Ever wondered what it's like to be on the road, delivering essential goods, and what kind of paycheck you could bring home doing it? If you've been curious about the earning potential for Sysco drivers, you've landed in the right place! This comprehensive guide will break down Sysco driver salaries, factors that influence pay, and what you can expect as part of the Sysco driving team.
How Much Does Sysco Pay Drivers? A Detailed Look at Earning Potential
Sysco, a giant in the foodservice distribution industry, relies heavily on its dedicated team of drivers to deliver a vast array of products to restaurants, hospitals, schools, and other businesses. As such, they offer competitive compensation packages to attract and retain skilled CDL drivers.
Let's dive into the specifics of what a Sysco driver can expect to earn in mid-2025.
Step 1: Understanding the Average Sysco Driver Salary
So, you're asking, "How much does Sysco pay drivers?" The answer, like with many jobs, varies. However, we can give you a solid average to start with!
Average Annual Pay: As of July 2025, the average annual pay for a Sysco CDL Driver in the United States is approximately $68,805 per year. This figure can fluctuate based on various factors we'll explore.
Hourly Wage Equivalent: To put that in perspective, this translates to roughly $33.08 per hour.
Weekly and Monthly Breakdown: On a weekly basis, that's about $1,323, and monthly, it's around $5,733.
It's important to note that these are averages, and your actual earnings can be higher or lower depending on a multitude of factors.
What About Delivery Drivers vs. CDL A Drivers?
You might see different figures for "Sysco Delivery Driver" versus "Sysco CDL Driver." Generally, CDL A Delivery Truck Drivers, who operate tractor-trailers, tend to earn more due to the complexity and requirements of their role. For instance, the average hourly pay for a general "Sysco Driver" is around $20.14 per hour, while a "Sysco Truck Driver" (often implying CDL A) averages about $27.09 per hour.
Step 2: Factors Influencing Sysco Driver Pay
Several key elements play a significant role in determining how much a Sysco driver earns. Understanding these can help you maximize your earning potential.
Sub-heading: Experience Level
Entry-Level vs. Experienced: As with most professions, experience matters. New drivers typically start at a lower rate, while those with several years of commercial driving experience, especially in food or beverage delivery, can command higher wages. Sysco may also offer an Entry-Level Driver Training Program in place of 1 year of commercial motor vehicle (CMV) experience if market conditions warrant.
Sign-On Bonuses: Many Sysco locations offer attractive sign-on bonuses for qualified CDL A drivers, sometimes reaching up to $5,000 or even allowing earnings up to $105,000 in the first year with productivity incentives. Be aware that these are often paid out in increments over a probationary period.
Sub-heading: Location, Location, Location!
The cost of living and demand for drivers in a particular area significantly impact salaries. Some cities and states offer considerably higher pay for Sysco drivers.
Highest Paying Cities (Examples):
Gillette, WY: Approximately $93,440 annually ($44.92/hour)
Washington, DC: Approximately $90,548 annually ($43.53/hour)
Fargo, ND: Approximately $87,936 annually ($42.28/hour)
Berkeley, CA: Approximately $46,998 for Sysco Delivery Driver ($22.60/hour)
Denton, MT: Approximately $70,477 for Sysco Truck Driver ($33.88/hour)
Regional Differences: You'll see variations even within states. For instance, a Sysco driver in Commerce, MI, might earn around $18 per hour, while the national average is higher.
Sub-heading: Type of Route and Workload
Sysco drivers often handle demanding routes with frequent stops and manual unloading. The nature of the route can impact pay.
Productivity Incentives: Sysco frequently offers productivity incentives, meaning the more product you deliver efficiently, the more you can earn. This is a significant factor in increasing overall compensation.
Hours Worked: Overtime hours, working weekends, and holidays are often required to meet customer needs. These can substantially boost your take-home pay, though they also mean longer hours on the road. Some drivers report working 15 hours a day.
Step 3: Understanding the Sysco Benefits Package
Sysco understands that competitive pay is just one piece of the puzzle. They offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support the well-being of their employees and their families. These benefits add significant value to the overall compensation.
Sub-heading: Health and Wellness
Medical, Dental, and Prescription Plans: Sysco offers comprehensive health coverage, including medical, dental, and prescription plans, designed to provide flexibility and manage healthcare effectively.
Maternity Benefits: Support for new parents is included with maternity coverage.
Mental Health Resources: Sysco prioritizes mental well-being with resources like virtual and in-person behavioral health services and Employee Assistance Programs.
Preventive Care: All Sysco-sponsored national medical plans fully cover annual checkups and other preventive care when using in-network providers.
Sub-heading: Financial Security and Retirement
Robust 401(k) Plans: Sysco provides strong 401(k) plans to help employees save for retirement. For 2025, the IRS limit for combined pre-tax, after-tax, Roth 401(k), and company contributions is $23,500.
Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs): These accounts offer tax advantages for healthcare expenses. Sysco contributes to HSAs ($250 for individual coverage, $500 for family coverage in 2025).
Education Assistance: Sysco supports continuous learning and career development through education assistance programs.
