Baker
Skye Ryan
5th block

Job description
a baker that is employed by a small, local bakery typically performs most of his or her work independently or as part of a close-knit team. A baker would also produce baked goods primarily by hand. In a large, industrial-scale bakery, it would be more typical for many bakers to cooperatively work together in order to produce mass quantities of baked goods.

Duties and Responsibilities
A baker’s production duties include measuring and mixing ingredients into dough according to a recipe. As bakers normally work according to tight production schedules, it is important for them to constantly check that the correct quantities are being produced for each order they are in charge of.

Qualifications
Bakers at smaller bakeries usually make cookies, cakes, pies, and breads. They also take orders and work closely with customers, so strong interpersonal communication skills are essential. Working daily with fractions and measurements, bakers must be good at math. Bakers also must be creative in decorating cakes and blending ingredients to create new flavors.

ENTRY-LEVEL POSITION

• Dough maker/cutter
• Break maker
• Clerks/cashiers
• Pastry packagers

Advancement Opportunites
A baker may have the opportunity to advance to being the head baker, a professional caterer, or another position.

Job outlook
A majority of baking jobs have a high turnover rate, meaning that getting a job shouldn’t be too difficult. In the 2012-13 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Outlook Handbook, the projected increase of newly-created opportunities is 2% until the year 2020. This number may be adjusted depending on the economy.

Salary
Hourly wages for a baker can range from $8.00 - $13.50 per hour. Average salaries for this position range from $15,500 to $19,500 per year. It is possible for a baker to command higher salary, however, depending on their experience, expertise, educational background, and the geographical location where they are seeking work.

ACADEMIC COURSEWORKS

• Math to help with measuring
• Art to help with creativity