Unpacking the Paycheck: A Detailed Guide to Sysco Warehouse Worker Salaries
Ever wondered what it's like to be at the heart of the foodservice giant, Sysco, making sure that restaurants, hospitals, and schools get their vital supplies? If you're considering a career in warehouse operations, specifically with a large-scale distributor like Sysco, one of your primary questions is likely, "How much does Sysco pay warehouse workers?"
Well, you've come to the right place! We're about to deep dive into the intricacies of Sysco warehouse worker compensation, breaking down average salaries, factors that influence pay, and what you can expect in terms of benefits and career progression.
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| How Much Does Sysco Pay Warehouse Workers |
Step 1: Let's Get Started! Are You Ready to Explore Sysco's Warehouse Pay?
Before we jump into the numbers, ask yourself: What are your career aspirations? Are you looking for a steady job with good benefits, or are you aiming for rapid career growth and higher earning potential? Understanding your goals will help you contextualize the information we're about to share. Sysco offers a vital role in the supply chain, and for many, it's a rewarding career path.
Step 2: Understanding the Average Sysco Warehouse Worker Salary
The question of "how much does Sysco pay warehouse workers" doesn't have a single, universal answer. Salaries can vary significantly based on several factors, which we'll explore in detail. However, to give you a solid starting point, here are the general averages based on recent data:
QuickTip: Go back if you lost the thread.
Average Hourly Pay: As of July 2025, the average hourly pay for a Sysco Warehouse Worker in the United States is approximately $20.65 per hour.
Average Annual Salary: This translates to an average annual salary of about $42,951 per year.
Average Monthly Pay: On a monthly basis, this comes out to roughly $3,579.
Average Weekly Pay: You could expect to earn around $825 per week.
Important Note: These are averages, meaning there's a range of pay.
The 25th percentile for Sysco warehouse wages is around $17.55 per hour (or $36,500 annually). This means 25% of warehouse workers earn this much or less.
The 75th percentile is approximately $22.36 per hour (or $46,500 annually). This means 75% of warehouse workers earn this much or less, and 25% earn more.
Top earners (90th percentile) can reach salaries around $25.00 per hour or $53,000 annually.
Step 3: Factors Influencing Sysco Warehouse Worker Pay
Several key factors play a crucial role in determining how much a Sysco warehouse worker gets paid. Understanding these can help you better assess your potential earnings.
3.1 Geographic Location
Where you work matters immensely. Salaries for Sysco warehouse positions can fluctuate significantly based on the cost of living and demand for labor in a particular region or city. For instance, a warehouse worker in Chicago, IL, might earn an average of $21 per hour, slightly more than the national average, while someone in Las Vegas, NV, might earn closer to $19.41 an hour. States like Washington, D.C., New York, and New Jersey tend to have higher average Sysco salaries overall.
3.2 Experience Level
As with most professions, experience pays. Entry-level warehouse workers might start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while those with several years of experience, especially in a large-scale distribution environment, can command higher wages. Sysco's own job postings for Warehouse Order Selectors often list "0-1 Year relevant work experience" as a minimum requirement, but also prefer "1 year experience operating an electric pallet jack or forklift" and "1 year of warehouse, military, or physically active job experience."
QuickTip: Read with curiosity — ask ‘why’ often.
3.3 Specific Role and Responsibilities
Not all "warehouse worker" roles are created equal. Sysco's warehouses have various positions, each with different responsibilities and, consequently, different pay scales.
Warehouse Order Selector: This is a common entry-level position, focusing on picking and preparing orders. Their average pay might be around $17.84 an hour.
Forklift Operator: Requiring specific certification and skills, these roles often come with a slightly higher hourly wage.
Inventory Control Specialist: These roles involve more administrative and analytical tasks, potentially leading to higher pay.
Night Warehouse Selector: These roles might include shift differentials for working during off-hours, potentially boosting hourly earnings.
CDL Truck Driver: While not strictly a warehouse worker, Sysco also employs drivers who often start their days in the warehouse. These roles are among the highest paying within the broader "warehouse/delivery" spectrum, averaging around $27.09 per hour or $56,348 annually.
3.4 Performance and Productivity
In some warehouse environments, especially those with incentive plans, individual performance and productivity can directly impact earnings. Sysco is known to use productivity metrics, and those who consistently exceed targets may see bonuses or higher overall compensation.
3.5 Union vs. Non-Union
While not universally applicable, in some regions, warehouse workers may be part of a union. Union contracts often negotiate set pay scales and benefits, which can sometimes be higher than non-unionized facilities.
Step 4: Sysco's Benefits for Warehouse Workers
Beyond the base salary, Sysco offers a comprehensive benefits package that is a significant part of the overall compensation for warehouse employees. These benefits are designed to support employees' well-being and financial security.
Health Benefits: Sysco provides robust health benefits, including:
Medical insurance
Dental insurance
Prescription plans
Maternity coverage
They aim to offer flexible options to suit individual needs.
