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Pastry finisher vs pastry chef

The differences between pastry finishers and pastry chefs can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 6-12 months to become a pastry finisher, becoming a pastry chef takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, a pastry chef has an average salary of $44,879, which is higher than the $32,857 average annual salary of a pastry finisher.

Pastry finisher vs pastry chef overview

Pastry FinisherPastry Chef
Yearly salary$32,857$44,879
Hourly rate$15.80$21.58
Growth rate8%15%
Number of jobs3,43518,844
Job satisfaction-3
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 35%Associate Degree, 49%
Average age4242
Years of experience126

Pastry finisher vs pastry chef salary

Pastry finishers and pastry chefs have different pay scales, as shown below.

Pastry FinisherPastry Chef
Average salary$32,857$44,879
Salary rangeBetween $24,000 And $44,000Between $25,000 And $78,000
Highest paying City-Urban Honolulu, HI
Highest paying state-New Jersey
Best paying company-The Culinary Institute of America
Best paying industry-Media

Differences between pastry finisher and pastry chef education

There are a few differences between a pastry finisher and a pastry chef in terms of educational background:

Pastry FinisherPastry Chef
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 35%Associate Degree, 49%
Most common majorCulinary ArtsCulinary Arts
Most common college-Drexel University

Pastry finisher vs pastry chef demographics

Here are the differences between pastry finishers' and pastry chefs' demographics:

Pastry FinisherPastry Chef
Average age4242
Gender ratioMale, 25.0% Female, 75.0%Male, 35.7% Female, 64.3%
Race ratioBlack 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%Black or African American, 10.1% Unknown, 5.5% Hispanic or Latino, 18.3% Asian, 10.7% White, 54.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage6%9%

Differences between pastry finisher and pastry chef duties and responsibilities

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.

Pastry chef example responsibilities.

  • Hire, schedule and manage a staff of 9 direct reports (5 in kitchen and 4 in caf).
  • Control food and payroll costs to achieve maximum profitability.
  • Follow food safety and cleanliness guidelines.
  • Work as per the HACCP standard.
  • Create specialized dessert items for wine and holiday dinners.
  • Operate blenders, mixers, grinders, slicers, and other cooking equipment.
  • Show more

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