How much do Sysco employees make? This is a question many prospective employees, industry enthusiasts, and even curious minds ponder. Sysco, a global leader in foodservice distribution, employs a vast workforce across various roles, from the warehouse floor to corporate offices. Naturally, compensation can vary significantly depending on the position, location, experience, and even performance.
Ready to dive into the details? Let's break down Sysco's compensation landscape step-by-step to give you a comprehensive understanding.
Step 1: Understanding the Average Landscape - What's the Overall Picture?
Are you wondering if Sysco offers competitive pay? The answer is, it's quite varied! To start, let's look at the broad averages.
Overall Average: According to Comparably, the average estimated annual salary at Sysco, including base and bonus, is around $78,000, or $37 per hour. Payscale reports a slightly higher average base salary of $87,000 per year, with an average bonus of $7,000. ZipRecruiter suggests an average annual pay of $97,513 as of July 2025. It's important to note that these are averages across all positions and can be influenced by higher-paying corporate or management roles.
Median Salary: Comparably states the estimated median salary is $72,000, or $34 per hour. This indicates that half of Sysco employees earn more than this amount and half earn less.
Salary Range: The reported salary ranges are quite wide. For instance, Comparably shows annual salaries from $39,000 for an Admin Assistant to $158,000 for a Sales Manager. ZipRecruiter sees annual salaries as high as $118,500 and as low as $68,000 for general Sysco roles, while for "Sysco Food Services" specific roles, the range can be from $24,000 to $85,000. This wide range truly underscores the diversity of roles within the company.
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| How Much Do Sysco Employees Make |
Step 2: Delving into Specific Roles - Where Do You Fit In?
Now, let's get more specific. Salaries are heavily influenced by the type of job. Sysco has a vast array of positions, each with its own pay scale.
2.1: The Frontline Force: Drivers and Warehouse Staff
These are the backbone of Sysco's distribution network.
Delivery Drivers:
According to ZipRecruiter, the average hourly pay for a Sysco Delivery Driver in the United States is around $18.45 an hour as of June 2025, translating to an average annual salary of about $38,383.
However, hourly wages can range from $8.17 to $25.24, with the majority falling between $16.11 (25th percentile) and $20.19 (75th percentile).
Truck Drivers (CDL): For CDL Truck Drivers, the average hourly pay is higher, around $27.09 an hour as of July 2025, which comes out to an average annual salary of approximately $56,348. The range for these roles can be from $10.34 to $49.52 per hour, with the majority earning between $18.99 and $31.73. Top earners can reach $83,500 annually.
Warehouse Workers/Selectors:
Sysco Warehouse workers average around $20.65 an hour as of July 2025, or an annual salary of approximately $42,951.
Hourly wages for warehouse roles generally fall between $17.55 (25th percentile) and $22.36 (75th percentile), with a broader range of $13.22 to $27.64.
Specific roles like Warehouse Order Selector can command higher hourly rates, such as $48 per hour in some locations.
2.2: The Sales Engine: Connecting with Customers
Sysco's sales force plays a crucial role in its business.
Sales Representatives/Consultants:
The average annual pay for a Sysco Sales Representative in the United States is about $76,681 a year as of June 2025, or $36.87 an hour.
Salaries can range widely, from $23,000 to $141,500, with the majority falling between $53,500 (25th percentile) and $93,000 (75th percentile).
Comparably reports an average of $103,000 for the Sales department, with Sales Managers potentially earning up to $158,000.
Experience matters: Sales Consultants, for example, can see a range from $31,000 to $109,000.
2.3: Corporate and Support Roles: Keeping the Operations Smooth
Tip: Focus more on ideas, less on words.
Sysco has a large corporate presence with diverse departments.
IT Department: The IT department at Sysco tends to have higher average salaries, with Comparably reporting $140,000. A Project Manager in IT, for instance, has an average salary of $140,000.
