Have you ever wondered what it's like to be a crucial part of the food supply chain, ensuring that restaurants and institutions get the ingredients they need to operate smoothly? If you're considering a career at a large food distribution company like Sysco, particularly in a warehouse role, understanding the compensation and what the job entails is a great place to start. Let's break down how much Sysco warehouse workers typically make per hour, along with other important aspects of the job!
Step 1: Understanding the Average Hourly Wage
So, how much do Sysco warehouse workers make per hour? While exact figures can fluctuate based on location, experience, and specific roles, we can establish a general range.
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| How Much Do Sysco Warehouse Workers Make Per Hour |
The National Average
As of July 2025, the average hourly pay for a Sysco Warehouse worker in the United States is approximately $20.65 per hour. This figure provides a solid baseline for what you might expect.
The Range of Pay
It's important to note that this is an average. Hourly wages for Sysco warehouse workers can range from as low as $13.22 to as high as $27.64. The majority of wages typically fall between $17.55 (25th percentile) and $22.36 (75th percentile). This means that a significant portion of workers will earn within this bracket.
Step 2: Factors Influencing Your Paycheck
Several factors can significantly impact how much you'll earn as a Sysco warehouse worker. Being aware of these can help you understand potential variations in pay.
2.1: Geographic Location
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Location, location, location! This is a primary driver of wage differences. A Sysco warehouse worker in a high cost-of-living area will generally earn more than someone in a lower cost-of-living area to offset the increased expenses.
Higher Paying Cities: Some cities and regions, particularly those with higher demand for logistics and distribution or a higher cost of living, offer more competitive rates. For instance, cities in Alaska and California, such as Barrow, AK ($25.72/hour), Nome, AK ($25.62/hour), and Berkeley, CA ($25.28/hour), show some of the highest hourly wages for Sysco warehouse roles.
Regional Differences: Even within states, there can be variations. For example, the average in North Carolina is around $18.77 per hour, with cities like Charlotte seeing slightly higher averages ($20.32/hour).
2.2: Experience Level and Specific Role
Just like any job, your experience and the specific duties you perform within the warehouse will affect your hourly rate.
Entry-Level vs. Experienced: An entry-level warehouse worker will likely start at the lower end of the pay scale. As you gain experience, demonstrate proficiency, and take on more responsibilities, your earning potential will increase.
Specialized Roles: Within a warehouse, there are various positions, some of which command higher pay due to their complexity or responsibility:
Warehouse Selector: Often responsible for picking orders, this is a common role.
Forklift Operator/Material Handler: Operating heavy machinery can lead to slightly higher pay.
Warehouse Lead/Supervisor: These roles involve more responsibility, including overseeing teams and operations, and consequently, come with a significantly higher hourly or salaried wage (e.g., a Warehouse Supervisor could make around $27/hour).
2.3: Shift Differentials and Overtime
Many warehouses, including Sysco's, operate 24/7. This often means opportunities for shift differentials (extra pay for working undesirable hours, like nights or weekends) and overtime.
Night Shifts: Working overnight shifts often comes with a higher hourly rate as an incentive.
Overtime Hours: Sysco, like many distribution companies, can have busy periods that require overtime. Overtime hours are typically paid at 1.5 times your regular hourly rate, which can significantly boost your total earnings.
Step 3: What Does a Sysco Warehouse Worker Do? ?
Understanding the job responsibilities gives you a clearer picture of what the pay covers. Sysco warehouse workers are vital to the company's operations, ensuring that food products are correctly stored and dispatched.
3.1: Core Responsibilities
The primary duties of a Sysco warehouse worker generally include:
Order Selection: This is a major part of the job. Workers use an electric pallet jack or forklift to navigate the warehouse and select products from inventory based on customer orders. This often involves working in freezer, cooler, and dry warehouse environments.
Packing and Staging: Once products are selected, they need to be accurately packed and staged on pallets for shipment. This requires careful attention to detail, ensuring products are stacked securely to prevent damage.
Loading and Unloading: Workers are often responsible for loading and unloading product deliveries from trucks.
Inventory Control: This includes recording necessary item information into the Warehouse Management System (WMS), maintaining accurate records of shortages, and assisting with inventory counts.
Cleanliness and Safety: Maintaining a clean and organized work area, ensuring material handling equipment is maintained, and adhering to all safety rules and regulations (OSHA, HACCP, etc.) are crucial.
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3.2: Required Skills and Physical Demands
Sysco warehouse work is often physically demanding.
Physical Stamina: You'll be on your feet for long hours (10-12 hours daily) and frequently lifting products that weigh between 10-75 lbs, and occasionally up to 100 lbs. Bending, twisting, and reaching are also common.
