Are you curious about what a Sysco driver truly earns per hour? You've come to the right place! Diving into the world of commercial driving, especially with a giant like Sysco, can be a rewarding career path, but understanding the compensation is key. This comprehensive guide will break down the typical hourly wages, factors influencing pay, and what you can expect as a Sysco delivery driver in 2024-2025.
Understanding Sysco Driver Compensation: A Step-by-Step Guide
Sysco, as a leading foodservice distributor, relies heavily on its dedicated team of drivers to deliver a vast array of products to restaurants, hospitals, schools, and other establishments. This isn't just about driving; it involves physical labor, customer service, and a commitment to timely and accurate deliveries.
Step 1: Initial Curiosity - What's the Buzz About Sysco Driver Pay?
So, you've heard Sysco drivers can make good money, right? Or perhaps you've heard it's tough work for decent pay. Let's cut through the noise and get to the facts. The truth is, Sysco driver pay can vary significantly, but generally, it's a competitive wage in the trucking industry.
Are you ready to discover the real numbers and what goes into them? Let's get started!
Reminder: Reading twice often makes things clearer.
Step 2: Unpacking the Average Hourly Wage
When we talk about "average" hourly pay for a Sysco driver, it's important to differentiate between general delivery drivers and those holding a Commercial Driver's License (CDL), particularly a Class A CDL. The latter typically commands a higher wage due to the size and weight of the vehicles and the specialized skills required.
General Delivery Driver: As of mid-2025, the average hourly pay for a Sysco Delivery Driver in the United States is around $18.45 per hour. However, this can range from as low as $8.17 to as high as $25.24 per hour. The majority of these wages fall between $16.11 (25th percentile) and $20.19 (75th percentile).
CDL A Driver: For Sysco CDL A Drivers, the average hourly wage is significantly higher, often around $30.34 to $38 per hour. Top earners with extensive experience or in high-demand locations can see hourly rates reach up to $53 or even $89.66. The typical range for a CDL driver is between $24.04 (25th percentile) to $41.35 (75th percentile).
It's clear that holding a CDL A significantly boosts your earning potential as a Sysco driver!
Step 3: Factors That Influence Sysco Driver Pay
It's not a one-size-fits-all salary. Several key factors play a substantial role in determining how much a Sysco driver earns per hour:
QuickTip: Take a pause every few paragraphs.
Sub-heading 3.1: Experience Level
Entry-level drivers will naturally start at the lower end of the pay scale. Sysco often offers training programs for new CDL holders.
Experienced drivers with a proven track record, especially those with food service delivery experience, will command higher hourly rates and may qualify for more lucrative routes or positions.
Sub-heading 3.2: Location, Location, Location!
Just like real estate, geographical location has a huge impact. Drivers in areas with a higher cost of living or higher demand for truck drivers (e.g., major metropolitan areas, specific states like California, Alaska, or North Dakota) generally earn more.
For instance, some top-paying cities for Sysco CDL drivers include Modesto, CA ($46.69/hour), Berkeley, CA ($46.28/hour), and Gillette, WY ($44.92/hour).
Sub-heading 3.3: Type of Driver Role (CDL vs. Non-CDL)
As highlighted above, a Class A CDL is a game-changer for earnings. These drivers operate larger vehicles and handle heavier loads, which is reflected in their pay.
Even within CDL roles, there can be variations. For example, a "Delivery Specialist" or "Truck Driver-Over-The-Road" at Sysco might earn more than a standard "Delivery Truck Driver."
Sub-heading 3.4: Overtime and Incentives
Sysco drivers often work long hours, and overtime can significantly boost their overall earnings. Many report working 10-14 hour shifts, and sometimes even more.
Some Sysco positions, especially those for CDL A drivers, include productivity incentives and bonuses, which can add a substantial amount to the base hourly wage.
Sub-heading 3.5: Union Membership
In certain regions, Sysco drivers may be part of a union (e.g., Teamsters). Unionized positions often come with higher base pay, better benefits, and more structured pay scales due to collective bargaining.
Step 4: Beyond the Hourly Rate - The Benefits Package
While hourly pay is crucial, it's essential to consider the total compensation package. Sysco generally offers a competitive benefits program, which adds significant value to a driver's earnings.
Sub-heading 4.1: Health and Wellness
Comprehensive healthcare benefits are typically available, including medical, dental, and prescription plans.
Sysco often provides mental health support and resources, recognizing the demands of the job.
