What does a Baker do?

Bakers are food workers who make baked products, such as bread, pies and cookies. They are responsible for measuring and preparing ingredients, properly baking bread and performing other tasks such as decorating sweet baked goods. Bakers work in small bakeries, shops, restaurants and factories. Their work hours vary depending on the production requirements.

Baker skills and qualifications

Baking requires attention to detail and careful measuring of ingredients. Baking is a science, and Bakers must be good at following directions and recipes in order to make a delicious finished product. A successful Baker candidate will have various prerequisite skills and qualifications that include the following:

• Ability to meet tight deadlines
• Excellent organisational skills
• Creativity in developing new pastries
• Knowledge of health and safety regulations
• Physical strength
• Knowledge production techniques for baked goods
• Organisational and planning skills
• Ability to multitask
• Excellent baking skills

Baker experience and training requirements

Bakers must have some experience in ordering supplies, mixing doughs and baking at correct temperatures. Previous experience in vendor and supplier interfacing and customer experience is also helpful. Depending on the roles, Bakers must have knowledge of company standards and operations. If the Baker works in the company’s management, they need to have previous experience in cost-effective products and budgeting. No formal certificates or degrees are required for a Baker, but for Factory Bakers, previous experience is required in automated, mass-produced products.

Baker education and training requirements

Bakers must have the minimum General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) English and maths. While Bakers are not required to have a degree, some employers prefer candidates who attended a technical or culinary school. Some employers also require candidates to complete on-the-job training, which typically lasts one to three years. Some employers may also require candidates to obtain industry-recognised certifications, such as the Level 2 Certificate in Bakery and Level 3 Diploma in Professional Bakery.

Baker salary expectations

According to Indeed Salaries, the average salary for a Baker is £22,927 per year. This figure varies depending on factors, such as the employer, experience, level of expertise and geographical location.

Baker description samples for similar positions

Other job description samples are available if this is not quite what you’re looking for:

• Pastry Chef
• Caterer
• Cook