Baker Salary Guide 2025: Median Pay, Growth, and How to Become One
The median baker in the United States earns $37,160 per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ latest 2024 data. That works out to roughly $18 an hour, with the typical range falling between $28,120 (10th percentile) and $49,020 (90th percentile). While not a high-paying trade, baking offers steady demand: the BLS projects 5.6% employment growth from 2024 to 2034, faster than the average for all occupations, with about 39,900 openings each year.
How much Bakers earn
The national mean wage for bakers is $38,480, but half of all bakers make less than $37,160. Entry-level positions start around $28,120, while the top 10% of earners bring home more than $49,020. Pay varies significantly by industry: bakers in grocery stores tend to earn on the lower end, while those in specialty food manufacturing or high-end bakeries may reach the top of the scale.
- Median annual salary: $37,160
- Mean hourly wage: $18.50
- Typical range (10th–90th percentile): $28,120 – $49,020
Pay by state
Where you work makes a big difference. Hawaii is the top-paying state for bakers at a mean $46,710, followed by Washington ($46,140), the District of Columbia ($44,040), California ($43,120), and Colorado ($40,650). At the other end, Mississippi ($28,920), West Virginia ($28,480), and Louisiana ($28,020) are the lowest-paying states. That’s a swing of nearly $19,000 between the highest and lowest states.
- Highest-paying states: Hawaii ($46,710), Washington ($46,140), District of Columbia ($44,040), California ($43,120), Colorado ($40,650)
- Lowest-paying states: Mississippi ($28,920), West Virginia ($28,480), Louisiana ($28,020)
How to become Baker
Most bakers learn on the job, but formal education can help. A high school diploma is the minimum requirement. Many community colleges and culinary schools offer certificate or associate programs in baking and pastry arts that last from a few months to two years. Apprenticeships through the American Bakers Association or local bakeries also provide paid training. Certification is voluntary but can boost your resume: the Retail Bakers of America offers Certified Baker and Certified Master Baker credentials. No state license is required for most bakers, though food handler permits are common.
- Step 1: Earn a high school diploma or GED.
- Step 2: Complete a baking or pastry program (optional, but recommended).
- Step 3: Gain experience through entry-level work or apprenticeship.
- Step 4: Consider voluntary certification (e.g., Retail Bakers of America).
- Step 5: Continue learning to advance to lead baker or manager roles.
Job outlook
Employment of bakers is projected to grow 5.6% from 2024 to 2034, adding about 39,900 openings per year on average as workers transfer to other occupations or retire. Growth is faster than the average across all occupations, driven by continued demand for bread, pastries, and other baked goods from grocery stores, restaurants, and specialty bakeries. Competition for positions at top artisanal bakeries can be strong, but opportunities at larger retail operations remain steady.
- Projected growth 2024–2034: 5.6% (faster than average)
- Estimated job openings per year: 39,900
- Total employment (2024): 236,200
Frequently asked questions
What is the average salary for a baker in 2025?
The median annual salary for bakers is $37,160, or about $18 per hour. The mean (average) is $38,480. The typical range is $28,120 to $49,020.
How do I become a baker?
You typically need a high school diploma. Many bakers learn through on-the-job training, but completing a certificate or associate program in baking or pastry arts can help. Apprenticeships and voluntary certification (e.g., Retail Bakers of America) are also available.
Is baker a growing career?
Yes. The BLS projects 5.6% employment growth from 2024 to 2034, faster than average. About 39,900 job openings are expected each year, mostly from turnover and industry growth.
Which states pay bakers the most?
The highest-paying states are Hawaii ($46,710), Washington ($46,140), District of Columbia ($44,040), California ($43,120), and Colorado ($40,650). The lowest are Louisiana ($28,020), West Virginia ($28,480), and Mississippi ($28,920).
Salary figures are U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates (OEWS / Employment Projections). For informational purposes only; not career or financial advice. See the full Bakers data.