Find a Job You Really Want In
Bakers play a crucial role in the culinary landscape of America, with a thriving community of professionals across all states. Contrary to common belief, bakers are not solely concentrated in culinary hotspots like California or the Southern states; they are found in every corner of the nation.
Given the importance of the baking profession, we at Zippia conducted an analysis to identify the states where bakers enjoy the best prospects—characterized by abundant job opportunities and competitive compensation at every career level.
Utilizing data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), we determined the states that offer the most favorable conditions for bakers.
After thorough analysis, we have compiled the following list of the top states for bakers in 2026:
This list reflects the best states for pursuing a career in baking, where professionals can find good pay, job availability, and opportunities for growth.
Curious about how we arrived at these rankings? Keep reading to discover our methodology and insights on the best states for bakers.
If you want to explore more about the job market, check out:
- Best Companies To Work For In Seattle, WA
- These Are The 10 Companies That Are Hiring The Most In Seattle
- These Are The 100 Highest Paying Jobs In Seattle
How We Determined the Best States for Bakers
At Zippia, we interact with a diverse range of job seekers who share common aspirations. Our research indicates that two primary factors influence their job preferences:
- Job Availability
- Competitive Compensation
To pinpoint the best states for bakers in America, we analyzed job availability and salary metrics. Our evaluation criteria were derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Employment Statistics for 2023:
- Location Quotient: A measure of how common a job is in a given state.
- Average Annual Salary.
- Average Annual Salary for Entry-Level Positions.
- Average Annual Salary for Experienced Professionals.
To ensure fair comparisons across states, we adjusted salary data relative to each state’s cost of living. This adjustment accounts for regional differences in living expenses. For example, while the average salary for bakers in California might be $30,710, the higher cost of living means that salary does not stretch as far compared to states like Illinois.
We ranked each state based on the criteria from 1 to 50, where 1 represents the best performance. The overall Job Score for each state is the average of these rankings, with the lowest score indicating the best state for bakers in the country.
Now, let’s explore what makes these states stand out for bakers.
1. Washington
Total Jobs: 5,850
Average Annual Salary: $33,300
Average Entry Level Salary: $24,580
Average Experienced Salary: $47,460
Location Quotient: 1.44
2. Utah
Total Jobs: 2,240
Average Annual Salary: $30,170
Average Entry Level Salary: $20,430
Average Experienced Salary: $41,750
Location Quotient: 1.23
3. Nevada
Total Jobs: 2,520
Average Annual Salary: $31,420
Average Entry Level Salary: $20,550
Average Experienced Salary: $47,720
Location Quotient: 1.5
4. Wyoming
Total Jobs: 270
Average Annual Salary: $32,150
Average Entry Level Salary: $20,860
Average Experienced Salary: $48,210
Location Quotient: 0.81
5. Colorado
Total Jobs: 3,620
Average Annual Salary: $31,160
Average Entry Level Salary: $22,080
Average Experienced Salary: $45,880
Location Quotient: 1.11
6. Michigan
Total Jobs: 5,800
Average Annual Salary: $26,430
Average Entry Level Salary: $19,740
Average Experienced Salary: $36,820
Location Quotient: 1.08
7. North Dakota
Total Jobs: 740
Average Annual Salary: $29,720
Average Entry Level Salary: $21,530
Average Experienced Salary: $39,140
Location Quotient: 1.43
8. Wisconsin
Total Jobs: 3,570
Average Annual Salary: $29,670
Average Entry Level Salary: $21,240
Average Experienced Salary: $39,410
Location Quotient: 1.01
9. Ohio
Total Jobs: 6,550
Average Annual Salary: $27,910
Average Entry Level Salary: $19,500
Average Experienced Salary: $39,150
Location Quotient: 0.97
10. Minnesota
Total Jobs: 2,510
Average Annual Salary: $30,930
Average Entry Level Salary: $22,320
Average Experienced Salary: $41,810
Location Quotient: 0.7
In Conclusion – The Top States for Bakers
For aspiring bakers, these states represent the best opportunities for starting a rewarding career, offering competitive pay, plentiful job openings, and prospects for advancement.
For a broader perspective, here are the states that pose the greatest challenges for bakers in America:
For additional insights, consider checking out:
- These Are The 100 Highest Paying Jobs In Washington
- These Are The 100 Largest Companies In Washington
Detailed List of the Best States for Bakers
| Rank | State | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Washington | $33,300 |
| 2 | Utah | $30,170 |
| 3 | Nevada | $31,420 |
| 4 | Wyoming | $32,150 |
| 5 | Colorado | $31,160 |
| 6 | Michigan | $26,430 |
| 7 | North Dakota | $29,720 |
| 8 | Wisconsin | $29,670 |
| 9 | Ohio | $27,910 |
| 10 | Minnesota | $30,930 |
| 11 | Georgia | $27,350 |
| 12 | Arizona | $28,930 |
| 13 | Alabama | $28,100 |
| 14 | Tennessee | $26,610 |
| 15 | Missouri | $25,660 |
| 16 | Iowa | $26,380 |
| 17 | Illinois | $26,620 |
| 18 | Kansas | $26,220 |
| 19 | Texas | $25,950 |
| 20 | Rhode Island | $32,780 |
| 21 | Idaho | $26,640 |
| 22 | Montana | $27,560 |
| 23 | Nebraska | $26,980 |
| 24 | Vermont | $32,820 |
| 25 | Arkansas | $25,250 |
| 26 | Florida | $27,800 |
| 27 | West Virginia | $25,000 |
| 28 | Pennsylvania | $27,110 |
| 29 | Oregon | $30,940 |
| 30 | Indiana | $24,820 |
| 31 | Oklahoma | $24,230 |
| 32 | Maine | $29,180 |
| 33 | Mississippi | $23,350 |
| 34 | North Carolina | $25,570 |
| 35 | New Hampshire | $30,830 |
| 36 | Virginia | $27,030 |
| 37 | New Mexico | $25,570 |
| 38 | Kentucky | $24,010 |
| 39 | New Jersey | $31,090 |
| 40 | Connecticut | $31,240 |
| 41 | South Carolina | $25,640 |
| 42 | Hawaii | $35,110 |
| 43 | Maryland | $29,040 |
| 44 | California | $30,710 |
| 45 | South Dakota | $26,470 |
| 46 | Massachusetts | $33,350 |
| 47 | New York | $30,990 |
| 48 | Delaware | $26,090 |
| 49 | Louisiana | $25,030 |
| 50 | Alaska | $33,970 |
Author
Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.
