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What is a baker and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read
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A baker is a person who specializes in baking bread, cakes, and other baked goods, often in bakeries, restaurants, and grocery stores. Bakers are responsible for measuring and mixing ingredients, preparing, shaping and baking, decorating, and ensuring that baked goods are of high quality. They may also manage inventory and oversee staff. Bakers must have strong attention to detail, be able to follow recipes, and have excellent time-management skills. A passion for baking is also sought after.

ScoreBakerUS Average
Salary
2.3

Avg. Salary $29,640

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability Level
5.5

Growth Rate 8%

Growth Rate 0.3%

Diversity
9.1
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.79%

Asian 8.34%

Black or African American 9.48%

Hispanic or Latino 15.22%

Unknown 5.40%

White 60.77%

Gender

female 54.31%

male 45.69%

Age - 42
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 42
Stress Level
5.5

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity Level
4.7

Complexity Level is intermediate

7 - challenging

Work Life Balance
6.1

Work Life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

What are the pros and cons of being a Baker?

Pros

  • Creative outlet to express artistic talents

  • Opportunities for career advancement and specialization

  • Chance to connect with the community through food

  • Access to free or discounted baked goods

  • Possibility of owning and operating your bakery

Cons

  • Demanding physical job with long hours and early mornings

  • Exposure to heat, dust, and flour can be uncomfortable or unhealthy

  • Requires precise measurements and attention to detail

  • Possibility of dealing with difficult customers or coworkers

  • Can be difficult to balance work and personal life

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Baker career paths

Key steps to become a baker

  1. Explore baker education requirements

    Most common baker degrees

    High School Diploma

    31.2 %

    Bachelor's

    26.2 %

    Associate

    25.9 %
  2. Start to develop specific baker skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Excellent Organizational38.36%
    Cleanliness7.81%
    Food Preparation4.95%
    Quality Standards4.49%
    Food Handling4.23%
  3. Complete relevant baker training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of Less than 1 month on post-employment, on-the-job training. New bakers learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a baker based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real baker resumes.
  4. Gain additional baker certifications

    Baker certifications can show employers you have a baseline of knowledge expected for the position. Certifications can also make you a more competitive candidate. Even if employers don't require a specific baker certification, having one may help you stand out relative to other applicants.

    The most common certifications for bakers include OSHA Safety Certificate and Food Safety Manager Certification.

    More About Certifications
  5. Research baker duties and responsibilities

    • Manage inventory of ingredients and culinary supplies.
    • Prepare foods for cafeteria and patients, operate cash register in cafeteria, sanitize food preparation and service areas.
    • Operate industrial ovens and stoves.
    • Help selling merchandise and run the store.
  6. Prepare your baker resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your baker resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a baker resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose From 10+ Customizable Baker Resume templates

    Build a professional Baker resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your Baker resume.
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  7. Apply for baker jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a baker job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How Did You Land Your First Baker Job

Silvansu JoshiSilvansu Joshi LinkedIn Profile

Baker, Dehwigan Cafe

I started my journey as a baker after my high school.
I am a physiology student in India after my high school I enrolled in a certification program of baking technology in AAU (Anand Agricultural University ) in Anand , Gujarat, India. Furthermore, I work as an assistant baker in my friends bakery. In may I moved to canada to follow my dream of becoming Better in baking so I enrolled in centennial college in baking and pastry arts management. I have learned so many new things, skills, techniques from there chefs. I am more focused on breads than cakes but I have my expertise in both of them. I have learned French cuisine as well as Italian cuisine . Right now I am a home baker selling breads and pizza and many more things. As well as I am intern at v

Average baker salary

The average Baker salary in the United States is $29,640 per year or $14 per hour. Baker salaries range between $21,000 and $41,000 per year.

Average Baker Salary
$29,640 Yearly
$14.25 hourly

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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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