Bakers
Mix and bake ingredients to produce breads, rolls, cookies, cakes, pies, pastries, or other baked goods.
SOC: 51-3011.00
Common Job Titles
- Baker
- Dough Mixer
- Mixer
- Pastry Chef
What You'll Need to Succeed
AI-generatedKey competencies for this occupation at a glance
- Hands-onDemonstrate mastery of cake decorating and pastry finishing techniques using airbrushes, piping bags, fondant tools, and spatulas to create customer-specified designs.Proficient
- KnowledgeCompare product quality against established standards through sensory evaluation and visual inspection to maintain consistency.Proficient
- KnowledgeExplain food production processes and safety procedures to new staff during training sessions, ensuring adherence to health regulations.Proficient
- Hands-onOperate commercial dough mixers, sheeters, and proofers in production bakery settings, following standardized recipes and production schedules.Developing
- KnowledgeApply ingredient measurement and scaling techniques using digital scales and measuring tools to ensure recipe accuracy and product consistency.Developing
- Hands-onExecute baking processes for breads, pastries, and cakes using deck ovens, convection ovens, and hearth ovens while monitoring temperature and timing.Developing
- KnowledgeAnalyze dough consistency, proofing conditions, and baking results to identify and correct quality issues in finished baked goods.Developing
- KnowledgeDemonstrate production scheduling and workflow prioritization balancing multiple product lines under time constraints while coordinating with team members.Developing
- MindsetRespond to customer requests and dietary requirements when customizing recipes or preparing specialty baked goods with allergen considerations.Developing
- Hands-onManipulate dough through hand-shaping, kneading, and forming techniques for artisan breads and specialty pastries requiring manual craftsmanship.Developing
Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Annual wage data for Bakers (2024)
Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)
231,890
Wage Distribution by Percentile
Line chart of annual wages by percentile. U.S. is the solid line. 10th percentile: U.S. $27,560. 25th percentile: U.S. $31,470. 50th percentile: U.S. $36,650. 75th percentile: U.S. $42,570. 90th percentile: U.S. $48,260. Use the left and right arrow keys to move between percentiles.
- U.S.
| Metric | U.S. |
|---|---|
| 10% of workers earn the following or less | $27,560 |
| 10% of workers earn the following or more | $48,260 |
| Workers on average earn | $37,670 |
+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)
Skills & Requirements
Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance
- Production and Processing3.8/5
- Customer and Personal Service3.8/5
- Food Production3.4/5
- English Language3.3/5
- Mathematics3.1/5
Tools & Technology
Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation
In-Demand Technology
Frequently requested by employers in job postings
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Word
Technology Skills
- ADP Enterprise eTIME
- Afcom Datasafe Computer Services FlexiBake
- At Your Service Software CostGuard
- Axxya Systems Nutritionist Pro
- Barrington Software CookenPro
- Culinary Software Services ChefTec
- EGS CALCMENU
- Email software
Tools & Equipment
- Automatic dough presses
- Bagel dividers
- Bagel kettles
- Baguette molders
- Bain maries
- Bakers' couches
- Bakery cookie cutters
- Bakery muffin pans