Baker/cake decorator vs bakery associate

The differences between baker/cake decorators and bakery associates can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a bakery associate has an average salary of $28,963, which is higher than the $27,149 average annual salary of a baker/cake decorator.

The top three skills for a baker/cake decorator include wedding cakes, cleanliness and cupcakes. The most important skills for a bakery associate are customer service, donuts, and food preparation.

Baker/cake decorator vs bakery associate overview

	Baker/Cake Decorator	Bakery Associate
Yearly salary	$27,149	$28,963
Hourly rate	$13.05	$13.92
Growth rate	8%	2%
Number of jobs	7,957	52,105
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Associate Degree, 36%	High School Diploma, 43%
Average age	42	37
Years of experience	12	-

Baker/cake decorator vs bakery associate salary

Baker/cake decorators and bakery associates have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Baker/Cake Decorator	Bakery Associate
Average salary	$27,149	$28,963
Salary range	Between $19,000 And $36,000	Between $17,000 And $47,000
Highest paying City	Livingston, NJ	San Francisco, CA
Highest paying state	New Hampshire	Washington
Best paying company	Whole Foods Market	Rich Products
Best paying industry	Retail	Retail

Differences between baker/cake decorator and bakery associate education

There are a few differences between a baker/cake decorator and a bakery associate in terms of educational background:

	Baker/Cake Decorator	Bakery Associate
Most common degree	Associate Degree, 36%	High School Diploma, 43%
Most common major	Culinary Arts	Business
Most common college	-	-

Baker/cake decorator vs bakery associate demographics

Here are the differences between baker/cake decorators' and bakery associates' demographics:

	Baker/Cake Decorator	Bakery Associate
Average age	42	37
Gender ratio	Male, 12.9% Female, 87.1%	Male, 22.5% Female, 77.5%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 10.5% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 16.1% Asian, 7.7% White, 59.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%	Black or African American, 11.8% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 15.9% Asian, 6.6% White, 59.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9%
LGBT Percentage	6%	6%

Differences between baker/cake decorator and bakery associate duties and responsibilities

Baker/cake decorator example responsibilities.

Manage inventory of ingredients and culinary supplies.
Place the orders for groceries and supplies.
Utilize food safety procedures (FIFO).
Used FiFo system to restock shelves with new products.
Maintain inventory control, cleanliness and sanitation.
Prepare and bake bagels in a high-volume bakery and maintain proficiency at every station.

Bakery associate example responsibilities.

Manage and complete sales transactions via POS register system.
Handle cash, check, WIC check, credit card and other card transactions.
Prepare delivery orders for other PCC stores.
Brainstorm new recipes and culinary creations to serve in in-store retail.
Work with equipment such as ovens, slicers, and wrapping equipment.
Apply toppings to bread, run divider, assure quality of product.

Baker/cake decorator vs bakery associate skills

Common baker/cake decorator skills

Wedding Cakes, 21%
Cleanliness, 15%
Cupcakes, 15%
Customer Service, 9%
Bakery Products, 8%
Food Preparation, 5%

Common bakery associate skills

Customer Service, 45%
Donuts, 16%
Food Preparation, 10%
Bakery Products, 7%
Safety Regulations, 4%
Groceries, 2%

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Baker/Cake Decorator
Baker/Cake Decorator vs Bakery Associate

Updated January 8, 2025

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