Here is a comprehensive career guide for Welders considering a move to Franklin, Tennessee.

A Welder's Guide to Franklin, Tennessee: Salary, Jobs, and Lifestyle

Franklin, Tennessee, is a city that often surprises outsiders. While it’s globally known as the home of the Carnton battlefield and the epicenter of the country music industry, its industrial backbone is often overlooked. Nestled just 20 miles south of Nashville, Franklin offers a unique blend of historic charm and serious manufacturing opportunity. For a skilled welder, this isn't just a quaint tourist town; it's a hub for aerospace, automotive, and precision fabrication.

As a career analyst who has watched the Nashville metro area evolve over the last decade, I can tell you that Franklin represents a "sweet spot." You get access to high-demand manufacturing jobs without the gridlock of downtown Nashville or the skyrocketing costs of the urban core. However, it is a competitive market. The city’s median salary for welders sits at $49,203/year, slightly below the national average of $49,590/year, but the cost of living here is also lower than the US average, sitting at an index of 97.4 (100 being the national average).

This guide breaks down exactly what it looks like to build a welding career in Franklin, from the paycheck to the neighborhoods.

The Salary Picture: Where Franklin Stands

Understanding your earning potential in Franklin requires looking beyond the median. While the overall median is $49,203/year (or $23.66/hour), your actual income will depend heavily on specialization, certifications, and the specific industry you target. The metro area supports approximately 177 welding positions, which indicates a steady but competitive demand.

In the Franklin area, you aren't just competing with local talent; you're in a regional ecosystem that includes Nashville and Murfreesboro. Here is how earnings typically stack up by experience level in this specific market:

Experience Level	Years of Experience	Estimated Annual Salary Range	Typical Role in Franklin
Entry-Level	0–2 years	$36,000 – $44,000	Production Welder, Fitter Helper
Mid-Level	2–5 years	$45,000 – $55,000	Structural Welder, MIG/TIG Specialist
Senior	5–10 years	$56,000 – $68,000	Lead Welder, QA/QC Inspector
Expert/Specialist	10+ years	$70,000+	Certified Welding Inspector (CWI), Aerospace Welder

Comparison to Other Tennessee Cities:

• Nashville: Salaries are slightly higher (median ~$51,000) due to higher cost of living and density of union shops, but traffic can add hours to your commute.
• Chattanooga: A manufacturing powerhouse (Volkswagen, Gestamp). Salaries are competitive with Franklin, but the housing market is heating up rapidly.
• Knoxville: Strong aerospace presence (TRIAD). Salaries are comparable, though the cost of living is very similar to Franklin.

Insider Tip: The $49,203 median is a baseline. If you hold AWS D1.1 structural certifications or have experience with orbital TIG welding for aerospace applications (common in the Franklin/Nashville corridor), you can easily command 15-20% above this median immediately.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Franklin’s cost of living index of 97.4 means it is roughly 2.6% cheaper than the national average. However, housing is the primary driver of expenses. The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is $1,442/month. Let’s break down the monthly budget for a welder earning the median salary of $49,203/year.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Single Earner, No Dependents)

• Gross Monthly Pay: $4,100
• Estimated Taxes (Fed, State, FICA): ~$820 (Approx. 20% effective rate)
• Net Monthly Income: $3,280
• Rent (1BR Average): $1,442
• Utilities (Electric, Water, Internet): $200
• Car Payment/Gas/Insurance: $500 (Franklin is car-dependent; public transit is limited)
• Groceries & Essentials: $400
• Remaining Discretionary: $738

Can they afford to buy a home?
Yes, but it requires discipline. The median home price in Franklin is significantly higher than the national average (often exceeding $700,000). However, looking at adjacent cities like Spring Hill or Nolensville (within a 20-minute commute) brings prices down to the $400,000–$500,000 range.

With a $738 monthly surplus, saving for a down payment on a home in Spring Hill is feasible but slow. A welder earning at the senior level ($65,000+) would have a much easier path to homeownership, with a monthly surplus closer to $1,200.

Insider Tip: Many Franklin employers offer overtime during peak production seasons (often Q3 and Q4). This can significantly boost your annual take-home pay and accelerate savings goals.

