Baker/cake decorator vs pastry decorator

The differences between baker/cake decorators and pastry decorators 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 decorator. Additionally, a pastry decorator has an average salary of $31,862, 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 decorator are custom orders, specialty cakes, and .

Baker/cake decorator vs pastry decorator overview

	Baker/Cake Decorator	Pastry Decorator
Yearly salary	$27,149	$31,862
Hourly rate	$13.05	$15.32
Growth rate	8%	8%
Number of jobs	7,957	3,176
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Associate Degree, 36%	Bachelor's Degree, 35%
Average age	42	42
Years of experience	12	12

Baker/cake decorator vs pastry decorator salary

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

	Baker/Cake Decorator	Pastry Decorator
Average salary	$27,149	$31,862
Salary range	Between $19,000 And $36,000	Between $23,000 And $43,000
Highest paying City	Livingston, NJ	-
Highest paying state	New Hampshire	-
Best paying company	Whole Foods Market	-
Best paying industry	Retail	-

Differences between baker/cake decorator and pastry decorator education

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

	Baker/Cake Decorator	Pastry Decorator
Most common degree	Associate Degree, 36%	Bachelor's Degree, 35%
Most common major	Culinary Arts	Culinary Arts
Most common college	-	-

Baker/cake decorator vs pastry decorator demographics

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

	Baker/Cake Decorator	Pastry Decorator
Average age	42	42
Gender ratio	Male, 12.9% Female, 87.1%	Male, 18.7% Female, 81.3%
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, 9.1% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 19.9% Asian, 8.6% White, 57.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%
LGBT Percentage	6%	6%

Differences between baker/cake decorator and pastry decorator 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 decorator example responsibilities.

Maintain high CIA standards in all dessert preparation and presentation
Decorate cupcakes to owner's specifications using different decorating tools and techniques.
Keep slicers clean to health department standards between usages.
Handle the meat slicers, clean and sanitize after use.
Compete in Walmart cake decorating competition.

Baker/cake decorator vs pastry decorator skills

Common baker/cake decorator skills

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

Common pastry decorator skills

Custom Orders, 59%
Specialty Cakes, 41%

Baker/Cake Decorator vs. similar jobs

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Baker/Cake Decorator
Baker/Cake Decorator vs Pastry Decorator

Updated January 8, 2025

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