Engineering Department: Similar to IT, Engineering roles at Sysco are well-compensated. Comparably indicates an average of $140,000 for the Engineering department, with an Engineering Manager potentially earning $153,000.
Finance Department: A Collections Manager might earn around $50,000, while a Finance Manager can range from $75,000 to $133,000. A Director of Finance could earn $206,000 plus bonus.
Operations Manager: This role often falls in the range of $43,000 to $110,000, with an average around $68,978. Some Operations Managers have reported salaries as high as $125,000.
Marketing Department: Marketing roles average around $59,399 total compensation, with a Marketing Associate seeing an average of $86,440.
Administrative Assistant: This role is typically at the lower end of the corporate pay scale, averaging around $39,000.
Step 3: Factors Influencing Your Sysco Salary - Beyond the Job Title
It's not just about what job you do; several other factors play a significant role in determining your Sysco paycheck.
3.1: Location, Location, Location!
Salaries at Sysco can vary significantly by geographic location. For example, a "Sysco Food Services" employee in Chicago, IL, makes an average of $25 per hour, which is slightly higher than the national average.
Cities with a higher cost of living, especially in California (like Berkeley, San Francisco, San Jose, Santa Clara), tend to show higher average salaries for roles like Delivery Drivers and Sales Representatives. For instance, a Sysco Delivery Driver in Berkeley, CA, averages $46,998 annually, compared to the national average of $38,383.
3.2: Experience and Skill Level
As with most companies, more experience generally translates to higher pay. Sysco explicitly mentions that there are opportunities for advancement and increased pay based on skill level and years of experience.
Entry-level positions will naturally have lower salaries, while those with mid-career, late career, and experienced backgrounds will command higher compensation. For example, a Finance Sysco job, likely requiring specialized skills, pays significantly more than a general Sysco Food Services role.
3.3: Performance and Incentives
Sysco offers a "competitive, comprehensive pay and benefits package," which often includes performance bonuses.
For sales roles, compensation can be heavily tied to sales performance and commission structures. Employee testimonials indicate that sales people don't necessarily get "raises" in the traditional sense, but their earnings increase by opening accounts and selling more.
The company also offers an Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP), allowing employees to share in the company's success.
Step 4: Beyond the Paycheck - Sysco's Benefits Package
While salary is crucial, Sysco emphasizes a comprehensive pay and benefits package designed to support its employees' well-being and financial security.
4.1: Health and Well-being
Tip: Write down what you learned.
Medical, Dental, and Prescription Plans: Sysco offers various plans to help employees manage their healthcare effectively, including maternity coverage.
Mental Health Support: The company provides a suite of mental health resources, including virtual and in-person behavioral health options and Employee Assistance Programs.
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4.2: Financial Security and Retirement
401k Plans: Robust 401k plans are a core offering to help employees plan for retirement.
Life Security Options: Sysco provides options to protect employees and their families, including life insurance.
Tuition Reimbursement: This is a valuable benefit for employees looking to further their education and career development.
Performance Bonus & Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP): These allow employees to earn additional compensation and invest in the company.
4.3: Work-Life Balance and Perks
Paid Time Off (PTO) / Vacation Policy and Paid Holidays: Sysco offers a standard array of time-off benefits.
Maternity/Paternity Leave: The company provides support for new parents.
Discounts and Programs: Sysco offers a "Perks at Work Discount Program" for travel, entertainment, and more. They also have programs like child and elder care discounts, financial assistance services, and dependent scholarships.
Inclusion and Community: Sysco fosters a culture of diversity and inclusion, with Colleague Resource Groups (CRGs) to build community and support. They also actively support military veterans.
Step 5: Career Growth and Salary Progression at Sysco
Sysco aims to provide a platform for professional growth and a thriving career.
Training and Development: The company is committed to helping employees master their career paths through extensive training, development programs, and leadership opportunities.
Internal Mobility: Sysco offers a wide range of employment options across sales, logistics, culinary, and corporate support, suggesting opportunities for internal movement and advancement.
