Hello there! Have you ever wondered what it's like to be on the front lines of food distribution, ensuring fresh produce and ingredients reach restaurants, hospitals, and schools every single day? If you've thought about a career as a truck driver, especially with a major player like Sysco, you're probably curious about the earning potential. Well, you've come to the right place! Let's dive deep into how much Sysco truck drivers make in a year.
Step 1: Understanding the Landscape of Sysco Driver Salaries
Sysco, a global leader in foodservice distribution, relies heavily on its dedicated team of truck drivers to deliver products. It's a demanding job, often involving early mornings, heavy lifting (known as "touch freight"), and navigating various weather conditions. But with those demands come competitive compensation and benefits.
So, how much are we talking about?
As of July 2025, the average annual salary for a Sysco Truck Driver in the United States is around $56,348 per year. This works out to approximately $4,695 per month, $1,083 per week, or $27.09 per hour.
However, it's crucial to understand that this is an average. Sysco driver salaries can vary significantly based on several factors, which we'll explore in detail.
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| How Much Do Sysco Truck Drivers Make A Year |
Step 2: Unpacking the Salary Ranges and Top Earners
While the average gives us a good starting point, it's more informative to look at the full spectrum of earnings.
Sub-heading: The Range of Earnings
Sysco truck driver salaries can range from as low as $21,500 for entry-level or part-time positions to over $103,000 for experienced drivers in high-demand areas or specific roles.
25th percentile: Around $39,500 annually. This means 25% of Sysco truck drivers earn this amount or less.
75th percentile: Approximately $66,000 annually. This means 75% of Sysco truck drivers earn this amount or less (or 25% earn more).
Top Earners (90th percentile): These drivers can reach $83,500 or more per year, with some highly compensated positions going up to $103,000 annually.
It's clear that there's a significant opportunity for growth in earnings as you gain experience and take on more challenging routes or specialized roles.
Step 3: Factors Influencing Sysco Truck Driver Pay ️
Several key factors play a major role in determining how much a Sysco truck driver makes. Understanding these can help you strategize your career path.
Tip: Take notes for easier recall later.
Sub-heading: Location, Location, Location!
Just like in real estate, geography is a huge determinant of salary in the trucking industry. Areas with a higher cost of living, greater demand for drivers, or strong union presence often offer higher wages. For example, cities in Montana, Alaska, and California frequently appear among the highest-paying locations for Sysco drivers.
Some top-paying cities for Sysco Truck Drivers include:
Denton, MT: ~$70,477 per year
Nome, AK: ~$69,900 per year
Berkeley, CA: ~$68,995 per year
Conversely, areas with a lower cost of living or less demand might see lower average salaries.
Sub-heading: Experience and Seniority ? seasoned
As with most professions, experience directly correlates with higher earning potential. Sysco often rewards drivers who have a proven track record of safe driving, efficient deliveries, and strong customer service. Newer drivers typically start at a lower pay scale and can expect their income to rise as they accumulate years of service.
Sub-heading: Type of CDL and Route ️
The type of Commercial Driver's License (CDL) you hold (e.g., Class A) and the nature of your routes can also impact your pay. For instance, CDL A Delivery Truck Drivers often command higher salaries than general delivery drivers due to the larger vehicles and more complex operations involved. Some specific roles like "Delivery Specialist" or "Truck Driver-Over-The-Road" within Sysco can also offer significantly higher compensation, sometimes exceeding $90,000 to over $100,000 annually.
Sysco also employs "Shuttle Truck Drivers" who earn an average of $57,847 annually.
Sub-heading: Productivity Incentives and Overtime
Many Sysco driver positions include productivity incentives and the opportunity for overtime. This means that drivers who are efficient, complete more deliveries, or work extra hours can significantly boost their annual earnings. Some job postings even highlight the potential to earn "up to $110,000 per year, including base, overtime, and incentives."
Sub-heading: Benefits and Total Compensation Package
While not directly part of the annual salary, a robust benefits package can add substantial value to a Sysco driver's overall compensation. Sysco is known to offer an "industry-leading total rewards package" which can include:
Tip: Keep the flow, don’t jump randomly.
Comprehensive healthcare benefits: Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
Generous retirement benefits: Often including 401(k) plans with company matching.
Paid vacation and holidays.
