or apprentices, performing basic tasks under supervision. Mid-level plumbers are fully licensed and can handle most residential and light commercial jobs independently. Senior-level plumbers typically have a Master Plumber license, can pull permits, and often supervise crews. Expert plumbers may specialize in high-end residential, medical gas, or industrial systems, commanding top-tier pay.

Comparison to Other Tennessee Cities

How does Franklin stack up against other major Tennessee metros? While data varies, the trend is clear: Franklin's pay is competitive for a mid-sized market.

• Nashville (Metro Area): Slightly higher, with a median around $64,000 - $66,000. The volume of work and larger commercial projects in downtown Nashville drive up wages, but so does traffic and cost of living.
• Chattanooga: Similar to Franklin, with a median in the $61,000 - $63,000 range. Both cities have comparable growth and cost of living.
• Knoxville: Slightly lower, with a median around $59,000 - $61,000. Knoxville's market is robust but tends to pay a bit less than the Nashville epicenter.
• Memphis: Among the highest in the state, often exceeding $67,000 for experienced plumbers, due to a large industrial base and a more complex aging infrastructure.

Insider Tip: Franklin's key advantage isn't just the salary, but the type of work. You'll find a high concentration of new, high-end residential builds in communities like Westhaven and Leiper's Fork, where skilled plumbers are valued for precision work, not just volume. This can lead to better job satisfaction and networking opportunities.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get real about the numbers. A $62,855 annual salary sounds good, but what does your monthly budget look like in Franklin? We'll assume you're a single filer using the 2023 tax brackets (no dependents, taking the standard deduction) for a realistic take-home estimate.

• Annual Salary: $62,855
• Federal Tax (approx.): ~$5,200 (varies by deductions)
• FICA (7.65%): ~$4,800
• TN State Income Tax: $0 (Tennessee has no state income tax on wages)
• Estimated Annual Take-Home Pay: ~$52,855
• Estimated Monthly Take-Home Pay: ~$4,405

Now, let's layer in Franklin's cost of living. The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is $1,442/month. The Cost of Living Index for Franklin is 97.4 (U.S. average = 100), meaning it's slightly cheaper than the national average, primarily due to no state income tax and moderate housing costs compared to major coastal cities.

Monthly Budget Breakdown for a Plumber Earning $62,855

Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Take-Home Pay	$4,405	After all taxes
Rent (1BR)	$1,442	Average for the city
Utilities (Elec, Gas, Water, Internet)	$250 - $350	Highly variable by season
Groceries	$400 - $500	For a single person
Transportation (Car Payment, Gas, Ins.)	$500 - $700	Franklin is suburban; car is essential
Health Insurance (Employer Plan)	$300 - $500	If not fully covered by employer
Discretionary / Savings / Debt	$1,013 - $1,213	Leftover for everything else
Total Expenses	$3,405 - $3,792

Can they afford to buy a home? This is the million-dollar question. The median home price in Franklin is approximately $750,000+ (as of 2023-2024), which is significantly higher than the national median. With a $62,855 salary, qualifying for a mortgage on a typical Franklin home is challenging for a single income earner. A typical 20% down payment would be $150,000, and monthly mortgage payments (with taxes and insurance) could easily exceed $4,500/month, well above the recommended 28% of gross income.

Insider Tip: Many plumbers in Franklin live in adjacent areas like Spring Hill, Nolensville, or even Lebanon to access more affordable housing while commuting to jobs. This is a common and practical strategy. Buying a home often happens after years of experience (moving into the $75k-$95k+ expert range) or with a dual-income household.

