Tennessee has emerged as a leading state for franchise-related employment, ranking 6th nationwide among all 50 states. Franchise businesses are expected to account for 5.8% of total jobs and drive 11% of total job growth across the U.S., adding an impressive 402,000 positions and surpassing the 9 million worker mark by 2025.

Cinch, a franchise marketing software company, analyzed the impact of franchise businesses on state-level job growth. The Southeast holds the highest share of franchise employment, with nine of the top ten states boasting significant franchise-driven workforce proportions, thanks to lower costs and reduced employment regulations.

In Tennessee, franchise employment is projected to grow by 7.8%, with 6.4% of the state’s workforce—approximately 230,000 workers—employed by franchises in 2025. Quick-service restaurants (QSRs) remain the dominant sector within franchise employment, employing over 4 million workers nationwide. However, personal services franchises, such as fitness centers, salons, and childcare providers, are experiencing the fastest growth, with an anticipated increase of 7.8% between 2023 and 2025.

Franchise jobs are expected to fuel 10.4% of total employment growth in Tennessee during the same period, slightly below the national average of 11%. Despite the already significant workforce in QSR franchises, this sector is poised for continued expansion, with employment projected to grow by 5.1% by 2025.

As personal services franchises lead the charge in growth and retail franchises follow closely behind, Tennessee continues to demonstrate its strong position in franchise-driven job creation, reinforcing its status as a hub for employment opportunities in this sector.

To see how franchises are driving job growth in Tennessee, CLICK HERE for the Cinch report.