Baker

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Work Tasks

BAKERS bake breads, rolls, cakes, pies, cookies, and various other items. They measure flour, sugar, shortening, and various other ingredients and mix them in large mixing machine bowls according to recipes. They control the timing and mixing speed of the machine to ensure proper texture and blending of the ingredients. When they have finished mixing, bakers then roll, twist, shape, and cut the dough to make breads, rolls, pie crusts, and cookies. They place the dough in baking pans or on cooking sheets and bake in the oven at a certain temperature until done. They then apply icing, glazing, or other toppings.

Salary, Size & Growth

• $27,000 average per year ($13.00 per hour)
• A medium occupation (140,800 workers in 2010)
• Expected to not change (0.0% per year)

Entry Requirements

Some BAKERS may learn the trade through apprenticeship programs, usually in craft bakeries. Many apprentice bakers participate in correspondence study and may work towards a certificate in baking. Some large hotels, restaurants, and supermarkets have their own training programs for bakers. Workers in mechanized plants learn the trade on the job as helpers to experienced workers. Some bakers may obtain their training through high school or vocational school programs and two- and four-year colleges.