Internship Programs: For those starting their careers, Sysco offers internships to gain hands-on experience and network.
Potential for Increases: While general raises might vary, career progression into higher-level or specialized roles within Sysco can lead to significant salary increases. For instance, moving from a general warehouse role to a CDL driver, or from a sales representative to a sales manager, demonstrates clear salary growth pathways.
Step 6: Considering Employee Sentiment on Compensation
It's helpful to look at how employees feel about their pay.
Fairness: Comparably data suggests that 57% of Sysco employees feel they are paid fairly.
Benefits Satisfaction: A higher percentage, 73%, are satisfied with their benefits.
Overall Happiness: Sysco's overall "Happiness Score" on Comparably is a "C+" (66/100), ranking in the Top 50% of similar-sized companies. Satisfaction with compensation is a component of this score.
Mixed Reviews: While some employees express satisfaction, others note areas for improvement, such as base compensation for certain sales roles or the perception of "too much work for the pay" in some operational roles. There are also comments about pay cuts over raises in recent years by some employees.
In Conclusion
Determining "how much Sysco employees make" isn't a single number, but rather a dynamic range influenced by a multitude of factors. From frontline distribution roles to high-level corporate positions, Sysco offers a diverse compensation landscape. While general averages provide a starting point, understanding the specific job function, geographical location, individual experience, and the company's comprehensive benefits package are all crucial for a complete picture.
Sysco strives to offer competitive compensation and a robust benefits program, alongside opportunities for career development, making it a significant employer in the foodservice industry.
Tip: Be mindful — one idea at a time.
10 Related FAQ Questions:
How to Determine Your Potential Salary at Sysco?
To determine your potential salary, research average pay for your specific job role (e.g., Delivery Driver, Sales Representative, Operations Manager) in your geographic area using reliable salary aggregators like ZipRecruiter, Comparably, and Payscale. Consider your experience level and any specialized skills you bring.
How to Negotiate Salary with Sysco?
Research industry averages for your role and experience, highlight your unique skills and accomplishments, be confident but flexible, and be prepared to articulate your value to the company during the negotiation process.
How to Get a Raise at Sysco?
Raises at Sysco can depend on individual performance, company policy, and overall economic conditions. Focus on exceeding job expectations, taking on new responsibilities, and demonstrating your value to the team. Regular performance reviews are a good time to discuss salary progression.
How to Understand Sysco's Benefits Package?
Sysco's career website (
How to Account for Location Differences in Sysco Salaries?
Tip: Skim once, study twice.
Salaries vary significantly by location. When researching, make sure to filter salary data by the specific city or region where you intend to work to get the most accurate estimate. Major metropolitan areas typically offer higher compensation.
How to Advance Your Career and Increase Earnings at Sysco?
Sysco emphasizes internal growth. Look for opportunities for training, development programs, and leadership roles. Gaining new skills, particularly in areas like technology or specialized logistics, can open doors to higher-paying positions.
How to Compare Sysco Salaries to Competitors?
Utilize online salary comparison tools that allow you to compare Sysco's pay scales with other major foodservice distributors or companies in similar industries, such as US Foods, Performance Food Group, or Gordon Food Service.
How to Factor in Bonuses and Incentives at Sysco?
Many roles at Sysco, especially in sales and management, include performance-based bonuses and incentives. Understand the structure of these incentives – whether they are commission-based, tied to specific metrics, or discretionary – as they can significantly impact your total compensation.
How to Qualify for Higher-Paying Jobs at Sysco?
Generally, higher-paying jobs at Sysco require specialized skills, more extensive experience, and often a higher level of education or specific certifications (like a CDL for truck drivers). Continuously developing your professional skills is key.
How to Find Current Job Openings and Salary Information Directly from Sysco?
Visit the official Sysco Careers website (careers.sysco.com) to search for open positions. While specific salary ranges for individual postings might not always be listed, the site provides a good overview of the types of roles available and the general benefits offered.
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