Where the Jobs Are: Franklin's Major Employers

Franklin’s manufacturing sector is diverse, leaning heavily toward automotive supply, aerospace, and custom fabrication. The 10-year job growth for Welders is 2%, which suggests a stable market rather than an explosive boom. This means employers are looking to retain skilled workers rather than mass-hiring.

Here are the key players in the Franklin metro area:

1. Bohrer-Kearney Inc. (BKI): Located in Franklin, BKI is a premier metal fabrication company. They serve the automotive, recreational vehicle, and aerospace industries. They are known for high-volume production and precision laser cutting. Hiring Trend: Steady demand for MIG and TIG welders with blueprint reading skills.
2. Gestamp (Spring Hill): A massive global automotive supplier with a significant presence just south of Franklin. They specialize in metal components for major car brands. Hiring Trend: High volume; they often hire through staffing agencies but offer direct hire paths for certified welders.
3. TriStar Nashville (Aerospace): While technically in Nashville, the supply chain runs directly through Franklin. Companies supporting TriStar often look for welders with titanium and Inconel experience. Hiring Trend: Niche and high-skill; AWS certifications are mandatory here.
4. Morgan corporation: A manufacturer of truck bodies and trailers. Located in nearby Murfreesboro, but easily commute-able via I-65. Hiring Trend: Structural welding (flux-core) is the primary need here.
5. Local Machine Shops: Franklin has dozens of small-to-mid-sized machine shops (e.g., Precision Machining & Fabrication). These shops often fly under the radar but offer some of the best work-life balance and variety in projects. Hiring Trend: They often hire via word-of-mouth; walking in with a portfolio can land an interview.
6. Commercial Construction Firms: With Franklin’s rapid residential and commercial growth, ironworking and structural welding for building frames are in constant demand. Hiring Trend: Seasonal, dependent on the construction cycle.

Insider Tip: The "Golden Corridor" along I-65 south of Franklin (into Spring Hill and Columbia) is where the highest density of manufacturing jobs exists. Living in Franklin and commuting 15 minutes south often yields better pay than working within Franklin city limits.

Getting Licensed in TN

Tennessee does not have a state-level mandatory welding license for general fabrication. However, specific sectors require certifications. The most recognized credential is the Certified Welder through the American Welding Society (AWS).

State-Specific Requirements:

• Pressure Vessels/Piping: If you plan to work on boilers, pipelines, or ASME code work, you must adhere to the National Board Inspection Code (NBIC). While Tennessee defers to federal regulations for pipelines (PHMSA), state inspectors enforce NBIC standards for in-state pressure vessels.
• Structural Steel: For commercial construction, compliance with AWS D1.1 is standard and often required by general contractors.

Costs and Timeline:

• AWS Certification Test: Costs between $300 and $600 depending on the testing facility (common ones are in Nashville or Murfreesboro).
• Timeline: If you are already practicing, you can schedule a test and receive results within 2–4 weeks. If you need training, a 6-month technical certificate program at a local community college (like Columbia State) costs roughly $3,000–$5,000.
• Continuing Education: For CWIs (Certified Welding Inspectors), renewal requires continuing education hours every 3 years.

Insider Tip: Many employers in Franklin will pay for your certification testing if you pass. It is a standard negotiation point during the hiring process for mid-level roles. Always ask about tuition reimbursement or testing fee coverage.

Best Neighborhoods for Welders

Franklin is divided by geography and budget. Commuting is a factor, as traffic on I-65 can be heavy during rush hour (7:00–9:00 AM and 4:00–6:00 PM).

1. Cool Springs (Franklin):

   • Vibe: Commercial hub, modern apartments, close to employers like BKI.
   • Commute: Minimal (5–10 mins).
   • Rent: $1,600+ for a 1BR.
   • Best For: Those who want zero commute and proximity to shopping/dining.

2. Historic Downtown Franklin:

   • Vibe: Walkable, charming, older homes. Very expensive.
   • Commute: 10–15 mins to industrial parks on the outskirts.
   • Rent: $1,800+ (rarely available).
   • Best For: High-earning senior welders or dual-income households.

