Are you curious about what it's like to drive for one of the largest grocery retailers in the United States? Perhaps you're considering a career change, or just wondering how much those friendly faces delivering your groceries actually earn. Well, you've come to the right place! This comprehensive guide will break down the earning potential for Kroger drivers, from delivery associates to CDL truck drivers, and give you a clear picture of what to expect.
Step 1: Are You Ready to Unpack the Earning Potential?
Let's dive right in! Before we get into the specifics, it's important to understand that "Kroger driver" can refer to a couple of different roles, each with its own pay scale and requirements. We'll be covering both Kroger Delivery Drivers (who typically drive smaller vans for last-mile delivery to customers' homes) and Kroger CDL Truck Drivers (who operate larger commercial vehicles for supply chain and distribution).
Ready to see how your driving skills might translate into a paycheck with Kroger? Let's explore!
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| How Much Do Kroger Drivers Make |
Step 2: Understanding the Two Main Driver Roles at Kroger
Kroger's vast operation relies on two distinct types of drivers to keep its shelves stocked and its customers satisfied.
Sub-heading: The Kroger Delivery Driver: Your Neighborhood Grocery Hero
The Kroger Delivery Driver is the face of convenience, bringing groceries directly to customers' doorsteps. These drivers typically operate company-provided vans and are responsible for accurate, timely, and customer-friendly deliveries.
Sub-heading: The Kroger CDL Truck Driver: The Backbone of the Supply Chain
The Kroger CDL Truck Driver plays a critical role in the company's extensive supply chain. These are the professionals who transport goods between distribution centers and stores, often requiring a Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL). They are the unsung heroes ensuring fresh products make it to your local Kroger.
QuickTip: Scroll back if you lose track.
Step 3: How Much Do Kroger Delivery Drivers Make?
Let's get down to the numbers! The salary for a Kroger Delivery Driver can vary based on location, experience, and other factors.
Sub-heading: Average Hourly and Annual Pay
As of July 2025, the average annual pay for a Kroger Delivery Driver in the United States is approximately $42,266 a year. This breaks down to roughly $20.32 an hour.
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Hourly Wage Range: While the average is around $20.32, hourly wages can range from as low as $8.17 to as high as $25.24. The majority of wages fall between $16.11 (25th percentile) and $20.19 (75th percentile).
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Weekly Pay: This equates to about $812 per week.
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Monthly Pay: And approximately $3,522 per month.
Sub-heading: Factors Influencing Delivery Driver Pay
Several factors can influence how much a Kroger Delivery Driver earns:
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Location, Location, Location!: As with most jobs, geographic location plays a significant role. For instance, a Kroger Delivery Driver in Berkeley, CA, might earn around $22.60 per hour, while someone in Texas might average $17.19 an hour. Top-paying cities for Kroger Delivery Drivers often include areas in California like Berkeley, San Francisco, and San Jose, as well as Sitka, AK, and Justin, TX.
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Experience: While not always explicitly stated as a direct pay bump for delivery drivers, experience in customer service or previous delivery roles can certainly make you a more desirable candidate, potentially leading to better initial offers or faster progression.
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Performance and Customer Service: Being a "brand ambassador" is a key part of the delivery driver role. Exceptional customer service, efficiency, and adherence to company standards can positively impact reviews and potentially lead to bonuses or better opportunities within the company.
Step 4: How Much Do Kroger CDL Truck Drivers Make?
The earning potential for Kroger CDL Truck Drivers is significantly higher due to the specialized skills and licensing required.
Tip: The middle often holds the main point.
Sub-heading: Average Hourly and Annual Pay for CDL Drivers
As of July 2025, the average annual pay for a Kroger CDL Driver in the United States is approximately $66,675 a year. This translates to roughly $32.06 an hour.
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Hourly Wage Range: For Kroger CDL jobs, hourly pay can range from $24.04 (25th percentile) to $53.37 (90th percentile). The average wage is around $37.80 an hour.
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Weekly Pay: This averages out to about $1,282 per week.
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Monthly Pay: And approximately $5,556 per month.
Sub-heading: Factors Influencing CDL Driver Pay
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Type of CDL: While Class A CDL is generally required for long-haul and supply chain driving, some roles might accept a Class B. The type of CDL and endorsements can impact pay.
