Show me the money...

What are typical satellite installer salaries? Do some companies pay a lot more for this position than others? What does a top earner make in this field?

What skills should you learn to increase your salary?

Im looking to change jobs,have always wondered what the pay is like?and what are the best companys to work for?

This has got to be the only job where having to do more, and more.. pays you.. less, and less! take an install for Direct 55 to 70 dollars plus 20 25 right... when thay started 199.00 I would find some poor guy after trying himself into his eve..remount kick it twice to aim feel guilty so give a poe mabe staple the line then 199 pay me.. and way back C band 300.00 350.00 and sev 65 2 hr min. any way Im still the man. allways fair and completely honest.never tryed to sell the crap or lie telling you its broke and how lucky Im there ect.. However dont take any sap..ie the tv worked before or why are you doing it like? as the two men you never want to mess with..your orthorpidic surgon and the satellite man! thell both piss in the attic..

Damn...and you install satellite systems, huh? Seems to me that you should've finished your edumacation in school, first.

limobill in Oslo, Norway said: This has got to be the only job where having to do more, and more.. pays you.. less, and less! take an install for Direct 55 to 70 dollars plus 20 25 right... when thay started 199.00 I would find some poor guy after trying himself into his eve..remount kick it twice to aim feel guilty so give a poe mabe staple the line then 199 pay me.. and way back C band 300.00 350.00 and sev 65 2 hr min. any way Im still the man. allways fair and completely honest.never tryed to sell the crap or lie telling you its broke and how lucky Im there ect.. However dont take any sap..ie the tv worked before or why are you doing it like? as the two men you never want to mess with..your orthorpidic surgon and the satellite man! thell both piss in the attic..

really no doubt, i feel my education level dropped a couple grades just reading that.
The average or the least you should be getting for DirecTV as "sub" is $65/20 MIN. and $80/20 MIN. on Dish Network. the most I have ever received pay wise is $90/25 in Phoenix, AZ.
Skills nor experience will increase your pay, other than being able to do more installs or jobs per day. If you want a raise...do more work.

In regards to pay, can someone clarify what Randy said -The average or the least you should be getting for DirecTV as "sub" is $65/20 MIN. and $80/20 MIN. on Dish Network. the most I have ever received pay wise is $90/25 in Phoenix, AZ.

- my question is - what does $80/20 MIN mean?
- does pay go up with commercial work or is residential the way to go?
I work in Canada and we are structured in "pay codes" everything thing we do has a pay code attached to it. So a single receiver install high def or not pays pretty much the same except for the inclusion of a multi-switch to capture the second bird for hi-def as well as the second LNB.
In that scenario, I would be paid $61.40 on a standard receiver and an additional $8.77 if I mount a SW-21 and LNB.

Does this seem to be on the same pay scale as you guys?
Work more, get paid more is key. I can have that done, downloaded and activated in about an hour and fifteen....

All replies welcome.

Can someone help explain what the FAIR PAY should be for doing this type of work...and how it is determined ?

I had an interview last week, here in Ohio. Next step is driving record checks, then likely background and credit checks. I will have NO PROBLEM with any of this. Credit score 750+, no points or accidents driving, work history solid.

The interviewer said that we would have earn $7.00 an hour, for about 4 weeks, while we train in classroom and then go with a guy out in the field, for a couple weeks.

I was told that starting out, the basic install is about $30 bucks, plus whatever add-ons. He also described some kind of scoring system, where every quarter, they evaluate some criteria, that then determines if you get to earn more, per install.

I have noticed that the same ad (that I responded to), has been in the paper a few times, during the past few months. Is it the general nature of this job, that there is a lot of turnover ? Or do people burn-out...get tired of working 6-days a week ? I'm always interested to know, why the last person left this job, so I know what I am getting myself in to.

How much should a newbie be earning ? The guys I know that are doing it, have been doing it for about 8 or 9 months. It seems like they like it okay, since they are still doing it.

Cband 200 then 250 15 years back. 1 man 4-6 hours.
Directv first came out $700 cost 1 box 1 dish, Sold through Charley Ergin's distibution warehouse. Echostar
Cost and selling pirce were the same no profit. All profit was generated by the 199 install which the retailer gladly gave the installer $75 +-. Retailers "HAD" to buy a Keouse 4000$$ for the showroom. Remember those!!

Then years later systems were offered by Dish free install. Twin lnb dish. These added 30 minutes to an install.

Directv soon to follow. fer years later all systems free. Selling then started to appear high volume sales in Brick and motor and online. 1 year signup came next. Dealers saw around $70-100 for each sale remember chargebacks.. Wal-Mart lost 4 million on charge backs.. LOL. Back in the day of DSS loaders Hacking You remember. Everyone bought boxes at Wallyword to steal signals. Never turned them on at Directv.

