How much does a Baker make?

The average salary for a Baker is $34,186 per year in United States. Salaries estimates are based on 6838 salaries submitted anonymously to Glassdoor by a Baker employees in United States.

The highest salary for a Baker in United States is $39,376 per year.

The lowest salary for a Baker in United States is $29,778 per year.

If you are thinking of becoming a Baker or planning the next step in your career, find details about the role, the career path and salary trajectory of a Baker.

Bakers often work very early in the morning. Their pay is similar to that of food preparation workers, food processing workers and cooks. Pay is usually highest in upscale restaurants and hotels, as well as major metropolitan and resort areas. The highest paid bakers typically attended specialized culinary institutes or apprenticeship programs, but there are instances where bakers with no formal training have opened successful bakeries. Bakers earning a salary can raise their income by investing in their own human capital to move to a higher-paying restaurant.

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While bakers' salaries vary widely, about 60% of professionals consider their current salary fulfilling, according to Glassdoor data. With five to seven years of experience, a specialty in the field, and additional pay of up to $1,382.15 annually, bakers' earnings could be considered sufficient.

Your experience level impacts your salary, but if you follow the average career path of a baker, your average earnings will land around $32,804.13, with a range between $26,321.78 and $44,696.48. Once you have built up experience in the field, lead baker roles are a possibility. These positions come with an increase in potential pay range.

Marketable skills are a must if you're seeking a higher salary as a baker, so which ones should you master? The most common include: food preparation, customer orders, communication, and knowledge of kitchen equipment, menu items, and safety rules. These skills should be second nature, and you can learn them through kitchen experience in related positions, such as baking assistants or prep cooks. By focusing on a specialty, you can match with employers seeking your specific skill set. Specialities in baking range from cookies and cakes to healthy, organic, and gluten-free baking, bread, pizza, and pies. Master one specialty and gain as much experience as you can to boost earnings.

If you're looking for more in your job as a baker, the first step to negotiating a higher salary is researching earnings for bakers in your area with similar levels of knowledge and experience. Whether you're new to the role or an experienced baker, consider what the company is looking for most and emphasize how you're a match. If a potential employer is seeking a decorating expert and you've nailed your icing and fondant technique, for instance, bring this up and use photos to show off your work. Likewise, if a company wants a cake specialist and you've spent years creating your own, highlight that as much as possible.

About 59.99% of Baker professionals feel satisfied with their salary, according to anonymous Glassdoor ratings. An additional $1,382 in potential pay per year, among other factors, can qualify the annual pay of a Baker in United States as a good salary.

Baker professionals in United States have a wide total pay range, between $26,322 and $44,696 depending on experience, with an estimated total pay of $34,186 following the average career path of a Baker.