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-generated
Key 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
Skills & Requirements: Knowledge
Tools & Technology
Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation
