Baker Salary in Portland, ME
Bakers in Portland, ME, in 2025, earn approximately $20.38 per hour, which translates to about $815.20 per week, $3,532.53 per month, and $42,390.40 per year.
The demand for Bakers in Portland is growing at around 3.1%, indicating a positive job outlook and steady opportunities in the local baking industry.
How Much Does a Baker Make in Portland?
The salary of a Baker in Portland varies depending on experience level and other factors. Below is a breakdown of typical wages across different experience tiers.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $15.23 | $609.20 | $2,631.87 | $31,582.40 |
| Mid-level (average) | $18.69 | $747.60 | $3,224.60 | $38,875.20 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $22.94 | $917.60 | $3,951.73 | $47,699.20 |
Do Bakers in Portland Earn Tips?
Bakers typically do not earn tips because their work is usually behind the scenes and not customer-facing. Their income primarily consists of their base wage or salary.
Baker Salary in Portland vs. National Average
Nationally, Bakers earn an average of approximately $18.69 per hour, equating to about $38,875.20 per year.
Compared to this, Bakers in Portland earn slightly more, with an average wage of $20.38 per hour and $42,390.40 annually. This reflects Portland’s competitive culinary environment and cost of living.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Portland for Bakers
Nearby locations with higher pay for Bakers include:
- Brunswick: $20.30 per hour
- Kittery: $19.88 per hour
Bakers working in Brunswick might enjoy better wages than those in Kittery, with Portland remaining a central hub for baking jobs in the region.
What Influences a Baker’s Salary in Portland?
Several key factors can influence how much a Baker earns in Portland:
- Experience and Skill Level: Bakers with specialized skills such as artisan bread making or pastry expertise generally command higher salaries.
- Type of Establishment: Upscale bakeries, specialty pastry shops, or hotels tend to offer better compensation compared to chain supermarkets or casual dining.
- Certifications and Education: Holding credentials like the Certified Baker (CB) by the Retail Bakers of America or ServSafe Food Handler Certification can enhance pay prospects.
- Work Hours and Shifts: Bakers working early morning or evening shifts may receive additional compensation or shift differentials.
- Local Market Demand: Portland’s culinary scene influences wages to remain competitive due to increased customer demand for quality baked goods.
How To Become a Baker in Portland
Launching a career as a Baker in Portland can be achieved through several practical steps:
- Pursue Culinary Education: Programs such as the Southern Maine Community College Culinary Arts Program provide an Associate degree with hands-on baking and pastry arts training.
- Skill Development Courses: The University of Southern Maine Professional Development Programs offer non-credit courses in baking and pastry arts to improve expertise.
- Obtain Relevant Certifications: Certifications like ServSafe Food Handler Certification ensure knowledge of food safety and are highly valued by employers.
- Gain Work Experience: Apprenticeships or entry-level positions in bakeries or foodservice help build practical skills essential to career growth.
Top Employers Hiring Bakers in Portland
Several prominent employers seek talented Bakers in Portland, including:
- Whole Foods Market
- The Works Bakery Cafe
- Shaw's
Establishments That Bakers in Portland Work At
Bakers in Portland typically find employment in a range of venues such as:
- Artisan and Specialty Bakeries: These tend to offer the highest wages given their emphasis on quality and craftsmanship.
- Casual and Fast-Casual Restaurants: Bakers here may earn moderate wages but can benefit from higher volume sales.
- Supermarkets and Grocery Stores: Often hire bakers for large-scale production with steady but typically lower wages.
- Hotels and Catering Firms: Larger establishments may provide better compensation packages and benefits.
The type of workplace greatly affects a baker’s earning potential in Portland, with specialty venues generally compensating more generously.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Portland for Bakers
If you’re interested in careers related to Baking, consider these similar roles that utilize culinary skills:
Common related positions include Pastry Chef, Pastry Cook, and Chef, which share culinary responsibilities and differ in specialization and salary.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Bakers in Portland
Understanding local labor laws and tax requirements is important for Bakers in Portland to ensure fair employment and compliance:
- Information about Maine state labor laws and employment regulations can be found on the Maine government website.
- For federal regulations and labor standards, refer to the U.S. Department of Labor website.