Trying to figure out "how much does Sysco pay per hour" is a common question for anyone considering a career with this global foodservice giant. It's not a simple one-size-fits-all answer, as pay rates at Sysco can vary significantly based on several factors, including the specific role, location, experience, and even performance.
But don't worry, we're here to break it all down for you. Let's embark on this journey to uncover the typical hourly wages at Sysco, along with what influences them!
Step 1: Engage with the Aspiration – Why Are You Asking?
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of numbers, take a moment to reflect. What's driving your curiosity about Sysco's hourly pay? Are you:
Considering a job application? Knowing the potential earnings is crucial for your financial planning.
Already an employee looking to understand your compensation better or negotiate a raise? This guide can provide valuable insights.
Simply curious about the industry standard? Sysco is a major player, and their pay rates can offer a benchmark.
Understanding your motivation will help you focus on the most relevant information as we go through this detailed guide. Ready to explore? Let's go!
Step 2: Understand the "Average" and Its Nuances
When you hear "average hourly pay," it's essential to remember that this is a broad figure. Sysco employs a vast workforce in diverse roles, from warehouse associates and delivery drivers to sales representatives and administrative staff. Each of these positions has a different pay scale.
Key Takeaway: The overall average hourly pay at Sysco can be around $22.84 per hour, according to Payscale data. However, this number can range from approximately $17.35 to $29.83 per hour across different positions. ZipRecruiter also shows a higher overall average, stating the average annual pay for a "Sysco" (general) in the US is about $46.88 an hour or $97,513 annually, which highlights how averages can differ based on the data source and what roles are included in that average.
Step 3: Delving into Specific Roles and Their Hourly Wages
Let's break down the hourly pay for some of the most common positions at Sysco:
Sub-heading 3.1: Delivery Drivers (CDL A Truck Drivers)
Sysco is well-known for its extensive logistics network, and its delivery drivers are the backbone of this operation. These roles often require a Commercial Driver's License (CDL).
Average Hourly Pay: The average hourly pay for a Sysco Truck Driver in the United States is around $27.09 per hour as of July 2, 2025 (ZipRecruiter).
Range: Hourly wages for Sysco Truck Drivers can range from as low as $10.34 to as high as $49.52, with the majority falling between $18.99 (25th percentile) and $31.73 (75th percentile).
Factors Influencing Pay:
Experience: More experienced drivers with clean driving records typically command higher rates.
Route Type: Local vs. OTR (Over-the-Road) routes can have different compensation structures.
Incentives/Bonuses: Many driver roles include performance-based incentives or bonuses, which can significantly boost overall earnings. Some drivers report earning upwards of $65,000 to $90,000 annually.
Union Affiliation: In some locations, unionized drivers may have different pay scales and benefits.
Sub-heading 3.2: Warehouse Workers / Order Selectors / Forklift Operators
The warehouse is the heart of Sysco's distribution. Workers in these roles are responsible for receiving, storing, picking, and loading products.
Average Hourly Pay: The average hourly pay for a Sysco Warehouse worker in the United States is around $20.65 per hour (ZipRecruiter) or $17 per hour (Payscale).
Range: Hourly wages can vary, from around $13.22 to $27.64. For Order Selectors, the average is about $17-$18 per hour, while Forklift Operators can average around $21 per hour.
Factors Influencing Pay:
Shift Differential: Night shifts or weekend shifts often come with higher hourly pay.
Performance Incentives: Many warehouses offer incentives for meeting or exceeding productivity targets (e.g., rate bonuses for order selectors). Some reports indicate warehouse workers can earn $30-$32 an hour with incentives.
Specific Role: A "Warehouse Lead" might earn more than a general "Warehouse Associate."
Sub-heading 3.3: Sales Representatives / Sales Consultants
Sysco's sales force plays a crucial role in maintaining and expanding client relationships in the foodservice industry.
Average Hourly Pay: The average hourly pay for a Sysco Sales Representative is approximately $36.87 per hour, translating to about $76,681 annually (ZipRecruiter). For Sales Consultants, the average is around $28.91 per hour or $67,716 annually (Zippia).
Range: Sales compensation can have a wide range, with top earners making well over $100,000 annually. This is often due to the commission-based nature of many sales roles.
Factors Influencing Pay:
Commission Structure: A significant portion of a sales representative's income is typically derived from commissions on sales.
Territory: The size and potential of the assigned sales territory can impact earnings.
Experience and Performance: Proven sales track records lead to higher earning potential.
Sub-heading 3.4: Other Roles
While the above are major categories, Sysco employs professionals in various other departments:
Administrative Assistant: Around $19 per hour (Payscale).
Business Analyst, IT: Around $28 per hour (Payscale).
Transportation Supervisor: Around $16 per hour (Payscale).
Marketing Associate: Averages around $24.38 per hour (ZipRecruiter).
IT Project Manager: Can earn $140,000 annually (Comparably), which translates to a very high hourly rate.
Step 4: Geographic Impact on Sysco Pay
Location, location, location! Just like real estate, where you work can significantly influence your hourly wage at Sysco.
Higher Cost of Living Areas: Expect higher pay in metropolitan areas and states with a higher cost of living, such as California, New York, and some Northeastern states. For instance, Sysco Truck Drivers in Denton, MT can earn $33.88/hour, and in Berkeley, CA, Delivery Drivers average $22.60/hour.
Lower Cost of Living Areas: Conversely, hourly rates might be lower in areas with a lower cost of living.