Employee discount programs.
Service recognition and employee rewards.
Discounts on Sysco stock (SYY).
Referral programs.
Safety programs.
Tuition reimbursement.
Uniforms.
These benefits contribute significantly to a driver's financial well-being and should be considered when evaluating the overall compensation.
Step 4: What Does a Sysco Truck Driver Do?
Beyond the numbers, it's important to understand the daily responsibilities and demands of the job.
Sub-heading: Typical Day in the Life
A Sysco Truck Driver is primarily responsible for:
Delivering food and other products to a variety of customers, including restaurants, schools, hospitals, and other businesses.
Operating company-owned trucks (often tractor-trailers).
Loading and unloading deliveries, which frequently involves "touch freight" – meaning the driver physically handles the products, often using a hand truck or hand cart.
Ensuring all products arrive on time and in good condition.
Verifying delivery items with customers and obtaining signatures.
Performing pre-trip and post-trip inspections according to Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations and Sysco policies.
Completing DOT logs (electronic or manual) and company vehicle maintenance reports.
Building relationships with customers through positive and friendly interactions.
Sub-heading: Key Skills and Qualifications Required
To thrive as a Sysco Truck Driver, you'll need:
A valid Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL).
A clean driving record (no single DUI in the last three years and no multiple DUIs within the last seven years).
Must be 21+ years of age.
Ability to read and speak English fluently.
Strong communication and customer service skills.
Physical stamina for lifting, pushing, and moving products up to 100 pounds.
Familiarity with electronic logging devices (ELDs) and handheld delivery scanners is a plus.
Flexibility regarding work hours, including potential overtime, weekends, and holidays.
Step 5: Career Path and Growth Opportunities at Sysco
Sysco offers opportunities for both personal and professional growth for its truck drivers.
Sub-heading: Entry-Level and Training Programs
Sysco has immediate openings for CDL A Delivery Truck Driver Trainees, even for those without a CDL. They offer training programs to help individuals obtain their Class A CDL within a specified timeframe (e.g., 90 days). This is an excellent pathway for those new to the trucking industry.
Tip: Don’t rush — enjoy the read.
Sub-heading: Internal Advancement
Sysco emphasizes promoting from within. Experienced drivers with strong performance can potentially move into roles such as:
Driver Trainer
Dispatch
Warehouse Management
Supervisory roles within operations
The company also offers ongoing job skills and leadership development training to support career progression.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Sysco Truck Driver Salaries ❓
How to become a Sysco truck driver?
To become a Sysco truck driver, you generally need a valid Class A CDL and a clean driving record. Sysco also offers trainee programs where they will help you obtain your CDL.
How to maximize earnings as a Sysco truck driver?
To maximize earnings, focus on productivity incentives, be open to working overtime, maintain a strong safety record, and consider relocating to higher-paying regions.
How to apply for a Sysco truck driver job?
You can apply for Sysco truck driver jobs directly through the Sysco careers website or on various job boards like ZipRecruiter.
How to prepare for a Sysco truck driver interview?
Prepare by researching Sysco's values, understanding the physical demands of the job, and being ready to discuss your driving experience, safety record, and customer service skills.
QuickTip: Look for contrasts — they reveal insights.
How to handle the physical demands of being a Sysco driver?
Regular physical conditioning and proper lifting techniques are essential. The job involves frequent lifting, pushing, and moving heavy products, so maintaining good physical health is crucial.
How to get a CDL for a Sysco driving job?
If you don't have a CDL, look for Sysco's CDL A Delivery Truck Driver Trainee programs, which provide training to help you obtain your license.
How to find the highest-paying Sysco driver jobs?
Research job postings in different cities and regions, as salaries vary significantly by location. Look for roles offering productivity incentives and opportunities for overtime.
How to compare Sysco driver pay to other companies?
Compare Sysco's average salaries, benefits packages, and work-life balance (e.g., home daily routes) against other foodservice distributors or general trucking companies.
How to understand the benefits package at Sysco?
Sysco's benefits typically include comprehensive healthcare, retirement plans (like 401k), paid time off, and various employee discount programs. Review the specific offerings during the application process.
How to progress your career as a Sysco truck driver?
Focus on consistent strong performance, maintain excellent customer relations, participate in available training programs, and express interest in internal advancement opportunities to your management.
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