Sysco Jobs

Sysco hires Order Selectors, Forklift Operators, and Warehouse Associates at $22.75–$28.30 per hour. Apply online at careers.sysco.com. Sysco is the world’s largest foodservice distributor with $76.8 billion in annual revenue and approximately 70,000 US employees across 200+ distribution centers. Order Selectors are the core entry-level role and can earn $76,000–$80,000 annually with productivity incentive pay — well above the BLS warehouse median of $18.82/hr. Unlike many warehouse employers, Sysco pays 100% of medical and dental premiums for all warehouse employees, with benefits beginning after 60 days. The minimum hiring age is 18, and no degree is required. A high school diploma or GED is preferred.

Sysco Company Overview

Sysco Corporation (NYSE: SYY) is the world’s largest foodservice distributor, with $76.8 billion in annual revenue and approximately 70,000 employees across the United States. Founded in 1969 and headquartered in Houston, Texas, Sysco operates 200+ distribution centers nationwide, serving restaurants, hospitals, schools, and foodservice operators. Unlike typical warehouse employers, Sysco is a food-specialized logistics company — its distribution centers maintain multiple climate zones (ambient, refrigerated, and frozen) to preserve food quality from warehouse to delivery.

Sysco’s entry-level warehouse roles offer exceptional compensation and benefits relative to the broader logistics industry. The company is known for investing heavily in worker retention and development, particularly through its 100% employer-paid medical and dental coverage — a differentiator among large warehouse employers. Sysco operates under a regional structure with local Operating Companies (OpCos) like Sysco Houston, Sysco Chicago, and others, each managing distribution centers in their territory.

Sysco holds a 3.6 out of 5.0 rating on Glassdoor as of March 2026. The company is publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker SYY.

Sysco Job Types

• Order Selector (Warehouse Picker): The primary entry-level role. Picks and packs customer orders in temperature-controlled warehouses using a voice-guided picking system. Physically demanding with 8–10 hours on your feet daily. Starting pay: $22.75–$28.30/hr with incentive pay potential reaching $76–80K/yr.
• Forklift Operator / Stand-Up Forklift Operator: Operates forklifts to move pallets and cases within distribution centers. Prior forklift certification preferred but not required — Sysco offers in-house training. Pay range: $22–$27/hr.
• Warehouse Associate: General warehouse support role including sorting, stacking, and material handling. Entry-level position suitable for candidates without prior experience. Starting pay similar to Order Selector base rates.
• Night Warehouse Worker: Warehouse roles performed during night shifts (typically 10 PM–6 AM). Night differential pay added to base rate. Pay range: $22–$26/hr plus shift premium.
• Delivery Driver (CDL-A Required): Full-time driver position delivering food to customer sites. Requires a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL-A) and clean driving record. Pay range: $75–$95K/yr.

How to Apply at Sysco Step by Step

Step 1: Visit careers.sysco.com

Navigate to careers.sysco.com and search for open positions by role and location. Enter your state, city, or zip code to find warehouse and distribution center jobs near you. Search for “Order Selector,” “Warehouse Associate,” “Forklift Operator,” or “Warehouse Worker” to see all available entry-level warehouse positions at Sysco distribution centers nationwide.

Step 2: Review Distribution Center Details

Each search result shows a specific Sysco Operating Company and distribution center location. Check the position details, including:

• Shift hours (day, night, or rotating)
• Environment type (ambient, refrigerated +35°F, or frozen –10°F)
• Location-specific pay rate
• Full-time or part-time availability
• Any role-specific requirements (e.g., forklift certification)

Step 3: Submit Application (15–30 minutes)

Complete the online application with the following information:

• Contact information and availability
• Work history and previous roles (no resume required for entry-level warehouse positions)
• Availability for shifts (day, night, flexible)
• Physical capability self-assessment — confirm you can perform lifting, bending, and repetitive motion warehouse tasks
• Acknowledgment of background check and drug screen consent

Step 4: Phone Screen

A Sysco recruiter typically reaches out within 1–2 weeks of application for a 15–30 minute phone screen. The recruiter will ask about:

• Your warehouse or logistics experience
• Availability and shift preferences
• Comfort with physical demands (lifting, cold environments, long hours on your feet)
• Any questions about the role or Sysco

Step 5: In-Person Interview

Qualified candidates are invited to a 30–45 minute in-person interview at the distribution center. Hiring managers typically use STAR-based behavioral questions about teamwork, problem-solving, safety awareness, and handling high-pressure warehouse environments. Prepare specific examples of times you worked on a team, met a deadline under pressure, or resolved a conflict with a coworker.

