Baker/cake decorator vs pastry finisher

The differences between baker/cake decorators and pastry finishers 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 finisher. Additionally, a pastry finisher has an average salary of $32,857, which is higher than the $27,149 average annual salary of a baker/cake decorator.

Baker/cake decorator vs pastry finisher overview

	Baker/Cake Decorator	Pastry Finisher
Yearly salary	$27,149	$32,857
Hourly rate	$13.05	$15.80
Growth rate	8%	8%
Number of jobs	7,957	3,435
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Associate Degree, 36%	High School Diploma, 35%
Average age	42	42
Years of experience	12	12

Baker/cake decorator vs pastry finisher salary

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

	Baker/Cake Decorator	Pastry Finisher
Average salary	$27,149	$32,857
Salary range	Between $19,000 And $36,000	Between $24,000 And $44,000
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 finisher education

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

	Baker/Cake Decorator	Pastry Finisher
Most common degree	Associate Degree, 36%	High School Diploma, 35%
Most common major	Culinary Arts	Culinary Arts
Most common college	-	-

Baker/cake decorator vs pastry finisher demographics

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

	Baker/Cake Decorator	Pastry Finisher
Average age	42	42
Gender ratio	Male, 12.9% Female, 87.1%	Male, 25.0% Female, 75.0%
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, 7.8% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 22.9% Asian, 8.0% White, 56.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%
LGBT Percentage	6%	6%

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

Hire, schedule and manage a staff of 9 direct reports (5 in kitchen and 4 in caf).
Assist ICM with project management responsibilities and updating and editing documentation for ISO compliance.
Apply glazes, icings, or other toppings to bake goods, using spatulas or brushes.

Baker/cake decorator vs pastry finisher skills

Common baker/cake decorator skills

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

Common pastry finisher skills

Baker/Cake Decorator vs. similar jobs

Baker/Cake Decorator related careers

Baker/Cake Decorator related jobs

What similar roles do

Updated January 8, 2025

Browse production and manufacturing jobs