Pastry Chef Salary in St Louis, MO
Pastry Chefs in St Louis, MO, in 2025, earn approximately $18.23 per hour, which translates to about $729.20 per week, $3,159.87 per month, and $37,918.40 per year.
The job outlook for Pastry Chefs in St Louis is positive with a 5% growth rate per year, indicating an increasing demand for skilled professionals in the baking and pastry arts industry.
How Much Does a Pastry Chef Make in St Louis, MO?
The salary of a Pastry Chef in St Louis varies with experience and skills. Below is a breakdown showing typical earnings by experience level.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $15.60 | $624.00 | $2,702.40 | $32,448.00 |
| Mid-level (average) | $18.23 | $729.20 | $3,159.87 | $37,918.40 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $21.30 | $852.00 | $3,687.33 | $44,304.00 |
Do Pastry Chefs in St Louis Earn Tips?
Pastry Chefs typically do not earn tips as their work is often conducted in the kitchen and out of direct customer interaction. Their compensation is mostly derived from their salary or hourly wage.
Pastry Chef Salary in St Louis vs. National Average
Nationally, Pastry Chefs earn an average of about $20.25 per hour, which equates to roughly $42,120 per year.
Compared to the national average, Pastry Chefs in St Louis earn slightly less, with an hourly rate of $18.23 and an annual salary of about $37,918. This difference can be influenced by local economic factors and cost of living.
Highest-Paying Areas Near St Louis for Pastry Chefs
Nearby areas with competitive pay rates for Pastry Chefs include:
- Webster Groves: $18.63 per hour
- Saint Charles: $18.25 per hour
Pastry Chefs in Webster Groves generally enjoy slightly better pay than those in Saint Charles, but both areas offer competitive salaries close to St Louis.
What Influences a Pastry Chef’s Salary in St Louis?
Several key factors impact the salary of a Pastry Chef in St Louis:
- Experience and Expertise: Those with advanced pastry skills and years of experience command higher wages.
- Specialized Skills: Expertise in chocolate work, sugar crafting, or specialized desserts can raise earning potential.
- Type of Establishment: Pastry Chefs working at upscale hotels, fine dining restaurants, or luxury bakeries often earn more than those in casual dining or chain environments.
- Certifications and Education: Formal culinary education and certifications often correlate with better salaries.
- Shift and Schedule: Working non-traditional hours or holiday shifts might include premium pay.
How To Become a Pastry Chef in St Louis
To start a career as a Pastry Chef in St Louis, consider these steps:
- Enroll in Culinary Programs: Programs like the St. Louis Community College Culinary Arts Program offer comprehensive training in pastry techniques, preparing you for entry-level roles.
- Specialized Courses: Institutes such as L'École Culinaire provide focused courses on baking and pastry arts with hands-on training.
- Obtain Food Safety Certifications: Certifications like ServSafe Food Handler Certification are essential for compliance with health standards.
- Professional Certification: Earning a Certified Pastry Culinarian (CPC) credential through the American Culinary Federation can enhance job prospects significantly.
Top Employers Hiring Pastry Chefs in St Louis
Leading employers actively seeking Pastry Chefs in St Louis include:
- Nathaniel Reid Bakery
- American Cruise Lines
- Saint Louis Club
Establishments That Pastry Chefs in St Louis Work At
Pastry Chefs in St Louis find work across a variety of establishments such as:
- Luxury Hotels and Resorts: These venues offer higher pay and opportunities to showcase advanced pastry skills.
- Fine Dining Restaurants: Pastry Chefs here often earn more due to the prestige and clientele demands.
- Casual and Fast Casual Restaurants: Typically, these offer moderate salaries but steady employment.
- Specialty Bakeries and Artisan Shops: These establishments may provide better wages for highly skilled pastry artisans.
- Catering Companies: Opportunities here can vary, with pay depending on client catering contracts and event sizes.
The type of establishment greatly influences salary, with upscale and specialized venues tending to pay more.
Related Hospitality Jobs in St Louis for Pastry Chefs
For those interested in career paths related to Pastry Chef, several similar roles exist with overlapping skills and salary ranges.
Positions to consider include Pastry Cook, Pastry Chef, and Chef roles, each involving varying levels of culinary expertise and responsibility.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Pastry Chefs in St Louis
Understanding labor laws and tax requirements is crucial for Pastry Chefs working in St Louis.
- Visit the Federal Department of Labor website for information on national labor standards and employment regulations.
- The Missouri state labor guidelines and resources can be found at labor.mo.gov.
- For city-specific employment information, check the official City of St Louis site.