What is the average salary of a baker?
According to Lightcast data, the median advertised salary for bakers in the U.S. is $38,500 per year as of June 2026. Earnings can vary based on experience, location, employer, and specialty. For professionals who specialize in desserts and pastries, the median advertised salary for pastry chefs is $50,000 per year as of June 2026.
What is a baker? What does a baker do?
According to the Culinary Institute of America (CIA), a baker is a skilled professional who creates a wide range of baked goods, including breads, rolls, bagels, muffins, doughnuts, cakes, and pastries. Bakers may work in a variety of roles, from preparing dough and monitoring ovens to developing recipes, managing production teams, and operating bakeries. The CIA notes that bakers are often generalists with expertise in fermentation, texture, and flavor development, allowing them to produce both sweet and savory baked goods. While bakers may create pastries and desserts, a pastry chef or pâtissier is a highly skilled culinary professional who specializes in the art and science of desserts and baked confections, with a greater focus on precision, presentation, and decorative techniques.
Does this course prepare you for a certification?
Yes. The course prepares for and includes a voucher for the World Food Safety Organization’s Food Protection Manager (FPM) certification exam.
How long does it take to complete this course?
After you register, you will receive 9 months to complete the course. The time allotted for completion has been calculated based on the number of course hours.
When can I start this course?
This course is open enrollment, so you can register and start the course whenever you are ready. Access to your course can take 24-48 business hours.
What if I don't have enough time to complete the course within the time frame provided?
The time allotted for course completion has been calculated based on the number of course hours. However, if you are unable to complete the course, contact the student advising team to see what options you may have available to work out a suitable completion date. Please note that an extension fee may be charged.
What kind of support will I receive?
Our courses are designed to accommodate various learning preferences. Depending on the course structure, you may get different forms of support. Self-paced courses are designed to be user-friendly and independent, minimizing the need for external support. In courses with instructors, our direct platform support feature includes opportunities for questions, discussions, and remediation, with email and phone support available for select courses. Our student advising team is available to guide you on program requirements and administrative requests, but they do not provide assistance with course content. Our goal is to provide you with the necessary support for success, whether it's through self-paced exploration, direct communication, or guidance from our advising team.
What happens when I complete the course?
Upon successfully passing the final exam, you will be awarded a certificate of completion from the school or organization that you registered through.
Am I guaranteed a job?
ed2go courses will help you gain the skills you need to obtain an entry-level position in most cases. However, you should always research the job market in your area before enrolling.
Can I get financial assistance?
ed2go courses are non-credit, so they do not qualify for federal aid, FAFSA, and Pell Grant. In some states, vocational rehab or workforce development boards may provide funding to take our courses. Additionally, you may qualify for financial assistance if you meet certain requirements. Learn more about financial assistance.
How can I get more information about this course?
If you have questions that are not answered on our website, representatives are available via LIVE chat. You can also call us at 1-877-221-5151 during regular business hours to have your questions promptly answered. If you are visiting us during non-business hours, please send us a question using the “Contact Us.”