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Bakery clerk vs bakery associate

The differences between bakery clerks and bakery associates 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 $28,651 average annual salary of a bakery clerk.

The top three skills for a bakery clerk include basic math, bakery products and cleanliness. The most important skills for a bakery associate are customer service, donuts, and food preparation.

Bakery clerk vs bakery associate overview

Bakery ClerkBakery Associate
Yearly salary$28,651$28,963
Hourly rate$13.77$13.92
Growth rate2%2%
Number of jobs67,77852,105
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 42%High School Diploma, 43%
Average age3737
Years of experience--

What does a bakery clerk do?

A bakery clerk is an employee who is responsible for running the bakery department of supermarkets, boutique bakeries, or baking facilities. Bakery clerks are usually tasked to manage the bakery's cash register, bagging baked goods and then taking customers' payments. They ensure that the display cases inside the bakery are fully stocked with fresh bread and other baked goods. They also assist bakers with baking tasks such as measuring ingredients, mixing dough, or pouring batter.

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.

Bakery clerk vs bakery associate salary

Bakery clerks and bakery associates have different pay scales, as shown below.

Bakery ClerkBakery Associate
Average salary$28,651$28,963
Salary rangeBetween $23,000 And $34,000Between $17,000 And $47,000
Highest paying CityVancouver, WASan Francisco, CA
Highest paying stateWashingtonWashington
Best paying companyBristol FarmsRich Products
Best paying industryRetailRetail

Differences between bakery clerk and bakery associate education

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

Bakery ClerkBakery Associate
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 42%High School Diploma, 43%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Bakery clerk vs bakery associate demographics

Here are the differences between bakery clerks' and bakery associates' demographics:

Bakery ClerkBakery Associate
Average age3737
Gender ratioMale, 21.7% Female, 78.3%Male, 22.5% Female, 77.5%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 11.0% Unknown, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino, 19.6% Asian, 6.6% White, 57.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.0%Black 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%
LGBT Percentage6%6%

Differences between bakery clerk and bakery associate duties and responsibilities

Bakery clerk example responsibilities.

  • Manage and complete sales transactions via POS register system.
  • Use of equipment such as: bread slicers, ovens, commercial mixers, meat slicers, and over wrappers.
  • Start in wine and spirits.
  • Practice proper use of lock out/tag out procedures for balers and trash compactors.
  • Exemplify a model of excellent customer service in keeping with Publix's orientation towards ensuring customer satisfaction.
  • Train to operate machinery such as meat and cheese slicer, bread slicer, fryers, and rotisserie oven.
  • Show more

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

Bakery clerk vs bakery associate skills

Common bakery clerk skills
  • Basic Math, 10%
  • Bakery Products, 9%
  • Cleanliness, 9%
  • Math, 8%
  • Food Safety, 6%
  • Help Support, 6%
Common bakery associate skills
  • Customer Service, 45%
  • Donuts, 16%
  • Food Preparation, 10%
  • Bakery Products, 7%
  • Safety Regulations, 4%
  • Groceries, 2%

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