Baker Salary in Riverside, CA
Bakers in Riverside, CA, in 2025, earn approximately $19.95 per hour, which translates to about $798.00 per week, $3,458.00 per month, and $41,496.00 per year.
The demand for Bakers in Riverside is growing steadily at about 5% per year, reflecting a healthy and expanding market for baked goods and specialty pastry products in the region.
How Much Does a Baker Make in Riverside, CA?
The salary of a Baker in Riverside can vary depending on experience and the specific employer, but here is a general look at earnings across experience levels.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $15.00 | $600.00 | $2,600.00 | $31,200.00 |
| Mid-level (average) | $19.95 | $798.00 | $3,458.00 | $41,496.00 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $21.84 | $873.60 | $3,774.40 | $45,427.20 |
Do Bakers in Riverside, CA Earn Tips?
Bakers generally do not earn tips since their work typically happens behind the scenes and not directly interacting with customers. Their earnings are usually based solely on their salary or wages.
Baker Salary in Riverside, CA vs. National Average
Nationally, Bakers earn an average of around $16.77 per hour, translating to about $34,881.60 per year.
Compared to the national average, Bakers in Riverside earn more, at about $19.95 per hour and $41,496 annually.
This difference is influenced by the local cost of living and demand for skilled Bakers in Riverside.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Riverside for Bakers
When exploring nearby areas, pay rates for Bakers are as follows:
- Downtown Riverside: $20.50 per hour
- Mission Grove: $21.00 per hour
Bakers working in Mission Grove can expect to earn slightly more compared to those in Downtown Riverside, reflecting local business conditions and clientele.
What Influences a Baker’s Salary in Riverside?
Several key factors influence the salary of a Baker in Riverside:
- Experience and Skill Level: Bakers with advanced skills, such as pastry or artisan bread making, and those with more years in the trade tend to earn higher wages.
- Type of Establishment: Working at upscale bakeries or specialty shops may offer better pay than chain supermarkets or fast casual establishments.
- Certifications and Education: Holding culinary or baking certifications can boost salary potential.
- Shift and Work Hours: Evening or early morning shifts might come with shift differentials that increase pay.
- Local Cost of Living: Riverside's cost of living and economic conditions affect wages offered.
How To Become a Baker in Riverside, CA
Starting a career as a Baker in Riverside can be enhanced by taking several concrete steps:
- Complete Formal Training: Programs like Riverside City College Culinary Arts Program and San Bernardino Valley College Culinary Arts Program offer comprehensive baking and pastry arts education, preparing students for professional baking careers.
- Obtain Food Safety Certifications: Certifications such as the ServSafe Food Handler Certification are often required to ensure knowledge of food safety practices.
- Consider Advanced Certifications: Certified Pastry Culinarian (CPC) is a recognized credential from the American Culinary Federation for pastry professionals aiming to enhance career prospects.
- Gain Practical Experience: Starting in entry-level bakery positions helps develop skills important for advancement.
Top Employers Hiring Bakers in Riverside, CA
Several well-known establishments in Riverside actively seek skilled Bakers:
- Panera Bread
- Nothing Bundt Cakes
- Urbane Cafe
Establishments That Bakers in Riverside, CA Work At
Bakers in Riverside find employment opportunities across various types of establishments:
- Artisan and Specialty Bakeries: These often pay higher wages due to the skill and quality required.
- Casual and Fast-Casual Restaurants: Bakers here may earn moderate pay, with job duties that can include baking and prep work.
- Supermarkets and Grocery Stores: Large-scale production bakeries typically offer steady jobs with moderate pay rates.
- Hotels and Catering Companies: Larger operations may pay more and provide benefit packages.
The nature and prestige of the establishment are significant factors affecting baker salaries.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Riverside, CA for Bakers
Those interested in careers related to Baking may consider similar roles that involve culinary skills and may offer different pay scales and responsibilities.
These roles include Pastry Chef, Pastry Cook, and Chef, which involve related culinary expertise and could be appealing career paths.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Bakers in Riverside, CA
Bakers should familiarize themselves with labor laws and tax requirements relevant to their work in California to ensure compliance and fair treatment.
- Visit the California Department of Industrial Relations for state labor laws and regulations.
- See the California Employment Development Department for employment services and tax information.
- The U.S. Department of Labor offers federal labor laws and workforce information.