Baker Salary in Kenosha, WI
Bakers in Kenosha, WI, in 2025, earn approximately $16.68 per hour, which translates to about $667.20 per week, $2,891.20 per month, and $34,694.40 per year.
The demand for Bakers in Kenosha is growing steadily at about 5% per year, indicating a positive outlook for job opportunities and career growth in this profession within the region.
How Much Does a Baker Make in Kenosha, WI?
The salary of a Baker in Kenosha varies based on experience and employer. Here's a breakdown of typical wages by experience level:
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $14.50 | $580.00 | $2,506.67 | $30,080.00 |
| Mid-level (average) | $16.68 | $667.20 | $2,891.20 | $34,694.40 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $19.00 | $760.00 | $3,293.33 | $39,520.00 |
Do Bakers in Kenosha Earn Tips?
Bakers generally do not earn tips as their work is usually behind the scenes without direct customer interaction. Their income is typically derived solely from wages or salary.
Baker Salary in Kenosha vs. National Average
Nationally, Bakers earn an average of around $16.80 per hour, which is approximately $34,944 per year.
Compared to the national average, Bakers in Kenosha earn slightly below that hourly rate at $16.68 per hour and $34,694.40 annually, reflecting the local economic conditions and cost of living.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Kenosha for Bakers
Nearby areas offer slightly higher wages for Bakers:
- Downtown Kenosha: $17.50 per hour
- HarborPark: $18.00 per hour
Working in HarborPark offers the highest pay among nearby Kenosha areas, potentially providing better income opportunities for Bakers willing to commute.
What Influences a Baker’s Salary in Kenosha?
Several factors influence how much a Baker can earn in Kenosha:
- Experience and Culinary Skills: Bakers with more years of experience or specialized skills in pastry arts often command higher wages.
- Type of Employer: Upscale bakeries, specialty shops, or hotels may pay more than grocery stores or casual chain establishments.
- Certifications and Training: Having certifications such as ServSafe Food Handler Certification or being a Certified Journey Baker (CJB) can increase earning potential.
- Work Schedule: Bakers working early morning shifts or overtime may receive shift differentials or higher pay.
- Local Market Demand: The positive growth in baker positions in Kenosha contributes to competitive salaries.
How To Become a Baker in Kenosha
Here are some key steps for starting a career as a Baker in Kenosha:
- Complete Formal Culinary Training: Programs like Gateway Technical College Culinary Arts Program and Milwaukee Area Technical College Baking and Pastry Arts Program provide hands-on baking education.
- Obtain Food Safety Certification: The ServSafe Food Handler Certification is widely recognized and often required by employers.
- Earn Professional Baking Credentials: Earning the Certified Journey Baker (CJB) credential from the Retail Bakers of America validates baking expertise.
- Gain Practical Experience: Working as a bakery assistant or apprentice helps build skills and opens career opportunities.
Top Employers Hiring Bakers in Kenosha
Several prominent employers in Kenosha actively hire Bakers, including:
- Panera Bread
- Festival Foods
- Meijer
Establishments That Bakers in Kenosha Work At
Bakers in Kenosha typically work across a range of establishments, such as:
- Casual and Fast Casual Restaurants: These may offer steady work with modest pay, often involving baking breads and pastries for daily menus.
- Specialty Bakeries: Focused on artisan breads, wedding cakes, and pastries, these establishments usually provide higher salaries due to skill requirements.
- Grocery Stores and Supermarkets: Large chains like Festival Foods and Meijer often employ Bakers for high-volume production with competitive, but generally moderate, wages.
- Hotels and Catering Services: These often offer better pay and benefits due to the scale and quality demands of their bakery operations.
The type of establishment significantly impacts the earning potential for Bakers, with specialty and hotel bakeries generally paying the most.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Kenosha for Bakers
Those interested in similar hospitality careers to Baker might explore related roles such as:
These careers include Pastry Chef, Pastry Cook, and Chef positions, which require related culinary skills and offer different salary ranges.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Bakers in Kenosha
Bakers in Kenosha should be aware of local and federal laws governing employment and taxes to ensure compliance and protect their rights.
- Learn about Wisconsin state labor laws and employment resources on the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development official website.
- For federal labor laws and regulations, the U.S. Department of Labor official website is the authoritative source.