How much does a Pastry Cook make?
Pastry cooks create delicious baked goods, from cakes to pastries. They work in restaurants, bakeries, and hotels. The average yearly salary for a pastry cook is around $37,709. This means that many pastry cooks earn a good living doing what they love.
The salary range for pastry cooks can vary. Some earn as little as $22,000 a year. Others earn more than $59,000. Most pastry cooks fall somewhere in between. The amount they earn often depends on their experience and where they work. For example, pastry cooks in big cities may earn more than those in smaller towns. Experience also plays a big role. Those with more years in the field often earn higher salaries.
What are the highest paying cities for a Pastry Cook?

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Honolulu, HI
Average Salary: $49,902
In Honolulu, pastry chefs enjoy a vibrant culinary scene. They work in upscale restaurants and hotels, creating delicious desserts. The tropical climate adds a unique twist to pastry creations.
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Seattle, WA
Average Salary: $49,761
Seattle offers a dynamic environment for pastry chefs. They thrive in trendy cafes and gourmet bakeries. The city's love for coffee and fresh ingredients enhances the pastry experience.
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San Francisco, CA
Average Salary: $49,121
San Francisco is a hub for culinary innovation. Pastry chefs here work in high-end restaurants and bakeries. The city's diverse culture influences their creative dessert offerings.
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Portland, OR
Average Salary: $47,116
Portland is known for its food culture. Pastry chefs find opportunities in artisanal bakeries and cafes. The city's emphasis on organic and local ingredients shapes their work.
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Boston, MA
Average Salary: $46,260
Boston offers a rich history and a thriving food scene. Pastry chefs work in historic restaurants and modern bakeries. The city's academic influence brings a unique twist to dessert creations.
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Washington, DC
Average Salary: $45,781
In Washington, DC, pastry chefs cater to a diverse clientele. They work in upscale restaurants and hotels. The city's political scene adds a touch of sophistication to their work.
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Santa Rosa, CA
Average Salary: $44,281
Santa Rosa provides a relaxed yet vibrant atmosphere for pastry chefs. They work in local bakeries and fine dining restaurants. The city's wine country influences their dessert offerings.
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Los Angeles, CA
Average Salary: $43,856
Los Angeles is a culinary hotspot for pastry chefs. They find opportunities in trendy cafes and high-end restaurants. The city's diverse population inspires a wide range of dessert creations.
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San Diego, CA
Average Salary: $42,577
San Diego offers a sunny and lively environment for pastry chefs. They work in beachside restaurants and gourmet bakeries. The city's fresh seafood and produce enhance their dessert offerings.
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San Jose, CA
Average Salary: $42,364
San Jose is a tech hub with a growing culinary scene. Pastry chefs work in innovative restaurants and bakeries. The city's diverse culture influences their creative dessert offerings.
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What are the best companies a Pastry Cook can work for?

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1 Hotels
Average Salary: $57,287
1 Hotels offers exciting Pastry Cook jobs with a focus on creativity and innovation. They operate in major cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Miami. Their kitchens are known for their modern techniques and high standards.
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Four Seasons
Average Salary: $51,871
Four Seasons provides Pastry Cook positions with a strong emphasis on luxury and quality. They have locations worldwide, including Paris, London, and Tokyo. Their chefs enjoy a supportive environment and access to top-notch resources.
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Marriott International
Average Salary: $49,570
Marriott International offers Pastry Cook jobs with a range of opportunities across the globe. They have hotels in cities like Chicago, San Francisco, and Orlando. Their chefs benefit from a collaborative and dynamic work culture.
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Hilton
Average Salary: $48,681
Hilton provides Pastry Cook positions with a focus on excellence and customer service. They operate in cities such as New York, Las Vegas, and Orlando. Their chefs work in state-of-the-art kitchens with a strong emphasis on teamwork.
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Auberge Resorts Collection
Average Salary: $48,289
Auberge Resorts Collection offers Pastry Cook jobs with a unique blend of luxury and nature. They have locations in scenic spots like Sedona, Santa Barbara, and Palm Springs. Their chefs enjoy a creative and inspiring work environment.
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EVANS HOTELS
Average Salary: $47,869
EVANS HOTELS provides Pastry Cook positions with a focus on hospitality and innovation. They operate in cities like London, Paris, and Berlin. Their chefs benefit from a supportive and dynamic work culture.
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Montage International
Average Salary: $47,069
Montage International offers Pastry Cook jobs with a strong emphasis on luxury and creativity. They have locations in picturesque places like Laguna Beach, Big Sky, and Scottsdale. Their chefs enjoy a collaborative and inspiring work environment.
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Mina Group
Average Salary: $46,802
Mina Group provides Pastry Cook positions with a focus on quality and innovation. They operate in cities like Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and London. Their chefs benefit from a supportive and dynamic work culture.
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Omni Hotels
Average Salary: $46,244
Omni Hotels offers Pastry Cook jobs with a strong emphasis on hospitality and creativity. They have locations in cities like San Francisco, New Orleans, and Charleston. Their chefs enjoy a collaborative and dynamic work environment.
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Aimbridge Hospitality
Average Salary: $45,488
Aimbridge Hospitality provides Pastry Cook positions with a focus on excellence and customer service. They operate in cities like Houston, Dallas, and Miami. Their chefs benefit from a supportive and dynamic work culture.
How to earn more as a Pastry Cook?
Aspiring pastry cooks can enhance their earning potential by focusing on several key factors. First, gaining specialized skills in pastry arts can open doors to higher-paying positions. This includes mastering techniques like cake decorating, chocolate work, and advanced baking methods. Second, obtaining certifications from reputable culinary schools can boost credibility and marketability. These certifications demonstrate a commitment to excellence and can lead to better job opportunities.
Networking within the culinary industry also plays a crucial role. Building relationships with other chefs and industry professionals can lead to job referrals and insider knowledge about high-paying positions. Additionally, gaining experience in high-end restaurants or bakeries can provide valuable insights and skills that are highly sought after. Finally, continuously updating skills through workshops and online courses ensures that a pastry cook remains competitive in the job market. By focusing on these factors, pastry cooks can significantly increase their earning potential.
Here are five factors to consider for earning more as a pastry cook:
- Specialized Skills
- Certifications
- Networking
- Experience in High-End Establishments
- Continuous Learning



