How to become a baker: You may not know exactly how to become a baker at first, but it is a terrific career choice. With courses being available at many vocational and community colleges all over the country, you can learn the skills needed to begin your own bakery business right away.
how to become a baker
Baking is more than just mixing ingredients and waiting for them to rise. It’s about passion and dedication, skill and experience. If you have an eye for detail and a knack for working with both your hands and your brain then maybe a career as a baker is what you’re looking for.
To become a baker, you will need a high school diploma or equivalent, typically in the areas of baking and pastry. You may also want to get a culinary arts certificate or apply for associate’s degrees in baking and pastry arts. A bachelor’s degree would help advance your career as a baker, with studies in food science, nutrition and management.
What Is a Cake Baker?
Baking cakes is just one type of specialty within the baking field. Formal education isn’t necessary, but there are many culinary programs available for aspiring cake bakers. What is necessary, however, is to be good at following recipes and managing deadlines, and to be willing to learn on the job.
Cake bakers often create cakes for individual clients, and must therefore listen to the needs and wants of the client. You will then incorporate their needs into the types of ingredients used, the overall appearance of the cake, and its taste. It is therefore important for bakers to have knowledge of nutrition and food science, as well as to be creative. Learn more about the requirements in the table below.
| Education Required | High school diploma or equivalent; postsecondary education is optional |
| Training Required | On-the-job training is common |
| Key Skills | Culinary math, attention to detail, communication, physical stamina, creativity |
| Certification | Voluntary certification available |
| Job Growth (2020-2030) | 10% (for all bakers)* |
| Median Salary (2020) | $29,400 (for all bakers)* |
Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Educational Programs for Cake Bakers
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) states that on-the-job training is the most common form of learning I baking. However, if you are interested in becoming a professional cake baker, you might consider enrolling in a certificate or associate’s degree program in baking and pastry arts. While enrolled in such a program, you’ll learn the basics of nutrition, sanitation, kitchen safety, baking, dough creation, food preparation and cake decoration. Many of your courses will require hands-on experience in a baking lab or school cooking facility. You might need to complete an internship in order to earn an associate’s degree.
Some schools may offer courses specifically in cake decorating and cake baking. In these courses, you’ll study different types of icing and frosting. You might learn how to design a cake using different tools, such as toothpicks, piping gel, flowers and candy.
The dream of running your own bakery is a strong one, and it may take years to accomplish. Then again, it may happen sooner than you think. Either way, the first step is all about getting an education—making that choice to learn how to become a baker .
