Baker Salary in Kansas City, KS
Bakers in Kansas City, KS, in 2025, earn approximately $18.13 per hour, which translates to about $725.20 per week, $3,142.53 per month, and $37,710.40 per year.
The demand for Bakers in Kansas City is growing steadily at about 5% per year, indicating a healthy job market and an increasing need for skilled baking professionals in this area.
How Much Does a Baker Make in Kansas City, KS?
The salary of a Baker in Kansas City varies based on experience, skill level, and the employer’s scale. Below is a breakdown of typical earnings across different experience levels.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $16.15 | $646.00 | $2,796.67 | $33,592.00 |
| Mid-level (average) | $18.13 | $725.20 | $3,142.53 | $37,710.40 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $20.34 | $813.60 | $3,521.60 | $42,307.20 |
Do Bakers in Kansas City Earn Tips?
Bakers generally do not earn tips since their work is mainly behind the scenes, involving preparation and baking that doesn’t typically include direct customer interaction. Their earnings typically come from wages alone.
Baker Salary in Kansas City vs. National Average
Across the United States, Bakers earn about $16.67 per hour on average, which sums up to around $34,673.60 per year.
Compared to the national average, Bakers in Kansas City earn slightly more, with an average hourly rate of $18.13 and an annual salary averaging $37,710.40.
This difference can be attributed to Kansas City’s demand for baking skills and local market conditions supporting higher pay.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Kansas City for Bakers
When considering nearby cities, Baker salaries differ slightly as follows:
- Kansas City, KS: $18.13 per hour
- Topeka, KS: $16.09 per hour
- Lawrence, KS: $15.69 per hour
Among these, Bakers in Kansas City earn the highest average hourly wage, making it a favorable location for those in the profession.
What Influences a Baker’s Salary in Kansas City?
Several factors influence the earnings of a Baker in Kansas City:
- Experience and Skill Level: Bakers with more years of work, advanced baking techniques, and specialized skills like artisan breads or pastries tend to earn higher wages.
- Type of Employer: Working for upscale bakeries or specialty stores usually offers better pay than grocery store bakeries or fast casual outlets.
- Certifications and Education: Obtaining recognized certifications or completing formal baking education can enhance salary prospects.
- Work Schedule: Bakers working early morning or overnight shifts may receive shift differentials or overtime pay.
- Local Market Demand: The level of demand for baked goods in Kansas City influences salary levels.
How To Become a Baker in Kansas City
Starting a career as a Baker in Kansas City involves several steps to gain the necessary training and credentials.
- Enroll in Culinary or Baking Programs: Institutions like Johnson County Community College Culinary Arts Program offer comprehensive training in baking and pastry arts covering essential techniques, nutrition, and food safety.
- Gain Hands-On Experience: The Kansas City Kansas Community College Baking and Pastry Program provides valuable practical experience emphasizing traditional and modern baking methods.
- Obtain Certification: Consider pursuing the Certified Baker (CB) credential from the Retail Bakers of America to demonstrate professional proficiency and management skills.
- Ensure Food Safety Knowledge: Acquiring the ServSafe Food Handler Certification, which focuses on food safety practices, is often a requirement by employers.
Top Employers Hiring Bakers in Kansas City
Some of the leading employers in Kansas City looking for skilled Bakers include:
- Sam's Club
- Panera Bread
- Hy-Vee
Establishments That Bakers in Kansas City Work At
Bakers in Kansas City find employment in a variety of settings, including:
- Artisan and Specialty Bakeries: These establishments often pay higher due to the skill and quality of products required.
- Casual and Fast-Casual Restaurants: Bakers may produce baked goods for dining and takeout, which might offer moderate pay scales.
- Supermarkets and Grocery Stores: Large scale baking operations in these stores provide steady work, although pay may be comparatively lower.
- Hotels and Catering Companies: These venues may offer better wages and advancement opportunities reflecting the scale and luxury of service.
The type of establishment influences salary, with specialty and upscale bakeries typically providing higher earning potential.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Kansas City for Bakers
If you’re considering careers related to Baking, here are a few positions with similar skills and responsibilities:
These include Banquet Chef, Pastry Cook, and Chef, roles that engage similar culinary talents and have varying pay scales.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Bakers in Kansas City
Understanding labor laws and tax obligations is crucial for Bakers operating in Kansas City.
- Learn about employment laws, wage standards, and worker rights on the State of Kansas Department of Labor website.
- For federal labor statistics and regulations, visit the Bureau of Labor Statistics website.