Baker Salary in Oak Park, IL
Bakers in Oak Park, IL, in 2025, earn approximately $19.26 per hour, which translates to about $770.40 per week, $3,338.40 per month, and $40,060.80 per year.
The demand for Bakers in Oak Park is growing steadily at about 5% per year, indicating a positive job outlook in the local baking industry.
How Much Does a Baker Make in Oak Park, IL?
The salary of a Baker in Oak Park varies based on experience and skills. Here is a breakdown of typical pay levels:
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $15.26 | $610.40 | $2,634.93 | $31,616.80 |
| Mid-level (average) | $19.26 | $770.40 | $3,338.40 | $40,060.80 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $24.32 | $972.80 | $4,197.33 | $50,465.60 |
Do Bakers in Oak Park Earn Tips?
Bakers typically do not earn tips as their work is usually conducted behind the scenes without direct customer interaction. Their compensation is generally limited to wages.
Baker Salary in Oak Park vs. National Average
Nationally, Bakers earn about $17.44 per hour, or approximately $36,275.20 per year.
Compared to the national average, Bakers in Oak Park earn a higher hourly wage of $19.26 and an annual salary around $40,060.80. This reflects local factors such as cost of living and demand for skilled Bakers.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Oak Park for Bakers
If you are willing to work a bit outside Oak Park, here are some surrounding areas with their average hourly pay for Bakers:
- Downtown Oak Park: $20.50 per hour
- South Oak Park: $18.70 per hour
Downtown Oak Park offers the highest pay for Bakers while South Oak Park falls slightly below the city average.
What Influences a Baker’s Salary in Oak Park?
Several key factors affect how much a Baker earns in Oak Park:
- Experience and Skill Level: Bakers with specialized skills in artisan breads, pastries, or large-scale production usually command higher wages.
- Type of Establishment: High-end bakeries, hotels, and specialty pastry shops often offer more competitive salaries than standard grocery stores or fast-casual outlets.
- Certifications and Education: Certifications such as ServSafe Food Handler and the Certified Pastry Culinarian (CPC) can boost earning potential.
- Shift Timing and Hours: Bakers working early morning or overnight shifts may receive shift differentials or premium pay.
- Local Market Demand: Oak Park’s demand for fresh baked goods and specialty items affects salary competitiveness.
How To Become a Baker in Oak Park
To pursue a career as a Baker in Oak Park, you may consider the following steps:
- Complete Baking and Culinary Education: Enroll in programs like the Kendall College Baking and Pastry Program or Triton College Culinary Arts Program to gain essential skills and credentials.
- Obtain Food Safety Certifications: Certifications such as the ServSafe Food Handler Certification are often required by employers for compliance with health regulations.
- Pursue Specialized Certifications: The Certified Pastry Culinarian (CPC) offered by the American Culinary Federation validates pastry skills and enhances professional standing.
- Gain Work Experience: Hands-on practice through internships or entry-level hiring in bakeries helps build proficiency and reputation.
- Network in Local Industry: Connecting with bakery professionals and joining culinary associations can open job opportunities.
Top Employers Hiring Bakers in Oak Park
Several employers in Oak Park are known for hiring skilled Bakers, including:
- Panera Bread
- Jewel Osco
- Whole Foods Market
Establishments That Bakers in Oak Park Work At
Bakers in Oak Park typically work in diverse settings such as:
- Artisan and Specialty Bakeries: These often pay the highest wages reflecting the premium quality of products made.
- Casual and Fast-Casual Restaurants: Some baking is done in-house here, but wages tend to be moderate.
- Supermarkets and Grocery Stores: Large chains offer steady work with consistent salaries, often focusing on volume baking.
- Hotels and Catering Companies: These establishments may provide better benefits and higher pay for skilled Bakers supporting events and room service.
The salary varies significantly depending on the prestige and scale of the establishment.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Oak Park for Bakers
If you are interested in careers related to Baker, here are some similar roles to consider that also require culinary skills and may offer different salary ranges:
These include Pastry Chef, Pastry Cook, and Chef positions, offering related culinary expertise with varied compensation.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Bakers in Oak Park
Bakers in Oak Park should be informed about relevant labor laws and tax regulations to ensure fair treatment and proper compliance under the law.
- Consult the Federal website for labor laws and regulations for overarching employment policies.
- Visit the State of Illinois website for employment services and labor laws for state-specific labor information.
- Check the Local Oak Park government website for local business regulations and ordinances affecting employment.