How Much Money Does a Plumber Working for Lowe’s Make?

If you’re considering a career as a plumber—or you’re already in the trade and exploring new opportunities—you might be wondering: how much money does a plumber working for Lowe’s make? It’s a smart question. After all, your income affects everything from your lifestyle to your long-term financial goals. Whether you’re a seasoned tradesperson or just starting out, understanding the earning potential at a major home improvement retailer like Lowe’s can help you make informed decisions about your career path.

What Is a Plumber’s Role at Lowe’s?

Before diving into salary figures, it’s important to understand what plumbers actually do at Lowe’s. Unlike traditional plumbing contractors who work on residential or commercial installations full-time, plumbers at Lowe’s typically serve in customer-facing roles—often as part of the company’s in-store Pro Services or installation teams.

Their responsibilities may include:

• Advising customers on plumbing products (faucets, toilets, water heaters, etc.)
• Providing installation quotes
• Performing or overseeing plumbing installations (sometimes through third-party contractors)
• Troubleshooting basic plumbing issues
• Supporting the store’s contractor sales desk

In many cases, these roles blend technical expertise with retail and customer service skills.

💡 Note: Lowe’s doesn’t always employ plumbs directly as W-2 employees for hands-on field work. Instead, they often partner with certified local contractors who are vetted and listed through Lowe’s Installation Services program.

Average Salary: How Much Does a Lowe’s Plumber Earn?

According to data from Glassdoor, Indeed, and ZipRecruiter (as of late 2025), here’s what you can expect:

These figures vary based on:

• Location (e.g., plumbers in California or New York typically earn more than those in rural Midwest states)
• Experience level
• Certifications (e.g., journeyman or master plumber licenses)
• Whether you’re a direct employee or independent contractor

For example, a licensed plumber working as an independent installer through Lowe’s in Austin, TX, reported earning $38/hour plus tips and repeat customer referrals, according to a 2024 interview with Contractor Magazine.

📌 Key Insight: While base pay matters, many plumbers using Lowe’s as a client lead source report that referrals and upselling services significantly boost their income beyond hourly rates.

How Does Lowe’s Pay Compare to Other Plumbing Jobs?

Let’s put Lowe’s earnings in context. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that the median annual wage for plumbers nationwide was $60,090 in 2024, with the top 10% earning over $100,000.

Here’s a quick comparison:

While Lowe’s may not offer the highest ceiling, it provides consistent customer access—a major pain point for solo plumbers who spend 20–30% of their time on marketing.

For more on plumbing as a profession, see the Wikipedia page on plumbing.

Factors That Influence a Lowe’s Plumber’s Earnings

Not all plumbing gigs at Lowe’s pay the same. Your actual take-home depends on several key factors:

1. Employment Structure

• Direct Employee: Rare for field plumbing; usually limited to in-store advisors.
• Third-Party Contractor: Most common. You’re self-employed but listed on Lowe’s platform. You keep most of your fee but pay a referral or platform fee (typically 10–20%).

2. Geographic Location

Plumbers in high-cost-of-living areas earn more. For instance:

• San Francisco: Avg. $92,000/year
• Atlanta: Avg. $63,000/year
• Des Moines: Avg. $54,000/year

3. Specialization

Those who install tankless water heaters, smart toilets, or whole-house repiping projects often charge premium rates—sometimes $75–$125/hour for complex jobs booked through Lowe’s.

4. Customer Reviews & Ratings

Lowe’s prioritizes highly rated installers in its booking system. A 4.8+ star rating can increase job volume by 30–50%, directly boosting income.

Step-by-Step: How to Become a Plumber for Lowe’s

If you’re licensed and want to join Lowe’s network, here’s how:

1. Hold a valid plumbing license in your state (requirements vary; check your state’s licensing board).
2. Get liability insurance ($1M minimum is typical).
3. Visit Lowe’s Pro Services Contractor Portal (note: link changes occasionally; search “Lowe’s become an installer”).
4. Submit your business details, license number, insurance proof, and references.
5. Pass Lowe’s vetting process (includes background check and service quality review).
6. Complete onboarding training (usually 2–4 hours online).
7. Start receiving job leads via the Lowe’s installer dashboard.

Most approved contractors begin receiving jobs within 2–3 weeks of approval.

✅ Pro Tip: Highlight experience with brand-specific products (e.g., Kohler, Moen, Rheem)—Lowe’s favors installers familiar with their inventory.

FAQ Section

Q1: Does Lowe’s hire plumbers as full-time employees?

A: Rarely for field work. Most plumbing jobs are fulfilled by independent, licensed contractors partnered with Lowe’s Installation Services. In-store roles (like Pro Desk specialists) may be salaried employees, but they don’t perform hands-on plumbing.

Q2: How much can I make per job through Lowe’s?

A: Simple faucet replacements average $120–$250, while full bathroom remodels can range from $1,500 to $5,000+. Your cut depends on your pricing and any platform fees.

Q3: Do I need my own tools and vehicle?

A: Yes. As an independent contractor, you’re expected to provide your own tools, van/truck, and safety gear. Lowe’s does not supply equipment.

Q4: Are there bonuses or incentives?

A: Not directly from Lowe’s. However, top-rated installers get priority placement in the booking system, leading to more high-value jobs—effectively a performance-based bonus.

Q5: Can I work for Lowe’s and other platforms (like Home Depot or Angi)?

A: Yes! Most contractors work across multiple platforms. Lowe’s does not require exclusivity.

Q6: How are payments handled?

A: Customers pay Lowe’s at checkout. Lowe’s then pays you (minus any service fee) via direct deposit, usually within 7–14 business days.

Conclusion

So, how much money does a plumber working for Lowe’s make? Realistically, between $50,000 and $85,000+ per year, depending on your location, skill level, and how actively you manage your bookings. While it may not match the peak earnings of a top-tier independent plumber, the steady stream of pre-qualified customers can reduce marketing stress and create a reliable income foundation—especially for those building their reputation.

If you’re a licensed plumber looking for consistent work without cold-calling or running ads, partnering with Lowe’s could be a smart move.

Found this guide helpful? Share it with a fellow tradesperson on Facebook, LinkedIn, or Twitter! 💧🔧 #PlumbingCareer #Lowe’sPlumber #TradesIncome