Where the Jobs Are: Franklin's Major Employers

The plumbing job market in Franklin is a mix of residential service companies, commercial contractors, and specialized firms serving the healthcare and education sectors. Here are key employers and trends:

1. A-Action Plumbing & Rooter: A well-established local company focused on residential and light commercial service. They are known for steady work and investing in technician training. Hiring trends show a consistent need for licensed plumbers, especially those comfortable with service and repair work.
2. Hiller Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electrical: A large, regional company with a significant presence in the Nashville/Franklin area. They offer a wide range of services and often hire in bursts for new construction projects and seasonal demand. They typically seek candidates with strong customer service skills and a valid driver's license.
3. Franklin Power & Light (FP&L) / Franklin Electric: Not a traditional plumbing employer, but FP&L, the municipal utility, employs licensed plumbers for water main and infrastructure work. These are often city jobs with excellent benefits but can be competitive to secure.
4. Williamson County Hospital District (Williamson Medical Center): Hospitals require specialized plumbers for medical gas systems, backflow prevention, and high-grade sanitary systems. These jobs are less common but highly paid and stable. They often require additional certifications.
5. Commercial General Contractors (e.g., Turner Construction, Robins & Morton): These large firms frequently handle projects around the Cool Springs Galleria area and the expanding medical office parks. They subcontract plumbing work to specialized mechanical contractors, creating jobs for plumbers with commercial experience.
6. Local School Districts (Williamson County Schools): The district is constantly building new schools and renovating older ones. This provides steady, long-term project work for plumbers specializing in commercial and institutional systems.

Hiring Trend Insight: The biggest driver of jobs right now is residential new construction in master-planned communities like Westhaven and Tarrington. There's also a growing need for service and repair plumbers as Franklin's housing stock ages. Commercial work is steady but tied to the economic health of the Cool Springs business district.

Getting Licensed in TN

Tennessee has a clear, state-mandated licensing process for plumbers, administered by the Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors. You cannot perform plumbing work for hire without a license.

1. Apprenticeship (1-2 years): You must work under a licensed Master Plumber as an apprentice. You'll log a set number of hours (typically around 4,000) and may need to complete a formal apprenticeship program through the Tennessee Association of Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors (TAPHCC) or a local union (UA Local 572 in Nashville).
2. Journeyman Plumber License (Exam): After completing your apprenticeship, you can apply for the Journeyman exam. This requires submitting proof of your training hours and passing a state-approved exam covering the International Plumbing Code (IPC). The exam fee is approximately $250.
3. Master Plumber License (Exam): To work independently, pull permits, and run your own business, you need a Master Plumber license. This requires additional experience (typically 4-6 total years) and passing a more advanced state exam. Application and exam fees total around $400-$500.
4. Business & Law Exam: If you plan to start your own company, you'll also need to pass the Business and Law exam for contracting, which is separate from the plumbing exams.

Total Timeline & Cost: From starting as an apprentice to obtaining your Master Plumber license typically takes 4-6 years. Total direct costs (exam fees, application fees) are roughly $700-$1,000, not including textbooks or training courses. Many employers will sponsor your apprenticeship and cover exam fees.

Insider Tip: The Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors website is your single most important resource. Bookmark it. Also, connect with the local Nashville Chapter of the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) for networking and training opportunities.

Best Neighborhoods for Plumbers

Where you live impacts your commute, budget, and lifestyle. Franklin is a city of distinct neighborhoods, each with a different feel.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	1BR Rent Estimate	Best For
Downtown Franklin	Historic, walkable, trendy. Commute to jobs is minimal, but parking can be tricky.	$1,600 - $1,900	Young professionals who want nightlife and don't mind older apartments.
Cool Springs / East of I-65	Commercial hub (malls, offices). Very central to job sites. Suburban, strip-mall heavy.	$1,400 - $1,700	Plumbers who want a short commute to commercial and service jobs.
West Franklin (Leiper's Fork, Santa Fe)	Rural, scenic, rolling hills. Longer commute to downtown, but peaceful and affordable.	$1,100 - $1,400	Those seeking space, a quiet life, and don't mind driving.
Spring Hill (South)	A fast-growing suburb straddling Maury and Williamson counties. More affordable housing.	$1,200 - $1,500	Plumbers seeking better value on housing with a reasonable commute to Franklin.
Nolensville (East)	Another growing suburb, more family-oriented. Good schools, a bit lower cost of living.	$1,300 - $1,600	Plumbers with families or those planning to buy a home soon.

Insider Tip: Traffic on I-65 is the defining commute factor. If your job is in Cool Springs or downtown, living north of Franklin (like in Brentwood) can add significant time. Living south (Spring Hill) can be easier for accessing jobs in Franklin and the growing areas of Thompson's Station.