Then came local channels in most areas.
Soon to follow telemarketers flooding the phones both D and E.

Pay here was holding at 75/50 Held that for 4 years.

Directv to come out with 3 lnb dish and HD receivers. Payed the same.

Install firms were quick to cash in on installer who would work for 60/20.

Market flodded with DirectPC Starband Aolpc International Ku.
These paid 150-200.

from 2003 onward 75/25 paid here and then add 25 for 5 lnb dish. Polemounts

Most installs are 3 4 5 6 tuners. 5lnb dishes 75/25/25/25 plus 25 for 5lnb.

Now I am hearing that the install ammount for a 4 tuner w 5 lnb is 125.00$$ Is this correct ...??..

If so, it will be see ya later time

I currently live in Houston and have been working offshore in the oilfield. I need a change and would like to have the Directv jargon from the above posts about pay explained in simple english. Meaning if you do this you get paid this. I would more than likely want to start as an installer. Also I would like to know possible contacts in the NW Houston area. Thanks in advance.

how did you get an oilfield job?why you want to get out?

OhioGuy33 in Toledo, Ohio said: Can someone help explain what the FAIR PAY should be for doing this type of work...and how it is determined ?

I had an interview last week, here in Ohio. Next step is driving record checks, then likely background and credit checks. I will have NO PROBLEM with any of this. Credit score 750+, no points or accidents driving, work history solid.

The interviewer said that we would have earn $7.00 an hour, for about 4 weeks, while we train in classroom and then go with a guy out in the field, for a couple weeks.

I was told that starting out, the basic install is about $30 bucks, plus whatever add-ons. He also described some kind of scoring system, where every quarter, they evaluate some criteria, that then determines if you get to earn more, per install.

I have noticed that the same ad (that I responded to), has been in the paper a few times, during the past few months. Is it the general nature of this job, that there is a lot of turnover ? Or do people burn-out...get tired of working 6-days a week ? I'm always interested to know, why the last person left this job, so I know what I am getting myself in to.

How much should a newbie be earning ? The guys I know that are doing it, have been doing it for about 8 or 9 months. It seems like they like it okay, since they are still doing it.

I have been a DNS tech for four years. I have takin four pay cuts since I started, due to "contract cuts". started out makeing $125 for a four room. I know make $66 four a four room. I work 70 hours a week and am lucky to break $600 a week. Needless to say i finally put my two weeks in.This industry is in a down fall for the installers. You sound like you are to qualified for this stuff.

Some installer's that I know in this area make around $85-$140 per install.

Guys most here in southern California subcontractor are paying 60/20
In house tech.It depends where you go Connectv are paying 45/17 but everything is provided.Ironwood is the lowest pay rate and you dont even want to know.DSI I dont even want to know cause they are the worst HSP.
let me break it down
$60.00 for the first receiver including satellite and every additional receivers is $20.00 these are pay rate for most Sub. & u provide all the cable,fittings and so on.
$45.00 for the first receiver including satellite and every additional receiver is $17.00 this is inhouse Connectv.
hopefully this information help others to understand how Diretv installer make there income but you have to remember if you dont do the job in any reason you dont get paid, example no once home,no lign of sight,wrong work order and so muchmore.

I've been a retailer and installer since the beginning of satellite Primestar..Direct tv...Dishnetwork...there is money to be made just watch out for which company you work for because dish and direct tv don't watch there contractor and they screw alot of installers over

I have installed everything from commercial Sat to DTV and Dish. The industry has turned to garbage, Mastec is absolute crap to work for and Echostar pay is horrid. Now that gas is 4.50 a gallon in some states I don't see how you guys make any cash at all. Learn to pull Cat5 and 6 and learn data / voice cabling and make 700-1000 a week for a 40-60 hour work week. I was actually looking for a part time gig doing residential installs again but after reading this forum I now remember all the stress and BS these companies put us through to make a few hundred bucks.

Just what are you paying and how for out is the pay and what is the drive distants.

I do star choice installs in canada, for a company, so I'm a sub contractor, so my company gets paid, and take their cut, anyways, I get paid $74 for an install, 35 for every additional line, and, 40 per service call, unless i have to move the dish, or do a dish upgrade, in which case i get paid an extra 20. Multiswitch install i believe pays 60 bucks, so i four line install would pay me 180, I've only been doing this 9 months, the most I've made in a day is like 450, and my biggest check was just over 2000.

