Occupations51-3011.00

Bakers

Mix and bake ingredients to produce breads, rolls, cookies, cakes, pies, pastries, or other baked goods.

Median annual pay
$36,650

BLS, 2024

Employment
249,100

U.S., 2024

Ten-year outlook
+5.6%

2024–34

Annual openings
39,900

Projected average

The work

Core tasks

  1. 01Check products for quality, and identify damaged or expired goods.
  2. 02Set oven temperatures, and place items into hot ovens for baking.
  3. 03Combine measured ingredients in bowls of mixing, blending, or cooking machinery.
  4. 04Place dough in pans, molds, or on sheets, and bake in production ovens or on grills.
  5. 05Set time and speed controls for mixing machines, blending machines, or steam kettles so that ingredients will be mixed or cooked according to instructions.
  6. 06Measure or weigh flour or other ingredients to prepare batters, doughs, fillings, or icings, using scales or graduated containers.
  7. 07Observe color of products being baked, and adjust oven temperatures, humidity, or conveyor speeds accordingly.
  8. 08Check the quality of raw materials to ensure that standards and specifications are met.
  9. 09Check equipment to ensure that it meets health and safety regulations, and perform maintenance or cleaning, as necessary.
  10. 10Adapt the quantity of ingredients to match the amount of items to be baked.
  11. 11Apply glazes, icings, or other toppings to baked goods, using spatulas or brushes.
  12. 12Decorate baked goods, such as cakes or pastries.

Capabilities

Essential skills

MonitoringActive ListeningSpeakingCritical ThinkingActive LearningReading ComprehensionWritingMathematicsLearning StrategiesScience

Employment outlook

Where the role is heading

U.S. employment is projected to move from 249,100 in 2024 to 263,200 in 2034, a +5.6% change.

BLS projects an average of 39,900 openings each year over the period, including openings created by workers leaving the occupation.