The Long Game: Career Growth

A plumber's career in Franklin isn't just about turning wrenches; it's about specialization and business acumen.

• Specialty Premiums: The biggest salary jumps come with specialization. Plumbers with a Medical Gas certification (required for hospital work) can command a 15-20% premium. Those skilled in backflow prevention testing and certification are in constant demand by businesses and municipalities. Hydronic heating and geothermal system expertise is also lucrative, especially in high-end residential.
• Advancement Paths:
  1. Service Technician to Service Manager: Move from the field to a supervisory role overseeing a team and customer service.
  2. Field Plumber to Project Manager: Transition from hands-on work to managing plumbing scopes for commercial construction projects.
  3. Employee to Business Owner: The ultimate path. Franklin's economy supports small contracting businesses. With a Master Plumber license and a few key commercial/residential accounts, you can build a highly profitable business. The 6% 10-year job growth will largely be filled by new small businesses, not just large companies.
• 10-Year Outlook: The outlook is stable. Demand will be driven by three factors: 1) Aging Infrastructure: Water mains and sewer lines in older parts of Franklin and Williamson County will need replacement. 2) Water Efficiency Regulations: As codes tighten, retrofits and new installations will require skilled plumbers. 3) Continued Residential Growth: Even if it slows, the need for new construction and renovation plumbing will persist. The key is to stay ahead of code changes and technology (like PEX systems and digital leak detection).

The Verdict: Is Franklin Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Strong, Stable Job Market with a mix of residential, commercial, and service work.	High Cost of Housing can make homeownership difficult on a single plumber's salary.
No State Income Tax significantly boosts your take-home pay.	Traffic congestion (especially on I-65) can make commutes longer than expected.
High Quality of Life with excellent schools, safe communities, and access to Nashville's amenities.	Competitive Licensing Process requires time and investment to become a Master Plumber.
Diverse Work Opportunities, from high-end custom homes to medical facilities.	Market Can Be Cyclical and tied to the residential construction market.
Proximity to Nashville offers additional job options and career networking.	Summers are Hot and Humid, which can be challenging for outdoor work.

Final Recommendation: Franklin is an excellent choice for mid-to-senior level plumbers (those with 3+ years of experience) who are looking for a stable market, high quality of life, and the opportunity to specialize or move into management. It's a tougher market for beginners due to the cost of living, but the apprenticeship opportunities are strong. For a plumber willing to live in an adjacent suburb (like Spring Hill or Nolensville) and focus on building a specialty, Franklin offers a rewarding and financially viable career path.

FAQs

Q: Do I need a license to work as a plumber's helper in Tennessee?
A: No. You can work as an unlicensed helper/ apprentice under the direct supervision of a licensed Master Plumber. However, you cannot perform plumbing work independently or take payment for your own plumbing services without a license.

Q: How does the cost of living in Franklin compare to Nashville?
A: Franklin's cost of living is generally 5-10% lower than Nashville's, primarily due to slightly lower housing costs (though both are expensive). However, Nashville's job market is larger and wages can be slightly higher. Many people live in Franklin for the lifestyle and commute to Nashville for work, or vice-versa.

Q: What's the best way to find plumbing jobs in Franklin?
A: Beyond online job boards (Indeed, LinkedIn), the most effective method is networking. Join local chapters of the TAPHCC or ABC. Talk to suppliers at local plumbing supply houses (like Ferguson or Winnelson)—they know who's hiring. Many jobs are filled through word-of-mouth in the trades.

Q: Is the work seasonal in Franklin?
A: Yes, to an extent. Peak season is spring and summer (new construction, water heater replacements, drain cleaning). Winter can be busy with frozen pipe repairs and boiler work. Some companies offer seasonal lay-offs, while others, like service-focused companies, have steady year-round work.

Q: What's the one thing a plumber should know before moving to Franklin?
A: Understand the water quality and soil. Franklin's water is moderately hard, and the clay soil can cause shifting and foundation issues. Plumbers who understand water softener installation, foundation drainage, and proper pipe bedding for the local soil will be more valuable and successful.