Amazon and UNFI are two of the biggest warehouse employers in the Stockton/Tracy area. If you're choosing between them, here's an honest comparison based on what local workers say.
Quick Comparison
| Factor | Amazon | UNFI |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Pay | $18.50-21/hr | $18-20/hr |
| Benefits Start | Day 1 | 90 days |
| Work Pace | Fast, metrics-tracked | Moderate |
| Temperature | Climate-controlled | Cold (refrigerated) |
| Schedule Flex | Good (multiple shifts) | Limited |
| Turnover | High | Lower |
Amazon: Pros & Cons
Pros
- Benefits from day 1 (health, dental, vision)
- Career Choice program pays for education
- Lots of shift options, easy to swap
- Always hiring, easy to get in
- Climate-controlled facilities
Cons
- Fast pace, constantly tracked on metrics
- Mandatory overtime during peak seasons
- Can feel impersonal, you're a number
- High turnover means constant new coworkers
- Some facilities are brutal in summer (not all have good AC)
UNFI: Pros & Cons
Pros
- More relaxed pace than Amazon
- Better work-life balance
- More stable workforce, get to know coworkers
- Union at some facilities
- Good benefits once you hit 90 days
Cons
- Cold — it's refrigerated food distribution
- Have to wait 90 days for benefits
- Fewer locations, less schedule flexibility
- Heavier lifting (cases of food products)
- Slower advancement than Amazon
Who Should Work Where?
Choose Amazon if:
- You need benefits immediately
- You want lots of shift options
- You don't mind a fast pace
- You want to use Career Choice for school
Choose UNFI if:
- You prefer a steadier, less intense pace
- You don't mind working in cold temps
- You value a more stable work environment
- You can wait 90 days for benefits
The Bottom Line
Amazon is better for quick entry, immediate benefits, and schedule flexibility. UNFI is better for work-life balance and a less intense environment. Both are solid options — it depends on what you prioritize.
Built 209.works after watching Central Valley businesses overpay for hiring tools that don't work for them. Grew up in the Valley and wanted to create something that actually helps.
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