Creating baked sweets and desserts are a pastry chef’s specialty, and individuals who pursue this career path not only dream of baking these delicacies – but are skilled in areas of administration, management, food preparation, kitchen safety and sanitation, menu creation, creative and detail oriented. If this sounds like the ideal job for you, there are many aspects to consider, from training to job opportunities. But for some, the deciding factor will be the average pastry chef pay.
The Relationship Between Education and Income
Today’s restaurant establishments and patisserie’s require a formal education or certification before an individual is considered eligible for hire. Without standardized training, the odds of obtaining even an entry level pastry chef job are minimal. There are several levels of coursework that can be taken, but obtaining an Associates or Bachelor’s in Baking and Pastry Arts is more desirable than earning a certificate. According to the US Census Bureau earning a four year Bachelor’s degree can potentially double an individual’s salary. When compared to the earnings of an individual with a high school diploma, this can be a substantial difference over a lifetime.
But keep in mind where you earn your degree and your position in the graduating class also makes a difference. If you attend a top culinary arts school (i.e. Culinary Institute of America) and graduate at the top (or close to the top) of your class, the odds of obtaining a higher paying position at a high-end restaurant increases – even when it comes to entry level positions. Attending a specialized program at vocational or community college can also open doors, but expect to work a bit harder to gain entrance into higher salaried career paths.
How Location Makes a Difference
The average pastry chef salary ranges between $18,000 to $80,000 per year according to Payscale.com. But what factors cause this enormous gap in pay scale? While years of experience, education and title impact the equation, location makes the greatest difference. Some examples that demonstrate this effect include:
- New York City – $19,000 to $62,000
- Chicago, Illinois – $25,000 to $46,000
- Philadelphia, Pennsylvania – $40,000 to $54,000
- San Francisco, California – $21,500 to $78,000
As you can see, pastry chef pay can vary between locations. Some of the most common factors that influence an individuals earnings (based on location) are the popularity and/or reputation of the restaurant or patisserie, competition and cost of living in a specific area. But before you pursue a pastry chef career based on wages alone, you may face a higher level of competition, individuals with more experience and increased personal expenses.
Is Earning Extra Income Possible?
Not all career fields offer bonuses and overtime, but this can be one of the greatest pastry chef benefits. Because this career is demanding, has a high turnover rate and has non-traditional hours, there is almost always the opportunity to work extra hours for overtime pay. Also, according to Payscale.com, most earn bonuses that fall in the following ranges:
- Less than 1 year to 4 years experience – $350 to $375 per year on average
- Between 10 and 19 years experience – $995 per year on average
- Over 20 years – $1100 per year average
(Keep in mind these numbers are based on national averages and can increase and decrease depending on the establishment and year.)
When starting out, pastry chef pay is considered low to average when compared to other career paths. But for those who love creating artistic and edible desserts that are sure to please the palate, the passion for this job can outweigh the odd hours, overtime and hard work. However, you will see the rewards as you gain experience and further your education by taking additional pastry chef courses to learn new skills and baking methods. In a few years, you may find yourself in the job of your dreams with above average wages and yearly bonuses to match your level of dedication.
