Degree Programs For Pastry Chefs : Online And Campus Schools

Career Information

Baking and Pastry: Career, Salary and Education Information

Bakers follow recipes and prepare breads, pastries, and other baked specialties. They should be detail oriented and good at following directions. Pastry chef careers primarily involve creating and preparing baked goods and pastries. These artisans develop new recipes, direct bakers, and provide leadership. They also ensure food safety guidelines are followed and make certain food and baked goods are handled properly. Pastry chefs should be innovative and inspired. Sharp smell and taste senses are also important.

Baking and Pastry Chefs: A Day in the Life

Working environments can vary among organizations, but for the most part, bakers and pastry chefs spend their time in a kitchen. Most bakers work in commercial kitchens and bakeries that sell their products wholesale to other retail outlets. In these kinds of operations, bakers mix and bake large amounts of uniform products. Many bakers also work in smaller outlets, like restaurants, supermarkets, and delis, making fewer breads and pastries to serve and sell. Pastry chefs work almost exclusively in restaurants or private settings. These environments can be hot, noisy, and hectic.

In many cases, bakers and pastry chefs work under very rigid deadlines and production schedules. Bakers tend to work odd hours, including early mornings, late nights, and weekends. Restaurant kitchens are crowded and tend to be filled with hazards not found in the typical home kitchen, including slippery floors, sharp knives, and hot ovens.

Chefs face pressure making sure food is prepared and served quickly and to high standards, and they are equally responsible for making sure cleanliness and sanitation guidelines are met. Pastry chefs also can work odd hours, including late evenings, holidays, and weekends. Some executive chefs regularly work long, 12-hour days, making sure deliveries are received, planning menus, and preparing some of the more advanced or difficult foods.

Baking and Pastry Chef Training and Education

Baking and pastry degrees are not required to enter the field. In many cases, bakers embark on their careers as apprentices at a craft bakery or as trainees in a supermarket or corporate bakery. The knowledge necessary to become a successful baker is often underestimated. Learning how to combine ingredients and how ingredients are affected by the oven's heat are essential, as is knowledge of various kitchen equipment. All food service workers must thoroughly understand sanitation and cleanliness, including government-mandated procedures and standards. Additionally, bakers should be practiced and skillful in icing and decorating.

The route to becoming a pastry chef is a bit more varied. Some chefs start as line cooks and work their way up the chain of command in the kitchen, while others attend culinary or vocational school. Many community colleges, vocational schools, culinary arts schools, and some two- and four-year schools offer training in hospitality or culinary arts. It may require many years of experience to become a head pastry chef in a prestigious restaurant. The American Culinary Federation certifies pastry chefs, and though certification is not required, it can help with job placement and advancement.

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Baking and Pastry Chef Salary and Jobs Outlook

According to information from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the job outlook for bakers between 2008 and 2018 is positive. The need to replace retiring and leaving workers could create job openings, and Highly skilled bakers should be in demand due to their knowledge of specialty products and increasing consumer requests for these goods. The outlook for pastry chef jobs also is good. Yet, competition for high-paying positions in upscale restaurants is expected to be significant. Workers who are attentive to costs should fare well, as rising food prices have affected the restaurant industry.

The median annual wage of bakers was $23,630 in May 2009, however, income can vary by skill, region, and education level, per BLS data. The median annual pastry chef salary was $40,090.