Welder Salary in Franklin, TN: $50,815 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time welder in Franklin, TN earns a median $50,815/year (≈ $24.43/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Once you factor in Franklin's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 91.8), that paycheck buys what $55,354 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.1% above the Tennessee state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Franklin, TN, the welder salary in Franklin is projected to reach a median annual figure of $50,815 in 2026, showing a notable decrease compared to the national median of $55,895. The salary range for welders in this region spans from $38,336 at the 10th percentile to $73,300 at the 90th percentile, suggesting a broad market for various welding specialties. Local estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data adjusted for regional cost of living, reveal that the pay gradient here is influenced primarily by the type of welding work; for instance, pipe welders often earn more than those in structural welding or production welding roles. As the demand for skilled welders continues with the aging workforce, the job market remains competitive, especially for those with advanced certifications.
About the Franklin Market
Salary estimated from Tennessee average ($48,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,336 | $18.43 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $44,783 | $21.53 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $50,815 | $24.43 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $59,952 | $28.83 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $73,300 | $35.24 |
Median Salary Position
9.09% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Franklin
In Franklin, TN, the welder salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $34,964 (2026 est.). At $50,815, the local median is 9.09% below the national median of $55,895.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Franklin: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Franklin Welder Pay Compares
Franklin median: $50,815/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Franklin Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Tennessee Average | $50,262 | +1.10% more |
| National Average | $55,895 | -9.09% less |
Welders in Franklin, TN earn a median of $50,815 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.09% lower than the national median of $55,895 and 1.10% above the Tennessee state average of $50,262.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Franklin has a cost of living 8.20% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Franklin, TN has a cost-of-living index of 91.8 (below the national average of 100). A welder earning $50,815 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $55,354 in an average-cost city — an effective 8.93% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$38,628
2025 BLS Actual
$48,865
2026 Current Est.
$50,815
2019–2027 Growth
+36.8%
Salary Trajectory for Welders in Franklin (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $38,628 | Actual |
| 2020 | $40,174 | Actual |
| 2021 | $42,738 | Actual |
| 2022 | $43,219 | Actual |
| 2023 | $44,492 | Actual |
| 2024 | $43,098 | Actual |
| 2025 | $48,865 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $50,815 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $52,842 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Franklin metropolitan area, the median welder salary grew 26.5% from $38,628 (2019) to $48,865 (2025). At a 3.99% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $52,842 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,214 (36.80%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Franklin metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 3.99% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $38,336 – $44,783 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $44,783 – $50,815 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $50,815 – $59,952 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $59,952 – $73,300 |
WLD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual welder compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Welder Job Market in Franklin
In terms of job market dynamics, Franklin currently employs 18 welders, highlighting a modest but stable demand for this profession. The cost-of-living index for the region stands at 91.8, suggesting that welders retain a favorable purchasing power relative to their income, which is important when considering living expenses in the area. Employers in Franklin that tend to offer the highest wages include those in structural steel fabrication, oil and gas pipeline projects, and specialized sectors like aerospace and nuclear maintenance. Factors influencing the pay disparity in this area consist of certification levels — notable credentials like the 6G pipe certification or NQA-1 expertise can significantly enhance earning potential. Additionally, traveling welders often reap substantial rewards due to per-diem benefits and higher hourly rates. For welders in Franklin, pursuing specialization, gaining advanced credentials, and exploring mobile welding opportunities are practical strategies to maximize pay in a competitive market.
More salary data for Franklin, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by James Mendoza, AWS Certified Welder
Career Analyst
James has over 10 years of experience in welding. He specializes in MIG and TIG welding. He has worked in various manufacturing settings.
Methodology & Data Source
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $48,865 for weldersin the Franklin metropolitan area. A 3.99% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Franklin is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.99%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for welders (SOC 51-4121).
Compiled and verified by James Mendoza, AWS Certified Welder, a licensed welder with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov