If you're wondering how much Sysco pays local drivers, you've landed in the right place! This isn't just about a number; it's about understanding a career path that offers stability, good pay, and a crucial role in the foodservice industry. Sysco is a giant in food distribution, and its local drivers are the backbone of its operations, ensuring restaurants, schools, hospitals, and other businesses get the supplies they need.
Let's dive deep into what you can expect as a Sysco local driver, from compensation to the daily grind and what it takes to join their team.
Step 1: Understanding the Sysco Local Driver Role – Are You a Good Fit?
Before we even talk about numbers, let's consider what being a Sysco local driver entails. This isn't just "driving a truck." It's a demanding yet rewarding job that requires a unique blend of skills.
What Exactly Does a Sysco Local Driver Do?
Imagine being the person who ensures thousands of businesses have the ingredients to serve their customers. That's a Sysco local driver. You'll be:
Operating a tractor-trailer: This is your office on wheels! You'll be maneuvering large commercial vehicles through various traffic conditions and to diverse customer locations.
Manually unloading and delivering products: This is where the "local" and "driver" parts of the job truly intersect. Sysco drivers are often responsible for touch freight, meaning they load and unload various products like meats, produce, frozen foods, dry goods, and supplies. This can be physically demanding, with items weighing an average of 40-60 pounds, and sometimes up to 100 pounds, requiring repeated lifting, pushing, or moving.
Following assigned route schedules: Timeliness is key in the foodservice industry. You'll have pre-planned routes and schedules to adhere to.
Building customer relationships: Beyond the deliveries, you're the face of Sysco. A positive attitude and familiarity with customer operations are crucial for meeting their needs and expectations.
Adhering to DOT regulations: Safety is paramount. You'll be expected to follow all Department of Transportation regulations, use electronic logging devices (ELDs), and operate handheld delivery scanners.
Think about it: Are you someone who enjoys being on the road, doesn't mind physical work, and thrives on reliable schedules? Do you possess excellent customer service skills? If so, this might be a fantastic opportunity for you!
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| How Much Does Sysco Pay Local Drivers |
Step 2: Deconstructing Sysco Driver Pay – What Are the Averages?
Now, for the question on everyone's mind: how much does Sysco pay local drivers? The compensation can vary based on several factors, but let's look at the national averages and typical ranges.
National Average Salary and Hourly Wages
As of July 2025, data from various sources like ZipRecruiter indicates the following:
Average Annual Pay for a Sysco CDL Driver: Around $68,805 per year.
Average Hourly Pay for a Sysco CDL Driver: Approximately $33.08 per hour.
Equivalent Weekly Pay: Roughly $1,323 per week.
Equivalent Monthly Pay: About $5,733 per month.
It's important to note that while this is a national average, salaries can range significantly.
Understanding the Pay Range: From Entry-Level to Top Earners
Sysco driver salaries aren't a flat rate. There's a spectrum depending on experience, location, and performance:
Hourly Wage Range: While the average is around $33.08, hourly wages for Sysco Truck Drivers generally range between $18.99 (25th percentile) to $31.73 (75th percentile) across the United States. However, some top earners can see wages as high as $49.52 per hour, or even up to $89.66 per hour in some cases, though these are outliers.
Annual Salary Range: Similarly, annual salaries can range from around $29,500 for entry-level positions to over $100,000 for top earners. The 75th percentile is around $86,000 annually, while top earners can reach $111,000 or more.
Tip: Absorb, don’t just glance.
How Sysco Driver Pay Compares to the National Average for CDL Drivers
Sysco CDL Driver salaries are, on average, about 13.3% lower than the national average for all CDL Driver jobs. This is an important point to consider when comparing opportunities. However, Sysco often offers a strong benefits package that can offset some of this difference.
Factors Influencing Your Pay
Several elements will impact your specific earnings at Sysco:
Experience: Naturally, more years behind the wheel and experience with similar heavy lifting/delivery roles will command higher pay.
Location: As with most jobs, pay varies significantly by geographical location. Major metropolitan areas or regions with a higher cost of living often offer higher wages to compensate. For example, some cities in California and Alaska show significantly higher average hourly rates for Sysco drivers.
Productivity Incentives: Sysco often includes productivity incentives as part of their compensation structure, allowing drivers to earn more based on their efficiency and delivery volume.
Overtime: Local drivers at Sysco often work overtime, which can significantly boost their weekly and monthly earnings.
Benefits: The comprehensive benefits package offered by Sysco (discussed in Step 4) is a significant part of the overall compensation.
Step 3: Unlocking the Requirements – What You Need to Get Hired
So, the pay sounds good, but what do you need to become a Sysco local driver?
Essential Qualifications:
Valid Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL-A): This is non-negotiable. You must have a CDL-A with a clean driving record.
Age Requirement: Generally, you must be 21 years of age or older.
Clean Driving Record: A history of safe driving is crucial.
Ability to Read, Write, and Communicate in English: This is vital for understanding instructions, safety regulations, and interacting with customers.
Basic Math Skills: You'll need to be able to add, subtract, and potentially handle delivery manifests.
Physical Stamina: As mentioned, this is a physically demanding job. You must be able to lift, push, and move heavy products repeatedly.
Pass Pre-Employment Testing: This includes a background check and a drug screen.
Preferred Qualifications (Though Not Always Required):
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.
Step 4: Beyond the Paycheck – Sysco's Benefits Package
A competitive salary is great, but a comprehensive benefits package can make a huge difference in your overall financial well-being and quality of life. Sysco is known for offering a robust suite of benefits to its employees.
Key Benefits Offered by Sysco:
Healthcare Benefits:
Medical Plans: Sysco provides multiple medical plan options (e.g., Basic/PPO/HSA plans, National HMO plan) allowing you to choose what best fits your needs and your family's.
Dental and Prescription Plans: Comprehensive coverage for your dental and medication needs.
Maternity Coverage: Support for new parents.
Retirement Programs:
401(k) Plan: Sysco often offers a 401(k) plan, frequently with employer matching contributions, which is essentially "free money" for your retirement savings.
Employee Stock Purchase Programs (ESPP): Opportunities to purchase Sysco stock (SYY) at a discounted rate, allowing you to invest in the company's success.
Life and Disability Insurance: Coverage to protect you and your family in unforeseen circumstances.
Pre-Tax Savings Opportunities: Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) for healthcare and dependent care expenses, allowing you to save money on taxes.
Paid Time Off:
Paid Vacation: Earned time off for relaxation and personal needs.
Paid Holidays: Enjoy designated holidays off with pay.
Employee Discount Programs: Special discounts on various products, services, travel, and entertainment through programs like "Perks at Work."
Career Development:
Ongoing Job Skills and Leadership Development Training: Sysco invests in its employees' growth.
Career Growth Opportunities: Sysco often promotes from within, providing pathways to advance into roles like fleet management, planning, or leadership positions.
Tuition Reimbursement: Support for continued education.
Safety Programs: A focus on creating a safe working environment.
Uniforms: Provided by the company.
Mental Health Support: Access to virtual and in-person behavioral health resources and Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs).
It's crucial to consider the total compensation package, not just the hourly wage, when evaluating a job at Sysco. The benefits can add substantial value.
Tip: Read once for gist, twice for details.
Step 5: Navigating the Application Process – How to Get Your Foot in the Door
Ready to apply? Here's a general step-by-step guide to applying for a local driver position at Sysco.
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Step 5.1: Research Open Positions
Visit the Sysco Careers Website: This is your primary resource. Go to careers.sysco.com.
Search for Driver Roles: Look for "CDL A Delivery Truck Driver," "Local Delivery Driver," or similar titles. You can filter by location to find jobs near you.
Read Job Descriptions Carefully: Pay close attention to the specific requirements and responsibilities for each opening, as they can vary slightly by location or type of delivery.
Step 5.2: Prepare Your Application Materials
Resume/CV: Highlight your driving experience, CDL-A details, clean driving record, and any experience with physical labor or customer service.
Driving Record (MVR): Be prepared to provide a copy of your Motor Vehicle Record.
References: Have professional references ready who can speak to your work ethic and reliability.
Step 5.3: Submit Your Application
Online Application: Most applications will be submitted through Sysco's online portal.
Be Thorough and Accurate: Fill out all sections completely and honestly. Any discrepancies can be a red flag.
Step 5.4: The Interview Process
Initial Screening: This might be a phone call with a recruiter to assess your basic qualifications and interest.
In-Person Interview(s): You'll likely have an interview with a hiring manager or team. Be prepared to discuss your driving experience, safety record, problem-solving skills, and how you handle physically demanding tasks.
Driving Test: If you're a strong candidate, you'll likely undergo a practical driving test to demonstrate your skills.
Step 5.5: Pre-Employment Checks
Background Check: Sysco conducts thorough background checks.
Drug Screen: A mandatory drug test is part of the hiring process.
Step 6: The Path to Success – What to Expect After Hiring
Once you're hired, your journey as a Sysco local driver begins!
Training and Onboarding
Comprehensive Induction: Sysco provides a full induction process, which may include time on the road with a Training Support Driver.
Ongoing Coaching: Sysco emphasizes continuous development, with ongoing coaching to help you hone your skills and adapt to their systems.
Driver Academy: Sysco has even launched a "Driver Academy" in some locations to recruit and train new drivers, covering licensing and certification fees in exchange for a commitment to work for the company. This shows their investment in building their driver workforce.
Typical Workday
Tip: The details are worth a second look.
Early Starts: Sysco drivers often have early morning shifts to ensure timely deliveries.
Set Delivery Routes: You'll typically have assigned routes, though these can change based on business needs.
Physical Demands: Be prepared for consistent physical activity involving loading, unloading, and moving products.
Customer Interaction: You'll be interacting with various customers throughout your day.
Career Advancement
Sysco encourages career growth. As a local driver, you could potentially advance into roles such as:
Fleet Management
Dispatching
Logistics Planning
Driver Trainer
Leadership Roles within Operations
7. Maximizing Your Earnings – Tips for Sysco Drivers
Want to boost your paycheck at Sysco? Here are a few strategies:
Embrace Productivity Incentives: Focus on efficiency and accuracy in your deliveries to earn potential bonuses.
Volunteer for Overtime: Overtime hours are often available and paid at a higher rate, significantly increasing your take-home pay.
Maintain a Flawless Safety Record: Safe drivers are valued. Avoiding accidents and incidents can positively impact your standing and potential for raises or bonuses.
Excel in Customer Service: Building strong relationships with customers can enhance your reputation within the company and potentially open doors for recognition or advancement.
Seek Training and Development: Take advantage of any training programs Sysco offers to improve your skills and potentially qualify for higher-paying routes or roles.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 10 common questions about Sysco local driver pay and related topics:
How to Calculate a Sysco Local Driver's Hourly Wage?
To get a rough estimate, divide the annual average salary (around $68,805) by 2080 (40 hours/week * 52 weeks/year), which gives you approximately $33.08 per hour.
How to Increase Your Earning Potential as a Sysco Driver?
Focus on maximizing productivity incentives, consistently working overtime when available, maintaining a stellar safety record, and seeking opportunities for training and skill development.
How to Find Sysco Local Driver Job Openings?
Visit the official Sysco Careers website (careers.sysco.com) and use their job search filters to find local driver positions in your desired area.
Tip: Note one practical point from this post.
How to Qualify for a Sysco Local Driver Position?
You generally need a valid Class A CDL, a clean driving record, be at least 21 years old, and be able to pass a pre-employment background check and drug screen. Physical stamina is also key.
How to Become a Sysco Driver Without Prior Experience?
Sysco has launched "Driver Academy" programs in some areas, which pay trainees to attend school and cover licensing fees, provided they commit to working for Sysco for an agreed-upon period. This can be a pathway for those with limited experience.
How to Understand Sysco's Driver Benefits Package?
Sysco offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, prescription, 401(k) with company match, employee stock purchase programs, life and disability insurance, paid time off, and employee discounts. Detailed information is often available on their benefits website (syscobenefits.com).
How to Determine Sysco Driver Pay in a Specific City?
While national averages exist, actual pay can vary significantly by location. You can often find city-specific average salaries on job aggregation sites like ZipRecruiter, or by looking at specific job postings for Sysco in that city.
How to Prepare for the Physical Demands of a Sysco Driver Job?
The role involves manual unloading. Regular physical activity, including lifting and carrying weights, can help prepare you for the demands of the job.
How to Advance Your Career as a Sysco Local Driver?
Sysco offers opportunities for advancement into roles like fleet management, dispatch, and leadership within operations. Demonstrating strong performance, reliability, and leadership potential can pave the way for these internal promotions.
How to Contact Sysco for Driver Recruitment Inquiries?
The best way to inquire about driver recruitment is through the Sysco Careers website. You can often find contact information for their recruitment teams there, or by applying directly to an open position, which will initiate contact.
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