Attention to Detail: Accuracy in order selection and inventory management is paramount to prevent errors and product loss.
Equipment Operation: While not always required for entry-level, experience with or the ability to become certified in operating material handling equipment like electric pallet jacks and forklifts is highly valued.
Work Environment: Be prepared to work in varying temperatures, from dry storage to refrigerated and freezer sections.
Step 4: Benefits and Career Growth Opportunities
Beyond the hourly wage, Sysco often provides a comprehensive benefits package and opportunities for career advancement.
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4.1: Employee Benefits ?
Sysco aims to offer a competitive benefits package, which can include:
Health and Wellness: Medical, dental, and prescription plans are typically offered, often with multiple options to fit individual and family needs.
Retirement Planning: A 401(k) plan is usually available, sometimes with company matching contributions, which is essentially "free money" for your retirement savings. An Employee Stock Purchase Program (ESPP) might also be offered.
Life and Disability Insurance: Coverage to protect you and your family in unforeseen circumstances.
Pre-tax Savings: Opportunities like Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) for healthcare and dependent care.
Discounts and Perks: Access to discount programs on travel, entertainment, and other services.
Mental Health Support: Growing awareness of employee well-being means many companies like Sysco are offering mental health resources and Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs).
4.2: Career Advancement ????????
Sysco often emphasizes internal growth and provides pathways for warehouse workers to advance their careers.
On-the-Job Training: Many positions offer on-the-job training, allowing you to learn new skills and prepare for more advanced roles.
Promotional Opportunities: With dedication and experience, warehouse workers can move into roles like:
Warehouse Lead
Warehouse Supervisor
Inventory Control Manager
Transportation Supervisor
CDL Driver: For those interested in driving, Sysco often has internal programs to help warehouse workers obtain their Commercial Driver's License and become truck drivers, which can lead to significantly higher pay (average around $27.09/hour, with some drivers making upwards of $70,000 annually).
10 Related FAQ Questions
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How to become a Sysco warehouse worker?
To become a Sysco warehouse worker, you typically need to be at least 18 years old, have a high school diploma or GED (preferred but not always required), and possess the physical ability to perform the job's demands. Previous warehouse experience or material handling equipment certification is a plus but often not mandatory, as on-the-job training is provided.
How to apply for a Sysco warehouse job?
You can apply for Sysco warehouse jobs directly through their official careers website (careers.sysco.com) or through various online job boards like ZipRecruiter, Indeed, and LinkedIn. Search for "Warehouse Worker," "Order Selector," or "Warehouse Associate" at Sysco locations near you.
How to increase my hourly pay at Sysco?
To increase your hourly pay at Sysco, focus on gaining experience, consistently meeting productivity targets, cross-training in different warehouse functions, and obtaining certifications for material handling equipment (like forklifts). Seeking promotion to lead or supervisor roles will also lead to higher wages.
How to prepare for a Sysco warehouse job interview?
Prepare for a Sysco warehouse job interview by researching the company, understanding the job description's responsibilities and requirements, and practicing answers to common interview questions about your work ethic, ability to work in a team, and experience with physical labor or warehouse environments.
How to get forklift certified for Sysco?
If you're not already certified, Sysco may provide on-the-job training and certification for material handling equipment like forklifts and electric pallet jacks once you're hired. Some positions may prefer candidates who are already certified.
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How to handle the physical demands of a Sysco warehouse job?
To handle the physical demands, maintain a good level of physical fitness, stretch regularly, wear appropriate safety gear and comfortable, supportive footwear. Ensure you follow safe lifting techniques and take advantage of breaks to rest.
How to understand Sysco's benefit package?
Sysco's benefit package details are typically provided during the onboarding process. You can also visit the Sysco Benefits website (syscobenefits.com) or speak with their HR department or a benefits representative for detailed information on medical, dental, retirement, and other offerings.
How to advance from a Sysco warehouse worker to a CDL driver?
Sysco often offers programs or support for warehouse workers interested in becoming CDL (Commercial Driver's License) drivers. Inquire with your supervisor or HR about internal training programs, tuition reimbursement, or career pathways that can help you obtain your CDL.
How to deal with cold temperatures in Sysco freezer/cooler sections?
When working in cold temperatures at Sysco, it's essential to dress in layers, including thermal wear, insulated jackets, gloves, and hats. Sysco typically provides appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) for these environments, but personal preparation is also key.
How to report safety concerns at a Sysco warehouse?
Sysco emphasizes safety. Report any unsafe conditions, equipment issues, or practices immediately to your direct supervisor or a member of the management team. There are usually clear protocols in place for reporting and addressing safety concerns.
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