How To Become A Baker

Step 1: Practice Baking and Complete a Home Economics Class

Aspiring Bakers should start practicing their baking skills in high school or earlier. Some high schools offer home economics courses, which often include lessons on cooking and baking. If cooking or baking classes are not available, students should practice at home with their parents’ permission. Use the internet to find recipes, tutorials, and baking videos.

Students should also focus on math at school. Understanding fractions is especially helpful in this career. Bakers need to use math skills when measuring or converting ingredients.

Step 2: Get a Part-Time Job at a Bakery

Aspiring Bakers can start working in their chosen field without any training or education. Bakeries often need to employ cashiers and assistants to help with cleaning and serving customers.

Getting a part-time job before continuing your education is not a requirement. However, having some form of work experience looks better on resumes when applying for Baker positions. Many aspiring Bakers also choose to work part-time while attending culinary school or pursuing an Associate’s Degree.

Step 3: Enroll in a Culinary Institute

Most Bakers receive training by completing a baking program or apprenticeship program. These programs are often offered at culinary institutes, technical schools, and community colleges. Programs tend to last one to two years.

Two-year programs typically lead to an Associate’s Degree while shorter programs give students a certificate of completion. Culinary schools often charge steep tuition. The average cost of a two-year program is between $35,000 and $54,000. However, the training is extensive and better prepares students for this career.

Step 4: Consider Earning an Associate’s Degree

A college degree may lead to more career prospects compared to earning a certificate of completion from a culinary school. Many bakeries, restaurants, and hotels prefer Bakers to have at least an Associate’s Degree for managerial positions. Associate’s Degree programs are available from community colleges, universities, and some culinary institutes.

Some culinary institutes and colleges also offer Bachelor’s Degrees in Baking & Pastry Arts. However, an Associate’s Degree requires less of a commitment of time and money compared to earning a Bachelor’s Degree and still provides increased job opportunities in this field.

A Baking & Pastry Arts program gives students hands-on instruction. Students learn the basics of baking, including how to measure ingredients and use equipment. The classes also teach how ingredients function and work together to create different textures and flavors. Students learn how to prepare a wide range of foods, including bread, desserts, and pastries. Schools also cover nutrition and food safety practices, such as how to sanitize equipment and work surfaces.

Step 5: Apply for an Apprenticeship or Entry-Level Job

Some Bakers start their careers with apprenticeships and train under experienced Bakers. Others look for entry-level work at grocery stores and local bakeries. Apprentices and trainees may train for one to three years before receiving more responsibilities and greater independence. They gain more knowledge of baking techniques, sanitation procedures, inventory management, and nutrition.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, about 30% of Bakers work at bakeries. 26% work at food and beverage stores, 20% work at restaurants, and 6% are self-employed. However, working as a self-employed Baker typically requires years of experience.

Step 6: Become a Certified Journey Baker

Bakers often obtain voluntary certifications to advance their careers. The Retail Bakers of America offers several certifications for professional Bakers. The baker certifications include three levels, starting with Certified Journey Baker.

Bakers need at least one year (2000 hours) of work experience before applying for the CJB certification. Candidates must pass an exam with a score of 75% or higher to receive the certification. The Retail Bakers of America also allows candidates to substitute 1000 hours of work experience with 1000 hours of education. Individuals who attend culinary school or obtain an Associate’s Degree may only need about six months of work experience.

After becoming a Certified Journey Baker and gaining an additional three years of work experience, candidates can apply for a Certified Baker credential. Certification also requires the completion of 30 hours of sanitation coursework. Certified Master Baker is the highest level of certification. It requires eight years of work experience, 30 hours of sanitation courses, and 30 hours of professional education.