Baker Salary in Fort Collins, CO
Bakers in Fort Collins, CO, earn approximately $16.80 per hour, which amounts to about $672.00 per week, $2,912.00 per month, and $34,944.00 per year.
The demand for Bakers in Fort Collins is growing steadily at about 5% per year, indicating a positive outlook and increasing opportunities in the baking industry within the area.
How Much Does a Baker Make in Fort Collins, CO?
The salary of a Baker in Fort Collins varies depending on experience and employer, but the following table outlines typical pay rates across different levels of expertise.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $11.91 | $476.40 | $2,053.20 | $24,638.40 |
| Mid-level (average) | $16.80 | $672.00 | $2,912.00 | $34,944.00 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $23.70 | $948.00 | $4,098.67 | $49,296.00 |
Do Bakers in Fort Collins Earn Tips?
Bakers generally do not earn tips as their work primarily occurs behind the scenes without direct customer interaction. Their income typically consists of wages or salary alone.
Baker Salary in Fort Collins vs. National Average
Nationally, Bakers earn an average of about $16.80 per hour and approximately $34,944 annually.
In Fort Collins, Bakers earn salaries that align closely with the national average, reflecting consistency in wage levels for this profession both locally and nationally.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Fort Collins for Bakers
Nearby cities offer slightly higher wages for Bakers, including:
- Longmont: $19.04 per hour
- Lafayette: $18.83 per hour
Exploring job opportunities in these neighboring areas might lead to better pay, though Fort Collins remains competitive within the region.
What Influences a Baker’s Salary in Fort Collins?
Several factors impact how much a Baker can earn in Fort Collins including:
- Experience and Skill Set: Bakers with specialized skills or years of experience often command higher wages.
- Type of Establishment: Positions at gourmet or specialty bakeries may offer better pay than those at supermarkets or fast casual businesses.
- Certifications and Education: Formal culinary education and certifications can enhance earning potential.
- Work Hours and Shifts: Different shift timings, such as early mornings or weekends, might include added pay.
- Local Market Demand: Growing demand within Fort Collins' culinary sector can influence salary increases.
How To Become a Baker in Fort Collins
Embarking on a career as a Baker in Fort Collins involves several important steps to build skills and credentials:
- Complete Formal Training: Programs such as the Front Range Community College Culinary Arts Program offer comprehensive baking and pastry arts education.
- Obtain Hospitality Education: The Colorado State University Hospitality Management Program provides coursework relevant to baking careers.
- Earn Food Safety Certifications: Credentials like the ServSafe Food Handler Certification are often required to meet industry standards.
- Pursue Professional Baking Certifications: The Certified Journey Baker (CJB) certification from Retail Bakers of America validates baking expertise.
Top Employers Hiring Bakers in Fort Collins
Fort Collins features a range of employers actively hiring Bakers, including:
- Ginger and Baker
- Crumbl Cookies Franchises
- Albertsons
Establishments That Bakers in Fort Collins Work At
Bakers in Fort Collins typically work across various establishment types such as:
- Artisan and Specialty Bakeries: These establishments often offer higher wages due to the skilled craftsmanship involved.
- Fast Casual and Casual Dining Restaurants: Bakers here may earn moderate wages reflective of the establishment's scale and clientele.
- Supermarkets and Grocery Stores: These usually provide steady work with competitive but generally lower pay compared to specialty shops.
- Hotels and Catering Services: Larger operations might pay better and offer advancement opportunities.
The type of establishment plays a significant role in wage variation for Bakers, with specialty bakeries often providing the most lucrative earnings.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Fort Collins for Bakers
If you are interested in careers that share similarities with baking, consider these roles that involve overlapping skills and culinary arts knowledge.
These include Pastry Chef, Pastry Cook, and Chef positions, which require relevant culinary expertise.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Bakers in Fort Collins
Bakers should familiarize themselves with labor laws and tax regulations applicable locally and federally to ensure compliance and protect their rights.
- Official resources on federal labor laws are available at the U.S. Department of Labor website.
- For Colorado-specific labor laws and employment resources visit the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment.
- The City of Fort Collins official website provides local ordinances and employment information relevant to Bakers.