Baker Salary in Boulder, CO
Bakers in Boulder, CO, in 2025, earn approximately $16.50 per hour, which translates to about $660.00 per week, $2,860.00 per month, and $34,320.00 per year.
The demand for Bakers in Boulder is growing steadily at about 5% per year, reflecting a healthy and expanding market for baked goods and specialty pastry products in the area.
How Much Does a Baker Make in Boulder, CO?
The salary of a Baker in Boulder can vary based on experience and employer, but here is a general overview of earnings by experience level.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $14.50 | $580.00 | $2,513.33 | $30,160.00 |
| Mid-level (average) | $18.90 | $756.00 | $3,276.00 | $39,312.00 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $22.10 | $884.00 | $3,829.33 | $45,968.00 |
Do Bakers in Boulder Earn Tips?
Bakers generally do not earn tips since their work is often performed behind the scenes and there is limited direct customer interaction. Their income mostly comes from their hourly wage or salary.
Baker Salary in Boulder vs. National Average
Nationally, Bakers earn an average of about $16.80 per hour, which translates to roughly $34,944 per year.
Comparing this, Bakers in Boulder earn slightly less hourly at $16.50 per hour and a bit below the national average annually at $34,320.
This difference may be due to varying cost of living, employer types, and local economic conditions in Boulder.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Boulder for Bakers
Nearby areas to Boulder offer slightly higher pay rates for Bakers:
- Downtown Boulder: $18.50 per hour
- Pearl Street Mall: $19.20 per hour
Working in these areas might provide a better hourly wage due to higher customer traffic and possibly more upscale establishments.
What Influences a Baker’s Salary in Boulder?
Several key factors affect how much a Baker earns in Boulder:
- Experience and Skill Level: Bakers with specialized skills, such as artisan bread making or pastry techniques, and those with more years in the field can command higher wages.
- Type of Establishment: Working in high-end bakeries, hotels, or specialty shops generally pays better than chain supermarkets or casual eateries.
- Certifications and Education: Certifications like the Certified Pastry Culinarian (CPC) or completion of culinary baking programs can increase earning potential.
- Work Schedule: Bakers who take on early morning or night shifts may receive additional pay or shift differential.
- Local Economy and Cost of Living: The economic landscape of Boulder impacts wages, reflecting the demand and supply for Bakers in the region.
How To Become a Baker in Boulder
To enter the field of baking in Boulder, here are some helpful steps:
- Complete Relevant Education: Consider programs offered by institutions such as the Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, located in Boulder, which provides hands-on baking and pastry training.
- Earn Certifications: Obtain certifications like the ServSafe Food Handler Certification for food safety knowledge, or the Certified Pastry Culinarian (CPC) credential to validate baking expertise.
- Gain Practical Experience: Apprenticeships or entry-level bakery roles provide crucial on-the-job skill development.
- Attend Community College Programs: Schools like Front Range Community College offer Baking and Pastry Certificate programs, focusing on fundamental skills applicable in bakery settings.
Top Employers Hiring Bakers in Boulder
If you're seeking a Baking position in Boulder, these employers often have openings:
- King Soopers
- WoodGrain Bagels
- Panera Bread
- Great Harvest Bread Company
- SPRUCE Confections
Establishments That Bakers in Boulder Work At
Bakers typically work in a variety of food establishments, each influencing pay slightly differently:
- Artisan and Specialty Bakeries: Often offer the highest salaries due to specialized product lines and craftsmanship.
- Casual and Fast-Casual Restaurants: Pay is generally moderate, suitable for quick-service baking needs.
- Supermarkets and Grocery Chains: Usually provide consistent hours with moderate pay scales.
- Catering Companies and Hotels: Larger operations sometimes pay more and may offer benefits.
The establishment type influences earnings and opportunities for advancement.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Boulder for Bakers
If you are interested in baking but looking at some related roles, consider these options which share similar skills:
These include Pastry Chef, Pastry Cook, and Chef positions, each involving related culinary skills and varying salary ranges.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Bakers in Boulder
Bakers should be aware of relevant labor laws and tax obligations to ensure compliance and protect their rights.
- Information on Colorado state labor laws and employment regulations can be found on the official Colorado government website.
- For federal labor laws and wage regulations, visit the U.S. Department of Labor's site.