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How Much Do DirecTV Installers Make Per Job?

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Last updated on 6 min read
Financial Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, tax, or legal advice. Consult a qualified financial advisor or tax professional for advice specific to your situation.

DirecTV installers typically earn $50 to $150 per job as independent contractors, while hourly employees make $19–$27 per hour depending on experience and region.

How much does a TV installer make?

In 2026, the national average for a TV installer (also called a home entertainment technician) is about $42,000 per year, which works out to roughly $20 per hour.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 4% annual growth for these roles through 2030. Geographic differences are significant: installers in New York City average $58,000 annually, while rural areas may pay closer to $35,000. Many technicians also earn performance bonuses for same-day completions and high customer satisfaction scores.

How much do DirecTV employees make?

As of 2026, the average salary across all DirecTV employee roles is approximately $45,000 per year, which is about $22 per hour.

This figure comes from aggregated data on PayScale and reflects a wide range of positions. Corporate roles in engineering or management often exceed $80,000, while field technicians and customer service representatives typically fall between $35,000–$50,000. Always verify specific role ranges on DirecTV's careers page or Glassdoor before negotiating.

How much do installation technicians make?

In 2026, the average annual pay for installation technicians in the U.S. is about $47,000, with hourly rates averaging $23.

State-level variation is substantial: California technicians average $55,000 ($26.44/hour), while Delaware averages $38,000 ($18.27/hour). The BLS projects 5% growth through 2028 driven by broadband and smart-home demand. Consider total compensation — some employers offer vehicle allowances, tool stipends, and overtime that can add $5,000–$10,000 annually.

How much do remote sensing technicians get paid?

As of 2026, remote sensing technicians in California earn about $53,280 per year on average, equating to roughly $25.60 per hour.

This specialized role supports agriculture, urban planning, and environmental monitoring using drone and satellite data. The BLS notes most work under surveyors or geospatial engineers. Texas averages $48,000 annually, while federal positions (USGS, NOAA) often start at $55,000+ with benefits. Certifications in GIS or photogrammetry can increase earning potential by 15–20%.

How much does directv pay an hour?

As of 2026, DirecTV installation technicians are typically paid between $19 and $21 per hour, depending on the contractor doing the work.

Indeed data shows AT&T subcontractors average $20.50/hour, while direct-hire DirecTV roles average $19.25/hour. Overtime (common during peak seasons) pushes effective earnings higher. Contractor roles may offer per-job incentives ($10–$25 per install) that can raise effective hourly pay to $25+. Confirm pay structure — hourly vs. piece-rate — before accepting an offer.

How much do directv sales reps make?

In 2026, the average annual pay for DirecTV sales representatives is about $29,454, which works out to roughly $14.25 per hour.

This base pay is well below the PayScale national sales rep average of $63,000, but commission structures vary widely. Top performers at high-traffic retail locations can earn $50,000–$70,000 total with commissions. Ask about quota attainability, draw policies, and whether leads are provided or self-generated before committing.

How much does AT&T make an hour?

As of 2026, AT&T hourly wages vary significantly by role — for example, field service technicians average about $25 per hour, while retail sales consultants average $17 per hour.

Union-represented technicians (CWA) often have structured wage scales reaching $35–$40/hour at top step. Corporate roles in network engineering or software development pay $45–$75/hour. Check Glassdoor or Levels.fyi for role-specific bands. Benefits (pension, 401k match, tuition reimbursement) add substantial value beyond base hourly rates.

How much do AT&T field technicians make?

As of 2026, AT&T field technicians earn an average of $52,000 per year, or approximately $25 per hour, with top earners reaching $70,000+ including overtime.

CWA union contracts provide scheduled raises, overtime at 1.5x–2x, and premium pay for on-call rotations. Entry-level starts around $19–$21/hour; four-year progression reaches $30–$35/hour. The role includes company vehicle, tools, and benefits. Physical demands and weather exposure are significant — factor these into total compensation evaluation.