Let me tell you if you've only been doing this a short time, And making that kind of money you better stick with it. Where else are you goin g to make that kind of money?

Nick N. in Gulfport, Mississippi said: Let me tell you if you've only been doing this a short time, And making that kind of money you better stick with it. Where else are you goin g to make that kind of money?

Cops, after 3 years, which im thinking about doing

Mike in Miami, Florida said: I have installed everything from commercial Sat to DTV and Dish. The industry has turned to garbage, Mastec is absolute crap to work for and Echostar pay is horrid. Now that gas is 4.50 a gallon in some states I don't see how you guys make any cash at all. Learn to pull Cat5 and 6 and learn data / voice cabling and make 700-1000 a week for a 40-60 hour work week. I was actually looking for a part time gig doing residential installs again but after reading this forum I now remember all the stress and BS these companies put us through to make a few hundred bucks.

Whats the problem with mastec?Would they be a good place to start out as a rookie? Just wondering,I am getting out of the truck driving business and starting over as an installer,mastec wants to interview with me friday,what should I expect??

Jonathan in Winnipeg, Manitoba said: I do star choice installs in canada, for a company, so I'm a sub contractor, so my company gets paid, and take their cut, anyways, I get paid $74 for an install, 35 for every additional line, and, 40 per service call, unless i have to move the dish, or do a dish upgrade, in which case i get paid an extra 20. Multiswitch install i believe pays 60 bucks, so i four line install would pay me 180, I've only been doing this 9 months, the most I've made in a day is like 450, and my biggest check was just over 2000.

Soooo,there is money to be made in this line of work huh?What about in Texas??

Matt in Dallas, Texas said: I'm in the DFW area and NEED work!I have 3 years experience installing Dtv.Please contact me

ibcuzz@gmail.com

Mastec is hiring.

limobill in Oslo, Norway said: This has got to be the only job where having to do more, and more.. pays you.. less, and less! take an install for Direct 55 to 70 dollars plus 20 25 right... when thay started 199.00 I would find some poor guy after trying himself into his eve..remount kick it twice to aim feel guilty so give a poe mabe staple the line then 199 pay me.. and way back C band 300.00 350.00 and sev 65 2 hr min. any way Im still the man. allways fair and completely honest.never tryed to sell the crap or lie telling you its broke and how lucky Im there ect.. However dont take any sap..ie the tv worked before or why are you doing it like? as the two men you never want to mess with..your orthorpidic surgon and the satellite man! thell both piss in the attic..

UHHHHHHHHHHH.........WHAT?

matt in Eau Claire, Wisconsin said: Looking for work in va 4 years experience with directv matalac2003@yahoo.com

Matt, Im in Chippewa. So what are you doing for work now. I got a line on some dtv work around here. Pays 100/20 not to mention, dont mind making friends to talk shop with

The only real oppertunity I see now is Flat pannel tv installs on walls fireplaces. I do some and they pay best.

Satellite installs are in the mudd. If you do them for some outfit you will find too long days too many miles, Hack job repairs.

If you want to work alot find a local shop and hook up with them. Get to one that does all of it. HDTV computer networking, etc.

hay guts,,,i have a installer openings nationwide,,,pays 95/20 and if you become my partner, i will share dealer profit.....ex---basic install with single reciever pays app $200....contact me at ganasb@bellsouth.net ....bill

sorry meant to open with hay guys.....bill

bill ganas in Valdosta, Georgia said: hay guts,,,i have a installer openings nationwide,,,pays 95/20 and if you become my partner, i will share dealer profit.....ex---basic install with single reciever pays app $200....contact me at ganasb@bellsouth.net ....bill

I have been doing Dish Network and Direct TV and some Hughes Net in Virginia and northeast North Carolina,Billy

I will post job here soon but I can be reached at ganasb@Gmail.com,,, send call back # & I will detail,,,look forward to hearing from u, b

Bill I would be interested in work in st. louis Missouri, I have about 5 guys all very trained.

I am certified in everything and is willing to start work tomorrow.

Aaron form franklin ky in Drakesboro, Kentucky said: I have been a DNS tech for four years. I have takin four pay cuts since I started, due to "contract cuts". started out makeing $125 for a four room. I know make $66 four a four room. I work 70 hours a week and am lucky to break $600 a week. Needless to say i finally put my two weeks in.This industry is in a down fall for the installers. You sound like you are to qualified for this stuff.

You need to know that the type of work you do entitles you to over time pay if you work more than 40 hours in a week.In some states you are entitled to overtime for working more than 8 hours in a day!! As a lawyer who handles overtime claims, I have seen many companies (including satellite/dish install companies) violate the law on this issue.
Make sure you are paid overtime or find out your rights if you are not paid overtime.