Sub-heading 4.2: Retirement and Financial Security
Robust 401k plans are a common offering, allowing drivers to save for their future.
Other life security options might include life insurance and disability coverage.
Sub-heading 4.3: Work-Life Balance and Perks
While the job can involve long hours, many local Sysco routes aim to have drivers home nightly.
Paid vacation and holidays are standard.
Employee discount programs, service recognition, and referral programs can also add value.
Some positions may offer tuition reimbursement and discounts on Sysco stock.
Step 5: What to Expect on the Job
Being a Sysco driver is demanding, but it's also a vital role. Here's a glimpse of what the job entails:
Sub-heading 5.1: The "Touch Freight" Reality
Sysco drivers are typically involved in "touch freight," meaning they manually unload products at customer locations. This often involves lifting, pushing, and moving heavy cases (average 40-60 pounds, up to 100 pounds repeatedly) using hand trucks or carts. This physical aspect is a key differentiator from "no-touch freight" driving jobs.
Sub-heading 5.2: Route Schedules and Customer Interaction
Drivers operate on assigned route schedules, delivering a variety of products like meats, produce, frozen foods, and dry goods.
Building positive relationships with customers is important, as drivers are often the face of Sysco to these businesses.
Sub-heading 5.3: Skills and Requirements
A valid Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with a clean driving record is a minimum requirement for most driving positions.
The ability to read and speak English for communication and record-keeping is essential.
Flexibility is key, as overtime, weekend, and holiday work may be required based on business needs.
While not always mandatory, 1 year of customer delivery experience and experience with hand carts/hand trucks are often preferred.
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| How Much Do Sysco Drivers Make An Hour |
Conclusion
Becoming a Sysco driver, especially with a CDL A, can offer a competitive hourly wage and a comprehensive benefits package. While the work is physically demanding and often involves long hours, the earning potential, combined with the job security in the essential foodservice industry, makes it an attractive career for many skilled drivers. By understanding the factors that influence pay and the expectations of the role, you can better assess if a Sysco driving career is the right fit for you.
10 Related FAQ Questions
Here are 10 frequently asked questions about Sysco driver pay, with quick answers:
How to determine my exact hourly pay at Sysco? Your exact hourly pay will depend on your specific job title (e.g., CDL A vs. Delivery Driver), your experience level, and the geographical location of the Sysco operating company you work for. Current job postings and a direct inquiry to Sysco HR would provide the most accurate figures.
How to earn more as a Sysco driver? To earn more, consider obtaining a Class A CDL if you don't have one, gain experience in foodservice delivery, be willing to work overtime, and potentially seek roles in higher-paying regions or specialized driving positions.
QuickTip: Short pauses improve understanding.
How to get a Class A CDL to become a Sysco driver? You can obtain a Class A CDL by attending a certified truck driving school, passing a written knowledge test, and successfully completing a road skills test with a Class A vehicle. Many Sysco locations also offer driver trainee programs.
How to find Sysco driver job openings in high-paying cities? Check Sysco's official careers website, as well as popular job boards like ZipRecruiter and Indeed, filtering by location to see opportunities in cities known for higher driver wages.
How to negotiate salary as a Sysco driver? If you have significant experience, a clean driving record, and specialized skills (like multi-stop delivery or specific equipment operation), you may have leverage to negotiate a higher starting hourly rate, especially if the job market for drivers is competitive.
How to understand the benefits package for Sysco drivers? Sysco's careers website provides a detailed overview of their benefits, including health, retirement, and other perks. During the application process, HR will usually provide a comprehensive breakdown of the specific benefits for the role you're applying for.
How to know if a Sysco driver job is unionized? Job postings or direct inquiry to the Sysco hiring manager or local union representatives (like the Teamsters) can confirm if a particular Sysco location or position is unionized.
How to handle the physical demands of being a Sysco driver? Regular exercise, proper lifting techniques, and utilizing the provided equipment (like hand trucks) can help manage the physical demands of "touch freight" deliveries. Sysco often emphasizes safety training in this regard.
How to advance my career as a Sysco driver? Sysco often promotes from within. Advancing your career might involve taking on more challenging routes, becoming a trainer for new drivers, or moving into supervisory or management roles within transportation or operations.
How to compare Sysco driver pay to competitors? Research average hourly wages for delivery drivers and CDL drivers at other foodservice distributors or trucking companies in your area (e.g., US Foods, Performance Food Group). Websites like PayScale and ZipRecruiter offer comparative salary data.
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