3. Spring Hill (South of Franklin):

   • Vibe: Suburban, family-oriented, newer construction. Home to Gestamp and many other factories.
   • Commute: Reverse commute (15–20 mins north to Franklin).
   • Rent: $1,300–$1,500.
   • Best For: Welders working in the southern manufacturing corridor; best value for money.

4. Nolensville (East of Franklin):

   • Vibe: Small-town feel, rapidly growing. Good access to Nashville via I-65.
   • Commute: 20–25 mins to Franklin industrial zones.
   • Rent: $1,400–$1,550.
   • Best For: Those who want a quieter life but easy access to Nashville’s nightlife on weekends.

Insider Tip: Avoid commuting through Franklin to get to Nashville during rush hour. If you work in Franklin, live south or east of the city to avoid the worst bottlenecks on I-65.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 2% 10-year job growth indicates that you won't see a massive influx of new jobs, but the existing jobs are becoming more technical. The path to higher earnings lies in specialization.

Specialty Premiums:

• TIG Welding (Stainless/Aluminum): Essential for food-grade and aerospace. Expect a $2–$4/hour premium.
• Certified Welding Inspector (CWI): Transitioning from the booth to the floor inspector can bump pay to $70,000+.
• Orbital Welding: Used in high-purity piping (pharmaceutical/medical). This is a rare skill in the region and commands top dollar.

Advancement Paths:

1. Shop Floor: Welder → Lead Welder → Shop Foreman.
2. Field Work: Traveling welder for pipeline or structural iron (requires travel but higher per-diem pay).
3. Quality Assurance: Welder → QA Technician → CWI.

10-Year Outlook:
Automation will impact entry-level production welding, but it cannot replace skilled custom fabrication, repair, and inspection. A welder who embraces technology (learning CAD for fit-up, operating robotic welding cells) will remain highly employable.

The Verdict: Is Franklin Right for You?

Franklin offers a high quality of life but requires a strategic approach to finances and career specialization.

Pros	Cons
Stable Job Market: Anchored by automotive and aerospace supply chains.	Housing Costs: Rent is high relative to the median salary; buying a home in Franklin proper is difficult.
Proximity to Nashville: Access to big-city amenities and entertainment without living in the congestion.	Traffic: I-65 is a major artery and can be a bottleneck during commute times.
Lower Cost of Living Index (97.4): Slightly cheaper than the US average, unlike Nashville.	Competitive Entry-Level Market: The 2% growth means you need to stand out with certifications.
Diverse Employer Base: Not reliant on a single industry.	Car Dependency: Public transportation is minimal; a reliable vehicle is a must.

Final Recommendation:
Franklin is an excellent choice for a Mid-Level to Senior Welder looking to upgrade their lifestyle without sacrificing career stability. It is less ideal for an entry-level welder trying to save money aggressively, as the rent-to-income ratio is tight on the $49,203 median salary.

If you are willing to specialize in TIG or structural welding and live in a neighboring town like Spring Hill, Franklin offers one of the best balances of career opportunity and Southern charm in the country.

FAQs

1. Do I need my own welding truck to find work in Franklin?
No. Most jobs are shop-based. However, having your own rig (mobile welding unit) opens up lucrative side-work in residential fencing and repair, which is in high demand in the rural areas surrounding Franklin.

2. Is the market dominated by union jobs?
Franklin is largely a "right-to-work" area. While there are union shops in the broader Nashville metro (specifically ironworkers), the majority of fabrication jobs in Franklin are non-union. This often means more direct negotiation for wages but fewer guaranteed pension plans.

3. What is the weather like for outdoor welding?
Franklin has a humid subtropical climate. Summers are hot (90°F+) and humid, which can make outdoor structural welding uncomfortable. Winters are mild but damp. Most industrial work is indoors, but construction welders should be prepared for the elements.

4. How far is the commute from Nashville to Franklin?
Without traffic, it’s a 20-minute drive. With rush hour traffic, expect 45 minutes to an hour. Many welders live in Nashville (where rent is slightly higher) and commute south to Franklin, which is a reverse commute and often smoother than heading into Nashville.

5. Are there apprenticeships available?
Yes. The Middle Tennessee Carpenters & Millwrights Training Center (located in nearby Lebanon) offers apprenticeships for welders. Additionally, many local community colleges offer associate degrees that include co-op placements with Franklin employers.