Baker Salary in Knoxville, TN
Bakers in Knoxville, TN, in 2025, earn approximately $14.55 per hour, which translates to about $582.00 per week, $2,522.00 per month, and $30,264.00 per year.
The outlook for Bakers in Knoxville is promising with a growth rate of 8.1% per year, indicating increasing job demand and opportunities in the local bakery industry.
How Much Does a Baker Make in Knoxville, TN?
The salary of a Baker in Knoxville varies by experience, skill level, and employer. The following table shows typical earnings at different career stages for Bakers in this city.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $12.33 | $493.20 | $2,132.80 | $25,593.60 |
| Mid-level (average) | $14.55 | $582.00 | $2,522.00 | $30,264.00 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $17.16 | $686.40 | $2,960.80 | $35,731.20 |
Do Bakers in Knoxville Earn Tips?
Bakers generally do not earn tips as most of their work occurs behind the scenes without direct customer interaction. Their compensation is typically strictly from wages or salary.
Baker Salary in Knoxville vs. National Average
Across the country, Bakers earn an average of about $16.72 per hour and roughly $34,777.60 annually.
Compared to the national average, Bakers in Knoxville earn less at around $14.55 per hour with an annual salary near $30,264.00.
This difference can be influenced by the local cost of living, regional demand, and industry presence in Knoxville versus other U.S. locations.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Knoxville for Bakers
Nearby cities offer slightly higher wages for Bakers, including:
- Franklin, TN: $17.87 per hour
- Maryville, TN: $17.23 per hour
Bakers willing to commute to these areas could benefit from higher pay rates compared to Knoxville itself.
What Influences a Baker’s Salary in Knoxville?
Several key factors affect a Baker’s salary in Knoxville:
- Experience and Expertise: Bakers with more years of experience or specialized skills like artisan breads or pastry making tend to command higher wages.
- Type of Establishment: Salaries vary between small bakeries, commercial production facilities, grocery stores, or specialty pastry shops.
- Certifications and Education: Having credentials such as the ServSafe Food Handler Certification or Certified Pastry Culinarian (CPC) can boost earning potential.
- Shift and Scheduling: Early morning, night shifts, or weekend work might offer shift differentials, increasing overall pay.
- Local Economic Conditions: Wage scales often reflect regional economic factors including supply and demand for skilled bakers.
How To Become a Baker in Knoxville
Building a successful Bakery career in Knoxville typically involves the following steps:
- Pellissippi State Community College Culinary Arts Program offers hands-on courses in baking and pastry arts for foundational skills development.
- The University of Tennessee Culinary Institute provides professional development pathways including specialized baking techniques.
- Obtaining food safety credentials like the nationally recognized ServSafe Food Handler Certification is essential to maintain hygiene and legal compliance.
- Advancing qualifications through certifications such as the Certified Pastry Culinarian (CPC) validates expertise and may increase job prospects.
- Gaining practical experience via apprenticeships, internships, or entry-level bakery jobs is crucial for skill application and growth.
Top Employers Hiring Bakers in Knoxville
Key employers seeking Bakers in Knoxville include well-known grocery and food service businesses such as:
- Food City
- Publix
- Ingles Markets
Establishments That Bakers in Knoxville Work At
Bakers in Knoxville typically find employment across various establishment types such as:
- Casual and Fast Casual Restaurants: These generally offer moderate wages with opportunities for baking fresh goods complementing menu items.
- Supermarkets and Grocery Chains: Large retail stores often employ Bakers for high-volume production, providing steady but competitive pay.
- Specialty Bakeries and Artisan Shops: Usually provide higher pay rates reflecting specialized skills and product quality.
- Catering Companies and Hotels: Bakers in these establishments may have access to higher salaries due to specialized event and pastry baking demands.
The type of establishment impacts salaries significantly, with specialty and upscale venues tending to pay more for skilled bakers.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Knoxville for Bakers
If you’re considering similar careers within hospitality and culinary arts, several options are closely connected with baking skills and responsibilities.
Roles such as Pastry Chef, Pastry Cook, and Chef involve shared culinary skills and represent natural career progression or lateral moves.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Bakers in Knoxville
Understanding labor laws and tax responsibilities is important for Bakers working in Knoxville.
- Visit the official Tennessee government website for comprehensive information on state labor regulations and workplace rights.
- Federal labor standards and resources can be accessed at the U.S. Department of Labor website, covering minimum wage, overtime, and safety requirements.