Step 6: Physical Ability Test (PAT)

After the interview, you complete a formal physical ability test at the distribution center. The PAT assesses your ability to perform actual warehouse tasks, including lifting cases (up to 75 lbs), bending, climbing, and repetitive motion. This is a required step and is non-negotiable for all Order Selector, Warehouse Associate, and entry-level roles. The test typically takes 30–45 minutes and is conducted by Sysco HR or a third-party testing company.

Step 7: Background Check and Drug Test

Sysco conducts a standard criminal background check and urine drug screen for all new hires. Allow 1–2 weeks for clearance. Sysco will not extend a final offer until both checks clear. Be proactive — schedule the drug test and background check as soon as Sysco notifies you. Delays in completing these steps are a common reason candidates lose their spot.

Step 8: Offer and Orientation

After clearance, you receive an offer letter with your start date and orientation schedule. Sysco orientation includes warehouse safety training, equipment operation, voice-guided picking system training, and an introduction to your assigned shift and team. Benefits (medical, dental, vision, 401k) become available after 60 days of employment.

Sysco Pay by Position (2025–2026)

BLS national median for warehouse and material moving workers: $18.82/hr (May 2024). Sysco Order Selectors at the bottom of the pay range ($22.75/hr) earn 21% above the national median; experienced pickers with incentive pay earn 300%+ above the median.

Sysco Employee Benefits

100% Employer-Paid Health Insurance

Sysco pays 100% of medical insurance premiums for warehouse employees — an exceptionally rare benefit in the logistics and warehouse industry. This applies to both full-time and part-time employees and begins after 60 days of employment. Coverage includes medical, dental, and vision. This benefit alone makes Sysco one of the most competitive warehouse employers nationally.

100% Employer-Paid Dental Insurance

Like medical coverage, Sysco pays the full premium for dental insurance with no employee cost-sharing. Coverage includes routine cleanings, preventive care, and major procedures. Benefits begin after 60 days.

Vision Insurance

Sysco provides vision coverage for all warehouse employees after 60 days of employment. Coverage includes annual eye exams, frames, and contacts.

401(k) with Employer Match

Sysco offers a 401(k) retirement plan with employer matching contributions available to both full-time and part-time employees. Employees can begin contributing immediately upon hire with employer match vesting on a standard schedule.

Paid Time Off (PTO)

PTO accrual begins on the first day of employment for all full-time and part-time employees. Accrual rates increase with tenure. Sysco also provides paid holidays in addition to accrued PTO.

Life Insurance

Sysco provides basic company-paid life insurance for all warehouse employees, with options to increase coverage at employee expense.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Sysco offers an Employee Assistance Program providing confidential counseling, mental health support, financial planning resources, and wellness programs for employees and their families.

Productivity Incentive Pay

Order Selectors and certain warehouse roles qualify for productivity-based incentive pay tied to picking accuracy and volume. Top performers regularly earn $76,000–$80,000 annually when base pay and incentives are combined. This incentive structure rewards efficiency and makes Sysco one of the highest-paying warehouse entry-level positions in the nation.

Sysco vs. Other Warehouse Employers

Sysco’s competitive advantage is its 100% employer-paid medical and dental, combined with productivity incentive pay reaching $76–80K/yr. While Amazon’s starting pay is slightly higher, Sysco’s benefits package — particularly full medical and dental coverage — is unmatched among large warehouse employers. The 60-day waiting period is shorter than most competitors.

Sysco Interview Questions and How to Answer Them

“Tell me about a time you worked in a physically demanding or fast-paced environment.”

Sysco Order Selectors work 8–10 hours daily on their feet, rotating through ambient, refrigerated, and frozen zones. Hiring managers want to know you understand the physical demands and have real experience with similar work. Use the STAR format to describe a specific job where you handled long shifts, repetitive tasks, or physically challenging work. Examples include retail stockroom experience, restaurant kitchen work, construction, or previous warehouse roles. Mention your comfort with temperature variation and long periods on your feet. Avoid minimizing the demands — Sysco values honesty about the role’s physical nature.

