Baker Salary in Albuquerque, NM
Bakers in Albuquerque, NM, in 2025, earn approximately $15.60 per hour, which translates to about $624.00 per week, $2,704.00 per month, and $32,448.00 per year.
The demand for Bakers in Albuquerque is growing steadily at about 5% per year, reflecting an expanding market for baked goods and culinary arts within the city and surrounding areas.
How Much Does a Baker Make in Albuquerque, NM?
The salary of a Baker in Albuquerque can vary depending on experience and specific employers. Below is a general overview of earnings across different experience levels.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $12.83 | $513.20 | $2,220.53 | $26,766.40 |
| Mid-level (average) | $15.60 | $624.00 | $2,704.00 | $32,448.00 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $18.97 | $758.80 | $3,287.47 | $39,457.60 |
Do Bakers in Albuquerque Earn Tips?
Bakers generally do not earn tips since their work is mostly done behind the scenes and involves food preparation rather than direct customer service. Their earnings primarily come from their set wages or salary.
Baker Salary in Albuquerque vs. National Average
Nationally, Bakers earn an average of about $15.60 per hour, and approximately $32,448.00 annually.
Compared to the national average, Bakers in Albuquerque earn roughly the same hourly and yearly wage, reflecting the local economic and cost of living conditions.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Albuquerque for Bakers
Nearby areas to Albuquerque offer slightly different pay scales for Bakers:
- Santa Fe: $17.93 per hour
- Taos: $17.85 per hour
Bakers commuting to Santa Fe or Taos may find higher hourly wages compared to Albuquerque, likely driven by local demand and cost of living variations.
What Influences a Baker’s Salary in Albuquerque?
Several factors contribute to the variation in a Baker’s earnings within Albuquerque:
- Experience and Skill Level: Bakers with more experience or specialized skills such as artisanal baking or pastry arts tend to earn higher wages.
- Type of Establishment: Upscale bakeries, specialty pastry shops, or hotel kitchens often offer better pay compared to supermarkets or casual dining.
- Certifications and Education: Credentials such as culinary certifications or specialized baking training can enhance salary prospects.
- Work Shifts: Early morning or late-night shifts can sometimes come with additional pay.
- Local Cost of Living: Albuquerque’s regional economic factors also play a role in determining wages.
How To Become a Baker in Albuquerque
To pursue a career as a Baker in Albuquerque, individuals can take the following steps:
- Enroll in Formal Training Programs: The Central New Mexico Community College Culinary Arts Program offers comprehensive training in baking and pastry arts, providing a strong foundation for professional baking careers.
- Participate in Continuing Education: The University of New Mexico Continuing Education Baking Classes provide targeted short-term courses focusing on essential baking techniques and skills.
- Obtain Food Safety Certification: Acquiring the ServSafe Food Handler Certification is a valuable credential that ensures awareness of food safety standards and is often required by employers.
- Earn Professional Certification: The Certified Baker (CB) credential from the Retail Bakers of America demonstrates a baker's expertise and commitment to industry standards, potentially increasing job opportunities and pay.
Top Employers Hiring Bakers in Albuquerque
Several prominent employers actively hire Bakers in Albuquerque, including:
- Panera Bread
- Whole Foods Market
- Albertsons
- Smith's Food and Drug
Establishments That Bakers in Albuquerque Work At
Bakers in Albuquerque find opportunities across a variety of establishments:
- Artisan and Specialty Bakeries: These venues require skilled craftsmanship and typically provide higher wages reflecting the specialty products created.
- Casual and Fast-Casual Restaurants: Bakers working here often produce baked goods for the menu, with salary levels that may be moderate compared to specialty bakeries.
- Supermarkets and Grocery Chains: Large chain stores need bakers for high-volume production, usually offering steady but middle-range pay.
- Hotels and Catering Services: Bakers in these settings may enjoy higher salaries due to the demand for quality and volume in upscale events and hospitality contexts.
The type of establishment substantially affects salary potential, with specialty and hotel bakeries frequently offering the most competitive compensations.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Albuquerque for Bakers
If you are interested in similar careers, several options are related to baking and allow for diverse culinary paths.
These roles include Pastry Chef, Pastry Cook, and Chef, which share related skills in food preparation and culinary arts.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Bakers in Albuquerque
Bakers in Albuquerque should be informed about federal, state, and local labor laws as well as tax regulations to ensure compliance and protect their rights.
- For federal labor laws and regulations, consult the U.S. Department of Labor website.
- For state-specific information on labor laws and employment resources, visit the New Mexico government website.
- Local employment resources and labor regulations can be found on the City of Albuquerque official website.