Bakers

About This Job
Bakers make bread, rolls, muffins, pies, pastries, cakes and cookies in retail and wholesale bakeries and dining establishments.

People in this occupation
Those who supervise other workers are included in this occupational group.
 * work in a variety of food establishments, but most jobs are in bakeries, supermarkets, catering companies, hotels, restaurants, hospitals
 * may be self-employed
 * should be creative, precise and enjoy working with their hands
 * must make sure that public health standards are met

Annual Median Salary
$27,113

Hourly Rate

 * High: $25.00/hr
 * Median: $13.00/hr
 * Low: $11.35/hr

Duties

 * make dough for pies, bread and rolls and sweet goods
 * prepare batters for muffins, cookies, cakes, icings and frostings according to recipes or special customer orders
 * run baking machinery such as high-volume mixing machines, ovens and other equipment to produce large quantities of baked goods
 * bake mixed dough and batters
 * frost and decorate cakes or other baked goods
 * make sure product quality meets established standards
 * create production schedule to decide the type and quantity of goods to purchase
 * purchase baking supplies
 * may supervise sales of baked goods
 * may hire, train and supervise baking and kitchen staff

Work Environment
Employees work shifts and may work early mornings, evenings, weekends and holidays. While many bakers work as part of a team, they also may work alone when baking particular items.

Bakers often work with large mixers, ovens and other small-scale industrial equipment. They typically work in hot, steam-filled work areas and must be able to work safely to avoid accidents and injuries.

Bakers typically work under strict order deadlines and critical time-sensitive baking requirements, which can cause stress. Bakers must make sure quality is maintained and safety and sanitation guidelines are followed.

Education, training & qualifications
Completion of secondary school is usually required. Other requirements may include
 * strong math skills
 * completion of a three- to four-year apprenticeship program (or a completion of a college or other program for bakers)
 * on-the-job training, which may be provided
 * voluntary trade certification

Skills

 * Manual Dexterity
 * Detail-Oriented
 * Motor Coordination
 * General Learning Ability
 * Verbal & Written Comprehension
 * Clerical Ability