So, you're curious about how much Sysco drivers make? That's a great question! Becoming a Sysco driver can be a rewarding career, offering competitive pay and benefits, but the exact figures can vary. Let's break it down step-by-step so you have a clear picture.
How Much Do Sysco Drivers Make? A Comprehensive Guide
Sysco, a global leader in foodservice distribution, relies heavily on its dedicated team of truck drivers to deliver a vast array of products to restaurants, schools, hospitals, and other establishments. Understanding their compensation involves looking at various factors, from base pay to experience, location, and the unique demands of the job.
Step 1: Understand the Nature of the Sysco Driver Role – Are You Ready to Drive Success?
Before we dive into the numbers, let's consider what being a Sysco driver actually entails. It's not just about driving; it's a physically demanding role that requires excellent customer service skills, time management, and a strong work ethic.
What Does a Sysco Driver Do?
Deliver product within assigned route schedules and time windows. This means being punctual and efficient.
Manually unload/deliver various products (meats, produce, frozen foods, groceries, dry goods, supplies) to customer locations. This is often referred to as "touch freight" and can involve lifting, pushing, or moving products weighing an average of 40-60 pounds, and occasionally up to 100 pounds, repeatedly.
Build relationships with each customer, using a positive and friendly attitude.
Adhere to Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations and Sysco safety procedures.
Perform pre-trip and post-trip inspections of your vehicle.
Complete DOT logs (electronic or manual) and company vehicle maintenance reports.
Think about it: Are you prepared for early morning shifts, potentially working overtime, weekends, and holidays as business needs require? This is a crucial aspect of the job that directly impacts your earnings and lifestyle.
Step 2: Unpacking the Average Sysco Driver Salary
Now, let's get to the numbers! Sysco driver salaries can vary, but we can look at national averages and typical ranges to give you a good idea.
Current Averages (as of July 2025):
Based on recent data, the average hourly pay for a Sysco Truck Driver in the United States is around $27.09 per hour.
This translates to:
Annual Salary: Approximately $56,348 per year
Monthly Pay: Roughly $4,695 per month
Weekly Pay: Around $1,083 per week
It's important to note that these are averages, and many factors can influence where you fall within this range.
Salary Ranges: A Wider View
While the average is helpful, understanding the typical salary range gives a more complete picture:
25th Percentile: Around $18.99 per hour or $39,500 annually. This means 25% of Sysco drivers earn this amount or less.
75th Percentile: Around $31.73 per hour or $66,000 annually. This means 75% of Sysco drivers earn this amount or less (and 25% earn more).
Top Earners (90th Percentile): Can reach up to $40.00 per hour or $83,500 annually or even higher.
Step 3: Factors Influencing Sysco Driver Pay
Several key elements determine how much a Sysco driver makes. Understanding these will help you gauge your potential earnings.
3.1. Experience Level
Entry-Level Drivers: If you're newly qualified or have less than a year of commercial driving experience, your starting pay might be closer to the lower end of the average range. Sysco does offer Driver Trainee programs, which can be a great way to get started.
Experienced Drivers: Drivers with several years of experience, especially in food or beverage delivery, a clean driving record, and a strong safety history, will command higher salaries. Many Sysco job postings prefer candidates with 1 year of customer delivery experience and 2 years of consistent work history.
3.2. Location, Location, Location!
Just like with many jobs, geographical location plays a significant role. Salaries can vary significantly by state and even by city. For example, a Sysco Truck Driver in Commerce, MI, might average around $24 per hour, while those in Sunnyvale, CA, could earn closer to $31.82 per hour. Higher cost-of-living areas often offer higher wages to compensate.
3.3. Productivity and Incentives
Sysco often offers productivity incentives to their drivers. This means that your efficiency in delivering products can directly impact your take-home pay. Some drivers report that the faster you unload, the higher your effective hourly rate can be. This can be a significant boost for motivated and efficient drivers.
3.4. Overtime and Touches
The nature of the job often requires overtime, weekends, and holidays. These hours are typically paid at a higher rate (e.g., time and a half), which can substantially increase a driver's overall annual earnings. Additionally, the amount of "touch freight" (manual unloading) and the number of stops on a route can influence pay, especially if compensation models include productivity bonuses per case or stop.
Step 4: Beyond the Base Salary – Sysco Benefits and Perks
While the base pay is important, Sysco also offers a comprehensive benefits package that adds significant value to a driver's total compensation. These benefits are a major draw for many looking for long-term careers.