Local Market Conditions: The demand for specific roles in a particular region can also drive up or down wages.
Step 5: Understanding Sysco's Compensation Structure and Benefits
Sysco's compensation isn't just about the hourly rate; it often includes a comprehensive benefits package.
Sub-heading 5.1: Benefits that Add Value
Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance: Sysco offers various medical plan options (Basic/PPO/HSA plans with Aetna Choice POS II network, National HMO plan with Aetna Select network) and dental plans (Basic and Premium plans with Aetna Dental PPO Network). These are crucial for employee well-being and can save you significant out-of-pocket costs.
Retirement Plans: Sysco provides a 401(k) plan with potential company contributions (e.g., 3% automatic contribution and 50 cents for each additional dollar you contribute up to 6% of eligible earnings). They also have an Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP) allowing employees to purchase Sysco stock at a 15% discount. These are excellent long-term financial benefits.
Paid Time Off (PTO): This typically includes vacation, sick leave, and holidays, providing work-life balance.
Life Insurance and Disability Coverage: Offering financial protection for you and your family.
Employee Assistance Programs (EAP): Providing support for personal and work-related issues.
Wellness Programs: Sysco often promotes employee well-being through various initiatives.
Sub-heading 5.2: Incentive Programs and Overtime
Performance Bonuses: Many roles, particularly in sales and warehouse operations, have performance-based bonuses that can significantly increase your overall earnings.
Overtime Pay: For hourly positions, overtime (typically 1.5 times your regular hourly rate) for hours worked beyond a standard 40-hour week can also boost your take-home pay. This is a common factor for roles like delivery drivers and warehouse staff.
Step 6: How to Research and Verify Sysco Pay for Your Specific Situation
Now that you have a general understanding, let's look at how you can find more precise information for your specific situation.
Check Job Postings: When Sysco posts job openings, they often include a salary range or hourly rate, especially for non-exempt positions.
Utilize Salary Websites: Websites like Payscale, ZipRecruiter, Indeed, and Glassdoor are excellent resources. Search specifically for the job title you're interested in and filter by location. Remember that these are often based on self-reported data, so treat them as estimates.
Network with Current Employees: If possible, connect with people who currently work at Sysco in roles you're interested in. They can provide first-hand insights into compensation and the work environment.
Consider a Direct Inquiry (During the Interview Process): Once you've had initial interviews and feel confident about your fit, you can ask about the compensation structure for the role. It's usually best to save this for later stages of the interview process.
Step 7: Factors that Can Increase Your Sysco Hourly Pay Over Time
If you land a job at Sysco, there are ways to potentially increase your earnings.
Gain Experience: As you gain more experience and demonstrate competence, your value to the company increases, often leading to higher pay.
Develop New Skills: Acquiring new certifications (like advanced CDL endorsements or specialized equipment operation) or skills relevant to your role can open doors to higher-paying opportunities.
Take on More Responsibility: Promotions to lead positions, supervisory roles, or more complex tasks will typically come with a bump in pay.
Strong Performance: Consistently exceeding expectations and meeting or surpassing performance metrics can lead to raises, bonuses, and faster advancement.
Relocation: If geographically flexible, moving to a higher-paying market for your role could be an option.
Frequently Asked Questions about Sysco Hourly Pay
Here are 10 common "How to" questions related to Sysco's hourly pay, with quick answers:
How to find the most accurate hourly pay for a specific Sysco job? The most accurate way is to look at current job postings on Sysco's careers website or major job boards, as they often list salary ranges for specific roles and locations.
How to determine if Sysco's hourly pay is competitive in my area? Compare Sysco's listed pay with similar positions at other food service distributors or logistics companies in your local market using salary websites like Payscale, ZipRecruiter, and Glassdoor.
How to negotiate a higher hourly rate at Sysco? Highlight your relevant experience, unique skills, and any certifications you possess that make you a valuable asset. Research industry averages and Sysco's internal pay bands for similar roles to support your request.
How to earn more as a Sysco delivery driver? Focus on maximizing your hours, taking on more challenging or higher-paying routes (if available), and maintaining an excellent safety and performance record to qualify for any incentives or bonuses.
How to increase hourly pay as a Sysco warehouse worker? Strive to meet or exceed productivity targets to earn performance bonuses, volunteer for challenging tasks, and consider cross-training for specialized equipment like forklifts to expand your skillset.
How to understand the benefits package beyond the hourly wage at Sysco? During the hiring process, ask for detailed information on their benefits, including health insurance plans, 401(k) matching, and paid time off policies. Sysco's benefits website (syscobenefits.com) is also a good resource.
How to factor in overtime when calculating potential Sysco earnings? If the position is eligible for overtime, estimate how many extra hours you might work per week and multiply them by 1.5 times your base hourly rate, then add that to your regular weekly earnings.
How to get promoted to a higher-paying role within Sysco? Consistently perform well in your current role, express interest in advancement to your manager, seek out training opportunities, and network within the company to learn about other departmental needs.
How to account for regional pay differences when looking at Sysco jobs? Always search for salary information by specific location (city/state) in addition to the job title, as pay can vary significantly across different geographical areas.
How to learn about Sysco's overall compensation philosophy? While specific details might be proprietary, you can infer their philosophy by reviewing their benefits offerings, publicly available salary data, and employee reviews on sites like Glassdoor and Indeed, which often touch upon compensation satisfaction.