Bakers
Bakers mix ingredients according to recipes in order to make breads, pastries, and other baked goods.
Is bakers a good career?
It scores 18/100 and ranks #364 of 825 occupations on pay, growth, employment and openings. Here's what the federal data says, with no editorializing.
Advantages
- High volume of openings — about 39,900 a year
- No college degree typically required to enter
Possible tradeoffs
- Pays below the U.S. median wage ($37,160 vs $61,390)
What bakers earn
Wages: BLS OEWS May 2025Pay is a range, not a number. Half of U.S. bakers earn between $32,660 and $44,360 a year.
Best-paying states
Best-paying metros
Strongest employment concentration
Live bakers jobs
No live bakers openings yet
When the jobs.best ATS feed launches, verified bakers openings will appear here — each shown against the $37,160 national median. Nothing here is placeholder.
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- Typical education
- No formal educational credential
- Work experience
- None
- On-the-job training
- Moderate-term on-the-job training
- Outlook
- Employment is projected to grow faster than average through 2034.
Education
High school students interested in becoming a baker may benefit from enrolling in culinary classes, if available, at their school.
Postsecondary options include attending a technical, culinary arts, or baking program that covers topics such as nutrition, food safety, and pastry techniques. Enrollees may be required to have a high school diploma or equivalent to enter these programs, which typically last 1 to 2 years.
Training
Most bakers learn their skills through on-the-job training. The length of training varies but may last up to 1 year. Some employers provide apprenticeship programs for aspiring bakers, which may take months or years to complete.
Training or apprenticeship programs cover topics such as baking and decorating techniques, production processes, and food safety.
Licenses, certifications & registrations
Employers may require candidates to obtain certification in food safety procedures. Check with your state or local health department for certification information.
Optional certification may demonstrate a level of competence and experience that makes candidates more attractive to employers.
Important qualities
Communication skills. Bakers must be able to convey information effectively to other workers or to customers.
Detail oriented. Bakers must follow recipes and instructions precisely. They also should have an eye for detail because many pastries and cakes require intricate decorations.
Math skills. Bakers need basic math skills, especially knowledge of fractions, in order to mix recipes, weigh ingredients, or adjust mixes.
Physical stamina. Bakers stand for extended periods while they prepare dough, monitor baking, or package baked goods.
Physical strength. Bakers should be able to move heavy items, such as bulk-sized bags of flour, from storage to a work area.
Related occupations
How much do bakers make?
The national median wage is $37,160 a year, with the middle half earning between $32,660 and $44,360 (BLS OEWS May 2025).
Is bakers a good career?
On the Jobs.best index it scores 18 of 100 and ranks #364 of 825 occupations, weighing pay, growth, employment and openings. Employment is projected to change +5.6% through 2034.
What education do you need to become a baker?
The typical entry-level education is no formal educational credential.
Where do bakers earn the most?
Among states, Hawaii pays the highest median ($46,710). Local pay for every state and metro is below.