Pastry Chef Salary in Burlington, VT
Pastry Chefs in Burlington, VT, in 2025, earn approximately $21.86 per hour, which translates to about $874.40 per week, $3,789.07 per month, and $45,468.80 per year.
The demand for Pastry Chefs in Burlington is growing steadily at about 5% per year, indicating a positive outlook for this sweet and creative culinary profession.
How Much Does a Pastry Chef Make in Burlington, VT?
The salary of a Pastry Chef in Burlington varies depending on experience and skill level. Below is an overview of typical earnings based on different levels of experience.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $18.89 | $755.60 | $3,263.47 | $39,291.20 |
| Mid-level (average) | $21.86 | $874.40 | $3,789.07 | $45,468.80 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $25.30 | $1,012.00 | $4,383.33 | $52,624.00 |
Do Pastry Chefs in Burlington Earn Tips?
Pastry Chefs typically do not earn tips as their work is mostly behind the scenes in kitchen prep and baking. Their compensation mainly comes from their salary or hourly wage rather than gratuities.
Pastry Chef Salary in Burlington vs. National Average
Nationally, Pastry Chefs earn an average of around $20 per hour, which translates to roughly $41,600 per year.
Compared to the national average, Pastry Chefs in Burlington earn slightly more both hourly and annually, reflecting the regional demand and cost of living.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Burlington for Pastry Chefs
Nearby towns offer even higher salaries for Pastry Chefs, such as:
- Stowe: $29.45 per hour
- Weston: $29.25 per hour
These areas tend to have upscale resorts and hospitality venues that pay premium wages for skilled Pastry Chefs.
What Influences a Pastry Chef’s Salary in Burlington?
Several important factors impact the salary of a Pastry Chef in Burlington:
- Experience and Skill Level: More seasoned Pastry Chefs with specialized skills can command higher wages.
- Type of Establishment: High-end restaurants, luxury hotels, and resorts tend to pay more than smaller bakeries or casual dining spots.
- Education and Certifications: Completion of culinary programs or specialized pastry certifications often boosts salary prospects.
- Reputation and Creativity: Pastry Chefs known for unique recipes and artistry may enjoy better pay.
- Work Hours and Scheduling: Pastry Chefs working nights or weekends might get shift differentials supplementing their pay.
How To Become a Pastry Chef in Burlington
Launching a career as a Pastry Chef in Burlington can be supported by several key steps:
- Formal Culinary Education: Institutions such as the New England Culinary Institute in Montpelier, VT, offer comprehensive baking and pastry arts programs with hands-on training.
- Food Safety Certification: Acquiring the ServSafe Certification is essential for food handling safety and is often a job requirement.
- Apprenticeships and Internships: Gaining practical experience by working under experienced pastry professionals helps build skill and reputation.
- Networking Within the Culinary Community: Engaging with local chefs and culinary events in Vermont can open job opportunities.
Top Employers Hiring Pastry Chefs in Burlington
Some of the prominent employers in the Burlington area known to hire Pastry Chefs include:
- Hotel Vermont
- The Essex Resort & Spa
- Hen of the Wood
Establishments That Pastry Chefs in Burlington Work At
Pastry Chefs in Burlington find roles across a variety of establishments:
- Luxury Hotels and Resorts: These establishments often pay higher salaries due to guest expectations for gourmet desserts and quality.
- Upscale Restaurants: Fine dining venues require talented Pastry Chefs and may offer competitive compensation.
- Specialty Bakeries and Cafés: Smaller businesses might pay less but offer creative freedom.
- Catering and Event Companies: Typically rewarding well for skilled Pastry Chefs who can deliver for large scale functions.
The type of establishment strongly influences the earning potential and career growth opportunities for Pastry Chefs.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Burlington for Pastry Chefs
If you're interested in similar roles within the hospitality and culinary world, here are a few related careers to consider:
These include Pastry Cook, Pastry Chef, and Chef roles, which often share skills and have overlapping job duties but may differ in responsibilities and compensation.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Pastry Chefs in Burlington
Pastry Chefs should familiarize themselves with federal and state labor laws to ensure proper work conditions and compliance.
- Refer to the U.S. Department of Labor website for comprehensive federal regulations, wage standards, and workplace rights.
- The Vermont Department of Labor offers state-specific labor laws and employment-related resources.