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Route Type (Local vs. Regional/OTR): Local routes typically offer daily home time but might have slightly lower pay than regional or Over-the-Road (OTR) routes where drivers are away for several days. Some postings indicate weekly pay ranging from $1,200 to $1,700 for regional CDL roles.
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Experience and Seniority: Experienced CDL drivers with clean driving records are highly sought after and can command higher wages.
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Union Membership: Many Kroger CDL drivers are unionized, which can lead to structured pay scales, regular raises, and comprehensive benefits negotiated through collective bargaining. Union workers often receive better pay and benefits.
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Performance and Safety Records: A strong safety record is paramount for CDL drivers and can influence pay and job security.
Step 5: Benefits for Kroger Drivers
Beyond the hourly wage or salary, Kroger offers a range of benefits that add significant value to a driver's total compensation package. These benefits are often a major draw for potential employees.
Sub-heading: Comprehensive Health Benefits
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Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage: Kroger provides affordable, comprehensive health care coverage options, often including free preventive care, immunizations, and preventive prescription medications.
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Mental Health Support: Access to short-term counseling and referrals for employees and their household members dealing with stress, anxiety, depression, and other challenges.
Sub-heading: Financial Security and Retirement
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401(k) Program with Company Matching: Kroger offers a 401(k) program where they match 100% on the first 3% of an employee's contribution and 50% on the next 2%. This means if you contribute 5% of your salary, Kroger adds another 4% for free!
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Pension Benefits: Some union employees and long-term associates may qualify for a pension, a rare and valuable benefit in today's retail landscape.
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Emergency Financial Assistance: Through the "Helping Hands Fund."
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Free Financial Tools and Coaching: Available for associates over 18 years old to help with budgeting, debt payoff, and savings.
Sub-heading: Work-Life Balance and Time Off
Reminder: Reading twice often makes things clearer.
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Flexible Scheduling: Many full- and part-time hourly roles offer flexible scheduling.
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Paid Time Off (PTO): This includes holiday pay, sick pay, and vacation days, based on eligibility and length of service. New full-time workers typically receive up to 7 days of PTO in their first year, with long-term employees accumulating up to 30 days annually. Part-time staff earn PTO based on hours worked.
Sub-heading: Growth and Development
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Continuing Education and Tuition Reimbursement: Kroger's "Feed Your Future" program offers associates up to $21,000 in tuition reimbursement over their career for GEDs, associate's, bachelor's, master's, PhD programs, and certifications.
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On-the-Job Training: Provided for all positions, ensuring drivers are well-equipped for their roles.
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Talent and Leadership Development: Opportunities for career advancement, with many store managers starting as entry-level associates.
Sub-heading: Additional Perks
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Associate Discounts: Savings on Kroger purchases (10% off Our Brands and electronics, 15% off home, 20% off apparel and Fred Meyer Jewelry, up to 40% off Vitacost brands).
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Discounts on Insurance: Home, auto, and pet insurance.
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Scholarships: For employees' children through the Kroger Scholars Program.
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Associate Resource Groups: Providing community and support for associates with shared interests.
Step 6: Requirements to Become a Kroger Driver
Before you rev your engines, let's look at what Kroger typically requires from its drivers.
Sub-heading: Requirements for Kroger Delivery Drivers
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Age: Must be at least 21 years of age.
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Driver's License and Driving Record: A valid driver's license with a clean driving record is essential.
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Physical Ability: Ability to lift up to 50 pounds of groceries.
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Customer Service Skills: Strong communication and interpersonal skills, a customer-service mindset, and a friendly attitude are a must. You'll be a brand ambassador.
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Background Check and Drug Screening: You must be able to pass these.
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DOT Regulated Medical Exam: An annual DOT regulated medical exam is typically required.
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Technology Proficiency: Ability to operate a delivery van and handheld tablet device for mapping and customer interaction.
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No CDL Required: It's important to note that a commercial driver's license (CDL) is not required for Kroger Delivery Driver positions.
Sub-heading: Requirements for Kroger CDL Truck Drivers
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Class A CDL: A valid Class A CDL is required.
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Experience: Typically, 2-3 years of verifiable commercial driving experience is preferred.
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Clean MVR: A clean Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) with no points or accidents.
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Physical Ability and DOT Requirements: Must meet all DOT physical and medical requirements.
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Safety Mindset: A strong commitment to safety and adherence to all traffic laws and company safety protocols.
Step 7: The Hiring and Training Process
QuickTip: Stop scrolling fast, start reading slow.
