Benefits of Working as a Baker?

Benefits of Working as a Baker?

Nov 11, 2014 | 12:00 pm

You may think that money is the only real advantage to pursuing a career in baking. That depends on whom you ask. For instance, some bakers take in over $23,000 per year. In fact, that’s the average salary according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. However, the type of baking you do may well be a more important indicator for income potential.

Adventure guide and overnight bakers make a measly $21,000. In contrast, some may make well over $35,000, no doubt benefitting from a large client base and plenty of perks. Much of what you earn is decided on the industry you bake for (i.e. grocery stores on the low end, but upscale restaurants on the higher end), as well as your education, work experience and skill set.

To work as a baker means you are willing to travel and go where you are needed—that’s usually big cities that love their food. New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and other top 10 U.S. cities pay higher salaries for quality work. Small time grocery stores in quiet or rural cities don’t pay as much.

The Benefits That Come When You Work as a Baker

According to Chron.com, some of the best benefits of the profession come in areas beyond salary. For example, the ability to set your own schedule may be important to you. You can also select what you bake and have full control over a menu. You may enjoy working on cakes, or you may prefer desserts or bread products. The ability to select a few different employers is always handy in diversifying your income. You can work for grocery stores, coffee shops, bakeries, and restaurants, all the while keeping control over your workday and timing.

Naturally, the smell of the bakery and the leftovers is a great benefit to someone who loves food and loves the profession. Some even say that the smell of a bakery rubs off on bakers and that is of comfort to other people.

Other Benefits to Expect

Other bakers speak highly of the personal self-esteem they receive from very happy diners, who have only pleasant things to say. This is a community-oriented job, and one that’s built on mutual respect—perhaps even more so than a traditional chef, since your role is making the delicious extras that steal the show.

Lastly, there is plenty of opportunity to expand beyond a mere job description and start finding yourself as an entrepreneurial baking talent. Many chefs and bakers have written books, hosted TV shows, and opened restaurants bearing their name. This is possible for anyone, including you. However, you must work hard to demonstrate your creativity along with your business and marketing sense.

When you work as a baker, you have plenty of opportunity to excel and find your own special place, working independently or as part of a larger company. Find out what type of education is required and what curriculum you need to learn in order to be able to bake and create dishes that will amaze your audience.