Baker/cake decorator vs pastry baker

The differences between baker/cake decorators and pastry bakers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 6-12 months to become both a baker/cake decorator and a pastry baker. Additionally, a pastry baker has an average salary of $32,209, 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 pastry baker are food safety, culinary, and mixers.

Baker/cake decorator vs pastry baker overview

	Baker/Cake Decorator	Pastry Baker
Yearly salary	$27,149	$32,209
Hourly rate	$13.05	$15.49
Growth rate	8%	8%
Number of jobs	7,957	7,096
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Associate Degree, 36%	Associate Degree, 42%
Average age	42	42
Years of experience	12	12

Baker/cake decorator vs pastry baker salary

Baker/cake decorators and pastry bakers have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Baker/Cake Decorator	Pastry Baker
Average salary	$27,149	$32,209
Salary range	Between $19,000 And $36,000	Between $24,000 And $42,000
Highest paying City	Livingston, NJ	West Sacramento, CA
Highest paying state	New Hampshire	Washington
Best paying company	Whole Foods Market	Hyatt Hotels
Best paying industry	Retail	Retail

Differences between baker/cake decorator and pastry baker education

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

	Baker/Cake Decorator	Pastry Baker
Most common degree	Associate Degree, 36%	Associate Degree, 42%
Most common major	Culinary Arts	Culinary Arts
Most common college	-	-

Baker/cake decorator vs pastry baker demographics

Here are the differences between baker/cake decorators' and pastry bakers' demographics:

	Baker/Cake Decorator	Pastry Baker
Average age	42	42
Gender ratio	Male, 12.9% Female, 87.1%	Male, 40.6% Female, 59.4%
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, 8.6% Unknown, 5.5% Hispanic or Latino, 21.6% Asian, 10.2% White, 53.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6%
LGBT Percentage	6%	6%

Differences between baker/cake decorator and pastry baker 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.

Pastry baker example responsibilities.

Manage inventory of ingredients and culinary supplies.
Use of mixers, and sheeter for fold doughs.
Prepare recipes for a variety of bake items including cookies, pies, cakes, short breads, and muffins.
Prepare glazes and dough, baking cinnamon rolls, baking bacon, creating donuts, piping, preparing pastry frosting and inventory
Work independently to replenish product to pars -mix and portion muffins, scones, cookies, pies, cakes, etc.
Prepare donuts following instructions and safety guidelines.

Baker/cake decorator vs pastry baker skills

Common baker/cake decorator skills

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

Common pastry baker skills

Food Safety, 31%
Culinary, 26%
Mixers, 13%
Kitchen Appliances, 8%
Kitchen Equipment, 6%
Customer Service, 2%