Commercial bakers: Salary, career path, job outlook, education and more
Commercial bakers, also called production bakers, work in manufacturing facilities that produce breads, pastries, and other baked products. In these facilities, bakers use high-volume mixing machines, ovens, and other equipment, which may be automated, to mass-produce standardized baked goods. They carefully follow instructions for production schedules and recipes.
- Education Required
- Although there are no formal education requirements to become a baker, some candidates attend a technical or culinary school. Programs generally last from 1 to 2 years and cover nutrition, food safety, and basic math. To enter these programs, candidates may be required to have a high school diploma or equivalent.
- Training Required
- Most bakers learn their skills through long-term on-the-job training, typically lasting 1 to 3 years. Some employers may provide apprenticeship programs for aspiring bakers. Bakers in specialty bakery shops and grocery stores often start as apprentices or trainees and learn the basics of baking, icing, and decorating. They usually study topics such as nutrition, sanitation procedures, and basic baking. Some participate in correspondence study and may work toward a certificate in baking.
- Job Outlook
-
The projected percent change in employment from 2016 to 2026: 6% (As fast as average)
(The average growth rate for all occupations is 7 percent.) - Licenses/Certifications
- Certification is voluntary and shows that a baker has the skills and knowledge to work at a retail baking establishment.
- Median pay: How much do Bakers make?
- $25,090 Annual Salary
- $12.06 per hour
Careers for Bakers
- Bagel makers
- Bread bakers
- Dough makers
- Pastry bakers
- Pastry finishers
- Pie bakers
- Pie makers
- Production bakers
- Retail bakers