How much does a Pastry Chef make?
A Pastry Chef creates delicious baked goods and desserts. This job can be very rewarding, both in creativity and salary. On average, a Pastry Chef earns about $48,833 per year. This is a good income, especially for those who love baking and working with their hands.
The salary for Pastry Chefs can vary based on experience and location. Those just starting out might earn around $28,000. With more experience, salaries can rise significantly. The top earners in this field can make up to $90,000 per year. This shows that with dedication and skill, there is potential for growth in this career.
What are the highest paying cities for a Pastry Chef?

-
Kansas City, MO
Average Salary: $60,721
In Kansas City, pastry chefs thrive in a vibrant food scene. They work in top restaurants like The American and Boulevardier. The city offers a mix of traditional and modern culinary trends.
Find Pastry Chef jobs in Kansas City, MO
-
Oklahoma City, OK
Average Salary: $60,041
Oklahoma City has a growing culinary scene. Pastry chefs here create delicious desserts in places like The Butcher and the Boar. The city values creativity and innovation in baking.
Find Pastry Chef jobs in Oklahoma City, OK
-
Boston, MA
Average Salary: $59,787
Boston offers a rich culinary history. Pastry chefs work in famous spots like Flour Bakery and Cafe. The city's diverse food culture provides many opportunities for learning and growth.
Find Pastry Chef jobs in Boston, MA
-
San Francisco, CA
Average Salary: $59,507
San Francisco is a hub for culinary excellence. Pastry chefs here innovate in places like Tartine Bakery. The city's focus on fresh, local ingredients inspires unique dessert creations.
Find Pastry Chef jobs in San Francisco, CA
-
Washington, DC
Average Salary: $59,444
In Washington, DC, pastry chefs enjoy a dynamic food scene. They work in renowned restaurants like The Dabney. The city's diverse population offers a wide range of flavors and styles.
Find Pastry Chef jobs in Washington, DC
-
Chicago, IL
Average Salary: $57,516
Chicago is known for its deep-dish pizza and rich food culture. Pastry chefs here create delightful desserts in places like Blackbird and Girl & The Goat. The city values bold and inventive flavors.
Find Pastry Chef jobs in Chicago, IL
-
Nashville, TN
Average Salary: $56,362
Nashville offers a lively food scene with a southern twist. Pastry chefs work in popular spots like Biscuit Love and Hattie B's. The city's warm hospitality makes for a welcoming work environment.
Find Pastry Chef jobs in Nashville, TN
-
Sacramento, CA
Average Salary: $55,838
Sacramento has a growing culinary scene with a focus on fresh ingredients. Pastry chefs here create delicious treats in places like The Public Market. The city's laid-back vibe makes for a relaxed work atmosphere.
Find Pastry Chef jobs in Sacramento, CA
-
Seattle, WA
Average Salary: $55,032
Seattle is known for its coffee culture and fresh seafood. Pastry chefs here work in places like The Pink Door. The city's emphasis on sustainability inspires eco-friendly baking practices.
Find Pastry Chef jobs in Seattle, WA
-
Los Angeles, CA
Average Salary: $54,717
Los Angeles offers a diverse and vibrant food scene. Pastry chefs work in trendy spots like Camphor and The Little Next Door. The city's diverse population provides a wide range of culinary influences.
Find Pastry Chef jobs in Los Angeles, CA
What are the best companies a Pastry Chef can work for?

-
Marriott International
Average Salary: $79,285
Marriott International offers exciting Pastry Chef roles in its luxury hotels worldwide. Locations include the United States, Europe, Asia, and the Caribbean. Marriott values creativity and innovation in its culinary teams.
-
Culinary Institute of America
Average Salary: $73,063
The Culinary Institute of America provides Pastry Chef positions in its renowned schools and hotels. These roles are available in locations such as Hyde Park, New York, and Napa, California. The company emphasizes education and skill development.
-
Hilton
Average Salary: $69,650
Hilton offers Pastry Chef jobs in its global network of hotels. Locations span across North America, Europe, and Asia. Hilton values creativity and teamwork in its culinary staff.
-
CocuSocial
Average Salary: $68,666
CocuSocial provides Pastry Chef positions in its upscale restaurants and events. Locations include major cities in the United States. The company focuses on innovative culinary experiences.
-
Goodwin Recruiting
Average Salary: $66,626
Goodwin Recruiting places Pastry Chef jobs in top-tier restaurants and hotels. Locations include the United States and Canada. The company connects talented chefs with high-quality culinary opportunities.
-
Eataly
Average Salary: $66,121
Eataly offers Pastry Chef roles in its Italian markets and restaurants. Locations include major cities in the United States and Italy. The company emphasizes Italian culinary traditions and innovation.
-
Aramark
Average Salary: $65,304
Aramark provides Pastry Chef positions in its corporate and healthcare facilities. Locations include the United States and Canada. The company values quality and consistency in its culinary offerings.
-
Do & Co
Average Salary: $64,481
Do & Co offers Pastry Chef jobs in its luxury hotels and restaurants. Locations include Austria, Germany, and Switzerland. The company focuses on elegance and high standards in its culinary services.
-
Inn at Little Washington
Average Salary: $62,239
The Inn at Little Washington offers Pastry Chef roles in its renowned restaurant. Located in Washington, Virginia. The company emphasizes a family-friendly atmosphere and exceptional culinary experiences.
-
Compass Group
Average Salary: $60,321
Compass Group provides Pastry Chef positions in its corporate and educational facilities. Locations include the United States and Europe. The company values innovation and quality in its culinary services.
How to earn more as a Pastry Chef?
Aspiring pastry chefs can enhance their earning potential through various strategies. One effective approach is to specialize in a niche area of pastry. This could be anything from intricate wedding cakes to gourmet desserts. Specialization allows a chef to stand out in the market and command higher prices. Another way to increase earnings is by expanding the menu to include more high-margin items. This might involve introducing exclusive pastries that are not commonly found in standard bakeries.
Networking plays a crucial role in earning more as a pastry chef. Building relationships with local businesses, such as restaurants and event planners, can lead to more job opportunities. Attending industry events and workshops also helps in staying updated with the latest trends and techniques. This knowledge can be leveraged to create more attractive and profitable offerings. Additionally, investing in marketing and branding can significantly boost a pastry chef's income. Utilizing social media and creating a professional website can attract more customers and increase sales. Finally, obtaining certifications and advanced training can open doors to higher-paying positions. These credentials demonstrate a commitment to excellence and can lead to promotions and better-paying roles.
Here are five factors to consider for earning more as a pastry chef:
- Specialization: Focus on a niche area of pastry.
- Menu Expansion: Introduce high-margin items.
- Networking: Build relationships with local businesses.
- Marketing: Use social media and a professional website.
- Certifications: Obtain advanced training and credentials.



