Bakers
(NOC 6332)
in All Sales and ServiceBakers prepare bread, rolls, muffins, pies, pastries, cakes and cookies in retail and wholesale bakeries and dining establishments. They are employed in bakeries, supermarkets, catering companies, hotels, restaurants, hospitals, and other institutions, or they may be self-employed. Bakers who are supervisors are also included in this group.
Job Outlook
Good
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Compared to: All Sales and Service
The employment outlook over the next few years for this occupational group is “good”, which indicates the chances of a qualified individual finding work is better than average when compared to other occupations in Nova Scotia. This is a fairly large occupation in Nova Scotia so job opportunities occur fairly regularly. The number employed in this occupation is expected to grow moderately over the next few years, which will likely provide some additional opportunities for employment. With a large percent of workers being 55 years of age and older, retirements are expected to be a key contributor to employment opportunities over the coming years. Bakers may either be working full-time or part-time hours. Furthermore, the jobs are typically permanent positions. With employment conditions being somewhat seasonal, periods of downtime or layoff throughout the year affect some workers.
The median employment income for 44% of Bakers who worked full-time, year-round in 2015 was $25,334. Across all occupations in Nova Scotia, 59% of those who worked full-time year round had a median employment income of $43,600.
(Source: 2016 Census)
Hourly Pay
$11.00
Minimum$12.00
Median$18.05
MaximumAnnual Pay
$3,506
Minimum$17,625
Median$36,574
MaximumCompared to: All Sales and Service
Hourly Pay
$10.70
Minimum$12.50
Median$21.17
MaximumAnnual Pay
$2,949
Minimum$16,629
Median$45,086
MaximumAbout the job
Nature of work
Bakers prepare bread, rolls, muffins, pies, pastries, cakes and cookies in retail and wholesale bakeries and dining establishments. They are employed in bakeries, supermarkets, catering companies, hotels, restaurants, hospitals, and other institutions, or they may be self-employed. Bakers who are supervisors are also included in this group.
Job duties
Bakers perform some or all of the following duties:
- Prepare dough for pies, bread, rolls and sweet goods, batters for muffins, cookies and cakes and icings and frostings according to recipes or special customer orders.
- Operate machinery.
- Bake mixed doughs and batters.
- Frost and decorate cakes or other baked goods.
- Ensure quality of products meets established standards.
- Draw up production schedule to determine type and quantity of goods to produce.
- Purchase baking supplies.
- May oversee sales and merchandising of baked goods.
- May hire, train and supervise baking personnel and kitchen staff.
Sample job titles
- baker
- baker apprentice
- bakery supervisor
- cake and pastry decorator
- chocolate maker
- donut maker
- grocery store baker
- head baker
- pastry maker
- specialty foods baker
Skills
This work requires initiative, imagination, and creativity. Knowledge of basic nutrition and baking methods is needed. You should understand and apply the rules of hygiene and sanitation. Organization, time management, and the ability to perform under pressure are important. You must have good physical health, stamina, and manual dexterity. You may be required to work shift work and establish good working relationships with a variety of co-workers and customers.
Job requirements
- Completion of high school is usually required.
- Completion of a three- or four-year apprenticeship program for bakers or completion of a college or other program for bakers is usually required.
- On-the-job training may be provided.
- Trade certification is available, but voluntary, in Nova Scotia.
- Red Seal Endorsement (RSE) is also available to qualified bakers upon successful completion of the interprovincial Red Seal examination.
Other considerations
To work as a baker the completion of an apprenticeship program or a college program is usually required.
By the numbers
Quick look
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Compared to: All Sales and Service
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Where will I likely work?
Halifax
Cape Breton
Annapolis Valley
Southern
Northern
Compared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
Northern
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Retail Trade
Accommodation and Food Services
Food and Beverage Product Manufacturing
Health Care and Social Assistance
Wholesale Trade
What is the age of Employment?
45-54
55-64
35-44
15-24
25-34
65+
Compared to: All Sales and Service
25-34
35-44
55-64
Top levels of education
High school
$23,417 median annual incomeLess than high school
$25,011 median annual incomeCollege certificate or diploma
$31,934 median annual incomeTrades certificate
$32,026 median annual incomeBachelor's degree
N/ACompared to: All Sales and Service
High school
$12,982 median annual incomeCollege certificate or diploma
$19,514 median annual incomeLess than high school
$9,486 median annual incomeBachelor's degree
$20,807 median annual incomeTrades certificate
$18,797 median annual incomeEducation & training
Adult high school/secondary diploma programs
This program is typically offered at the high school level.The Nova Scotia School for Adult Learning (NSSAL) administers, coordinates, and supports the development and delivery of adult education programs through learning partners in Nova Scotia. Our learning partners include the Nova Scotia Community College, Adult High Schools, Université Sainte-Anne, and community-based learning organizations that offer tuition-free programming across the province. NSSAL offers clear, accessible pathways from adult basic education to a high school credential or GED, empowering Nova Scotians to achieve their learning and employment goals.
Institutions providing this program
Siège Social: 1695, Route 1
Pointe-de-l'Église, NS B0W 1M0
(902) 769-2114
PO Box 220
Halifax, NS B3J 2M4
(866) 679-6722
Various, NS
Various, NS
Baking and pastry arts/baker/pastry chef
This program is typically offered at the trades/college level.This instructional program class includes any program that prepares individuals to serve as professional bakers and pastry specialists in restaurants or other commercial baking establishments. These programs include courses in bread and pastry making, bread and pastry handling and storage, cake and pastry decorating, baking industry operations, product packaging and marketing operations, and counter display and service.
Institutions providing this program
21 Woodlawn Road
Dartmouth, NS B2W 2R7
(902) 491-4900
236 Belcher Street
Kentville, NS B4N 0A6
(902) 678-7341
Department of Labour and Advanced Education 2021 Brunswick Street, PO Box 578
Halifax, NS B3J 2S9
(800) 494-5651
Employment requirements & contacts
Regulations
Certificate of Qualification (Voluntary): This job is a designated trade in Nova Scotia. Employers may require certification, however, a certificate is not needed to legally work in this job.