How much does Xfinity pay an hour?

As of 2026, Xfinity (Comcast) installation technicians average $22–$24 per hour, with experienced techs reaching $28–$32/hour.

Comcast's Indeed salary data shows a narrower band than AT&T due to more direct-hire roles vs. subcontractors. Retail sales roles start at $16–$18/hour plus commission. Union representation varies by market. Xfinity often provides paid training, certification bonuses ($500–$1,500), and tuition assistance — include these in total compensation comparisons.

What does a remote sensing technician do?

A remote sensing technician collects and processes geospatial data using drones, satellites, and aerial sensors for mapping, environmental monitoring, and infrastructure planning.

Daily tasks include flight planning, sensor calibration, data quality checks, and preliminary image processing using software like ArcGIS or ENVI. The BLS classifies this under "Surveying and Mapping Technicians." Most positions require an associate's degree or certification in GIS/geomatics. Field work involves travel to remote sites; office work focuses on data analysis and report generation.

Do directv installers work in the rain?

DirecTV installers generally do not work in heavy rain or lightning due to safety policies, but light drizzle may not halt work if equipment and footing remain safe.

OSHA and company safety protocols prohibit rooftop work during lightning, high winds (>25 mph), or icy conditions. Light rain with proper fall protection and waterproof gear may be permitted at supervisor discretion. Installers typically reschedule rather than risk equipment damage or injury. Ask about "weather day" pay policies — some contractors pay a reduced rate or minimum show-up fee for canceled jobs.

Do cable technicians make good money?

Cable technicians can make good money — median pay of $47,000–$55,000 annually places them above the national median for all occupations ($48,000 in 2026).

Earnings depend heavily on employer (direct-hire vs. subcontractor), union status, overtime availability, and geographic market. Union techs at Comcast, Charter, or AT&T often exceed $65,000 with overtime. Subcontractors may earn less but have schedule flexibility. The BLS notes top 10% earn $75,000+. Factor in physical toll, weather exposure, and irregular hours when evaluating "good money" for your situation.

How do I become a directv technician?

To become a DirecTV technician, apply through DirecTV's careers portal or AT&T's field technician openings, then complete a 2–4 week paid training program covering satellite alignment, safety, and customer service.

Requirements: valid driver's license, clean driving record, ability to lift 70+ lbs, work at heights, and pass background/drug screening. No degree required; technical aptitude is assessed during hiring. Many start as subcontractors through companies like MasTec or Dycom before converting to direct roles. Indeed and LinkedIn list current openings — search "satellite installer" or "field technician" with "DirecTV" keyword.

How much do AT&T sales reps make per hour?

As of 2026, AT&T retail sales consultants average $17–$19 per hour base pay, with total compensation (commissions + bonuses) reaching $22–$30/hour for top performers.

Commission structures vary by product mix (wireless, fiber, DirecTV, accessories) and store traffic tier. Quota attainment rates of 80–120% are typical. Union-represented roles in some markets have higher base rates ($20–$22/hour) but capped commissions. Ask hiring managers for the prior quarter's average rep earnings at that specific location — store variance exceeds 40%.

Who pays more AT&T or Verizon?

Verizon typically pays 5–10% more than AT&T for comparable field technician and retail roles, though total compensation converges at senior levels due to AT&T's stronger pension benefits.

Glassdoor and Levels.fyi data show Verizon field techs averaging $55,000–$60,000 vs. AT&T's $50,000–$55,000. Verizon's 401k match (6% vs. AT&T's 4.5%) and RSU grants for managers widen the gap. AT&T's frozen pension (for pre-2021 hires) retains long-term value. Compare full packages — not just base pay — for your specific role and tenure expectations.

Edited and fact-checked by the FixAnswer editorial team.
Ahmed Ali

Ahmed is a finance and business writer covering personal finance, investing, entrepreneurship, and career development.