National
| Median wages (2008) |
$11.20 hourly, $23,290 annual |
| Employment (2006) |
149,000 employees |
| Projected growth (2006-2016) |
Average (7% to 13%)
|
| Projected need (2006-2016) |
47,000 additional employees |
51-3011.00 - Bakers
Mix and bake ingredients according to recipes to produce breads, rolls, cookies, cakes, pies, pastries, or other baked goods.
Sample of reported job titles:
Baker, Mixer, Dough Mixer, Bakery Manager, Machine Operator, Bakery Clerk, Cake Decorator, Pastry Chef, Scaler, Bakery Chef
Tasks
- Observe color of products being baked, and adjust oven temperatures, humidity, and conveyor speeds accordingly.
- Set oven temperatures and place items into hot ovens for baking.
- Combine measured ingredients in bowls of mixing, blending, or cooking machinery.
- Measure and weigh flour and other ingredients to prepare batters, doughs, fillings, and icings, using scales and graduated containers.
- Roll, knead, cut, and shape dough to form sweet rolls, pie crusts, tarts, cookies, and other products.
- Place dough in pans, molds, or on sheets, and bake in production ovens or on grills.
- Check the quality of raw materials to ensure that standards and specifications are met.
- Adapt the quantity of ingredients to match the amount of items to be baked.
- Apply glazes, icings, or other toppings to baked goods, using spatulas or brushes.
- Check equipment to ensure that it meets health and safety regulations and perform maintenance or cleaning, as necessary.