4.1. Health and Wellness
Sysco provides a variety of healthcare options, including:
Medical, Dental, and Prescription Plans
Maternity Benefits
Mental Health Resources (e.g., Virtual and In-person Behavioral Health, Employee Assistance Programs)
Wellness Initiatives (e.g., on-site fitness equipment/classes at some locations)
4.2. Financial Security & Retirement
Robust 401(k) Plans
Life and Disability Insurance
Discounts on Sysco Stock (SYY) (where applicable)
4.3. Work-Life Balance & Development
Paid Vacation and Holidays
Paid Parental Leave (for birth parents, and primary or secondary caregivers, including adoption and surrogacy)
Tuition Reimbursement (where applicable)
Ongoing Job Skills and Leadership Development Training
Career Growth Opportunities (Sysco emphasizes promoting from within)
Employee Discount Programs (Perks at Work Discount Program, offering discounts on travel, entertainment, and more)
Uniforms
Referral Programs
Safety Programs
Consider the value of these benefits: A strong benefits package can easily add thousands of dollars in value to your overall compensation, making the total package highly competitive.
Step 5: Becoming a Sysco Driver – Your Path to the Wheel
If the pay and benefits sound appealing, the next logical step is understanding what it takes to become a Sysco driver.
5.1. Minimum Requirements:
Age: Must be 21+ years of age.
CDL A: A valid Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with a clean driving record.
Background Check & Drug Screen: Must submit to a pre-employment background check and drug screen.
English Proficiency: Ability to read and speak the English language sufficiently to converse with the general public, understand highway traffic signs and signals, respond to official inquiries, and make entries on reports and record
s. Physical Ability: Must be able to handle "touch freight" and physically demanding work. Sysco often requires a physical abilities test.
Flexibility: Willingness to work overtime, weekends, and holidays as required.
5.2. Preferred Qualifications (These can set you apart!):
1 year of customer delivery experience.
6 months of hand cart/hand truck experience.
6 months of food and beverage experience.
2 years of consistent work history.
5.3. Application Process & Tips:
Online Application: Search for "CDL A Local Delivery Truck Driver" jobs on the Sysco Careers website.
Resume/Cover Letter: Highlight your CDL, clean driving record, customer service skills, and any experience with touch freight or food delivery.
Interview Preparation:
Familiarize yourself with local delivery routes and traffic patterns.
Prepare to discuss your customer service skills with specific examples.
Demonstrate your safety awareness and knowledge of DOT regulations.
Show flexibility regarding work hours.
Step 6: Career Progression and Job Satisfaction
Being a Sysco driver isn't necessarily a dead-end job. There are opportunities for growth and a sense of pride in the work.
6.1. Career Paths:
Sysco promotes from within, offering opportunities to advance beyond a standard delivery driver role. This could include:
Shuttle Driver: Transporting products between Sysco facilities.
Driver Trainer: Mentoring new drivers.
Fleet Management/Logistics: Moving into supervisory or administrative roles within transportation.
Sales or Warehouse Operations: Leveraging your product knowledge and operational understanding in other departments.
6.2. Job Satisfaction:
Drivers often express satisfaction with:
Being home nightly (for most local delivery routes).
Competitive pay and benefits.
A sense of purpose in supplying essential goods to the foodservice industry.
Building relationships with regular customers.
However, it's worth noting that the physical demands of the job and the early hours can be challenging for some.
Frequently Asked Questions about Sysco Driver Pay
Here are 10 common questions about Sysco driver compensation, with quick answers:
How to Calculate a Sysco Driver's Annual Salary?
You can estimate an annual salary by multiplying the average hourly pay ($27.09) by the typical working hours in a year (e.g., 2080 hours for a 40-hour week, plus potential overtime).
How to Increase Your Earning Potential as a Sysco Driver?
Gain more experience, maintain a clean driving record, become highly efficient with deliveries (to maximize productivity incentives), and be willing to work overtime and less desirable shifts.
How to Understand the Impact of Location on Sysco Driver Salary?
Sysco driver salaries are generally higher in areas with a higher cost of living or strong demand for CDL drivers. Research specific job postings in your desired region.
How to Qualify for Top Sysco Driver Salaries?
Typically, top earners have several years of experience, a stellar safety record, exceptional productivity, and often work considerable overtime.
How to Compare Sysco Driver Pay to Other Foodservice Distributors?
Research salaries for similar CDL A delivery driver roles at companies like US Foods, Gordon Food Service, or other regional distributors. Sysco is generally considered competitive in the industry.
How to Become a Sysco Driver with No Experience?
While preferred, some Sysco locations offer Driver Trainee programs that provide the necessary training and experience for individuals with a valid CDL A but limited commercial driving background.
How to Learn About Sysco's Driver Benefits Package?
Visit the "Careers" or "Benefits" section of the official Sysco website for detailed information on their comprehensive health, retirement, and work-life balance offerings.
How to Apply for a Sysco Driver Position?
Visit careers.sysco.com and search for "CDL A Local Delivery Truck Driver" or similar positions in your area.
How to Prepare for the Physical Demands of a Sysco Driver Job?
Engage in regular physical activity that builds strength and stamina, especially for lifting, bending, and carrying. The "touch freight" aspect is a significant part of the role.
How to Determine if Being a Sysco Driver is the Right Career for You?
Consider your comfort with early hours, physical labor, customer interaction, and the responsibility of safely delivering goods. If you enjoy driving, a structured routine, and are looking for a stable career with good benefits, it could be a great fit!
