Bakers
SOC Code: 51-3011Also known as:
Bagel Maker, Baker, Bakery Associate, Bakery Clerk, Bakery Team Member
Median Annual Salary
$36,650
+5.6% growth (2024-2034)
40K
Openings/Year
249K
Current Jobs
What Bakers Do
Mix and bake ingredients to produce breads, rolls, cookies, cakes, pies, pastries, or other baked goods.
💰 Salary
$36,650
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
+5.6%
Faster than average
🎓 Education
No formal educational credential
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
40K
Projected average per year
📚 On-the-Job Training
Moderate-term on-the-job training
Expected training period
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
249,100
Projected Employment (2034)
263,200
Related Careers
Chefs and head cooks
$60,990 •
+7.1% growth
Cooks, restaurant
$36,830 •
+14.9% growth
Food and tobacco roasting, baking, and drying machine operators and tenders
$42,730 •
+0.6% growth
Food batchmakers
$40,790 •
+6.9% growth
Food cooking machine operators and tenders
$40,550 •
+0.6% growth
Top Skills Required
Monitoring
Active Listening
Speaking
Critical Thinking
Active Learning
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- Check products for quality, and identify damaged or expired goods.
- Set oven temperatures, and place items into hot ovens for baking.
- Combine measured ingredients in bowls of mixing, blending, or cooking machinery.
- Place dough in pans, molds, or on sheets, and bake in production ovens or on grills.
- Set time and speed controls for mixing machines, blending machines, or steam kettles so that ingredients will be mixed or cooked according to instructions.
- Measure or weigh flour or other ingredients to prepare batters, doughs, fillings, or icings, using scales or graduated containers.
- Observe color of products being baked, and adjust oven temperatures, humidity, or conveyor speeds accordingly.
- Check the quality of raw materials to ensure that standards and specifications are met.
- Check equipment to ensure that it meets health and safety regulations, and perform maintenance or cleaning, as necessary.
- Adapt the quantity of ingredients to match the amount of items to be baked.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
No formal educational credential
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
High School Diploma
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Bakers
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a bakers:
Baking and Pastry Arts/Baker/Pastry Chef
5,539 degrees awarded •
185 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Bakers
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become bakers.
Want this ranking as a spreadsheet? Investor Pro+ members can export any Repit table to CSV. See plans →
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do bakers make?
The median annual salary for bakers is $36,650.
What education do bakers need?
Most bakers positions require a no formal educational credential.
Common degree programs include Baking and Pastry Arts/Baker/Pastry Chef.
Is becoming bakers a good career choice?
Bakers is projected to see +5.6% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which is faster than average for all occupations. With approximately 39,900 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for bakers?
Top colleges for aspiring bakers include
Manatee Technical College, Valencia College, Houston Community College, Seattle Central College, Dallas College.
These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to bakers?
Bakers may also be known as: Bagel Maker, Baker, Bakery Associate, Bakery Clerk, Bakery Team Member, Bread Baker, Cake Decorator, Dough Maker, Dough Mixer, French Pastry Cook, Hotel and Restaurant Baker, Hotel and Restaurant Cook, Industrial Cook, Manufacturing Baker, Mixer, Night Baker, Oven Dumper, Pan Dumper, Pan Puller, Panner.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.