Baker Salary in Atlanta, GA
Bakers in Atlanta, GA, in 2025, earn approximately $16.04 per hour, which translates to about $641.60 per week, $2,780.27 per month, and $33,363.20 per year.
The demand for bakers in Atlanta is growing steadily at about 5% per year, indicating a positive outlook and increasing opportunities in the local baking industry.
How Much Does a Baker Make in Atlanta, GA?
The salary of a Baker in Atlanta can vary based on experience and skill level. Below is a breakdown of pay for different experience tiers, calculated assuming a standard 40-hour work week.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $12.33 | $493.20 | $2,129.67 | $25,641.60 |
| Mid-level (average) | $16.04 | $641.60 | $2,780.27 | $33,363.20 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $20.88 | $835.20 | $3,615.47 | $43,430.40 |
Do Bakers in Atlanta Earn Tips?
Bakers typically do not earn tips as their work is mostly performed behind the scenes preparing products rather than direct customer interaction. Their earnings come primarily from wages and salaries.
Baker Salary in Atlanta vs. National Average
Nationally, Bakers earn about $16.04 per hour and approximately $33,363.20 per year.
The salary for Bakers in Atlanta matches the national average exactly, reflecting the city's baking industry is in line with broader market trends in the United States.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Atlanta for Bakers
Several neighborhoods near Atlanta offer varied pay rates for Bakers:
- Midtown: $17.50 per hour
- Buckhead: $18.00 per hour
Bakers working in Buckhead earn the highest hourly wages nearby, reflecting the area's upscale culinary scene and higher local demand for skilled baking professionals.
What Influences a Baker’s Salary in Atlanta?
Several factors influence how much a Baker can earn in Atlanta:
- Experience and Skill Level: Bakers with more experience or specialized skills, such as artisan bread or pastry making, generally command higher wages.
- Type of Establishment: Working at upscale bakeries, gourmet shops, or fine dining restaurants may increase salary compared to chain grocery stores or fast casual venues.
- Certifications and Education: Professional baking certifications and culinary education can boost earning potential.
- Shift Timing: Bakers working early mornings or overnight shifts might receive shift differentials increasing their pay.
- Local Economic Conditions: Cost of living and local demand in Atlanta's neighborhoods can affect pay rates.
How To Become a Baker in Atlanta
Starting a career as a Baker in Atlanta involves several key steps to build skills and credentials:
- Complete Formal Baking Programs: Institutions such as Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts and the Art Institute of Atlanta offer comprehensive Baking & Pastry programs covering traditional and contemporary techniques.
- Obtain Food Safety Certification: Acquiring the ServSafe Food Handler Certification ensures knowledge of food safety regulations and is often required by employers.
- Consider Professional Certification: The Certified Journey Baker (CJB) credential from the Retail Bakers of America validates professional baking expertise and can enhance employability.
Top Employers Hiring Bakers in Atlanta
Atlanta hosts various prominent employers looking for skilled Bakers, including:
- Publix
- Aramark
- Nothing Bundt Cakes
- Kroger
- Whole Foods Market
Establishments That Bakers in Atlanta Work At
Bakers in Atlanta find jobs across diverse establishments impacting their salary and work environment:
- Artisan and Specialty Bakeries: Often provide higher wages due to the specialized skills and craftsmanship required.
- Casual and Fast-Casual Restaurants: May have lower pay but offer steady employment with opportunities for learning.
- Supermarkets and Grocery Chains: Provide consistent hours and moderate wages in large-scale baking operations.
- Hotels and Catering Services: Generally pay competitive wages and often provide benefits and career advancement.
Salary differences mainly relate to the prestige, clientele, and scale of the establishment.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Atlanta for Bakers
If you are considering roles related to baking, here are some positions with similar skill sets and career paths:
These include Pastry Chef, Pastry Cook, and Chef positions, involving complementary culinary skills and different earning potentials.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Bakers in Atlanta
Bakers in Atlanta should familiarize themselves with relevant labor laws and taxation guidance from both federal and local authorities to ensure compliance and proper management of their employment conditions and finances.
- Check the federal laws and regulations on the U.S. Department of Labor website.
- Georgia state labor standards and employment information can be found on the Georgia Department of Labor website.
- The City of Atlanta's official site offers additional resources related to local labor policies.