Life Security & Retirement: Sysco also supports employees' long-term financial planning:
Robust 401(k) plans
Employee Stock Purchase Programs
Life and Disability insurance coverage
Pre-tax savings opportunities
Mental Health Support: Recognizing the importance of mental well-being, Sysco offers resources such as:
Virtual and in-person behavioral health options
Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs)
Exclusive Perks & Discounts: Sysco colleagues can also enjoy additional advantages:
Perks at Work Discount Program offering special discounts on travel, entertainment, and more.
Colleague Resource Groups (CRGs) for community and support.
Education assistance is also mentioned as part of their life security options.
QuickTip: Slow down when you hit numbers or data.
Step 5: Career Progression Opportunities within Sysco Warehouses
Working as a warehouse associate at Sysco isn't necessarily a dead-end job. Sysco, as a large corporation, often provides opportunities for career growth for dedicated and skilled employees.
Entry-Level Roles: Many start as Warehouse Order Selectors or general Warehouse Associates.
Specialized Equipment Operator: With training and certification (often provided or supported by Sysco), employees can move into roles operating forklifts or electric pallet jacks, which typically offer higher pay.
Team Lead/Supervisor: Experienced and high-performing warehouse workers can progress into leadership roles, overseeing shifts, managing teams, and ensuring operational efficiency. For example, an Outbound Warehouse Manager role at Sysco Cincinnati was recently advertised with a compensation range of $76,500.00 - $114,800.00.
Inventory Control/Logistics: Individuals with a knack for organization and data can move into inventory control or logistics coordination roles.
Truck Driver (CDL A): For those interested in a more mobile role, Sysco frequently hires and trains CDL A truck drivers, a position that commands significantly higher pay.
Sysco emphasizes internal mobility and investing in their employees, making it possible to build a long-term career within the company.
Step 6: How to Maximize Your Earning Potential at Sysco
If you're aiming to earn more as a Sysco warehouse worker, here are some actionable steps:
Gain Experience: The longer you work in a warehouse environment, especially at Sysco, the more valuable you become.
Acquire Certifications: Get certified in operating various warehouse equipment like forklifts and electric pallet jacks. These skills are highly sought after.
Become a Top Performer: Focus on efficiency, accuracy, and meeting or exceeding productivity targets. This can lead to performance-based incentives and make you a candidate for promotions.
Be Flexible with Shifts: Night shifts or weekend shifts often come with shift differential pay, increasing your hourly rate.
Consider Relocation: If you're willing to move, research Sysco facilities in areas with higher average warehouse salaries.
Develop Leadership Skills: Show initiative, help train new hires, and demonstrate your ability to lead. This paves the way for supervisory roles.
Cross-Train: Learn different aspects of warehouse operations beyond your primary role. The more versatile you are, the more valuable you become.
Frequently Asked Questions about Sysco Warehouse Pay
Here are 10 common questions with quick answers to further guide your understanding of Sysco warehouse worker compensation:
QuickTip: Skim the intro, then dive deeper.
How to determine the exact pay for a Sysco warehouse job? To determine the exact pay, you should consult the specific job posting on Sysco's careers website or a reputable job board, as compensation ranges are often provided by location.
How to increase your salary as a Sysco warehouse worker? Increase your salary by gaining experience, getting certifications (e.g., forklift), excelling in performance, and seeking out promotional opportunities like team lead or supervisor roles.
How to find Sysco warehouse job openings with salary information? You can find Sysco warehouse job openings with salary information on their official careers website (careers.sysco.com) or major job boards like ZipRecruiter and Indeed, which often include estimated salary ranges.
How to qualify for higher-paying Sysco warehouse positions? Qualify for higher-paying positions by accumulating relevant experience (typically 1+ years in warehouse or physically active roles), obtaining equipment certifications (pallet jack, forklift), and demonstrating strong work ethic and reliability.
How to understand the benefits package offered to Sysco warehouse employees? Sysco's comprehensive benefits package, including health, retirement (401k), and life insurance, can be understood by reviewing the "Benefits" section on their careers website or inquiring with an HR representative during the application process.
How to negotiate a better salary for a Sysco warehouse role? While entry-level warehouse roles may have less room for negotiation, experienced candidates can leverage their skills (e.g., forklift certification, specific warehouse system knowledge) and relevant work history to negotiate for a slightly higher starting wage.
How to compare Sysco warehouse pay to other similar companies? Compare Sysco's warehouse pay to other similar companies by researching average salaries for "warehouse associate" or "order selector" roles at other large distributors or logistics companies on salary aggregate websites.
How to learn about career advancement opportunities within Sysco's warehouse division? Learn about career advancement opportunities by speaking with current Sysco employees, looking at internal job postings, and asking about training programs or mentorship initiatives during your interview process.
How to understand if Sysco offers performance bonuses for warehouse workers? Sysco often offers performance-based incentives; this information is typically detailed in job descriptions or discussed during the interview process, as pay can be linked to productivity metrics.
How to apply for a Sysco warehouse worker position? Apply for a Sysco warehouse worker position by visiting the Sysco Careers website, searching for open roles in your desired location, and submitting an online application, including your resume and relevant experience.
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