Sara Lee Salary

As of January 2026, the average annual salary for employees at Sara Lee in the United States is $132,768. This translates to an approximate hourly wage of $64. Salaries at Sara Lee typically range from $116,679 to $150,400 annually, reflecting the diverse roles and experience levels within the company.
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Current Job Openings at Sara Lee

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Is Sara Lee’s Pay Competitive? Salary Benchmarking Analysis

How does Sara Lee's compensation stack up against the industry and its key competitors? Our salary benchmarking analysis provides a clear comparison. The chart below visualizes this comparison alongside select peer companies.
Competitor / Benchmark Avg. Salary Variance Primary Market Influence Factor & Explanation
Nestlé Waters $145,320
+9.5%
Reflects structural premiums typical of Nestlé Waters's large-cap national operations.
Food Service Marketing Inc $116,007
-12.6%
Normalized for lower cost-of-living zones where Food Service Marketing Inc primarily operates.
Matthews Marking Systems $122,304
-7.9%
Matthews Marking Systems operates with a leaner overhead structure, impacting base wage offers.
Land OLakes Inc $133,211
+0.3%
Suggests Land OLakes Inc utilizes a highly similar base-plus-benefits compensation model.
MFG Nondurable Industry $125,010
-5.8%
Pay variances are driven by organizational scale, specialized skill requirements, or geographic cost-of-living factors.
Need More Granular Data? The analysis above provides a high-level market overview. To benchmark specific job codes, adjust for real-time cost-of-living changes, or access verified HR-reported datasets, upgrade to Salary.com for Business. Precision matters when building your compensation strategy.

Employee Reviews: Working at Sara Lee

Considering a career at Sara Lee? Explore authentic employee reviews to learn about the work environment, career growth opportunities, pay transparency and benefits. These first-hand insights can help you set realistic compensation expectations and make informed career decisions.
Working here improves my training experience with device manufacturing improved dramatically after partneringThe cleanroom facility meets Class 8 standards perfectly. The footprint provides stability while maintaining a culture where individuals matter. It allows for impressive capabilities while maintaining focus on individual development. There’s a consistent focus on quality over quantity, whic...
Working for this manufacturing leader has been incredibly rewarding. The collaborative spirit at truly remarkable. Recognition programs celebrate successes, boosting morale. What impresses me most is how the company maintains high standards while fostering a supportive environment where employees feel valued. The benefits package is competitive, featuring health insurance, wellness programs, and r...
Employees who prefer stability may find this environment suitable, but others might seek more dynamic workplaces. There's a strong sense of pride in production quality, and employees are regularly recognized for their hard work. Employees who prefer routine may find this a good fit. Overtime is sometimes required during busy periods. What stands out is how leadership values input from frontline wo...

Sara Lee Overview

Website
www.saraleedesserts.com
Founded In
1939
Employees
7,500 - 15,000 employees
Industry
MFG Nondurable
Headquarter Address
400 S Jefferson St Chicago Illinois IL 60607
Revenue
$5B - $10B
Phone Number
-
Social Media
About Sara Lee
The Hillshire Brands Company (Hillshire Brands), formerly Sara Lee Corporation, is a meat-centric food solutions company. The Company's portfolio of meat includes Hillshire Farm Deli Select, sausage products and Hillshire Farm Hams. In October 2011, Ralcorp Holdings, Inc. acquired North American private brand refrigerated dough business of the Company. In November 2011, it sold its North American

What Benefits Does Sara Lee Offer Beyond Salary?

A competitive compensation package is more than just a salary. Sara Lee offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, financial future, and overall well-being. Below are the most common key benefits:
Social Security
401(K)
Disability
Healthcare
Pension
Time Off (days)
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What Is the Cost of Living Near Chicago?

Understanding the cost of living near Chicago is key to truly evaluating a salary offer or your current compensation at Sara Lee.
Chicago's Cost of Living Index is approximately 106.9 (6.9% more expensive than US average; 14.0% more than IL average). Major US city, housing varies greatly by neighborhood but can be high, extensive CTA transit. When planning your budget based on a salary from Sara Lee, consider these typical monthly expenses:
Expense Category Estimated Monthly Cost Key Considerations / Notes
Housing (1-BR Apt Rent) $1,700 - $2,600+ A significant portion of Sara Lee salary. Location choices impact this heavily.
Utilities (Basic) $140 - $230 Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water etc.
Public Transportation $105 (CTA 30-day pass) Essential for most commuters; car ownership is costly.
Groceries (Single Person) $430 - $640 Can be higher with more dining out or specialty stores.
Personal & Leisure $450 - $800+ Dining out, entertainment, shopping. Highly variable.
Healthcare (Individual) $400 - $750+ Varies significantly by plan & employer contribution.
Subtotal (Excluding Taxes) $3,225 - $5,025+ This subtotal does not include income taxes (federal, state, local), which can significantly impact your take-home pay.

FAQs of Sara Lee

1. What is the typical salary range (low to high) for most roles at Sara Lee?

The typical annual salary range for most roles at Sara Lee is approximately from $116,679 to $150,400. It's important to remember that these are overall averages, actual salaries vary significantly based on specific job titles, years of experience, skills, and location.

2. How much does Sara Lee pay compared to Nestlé Waters?

The average annual salary at Sara Lee is $132,768, or an hourly wage of $64, in comparison to Nestlé Waters which pays $145,320 per year or $70 per hour.

3. Do salaries differ significantly between departments at Sara Lee?

Yes, salaries often differ between departments at Sara Lee due to varying market demand for specific skill sets and the nature of the roles. For example, technical roles in Engineering or IT may command different salary ranges compared to roles in Marketing or Human Resources.

4. How does experience level affect salary at Sara Lee?

Experience level is a significant factor in determining salary at Sara Lee, as it is with most employers. Generally, employees with more years of relevant experience and a proven track record can command higher salaries. For example, a senior-level role will typically have a higher pay band than an entry-level or mid-career position within the same job family.

5. How can I determine if a salary offer from Sara Lee in Chicago is fair given the local cost of living?

To determine if a salary offer from Sara Lee in Chicago is fair, first compare the gross salary to our data for similar roles at Sara Lee and its competitors (see our similar company salaries section) . Then, critically, use our "Cost of Living Insights for Chicago" to understand its purchasing power.

6. What factors influence salary increases at Sara Lee?

Salary increases at Sara Lee are likely influenced by a combination of factors, including: individual employee performance against set goals, overall company performance and profitability, budget availability, changes in the market rate for similar roles (market adjustments), and sometimes cost-of-living increases.