I just applied to Dish Network. I have good experiance and I am coming from a installer/computer repair field. My current job I make $16.00 at 40 hours a week I am not paid by install. If I were to be offered the job from Dish would the same apply or would it be I get paid by install?

hi jeff,,,i am not a lawyer but my experience is....if u receive a w-2 and are considered a employee of dish,u are entitled to overtime,,at least in ga. but if u are cotract installer,probably not

You will not get paid for half of your work get ready!!!

If I were you I would stay where your at,because dish network starts out at only 12.25 hr,and it takes them forever to get back to you after you have taken the pre-employment tests,I know,its been almost 3 weeks since my interview,anyway thats the way it is here anyway.Direct TV is payed by the install.Good luck!

Many companies misclassify isntallers as "contractors" to try and avoid over time and taxes. However, the contractors often are not true contractors b/c they are told when to work, given the tools and the truck and are not free to work for comepetitors or run their won competing business while still working for the company. If they are misclassified, they are usually owed overtime ( up to 3 years) if they worked it.

Direct TV should also pay overtime if they pay by the install.

I justs got hired for direct tv here in stlouis missouri im not sure what the pay is like but iv'e heard u can make upwards to 4000 a month

I work in St. Louis as well, may I ask who do you work for? and to answer your question 4000.00 is a fairly steep amount, the amount of money you'll make will depend greatly on who you work for, also the economy is in the craps and buisness is slow, if you have alot of experience than in busy times 4000 could happen at the right contractor, however if you work for the HSP in Fenton, you most definitely will not make that kind of money, their pay scale is very sub-scale, and given thats because they furnish materials and transportation, Hope this could be helpful

thanks for the response i work for direct tv in fenton thats just what was told to me by the workers their an the manager that hired me we are paid off commission and work 6 days a week with optional overtime im sure there must be an adequate ammount of work if we are to work 6 manditory days with the 7th being optional im not sure how many jobs we'd have to do in a day to get that much monthly but i will soon find out.

All Satellite contractors are being ripped off this business has no regulations. And Direct Tv is the worst...bonus thats a joke...

You need to get legal counsel ASAP to protect your rights. Based on the facts provided, it sounds like you are not being properly paid for overtime and some of you are being illegally docked from your wages. www.wlfirm.com

There are regulations for payment of wages -- both federal and state laws.

i know all that, but damn those laws were made in the 60's maybe they dont know, this is 2008 is there a generation gap somehwere? Anyway, doing the job is getting better to do, an the customers are real friendly, i'm enjoying the experience of being a sattelite tech, maybe overtime somewhere else my experience will pay off and someone will need a tech with good incentive offers.

mark said: Im looking to change jobs,have always wondered what the pay is like?and what are the best companys to work for?

Dude, the best way to work as an installer is to self contract yourself to companies. Don't get hired by just one place cuz they can screw you on your check. As a self contractor, you can make up to 1500 a week. You really gotta bust ass, but it's worth it.

mark said: Im looking to change jobs,have always wondered what the pay is like?and what are the best companys to work for?

you can make 1500 a week, but you have to provide....or instead of writing a long list, the company only provides the receivers and and sattelite with hardware to mount it, thats it.

Has anyone worked for Satellite Unlimted Corporation? I have a Interview with them Monday in Pearl,Ms and I was wondering if this company is any good. They Told me I can make anywhere from 35,000 to 80,000 a year.

bill ganas in Valdosta, Georgia said: hay guts,,,i have a installer openings nationwide,,,pays 95/20 and if you become my partner, i will share dealer profit.....ex---basic install with single reciever pays app $200....contact me at ganasb@bellsouth.net ....bill

I am looking to install and sell for an internet/tv/flatscreen/satellite company in Arizona. Over 20 years experience in telecommunication industry

If you know anyone who has worked for MasTec dba Advance technologies,let them know a lawsuit was recently settled for failure to pay overtime to satellite system installers and repair personnel. The class settlemment was over 12.6 million.
We are looking for other current or former installers with various companies who have not been paid overtime. Being paid by the job still may entitle installers to overtime pay. You cannot waive your rights to overtime. As an ex. if an installer makes $1500 a week and work 70 hours, his hourly rate is $21.42. Under federal law, he should still receive an ADDITONAL $10.71 an hour for all hours over 40. So 30 x $10.71= 321.30 a week. 52 weeks x 321.30= $16,707 a year that is owed. The law also allow DOUBLE DAMAGES (ex. above, $33,415)plus mandatory attorneys fees. The law allows claims to go back 2-3 years.
www.wlfirm.com