$100k in Franklin
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📊 Franklin Salary Guide
Franklin, TN Salary Guide: The Real Cost of Earning $100k
You see the job posting. The headline number is a clean $100,000. It feels like a milestone. But in Franklin, Tennessee, the gap between what you earn and what you actually keep is wider than the Natchez Trace Parkway—if you don't account for the tax man.
We crunched the numbers on a $100k salary to see how far it actually goes in Williamson County. This isn't about sticker prices; it's about your purchasing power.
The Verification Test ($100,000 Analysis)
Let's cut the check. You are offered a W-2 salary of $100,000. Here is the brutal reality of what happens before you see a dime.
- Gross Salary: $100,000
- Federal Tax: -$13,614
- FICA Tax: -$7,650
- State Tax: $0
- Local Tax: $0
Your Actual Take-Home Pay: $78,736
The "Sticker Price" of your labor is $100k. The "Clearing Price" is $78,736. That is a 21.3% haircut right out of the gate.
The Tennessee Advantage
However, let's put this in perspective. If you earned $100,000 in New York City or Los Angeles, that "Take Home Pay" number would plummet closer to $68,000 due to aggressive state and city income taxes. Franklin taxes your paycheck exactly $0. That $10,000+ difference is the "Sunshine Tax"—it stays in your pocket, not the state capital's.
Smart Budget Breakdown (50/30/20 Rule)
With $78,736 annually, your monthly net income is $6,561. We apply the 50/30/20 rule to see if this salary supports a comfortable lifestyle in one of Tennessee's most expensive zip codes.
Needs: $3,281 / Month
The "Keep the Lights On" Budget.
In Franklin, "Needs" includes housing, utilities, insurance, and groceries. The median rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Franklin hovers between $1,700 and $2,000.
- Rent ($1,800 est): Leaves ~$1,481 for utilities ($150), car insurance ($150), health premiums ($200), and groceries ($400).
- Verdict: Tight. You aren't living in a luxury high-rise, and you are likely cutting coupons at the grocery store. You can afford the rent, but you have zero margin for error on bills.
Wants: $1,968 / Month
The "Franklin Lifestyle" Budget.
This is your dining out at Mafiaoza's, drinks in downtown Franklin, and Titans game weekends.
- Purchasing Power: This is a healthy discretionary budget. You can afford the social scene, but you can't ball out every night. This budget covers a car payment on a modest vehicle and entertainment.
Savings: $1,312 / Month
The "Wealth Creation" Engine.
This is where the math gets exciting.
- The Power of No State Tax: Because Tennessee doesn't tax your income, that $1,312 goes further.
- Compound Interest: If you invest this $1,312 monthly into an S&P 500 index fund (historical 8-10% return), over 20 years you are looking at a portfolio value of roughly $800,000 to $1 million.
- Verdict: Franklin allows you to save like a high-income earner without the six-figure tax burden.
Franklin Taxes vs The Competition
Why is everyone moving here? Look at the math.
| Location | Gross Salary | Est. Taxes (Fed/State/Local) | Net Pay | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Franklin, TN | $100,000 | $21,264 | $78,736 | Baseline |
| Austin, TX | $100,000 | ~$23,500 | $76,500 | -$2,236 |
| New York, NY | $100,000 | ~$32,000 | $68,000 | -$10,736 |
Note: TX has high property taxes; NY has high income taxes.
Franklin wins on income tax. Every time. If you are moving from a high-tax state, that extra $10k in your pocket feels like a raise before you even negotiate a salary.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the income tax rate in Franklin?
A: 0%. Franklin, Tennessee, has a 0% state income tax rate. You will only pay Federal tax and FICA (Social Security/Medicare) on your wages.
Q: Is $100k a good salary in Franklin?
A: It is a survivable but modest salary for a single person or a couple without kids. It provides a $6,561 monthly budget. While you can save $1,300+ per month, you will feel the pinch of Franklin's high rents if you attempt to live alone in a modern complex. To live comfortably (own a home, save aggressively, and travel), you generally need a household income of $150k+.
Q: Does Franklin have a local city tax?
A: No. Franklin does not levy a local income tax on residents.
- Methodology: Calculations based on IRS 2026 Standard Single Filing Status (Standard Deduction $15,000), 2024 FICA rates, and Tennessee State Comptroller data.
- Sources: Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Tennessee Department of Revenue.