“How do you handle working in cold environments?”

Sysco distribution centers include refrigerated (+35°F) and frozen (–10°F) zones. Order Selectors rotate through all three temperature environments during their shift. Hiring managers specifically ask this to screen out candidates who will quit due to cold discomfort. Provide a direct answer: “I’m comfortable working in cold conditions. I understand that food safety requires temperature control, and I’ve worked in [cold storage / walk-in coolers / outdoor winter conditions] before.” If you haven’t, be honest but assertive: “I haven’t worked in a frozen warehouse, but I understand it’s part of the job and I’m prepared for it. I dress appropriately and understand the safety protocols.”

“Describe a time you had to meet a tight deadline or quota.”

Order Selectors pick against daily volume targets. Accuracy and speed are measured and tied to incentive pay. Use STAR to describe a time you worked toward a measurable goal or deadline — sales quota, production target, or personal goal. Highlight that you understand performance is tracked and that you’re motivated by productivity-based rewards. Avoid answers that suggest you cut corners; instead, emphasize efficiency and working within systems (e.g., “I improved my picking speed by learning the warehouse layout more efficiently”).

“Why are you interested in this Sysco position?”

This is your chance to demonstrate you understand Sysco’s value proposition. Good answers reference the competitive pay, benefits (especially the 100% medical/dental), stability of a major public company, incentive pay potential, or the physical challenge of the work. Avoid vague answers like “I need a job.” Show you’ve done basic research: “I’m attracted to Sysco because the pay is competitive for warehouse work, and the medical and dental benefits are exceptional for an entry-level role. I also see potential to earn incentive pay as I improve my picking efficiency.”

Tips for Getting Hired at Sysco Faster

1. Be honest about physical limitations during the PAT. The physical ability test is non-negotiable and tests real job demands. Don’t overstate your abilities. If you cannot lift 50+ lbs, perform repetitive bending, or stand for 8+ hours, a warehouse picker role is not the right fit. Sysco appreciates candidates who are realistic about their physical capacity. If you fail the PAT, it’s not a mark against you — it means the role wasn’t suited to you.
2. Emphasize warehouse or logistics experience. Even informal warehouse experience (stockroom, retail backroom, construction material handling) demonstrates familiarity with fast-paced, physical work environments. Highlight any roles involving inventory, material handling, or working with large equipment. If you lack warehouse experience, emphasize physically demanding work in any context.
3. Show enthusiasm for the incentive pay structure. Sysco differentiates itself through productivity incentive pay. In interviews, mention that you’re motivated by performance-based rewards and understand that faster, accurate picking leads to higher earnings. This signals you understand Sysco’s culture and are aligned with their goals.
4. Apply to multiple Sysco distribution centers. Sysco operates 200+ distribution centers nationwide. Each OpCo hires independently. If you don’t get an interview at your first choice location, apply to neighboring distribution centers. Different locations have different hiring cycles and demand levels. Multiple applications increase your odds significantly.
5. Complete the drug test and background check immediately. Once Sysco gives you conditional approval to move forward with the background check and drug screen, complete both promptly. Delays are a common reason candidates lose job offers. Schedule the tests within 48 hours of notification.
6. Dress appropriately for the interview. Sysco is a warehouse environment, not a corporate office. Business casual (khakis, button-up shirt, closed-toe shoes) is appropriate. Avoid wrinkled clothes, but don’t over-dress. Sysco hiring managers expect warehouse-appropriate presentation.

Sysco Career Path

Sysco hires from within its warehouse workforce. While Order Selector is the primary entry point, career advancement is available for high performers. The typical progression is:

• Order Selector / Warehouse Associate → Lead Picker / Senior Selector → Warehouse Supervisor → Warehouse Manager → District Manager

Order Selectors who demonstrate consistent accuracy, reliability, and strong productivity metrics typically advance to Lead Picker or supervisory roles within 18–36 months. Forklift Operators and specialized warehouse roles also create advancement opportunities. Sysco values stability and internal promotion, particularly for candidates committed to a warehouse logistics career. The company’s tuition assistance program (for qualifying roles) supports employees pursuing degrees in supply chain management or logistics while working.

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