Pastry Chef Salary in Inglewood, CA
Pastry Chefs in Inglewood, CA, in 2025, earn approximately $33.00 per hour, which translates to about $1,320.00 per week, $5,720.00 per month, and $68,640.00 per year.
The job market for Pastry Chefs in Inglewood is growing steadily at about 5% per year, demonstrating an increasing demand for skilled professionals in baking and pastry arts in the region.
How Much Does a Pastry Chef Make in Inglewood, CA?
The salary of a Pastry Chef in Inglewood varies based on experience and other factors. Below is an overview of earnings by experience level.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $28.00 | $1,120.00 | $4,853.33 | $58,240.00 |
| Mid-level (average) | $33.00 | $1,320.00 | $5,720.00 | $68,640.00 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $38.00 | $1,520.00 | $6,573.33 | $78,960.00 |
Do Pastry Chefs in Inglewood Earn Tips?
Pastry Chefs generally do not earn tips as their work is primarily behind the scenes in kitchens and bakeries, focusing on creating baked goods and desserts rather than direct customer service.
Pastry Chef Salary in Inglewood vs. National Average
Nationally, Pastry Chefs earn around $28.00 per hour, which comes to approximately $58,240.00 per year.
Compared to the national figures, Pastry Chefs in Inglewood earn higher wages, with an average of $33.00 per hour and $68,640.00 annually. This reflects regional factors including cost of living and demand in the culinary industry.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Inglewood for Pastry Chefs
Nearby areas with competitive pay for Pastry Chefs include:
- Hollywood Park: $2,374.00 weekly pay
- Morningside Park: $2,326.00 weekly pay
These neighboring locations may offer higher weekly earnings relative to Inglewood, making them attractive for commuting Pastry Chefs seeking greater pay.
What Influences a Pastry Chef’s Salary in Inglewood?
Several factors impact the salary potential of a Pastry Chef in Inglewood, including:
- Experience: More experienced Pastry Chefs command higher salaries due to their refined skills and knowledge.
- Skills and Specialization: Expertise in specialty pastries or advanced decorating techniques can boost earnings.
- Type of Establishment: Working in upscale hotels, fine dining restaurants, or specialty bakeries often offers better pay than casual eateries.
- Culinary Certifications: Holding certifications such as the Certified Pastry Culinarian (CPC) can validate skills and improve salary prospects.
- Work Hours and Shift Differentials: Evening, weekend, or holiday shifts might include premium pay.
How To Become a Pastry Chef in Inglewood
To start a successful career as a Pastry Chef in Inglewood, consider these key steps:
- Complete Formal Education: Enroll in culinary programs such as those offered by Los Angeles Trade-Technical College, which focuses on baking and pastry arts, or Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts for classical and modern techniques.
- Earn Food Safety Certifications: Obtain certifications like the ServSafe Food Handler Certification to demonstrate knowledge of food safety regulations.
- Gain Industry Certification: Pursuing a Certified Pastry Culinarian (CPC) credential through the American Culinary Federation can enhance credibility.
- Get Practical Experience: Apprenticeships or entry-level pastry positions provide valuable hands-on training.
- Build a Portfolio: Create and document your pastry creations to showcase your skills to prospective employers.
Top Employers Hiring Pastry Chefs in Inglewood
Leading employers searching for Pastry Chefs in Inglewood include:
- Legends
- Sodexo
- Compass Group
- Aramark
Establishments That Pastry Chefs in Inglewood Work At
Pastry Chefs in Inglewood find opportunities at various types of establishments, such as:
- Fine Dining Restaurants: Often provide higher salaries due to the complexity and presentation expectations of desserts.
- Hotels and Resort Kitchens: Can offer competitive pay along with benefits and career growth opportunities.
- Casual and Fast-Casual Eateries: May provide more entry-level opportunities but typically pay less than upscale venues.
- Specialty Bakeries and Patisseries: Focus on artisan products and usually reward specialized skills with better wages.
The choice of establishment significantly influences compensation, with fine dining and luxury hotels tending to pay the most.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Inglewood for Pastry Chefs
If you’re considering roles related to Pastry Chef, here are some similar hospitality jobs to explore:
These include Pastry Cook, Baker, and Chef positions, which share culinary skills and can lead to diverse career paths.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Pastry Chefs in Inglewood
Pastry Chefs should familiarize themselves with relevant labor laws and tax guidelines to understand their rights and obligations:
- Visit the California Department of Industrial Relations for detailed information on state labor laws and employee protections.
- For employment services and tax information, consult the California Employment Development Department.
- Federal labor laws and resources are available through the U.S. Department of Labor.