Bakers
(NOC 6332)
in All Sales and ServiceBakers make bread, pastries, cookies, cakes, fermented goods, pastries, chocolates, confections, and frozen desserts. They work for 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
Outlook: good, a better than average chance of qualified individuals finding work.
Size of the occupation in Nova Scotia: large, with job opportunities occurring regularly.
Demand: Employment growth will lead to several new positions. Some positions become available due to employee turnover. A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements. There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
Workhours: both full-time and part-time. Jobs are usually permanent positions. A large percentage of workers are self-employed, which may appeal to some jobseekers.
Hourly Pay
$14.50
Minimum$14.50
Median$17.50
MaximumAnnual Pay
$3,506
Minimum$17,625
Median$36,574
MaximumCompared to: All Sales and Service
Hourly Pay
$12.95
Minimum$15.00
Median$25.60
MaximumAnnual Pay
$2,949
Minimum$16,629
Median$45,086
MaximumAbout the job
Nature of work
Bakers make bread, pastries, cookies, cakes, fermented goods, pastries, chocolates, confections, and frozen desserts. They work for 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:
- 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.
- Use machinery.
- Bake mixed doughs and batters.
- Frost and decorate cakes or other baked goods.
- Make sure 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
- physical stamina
- strong work ethic
- hand-eye coordination
- fine motor skills
- creativity
- Ability to apply the rules of hygiene and sanitation
- An understanding of nutrition
- Organizational skills
- Time management skills
- Ability to work under pressure
Job requirements
- High school or equivalent (usually).
- On the job training may be provided.
- Training through a 5,400-hour apprenticeship program with three apprenticeship levels: to become an apprentice you first need to have a job - enter an apprenticeship agreement either directly through an employer or after graduating from a college-level pre-apprenticeship program; learn on the job, mentored by a certified journeyperson who signs off on skills in a logbook.
- Trade Qualifier option, 8,100 hours and other criteria.
- Certification for bakers is voluntary in Nova Scotia.
- Write and score a minimum of 70% on the Red Seal exam for bakers.
- Red Seal Endorsement (RSE) allows for interprovincial mobility.
Other considerations
- Setting: clean, sanitary, well-ventilated, and well-lighted environments. Setting can be both hot and cold.
- Work hours: Bakery products are produced seven days a week. There can be a variety of shifts available that might appeal to an individual baker. They generally work 40 hours based on a 5-day week. Night shifts may be required.
- Risks: burns, respiratory illness, repetitive strain, and injuries from heavy lifting. Despite working with hot ovens and production equipment, bakers have very few accidents.
- Consumer demand for artisan baking and baking that is responsive to health issues and dietary requirements has increased.
- Bakers may specialize in niche products like bread, macarons, chocolate, ice cream, and wedding or special occasion theme cakes.
- Experienced bakers may advance to supervisory positions or start their own businesses. They may expand into related occupations like cook, pastry cook, cake decorator, baking instructor, or supply company salesperson.
- Everyone has fair access to participate and succeed in the apprenticeship system. Everyone who develops the necessary skills and abilities should be able to succeed in the trades and trade qualification system. Work environments in the province support women and equity-seeking communities.
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
$17,786 median annual incomeCape Breton
$18,066 median annual incomeAnnapolis Valley
$18,238 median annual incomeSouthern
$15,694 median annual incomeNorth Shore
$18,349 median annual incomeCompared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
North Shore
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Retail trade
Accommodation and food services
Manufacturing
Health care and social assistance
Wholesale trade
What is the age of Employment?
15-24
25-34
45-54
55-64
35-44
65+
Compared to: All Sales and Service
15-24
45-54
25-34
55-64
35-44
Top levels of education
High school
$17,516 median annual incomeLess than high school
$15,495 median annual incomeCollege Diploma
$19,812 median annual incomeTrade Certification
$22,942 median annual incomeBachelor
$13,913 median annual incomeCompared to: All Sales and Service
High school
$15,705 median annual incomeLess than high school
$9,866 median annual incomeCollege Diploma
$20,644 median annual incomeBachelor
$21,262 median annual incomeTrade Certification
$21,234 median annual incomeEducation & training
Baking and Pastry Arts
College or Trades ProgramThese programs prepare students to serve as professional bakers and pastry specialists in restaurants or other commercial baking companies. They 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
Various, NS
High School Diploma or Equivalent
High School ProgramAdults without a high school diploma can contact the Nova Scotia School for Adult Learning (NSSAL) for tuition-free programming across the province. NSSAL oversees adult education programs in Nova Scotia. NSSAL partners with the Nova Scotia Community College, Adult High Schools, Université Sainte-Anne, and community-based learning organizations to deliver programs. NSSAL offers clear, accessible pathways from adult basic education to a high school credential or GED.
Institutions providing this program
Various, NS
Various, NS
Various, NS
Employment requirements & contacts
Regulations
Certificate of Qualification (Voluntary): This is a designated trade in Nova Scotia. Employers may require certification, but a certificate is not needed to legally work in this trade.