Baker | Encyclopedia.com
education and training: secondary
salary: median: $21,330 per year
job outlook: good
definition and nature of work
Bakers produce varying amounts of bread, cakes, and other baked goods for sale in establishments such as bakeries, supermarkets, and manufacturers’ outlets.
In small bakeries or specialty stores, bakers bake small quantities of bread, cakes, cookies, and tarts for consumers. they can also take orders and create special items, such as wedding and birthday cakes, for customers. They may feature foods that appeal to particular regions or that emphasize a baker’s specialty. creativity is required, because bakers create new variations of products and decorate special products such as wedding cakes according to the customer’s request.
In large-scale manufacturing operations, bakers produce products in large quantities using industrial equipment, such as mixers and ovens. the items are then sold through distributors, supermarkets, or manufacturers’ outlets.
education and training requirements
bakers don’t need advanced education. they often start out as apprentices or apprentices, learning through on-the-job training or taking culinary arts courses in high school or community college before landing a job in a specialty or industrial bakery.
Bakers must also learn about nutrition, government health and sanitation regulations, operation and maintenance of machinery, and production processes. if you aspire to own your own bakery, a knowledge of business and accounting is necessary.
get the job
Prospective bakers should apply directly to specialty bakeries to become an apprentice, or apply to supermarkets to become a baker apprentice. High school training in culinary arts is a plus, as is knowledge of baking processes, equipment, and ingredients.
possibilities for promotion and employment prospects
Bakers can move on to supervise assistants and teach apprentices and apprentices. they can eventually become bakery managers and even open their own bakery.
The job outlook for bakers is good, with opportunities expected to grow as fast as average through 2014. Although high-volume and advanced equipment has dampened demand for bakers in the manufacturing sector, demand is strong from bakers in big box stores, specialty stores, bagel shops, and traditional bakeries.
working conditions
Employed primarily in bakeries, pastry shops, supermarket bakery sections, hotels, restaurants, and cafeterias, bakers often work in hot and noisy conditions. they may also work under strict deadlines and may have to take shifts early in the morning and on holidays. it is baked a lot late at night or very early in the morning so that the product is fresh for the start of the workday.
Bakers can work alone or be part of a team. they may also have to serve customers or take special or custom orders from a customer.
earnings and benefits
The median annual salary for a baker is $21,330, according to the US. uu. labor statistics bureau. experienced bakers can earn $34,410 per year or more. bakers working in supermarkets earn a median annual salary of $21,340, while those working in restaurants earn $19,980 per year.
where to go for more information
american bakers association 1350 i st., ste. 1290washington, dc 20005-3300(202) 789-0300http://www.americanbakers.org
american institute of bakery1213 wayp bakers.o. box 3999manhattan, ks 66505-3999785) 537-4750http://www.aibonline.org
retail bakery of america 8201 greensboro dr., ste. 300mclean, va 22102(703) 610-9035http://www.rbanet.com
Bakers employed by large grocery chains or general stores receive benefits such as paid vacation days and health and dental insurance. those who own their own bakeries or work in small bakeries must provide their own benefits.