Kroger is invested in its drivers, offering a structured hiring and training process.
Sub-heading: Application and Interview
The first step is to apply for open positions through the Kroger Careers website or job boards. If your qualifications match, you'll likely go through an interview process.
Sub-heading: Onboarding and Paid Training
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Paid Training: Kroger provides paid onboarding and training for new drivers.
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Classroom and On-Road Training: This training typically involves both classroom sessions (covering company guidelines, HR paperwork, and culture) and on-road training with a supervisor.
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Key Training Areas:
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Learning Kroger culture and values.
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Grocery loading procedures (for delivery drivers).
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Delivery route mapping and optimization.
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Safe driving practices in all conditions.
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Providing exceptional customer service.
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Using delivery apps and devices.
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Collecting payments securely.
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Duration: Training can take roughly two weeks until you are ready for independent deliveries. Ongoing training may occur for new technologies or processes.
Step 8: A Typical Workday for a Kroger Driver
What can you expect on a day-to-day basis?
Sub-heading: For Delivery Drivers
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Pre-Shift Prep: Arrive early (at least 15 minutes before check-in).
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Vehicle Loading and Route Planning: Load up your assigned vehicle and review your manifest, mapping out the most logical and efficient delivery route.
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Deliveries: Drive safely, obey traffic laws, and avoid distractions. At each address, verify the order with the customer, unload it, get a photo and signature, and update the delivery status on your app.
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Customer Interaction: Be friendly and thoughtful with every customer, as you are a brand ambassador. Address any concerns professionally.
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Vehicle Maintenance: Complete pre-inspection checks of your company vehicle and report any defects.
Sub-heading: For CDL Truck Drivers
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Pre-Trip Inspection: Thoroughly inspect your commercial vehicle according to DOT regulations.
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Route Execution: Drive long distances, often across multiple states, adhering to strict schedules and safety regulations.
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Loading/Unloading: May be involved in supervising or assisting with loading and unloading freight at distribution centers or stores.
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Paperwork and Logbooks: Maintain accurate logbooks and delivery records.
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Communication: Communicate with dispatch and store personnel regarding delivery status and any issues.
Related FAQ Questions
Here are 10 frequently asked questions about Kroger driver salaries and related topics, with quick answers:
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How to calculate a Kroger Delivery Driver's annual salary from their hourly wage? Multiply the hourly wage by 40 hours per week, then by 52 weeks in a year (Hourly Wage * 40 * 52).
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How to get a Class A CDL for a Kroger truck driving job? You typically need to be at least 21 years old, pass a DOT physical, and complete CDL training from an accredited school, then pass written and practical exams.
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How to find Kroger driver job openings? Visit the official Kroger Careers website (krogerfamilycareers.com) or search on major job boards like ZipRecruiter, Indeed, and LinkedIn.
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How to improve your chances of getting hired as a Kroger Delivery Driver? Highlight any customer service or previous delivery experience, emphasize your clean driving record, and showcase your positive attitude and communication skills during the interview.
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How to qualify for Kroger's tuition reimbursement program as a driver? Employees can receive up to $21,000 in tuition assistance for various educational programs, with eligibility typically based on employment status (full-time or part-time) and length of service. Check with Kroger HR for specific details.
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How to get better pay as a Kroger driver? For delivery drivers, maintaining excellent customer service and efficiency can be beneficial. For CDL drivers, gaining more experience, maintaining a clean safety record, and potentially pursuing additional endorsements can lead to higher-paying routes. Union membership can also contribute to pay increases.
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How to apply for a Kroger CDL driver position? Look for "CDL Driver" or "Truck Driver" roles on the Kroger Careers site. Ensure you meet the Class A CDL and experience requirements before applying.
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How to understand the benefits package for Kroger drivers? Kroger's benefits include comprehensive health coverage, a 401(k) with company match, potential pension benefits, paid time off, and tuition reimbursement. Detailed information is usually provided during the hiring process or through HR.
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How to know if a Kroger driver job is right for you? Consider your comfort level with driving, customer interaction (for delivery drivers), physical demands (lifting), and whether the benefits and pay align with your career goals.
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How to deal with challenging customers as a Kroger Delivery Driver? Maintain a professional and friendly demeanor, listen actively to their concerns, and follow Kroger's guidelines for resolving issues or escalating them to a supervisor if necessary. Remember, you're a brand ambassador!
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