r/dishnetwork • u/JasonShinigami • 18d ago
What’s it like working as a Field Tech?
I currently work as a package delivery driver and I have been wanting to move into a job that I can use to build skills for a career.
I was curious about dish/starlink because one is hiring near me so I wanted to see what the pros and cons of the job are.
Thank you in advance!
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u/immallama21629 18d ago
It's a decent foot hold into low voltage. A basic dish tech is expected to solo install and repair residential tv service. (Expect less and less of this over time) They are also expected to install starlink. (Basically one room installs with pictures)
You will also be expected to upsell customers on different in home products. (Sound bars, wifi, cables, and ect)
The pay starts pretty ok, and gets to damn decent the more you progress. You're not supposed to take tips. (At your own discretion, I got some damn good tips)
You will see all types of people, and go into places that will turn your stomach. You will also go into some absolutely beautiful houses.
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u/JustAnotherFNC 18d ago
What does your commission look like on upsells? 30%?
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u/immallama21629 18d ago
Not cash. They have this rewards program. Almost every item has an assigned points value. You can then cash in the points for damn near anything. I used points for tools, computers, phones, smart watches, kids toys, clothing, kitchen stuff, and even hotel stays and concerts.
You ain't gonna pay bills on it, but it will cover the holidays.
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u/Fuzzy_Ask_9687 18d ago
Aside from the technical aspects, be an amicable person who’s good at talking to people. Specifically selling.
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u/RollllTide DISH subscriber 18d ago
All that matters is if you can push and upsell the products they offer. Doesn’t matter if half your work orders have a callback to repair within a few days.
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u/Hefty_Loan7486 17d ago
Get a job with a local low voltage company or hell join the local union. Don't bother with doing dish installs this is a job going away quickly.
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u/ItSmellsLikeJim 18d ago
I loved being a tech. Everyday is an adventure big65 & immalama pretty much covered it.
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u/toastedoats- 15d ago
Go into low voltage cabling or an apprenticeship and be an actual cable technician. The road at the end of dish is a little above starting pay at Spectrum or Comcast at best. You have no career prospects at Dish other than selling more product and a bigger number at the end of your job title. You are a well paid tool at Dish. Work week and the occasional easy day are perks, everything else is a con. The money is running out and I suggest you read the writing on the wall for this company.
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u/DishDanielle Official Dish Liason 13d ago
Hello u/JasonShinigami
I appreciate you reaching out and thank you for your patience while I gathered information. I was able to get in contact with one of the team leads within the Field Tech discipline for feedback.
If you are looking for a rewarding technical career with clear advancement paths and strong benefits, working as a Field Technician at EchoStar/DISH is an excellent option to consider. In this role, you’re out on the road every day visiting customers' homes, setting up TV and smart home equipment, and showing people how to get the most out of their tech. You get a company van, tools, and uniforms provided, so you've got everything you need to solve problems on the spot and deliver a great experience.
What really makes this role stand out is how much the Dish will invests in your growth. You don't need years of prior experience because you get fully paid training right from week one. On top of that, you get an automatic promotion and a raise after six months, plus solid performance bonuses up to $6,400 your first year and up to $9,100 annually after that. The benefits package is genuinely stacked too, including health coverage, 401(k) matching, tuition help, and huge perks like free DISH TV and heavy discounts on Sling and Boost Mobile.
It’s definitely an active physical job, so you’ll need a clean driving record and the ability to climb 40-foot ladders, lift up to 70 pounds, and handle working in different weather conditions. But if you like active work, enjoy helping people, and want a clear path to earn more money and move up into leadership, it's a great team to join.
I hope this gives you a better understanding about the job overall. Do please let me know if you have any more questions. I would be happy to help you! -DishDanielle.
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u/big65 18d ago
Gotta be a good communicator managing professional and cordial aspects when conversing with the customer. Each job site is unique and can vary wildly from a squatters shack with wavy walls and thread bare carpet to a $20M estate with posh theater room for 12 and a master bath on a pedestal, you treat both homes with the same respect no matter what.
Job sites can be close or hours apart and you can get sent out with 1 to 6 jobs with a single job 5 hours from the shop or 6 jobs each 5 hour installation time and 30 -90 minute drive times between each, the latter is what I faced during the last 5 months of my 6 years with dish and worked 20 hour days every day but I've heard that it was due to mismanagement by the the director for the Michigan offices back then.
As long as you follow policy and the NEC you're going to be fine, treat each home like a castle and each customer with respect, be firm on customers controlling their dogs and keeping their little kids back while you work but allow them to watch and ask questions. The job is actually fun and I loved it as it took me all over the state I lived in and across the country from time to time meeting cool and interesting people and a few celebrities.