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Baker

Quick Facts

Median Salary$35,731
Most Common EducationHigh school or GED
Projected 10-Year Growth+15.54%
Assessment MatchTake the Assessment

What They Do

A Baker assembles ingredients and bakes breads, pastries, or a variety of other baked goods. May specialize in baking a particular product, such as bread or cakes, or specialize in a particular style of baking. Works in an independent bakery, restaurant, grocery store, or food manufacturing facility.


Core Tasks:

  • 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.
  • Observe color of products being baked, and adjust oven temperatures, humidity, or conveyor speeds accordingly.
  • Measure or weigh flour or other ingredients to prepare batters, doughs, fillings, or icings, using scales or graduated containers.
  • 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.
  • Apply glazes, icings, or other toppings to baked goods, using spatulas or brushes.
  • Decorate baked goods, such as cakes or pastries.
  • Roll, knead, cut, or shape dough to form sweet rolls, pie crusts, tarts, cookies, or other products.
  • Direct or coordinate bakery deliveries.
  • Order or receive supplies or equipment.
  • Prepare or maintain inventory or production records.

What to expect as a Baker

1Earn a High school or GED Diploma

17% of people achieve this level of education.

2Gain skills and experience

See Baker related courses on Tallo

3Land a job

8094 openings for Bakers

Career Progression

in United States (Nation)

The career progression is an interactive way to explore careers related to Baker. Click on each career to see its associated salary, job availability, skills, and more.