Bakers, Bread and Pastry
Description OES Code: 65021
Mix and bake ingredients according to recipes to produce small quantities of breads, pastries, and other baked goods for consumption on premises or for sale as specialty baked goods.

Wages, California
Entry-Level Hourly Wage $7.20
25th Percentile $8.13
50th Percentile $10.61
75th Percentile $14.16

Wages, San Joaquin County
Entry-Level Hourly Wage $8.83
25th Percentile $10.48
50th Percentile $13.38
75th Percentile $19.73

Wages by California County
• OES Survey
• CCOIS Survey

Hours & Benefits
Most bakers work a five-day, forty-hour week. The normal work week for union shops is thirty-five hours. Bakers who own their own shops may work up to sixty or more hours per week. Bakers, in general, often work unusual hours. Some work nights while others may report for work very early in the morning. Many Retail Bakers work on weekends and take their days off during the week. In addition, bakers usually work long hours just before majorholidays, such as Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years, Easter, and the Fourth of July. Benefits vary according to the establishment but generally include paid vacations and health insurance.

Employment Trends, California
Employment 1998 21,100
Projected Employment 2008 24,000
Percent Change 1998-2008 13.7%
Separations 1998-2008 5,900

Employment Trends, San Joaquin County
Employment 1999 140
Projected Employment 2006 180
Percent Change 1999-2006 28.6%
Separations 1999-2006 30

Employment Trends by California County

Working Conditions
The working sections of the bakery are often hot, and the worker may be exposed to flour dust and oil mist. Bakers must be able to stand all day while performing their job duties. Bakers utilize the full range of physical motion that includes bending, stooping, pushing, and the lifting and carrying of raw materials that can weigh as much as 100 pounds. Some of the hazards involved in this work include possible burns from hot ovens and baking pans and strains received from trying to lift too much weight. In addition, the cleaning solvents and pesticides used to keep the bakery clean are also hazardous.

Advancement
Fully experienced cake decorators can earn more than any other bakers. There are a few jobs for specialized, highly-skilled bakers that pay $35,000 to $40,000 a year.

Getting the Job & Other Information
Applicants wishing to find bakery work should contact employment offices of supermarket chains or apply directly at their neighborhood bakery shops. Job Service offices of the California Employment Development Department as well as local newspaper advertisements should also be utilized. Local bakery supply houses may also provide employment leads.

For a list of current job listing, browse CalJOBS or America's Job Bank.

Education and Training
There are no specific educational requirements necessary for entry into the baking field. Most inexperienced workers begin as helpers who wash pots and pans and carry ingredients to mixing machines.
They begin to learn baking skills while working alongside experienced bakers. Entering into a formal apprenticeship program is one of the best ways of receiving training as a baker. Apprenticeship opportunities, however, are not always available. Information regarding apprenticeship programs is available from a local office of the Division of Apprenticeship Standards, California State Department of Industrial Relations. The entry-level job is usually that of baker's helper. Local unions, trade schools, bakeries, and journey-level bakers may also be sources of information. Trade and vocational schools often offer baking programs lasting from one to two years and help with job placement upon completion of the program.

Skills & Other Requirements
A baker must be in good physical condition and be able to read and perform basic mathematical calculations in order to read recipes and to measure or modify baking formulas. Bakers must be able to stand all day while performing their job duties. Bakers utilize the full range of physical motion that includes bending, stooping, pushing, and the lifting and carrying of raw materials that can weigh as much as 100 pounds. Some of the hazards involved in this work include possible burns from hot ovens and baking pans and strains received from trying to lift too much weight.

References
California Occupational Guide #532

Related Occupations: Cooks and Chefs, Occupations in Industrial Baking

Training: California Training and Education Providers (CTEP)