Life Security Options: A comprehensive suite of life security options is available to protect employees and their families.
Sub-heading: Additional Perks and Programs
Perks at Work Discount Program: Employees can enjoy special discounts on travel, entertainment, and more.
Employee Discount Programs: Discounts on Sysco stock (SYY) may be available.
Uniforms: Provided by the company.
Paid Vacation and Holidays: Essential for work-life balance and rejuvenation.
Relocation Assistance: Available for certain restrictions.
Ongoing Training and Career Growth: Sysco emphasizes internal promotion and offers development training.
Colleague Resource Groups (CRGs): Foster a sense of belonging and community, supporting inclusion and diversity.
Support for Military Veterans: Sysco actively builds programs and partnerships for veterans.
Step 4: Typical Job Responsibilities and Requirements
Becoming a Sysco driver isn't just about driving; it's a physically demanding and customer-centric role.
Sub-heading: Job Description Highlights
Delivering Product: Safely and efficiently operating a tractor-trailer to deliver and unload various products (meats, produce, frozen foods, groceries, dry goods, supplies) to customer locations.
Manual Unloading: This is a crucial aspect of the job. Drivers are required to load packages onto hand trucks and unload product at each stop, often in all weather conditions, down ramps, stairs, or docks. You'll frequently lift, push, or move product weighing 1-75 pounds, and occasionally up to 100 pounds.
Customer Service: Building relationships with customers and becoming familiar with their operations is essential to meet their needs and expectations.
DOT Regulations and Safety: Adhering to Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations and Sysco safety preferred work methods is paramount. This includes performing pre-trip and post-trip inspections and completing DOT logs.
Money Collection: Collecting cash or checks where required.
Paperwork: Verifying deliveries, obtaining signatures, and handling returns and damaged goods paperwork.
Sub-heading: Key Qualifications
Age: Must be 21+ years of age.
CDL: A valid Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with a clean driving record. This typically means no single DUI in the last 3 years and no multiple DUIs within the last 10 years.
Commercial Driving Experience: Generally, 1 year of commercial driving experience is required, though Sysco may offer an Entry-Level Driver Training Program as an alternative.
Pre-Employment Testing: Expect a drug screen, background check, and a physical abilities test.
Physical Stamina: The ability to handle physically demanding work, including frequent lifting, bending, and twisting.
Communication Skills: Ability to read and speak English sufficiently to converse with the public, understand traffic signs, and complete reports.
Basic Math Skills: Essential for handling invoices and discrepancies.
Step 5: Career Growth and Opportunities at Sysco
Sysco isn't just a job; it can be a career. They emphasize promoting from within and offer pathways for growth.
Leadership Development: Sysco provides ongoing job skills and leadership development training.
Internal Promotions: Many roles within the company, including management positions, are filled by promoting existing employees.
Diverse Opportunities: Beyond driving, Sysco offers careers in warehouse management, sales, supply chain, and more, allowing for varied career paths within the organization.
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to Calculate Sysco Driver Hourly Pay?
You can estimate hourly pay by dividing the annual salary by 2080 (40 hours/week * 52 weeks/year). For example, an average annual salary of $68,805 translates to roughly $33.08 per hour.
How to Improve Your Earning Potential as a Sysco Driver?
Increase your earning potential by gaining more experience, accepting routes with productivity incentives, being open to overtime and weekend work, and potentially relocating to higher-paying regions.
How to Qualify for a Sysco CDL A Driver Position?
To qualify, you generally need to be 21+, possess a valid Class A CDL with a clean driving record, have at least one year of commercial driving experience (or complete Sysco's entry-level program), and pass pre-employment screenings.
How to Apply for a Sysco Driver Job?
You can typically apply directly through the Sysco Careers website (careers.sysco.com) or on major job boards like ZipRecruiter.
How to Understand Sysco's Driver Benefits?
Sysco offers comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, 401(k) with company contributions, HSAs/FSAs, paid time off, and various discount programs. Detailed information is often available on their benefits portal.
How to Handle the Physical Demands of a Sysco Driver Job?
The job requires frequent lifting, pushing, and pulling of heavy items. Maintaining physical fitness, practicing proper lifting techniques, and utilizing provided equipment like hand trucks are crucial.
How to Expect Work-Life Balance as a Sysco Driver?
While many Sysco drivers are home daily, the job often involves early morning starts, long hours, and required weekend or holiday shifts, which can impact work-life balance.
How to Know if a Sign-On Bonus is Worth It?
Evaluate the total sign-on bonus amount, how it's paid out (e.g., in increments over several months), and any requirements to receive the full amount. Factor it into your overall first-year earnings.
How to Progress Your Career within Sysco Transportation?
Sysco offers career growth through internal promotions, ongoing training, and opportunities to move into specialized driving roles or even into management positions within the transportation or operations departments.
How to Find Sysco Driver Job Openings in Your Area?
Visit the Sysco Careers website, use job search engines (like ZipRecruiter, Indeed, LinkedIn), and filter by location and job title ("CDL A Driver," "Delivery Driver," "Truck Driver").