Bakers
Bakers mix, shape, and bake ingredients to produce breads, rolls, cookies, cakes, pies, pastries, and other baked goods. They work in commercial bakeries, grocery stores, restaurants, hotels, and other food service settings. The role involves following recipes, operating ovens and mixing equipment, and ensuring products meet quality standards.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against bakers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A typical day involves measuring and mixing dry and wet ingredients, shaping dough or batter, and monitoring baking times and temperatures. Bakers often start early morning shifts to have fresh products ready for opening. Tasks include decorating finished items, cleaning equipment, and maintaining inventory of supplies. Work follows established recipes and production schedules, with attention to consistency and food safety practices.
Who this work suits
Holland code RCA. Realistic work is hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You likely do well in this work if you prefer structured, hands-on tasks with clear procedures and measurable results. You tend to be practical and detail-oriented, comfortable following established methods while maintaining quality standards consistently.
What it takes
Preparation: Some preparation (usually high school; some on-the-job training).
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Who is hiring
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hawaii | $37,840 | $46,710 | $58,180 | 1,580 |
| Washington | $38,890 | $46,140 | $51,420 | 6,270 |
| District of Columbia | $38,990 | $44,040 | $47,600 | 1,270 |
| California | $38,040 | $43,120 | $47,500 | 30,020 |
| Colorado | $37,100 | $40,650 | $48,280 | 4,680 |
| Minnesota | $36,840 | $40,210 | $47,220 | 2,660 |
| Wyoming | $36,190 | $40,000 | $47,160 | 240 |
| Vermont | $36,370 | $39,980 | $48,460 | 580 |
| Alaska | $37,520 | $39,710 | $48,570 | 430 |
| Nevada | $34,110 | $39,540 | $47,970 | 2,040 |
| New Hampshire | $36,510 | $39,500 | $45,810 | 880 |
| Oregon | $35,610 | $39,500 | $45,480 | 4,160 |
All 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico
Certifications people in this field hold
- Certified Baker (CB) — Retail Bakers of America
- Certified Journey Baker (CJB) — Retail Bakers of America
- Certified Master Baker — Retail Bakers of America
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against bakers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 51-3011.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.