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Bakery associate vs kitchen assistant

The differences between bakery associates and kitchen assistants 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 $27,455 average annual salary of a kitchen assistant.

The top three skills for a bakery associate include customer service, donuts and food preparation. The most important skills for a kitchen assistant are wine, kitchen equipment, and POS.

Bakery associate vs kitchen assistant overview

Bakery AssociateKitchen Assistant
Yearly salary$28,963$27,455
Hourly rate$13.92$13.20
Growth rate2%2%
Number of jobs52,10578,120
Job satisfaction-5
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 43%High School Diploma, 34%
Average age3737
Years of experience--

What does a bakery associate do?

A bakery associate is responsible for assisting bakery chefs in producing baked goods and pastries, organizing the stock, maintaining the cleanliness of the storage area, and processing customers' orders and payments. Bakery associates monitor the inventory and request bakery ingredients and supplies from trusted suppliers and third-party vendors. They also pitch on recommending promotional campaigns and research on current bakery trends to update the menu, meeting public demands to increase sales and revenues. A bakery associate should have excellent communication and analytical skills to respond to customers' inquiries and operate the cash register.

What does a kitchen assistant do?

A kitchen assistant is responsible for assisting chefs, cooks, or managers. Most of the duties are given by supervising officers, and it will revolve around preparing ingredients, cutting or washing meat and vegetables, and performing basic cooking tasks such as boiling and frying. A kitchen assistant is also responsible for maintaining the cleanliness of the kitchen, washing used materials, sanitizing utensils, organizing food inventory. Other tasks include unloading deliveries of food supplies and sorting the ingredients accordingly.

Bakery associate vs kitchen assistant salary

Bakery associates and kitchen assistants have different pay scales, as shown below.

Bakery AssociateKitchen Assistant
Average salary$28,963$27,455
Salary rangeBetween $17,000 And $47,000Between $21,000 And $35,000
Highest paying CitySan Francisco, CAMinneapolis, MN
Highest paying stateWashingtonAlaska
Best paying companyRich ProductsUniversity of Massachusetts Boston
Best paying industryRetailConstruction

Differences between bakery associate and kitchen assistant education

There are a few differences between a bakery associate and a kitchen assistant in terms of educational background:

Bakery AssociateKitchen Assistant
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 43%High School Diploma, 34%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Bakery associate vs kitchen assistant demographics

Here are the differences between bakery associates' and kitchen assistants' demographics:

Bakery AssociateKitchen Assistant
Average age3737
Gender ratioMale, 22.5% Female, 77.5%Male, 51.2% Female, 48.8%
Race ratioBlack 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%Black or African American, 10.4% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 18.5% Asian, 8.0% White, 57.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.0%
LGBT Percentage6%6%

Differences between bakery associate and kitchen assistant duties and responsibilities

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.
  • Show more

Kitchen assistant example responsibilities.

  • Assist the catering manager to manage, prepare, cook and deliver each day s caterings.
  • Prepare and store vegetables; maintain cleanliness and organization of kitchen; observe food safety and health regulations
  • Mix water with detergents and acids to prepare cleaning solutions according to specifications, general cleanliness according to safety and company guidelines
  • Operate dishwasher and train volunteers.
  • Maintain the dishwasher and efficiently clean kitchenware.
  • Skil in grilling, roasting, steaming, platting individual and buffet style.
  • Show more

Bakery associate vs kitchen assistant skills

Common bakery associate skills
  • Customer Service, 45%
  • Donuts, 16%
  • Food Preparation, 10%
  • Bakery Products, 7%
  • Safety Regulations, 4%
  • Groceries, 2%
Common kitchen assistant skills
  • Wine, 17%
  • Kitchen Equipment, 15%
  • POS, 15%
  • Culinary, 11%
  • Kitchen Operations, 8%
  • Cooking Equipment, 8%

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