How much does a Pastry Cook make?
Pastry cooks create delicious baked goods in a variety of settings, such as restaurants, hotels, and bakeries. The average yearly salary for pastry cooks is around $37,704. This means most pastry cooks earn between $22,000 and $58,740 each year. A smaller group, about 10%, makes between $25,340 and $32,020, while another 10% earn from $48,720 to $58,740 annually.
The salary can change based on experience, location, and the type of workplace. Those who work in big cities or fancy places often earn more. Also, gaining experience and certifications can lead to higher pay. Aspiring pastry cooks can look forward to earning a good salary while making tasty treats for others to enjoy.
What are the highest paying cities for a Pastry Cook?

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Seattle, WA
Average Salary: $49,847
In Seattle, pastry professionals enjoy a vibrant culinary scene. Many restaurants and bakeries seek skilled pastry cooks. Companies like Starbucks and Amazon Cafe offer opportunities.
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Honolulu, HI
Average Salary: $49,835
Honolulu’s tropical climate brings a unique twist to pastry work. Bakeries and hotels seek talented pastry cooks. Local companies like Resort Restaurants provide exciting options.
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San Francisco, CA
Average Salary: $49,389
San Francisco’s diverse population creates a rich food culture. Pastry cooks find many jobs in cafes and high-end restaurants. Companies such as Boudin Bakery look for skilled pastry professionals.
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Portland, OR
Average Salary: $47,486
Portland’s love for artisanal baked goods makes it great for pastry cooks. Many local bakeries and cafes offer exciting career paths. Local brands like Voodoo Doughnut provide unique opportunities.
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Boston, MA
Average Salary: $46,376
Boston’s historic charm blends with a modern culinary scene. Pastry cooks find jobs in both traditional bakeries and trendy cafes. Local companies like Flour Bakery offer exciting roles.
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Washington, DC
Average Salary: $46,209
Washington, DC’s diverse population offers a rich culinary environment. Many restaurants and hotels need pastry cooks. Companies like The Westin Hotel seek skilled pastry professionals.
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Santa Rosa, CA
Average Salary: $44,281
Santa Rosa’s wine country charm adds a unique touch to pastry work. Local bakeries and restaurants look for pastry cooks. Companies like Williams Sonoma offer interesting positions.
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Los Angeles, CA
Average Salary: $43,913
Los Angeles’ diverse food scene offers many opportunities for pastry cooks. Cafes, restaurants, and bakeries need skilled professionals. Companies like The Little Door Cafe look for talented pastry cooks.
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Boulder, CO
Average Salary: $42,696
Boulder’s active lifestyle leads to a demand for healthy pastries. Local cafes and bakeries seek pastry cooks. Companies like Wild Oats Markets offer exciting roles.
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San Diego, CA
Average Salary: $42,462
San Diego’s coastal location adds a fresh twist to pastry work. Many restaurants and cafes need pastry cooks. Local companies like The Prado offer interesting opportunities.
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What are the best companies a Pastry Cook can work for?

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1 Hotels
Average Salary: $57,611
1 Hotels offers exciting opportunities for Pastry Cooks. They run luxury hotels in big cities like New York and Los Angeles. The role involves crafting gourmet desserts in their stylish kitchens.
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Four Seasons
Average Salary: $52,537
Four Seasons provides a high-end environment for Pastry Cooks. With locations in cities such as Toronto and San Francisco, they focus on creating exquisite pastries to delight their guests.
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Auberge Resorts Collection
Average Salary: $49,628
Auberge Resorts Collection is known for its unique properties. Pastry Cooks here work in stunning settings like Bali and Santa Monica. They craft delicious desserts that match the resort’s luxury vibe.
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Marriott International
Average Salary: $49,258
Marriott International offers diverse roles for Pastry Cooks across the globe. From Paris to Miami, they provide a chance to create tasty treats in their well-known hotels.
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Hilton
Average Salary: $48,770
Hilton is a great place for Pastry Cooks with locations in major cities like New York and London. They offer a chance to work in high-quality kitchens and make amazing desserts.
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Mina Group
Average Salary: $48,493
Mina Group provides opportunities for Pastry Cooks in cities such as Dubai and Hong Kong. The role here means crafting unique pastries in a dynamic kitchen environment.
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EVANS HOTELS
Average Salary: $48,336
EVANS HOTELS offers Pastry Cook roles in cities like Seattle and Nashville. They focus on creating delightful desserts in their comfortable hotel settings.
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Montage International
Average Salary: $46,984
Montage International offers scenic locations for Pastry Cooks in places like Laguna Beach and Bora Bora. The role involves crafting delicious desserts in a serene environment.
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Omni Hotels
Average Salary: $46,675
Omni Hotels provides opportunities for Pastry Cooks in cities like Orlando and San Diego. They focus on creating tasty desserts in their elegant hotel kitchens.
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Aimbridge Hospitality
Average Salary: $45,488
Aimbridge Hospitality offers a variety of roles for Pastry Cooks across the U.S. They provide a chance to work in well-known hotels and make tasty desserts.
How to earn more as a Pastry Cook?
Aspiring pastry cooks have many ways to increase their earnings. Specializing in a particular area of pastry work can lead to higher-paying jobs. Focusing on creating custom wedding cakes, elaborate dessert displays, or gourmet pastries can attract clients willing to pay a premium. Mastery of these skills often results in higher pay.
Gaining certifications can also boost earnings. Professional pastry certifications from recognized culinary schools can demonstrate skill and dedication. These credentials can lead to better job opportunities and higher salaries. Employers value certified pastry chefs highly. Working in high-demand locations can also increase earnings. Urban areas with many restaurants, hotels, and events often pay more. Being in these places can mean more job opportunities and higher pay.
Continuing education and staying updated on trends can help earn more. Attending workshops, taking online courses, and reading industry magazines keep skills fresh. Staying current with new techniques and flavors makes a pastry chef more valuable. Networking with other professionals can open doors to higher-paying jobs. Joining culinary associations and attending industry events can lead to job offers and salary increases.
Here are five factors to consider for earning more as a pastry cook:
- Specialization: Focus on areas like custom cakes or gourmet pastries to attract higher-paying jobs.
- Certifications: Obtain professional certifications to demonstrate skill and increase job opportunities.
- Location: Work in high-demand areas like urban centers to access higher-paying jobs.
- Education: Keep learning with workshops, courses, and industry trends to stay competitive.
- Networking: Join culinary associations and attend events to connect with other professionals and find better job opportunities.



