How much does a baker make?

In the U.S., experience, specialty skills, and food-safety certificates can affect a baker’s pay. Pay also varies by location and workplace, such as a grocery bakery, factory, or food-service business; full-time versus part-time hours can change total earnings.

Mix and bake ingredients to produce breads, rolls, cookies, cakes, pies, pastries, or other baked goods. Pastry chefs in restaurants and hotels are included with “Chefs and Head Cooks” (35-1011).

What's a typical day like?

A baker measures ingredients, mixes dough, and loads trays into hot ovens, checking each batch for quality. They inspect the baked goods, clean equipment, and pack or display orders; many shifts start early.

In the U.S., bakers usually need no formal schooling, though employers may prefer a high school diploma; culinary classes can help. Most learn on the job, sometimes as apprentices, and employers may require food-safety certification.

High school plus some training (preparation level 2 of 5)

Good for people who like building and doing and keeping things organized.

Some U.S. baking facilities run around the clock, so bakers may work while most people are asleep.