Pastry Chef Salary in Wichita, KS
Pastry Chefs in Wichita, KS, earn approximately $17.28 per hour, which translates to about $691.20 per week, $2,995.20 per month, and $35,942.40 per year.
The demand for Pastry Chefs in Wichita is growing steadily at about 5% per year, indicating a positive job outlook and expanding opportunities in the local culinary scene.
How Much Does a Pastry Chef Make in Wichita, KS?
The salary of a Pastry Chef in Wichita varies depending on experience and employer. Here’s an overview across different experience levels:
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $12.51 | $500.40 | $2,168.40 | $26,020.80 |
| Mid-level (average) | $17.28 | $691.20 | $2,995.20 | $35,942.40 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $23.87 | $954.80 | $4,126.93 | $49,537.60 |
Do Pastry Chefs in Wichita Earn Tips?
Pastry Chefs generally do not earn tips since their work is mainly behind the scenes in the kitchen rather than direct customer interaction. Their earnings typically come from their wages or salaries alone.
Pastry Chef Salary in Wichita vs. National Average
Nationally, Pastry Chefs earn an average of around $17.28 per hour or approximately $35,942.40 per year.
Pastry Chefs in Wichita earn on par with the national average, indicating that the local market aligns closely with overall industry standards in terms of compensation.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Wichita for Pastry Chefs
Nearby areas to Wichita offer slightly varying pay rates for Pastry Chefs:
- Downtown: $18.50 per hour
- Eastborough: $19.00 per hour
Pastry Chefs working in Eastborough tend to earn a bit more than those in Downtown Wichita, thanks to different economic factors and culinary demand in these neighborhoods.
What Influences a Pastry Chef’s Salary in Wichita?
Several factors impact the salary of a Pastry Chef in Wichita:
- Experience and Expertise: More experienced Pastry Chefs, especially those skilled in advanced techniques like chocolate tempering or laminated dough, typically command higher wages.
- Type of Establishment: Working at upscale bakeries, hotels, or fine-dining restaurants usually provides better pay than casual bakeries or fast food outlets.
- Certifications and Education: Formal culinary training and certifications can increase earning potential.
- Shift Patterns: Evening, weekend, or holiday shifts may offer premium pay rates.
- Local Economic Conditions: Competitive salaries often reflect the area's cost of living and demand for quality pastry products.
How To Become a Pastry Chef in Wichita
Individuals aspiring to become Pastry Chefs in Wichita should consider these steps:
- Enroll in Culinary Arts Programs: The Culinary Arts Program at WSU Tech offers hands-on training with over 1,000 kitchen hours, preparing learners for food service careers.
- Take Pastry Cooking Classes: Local options like Pastry Cooking Classes by Cozymeal provide practical instruction in key pastry skills such as dough laminating and chocolate tempering.
- Obtain Relevant Certifications: Industry certifications like the Certified Pastry Culinarian (CPC) and ServSafe Food Handler Certification enhance employability and demonstrate competence.
- Gain Work Experience: Starting in entry-level baking roles or apprenticeships helps build skills and professional networks.
Top Employers Hiring Pastry Chefs in Wichita
Wichita’s hospitality landscape includes several prominent employers actively seeking Pastry Chefs:
- McDonalds
- Five Guys
- Fiji Island
Establishments That Pastry Chefs in Wichita Work At
Pastry Chefs in Wichita typically find jobs in:
- Casual and Fast Casual Restaurants: These provide steady work but often with more modest salaries compared to upscale venues.
- Hotels and Resorts: Larger operations tend to offer higher pay and more complex pastry production.
- Specialty Bakeries: Artisan shops usually pay more due to the skill-intensive nature of pastries produced.
- Catering and Event Companies: Opportunities here often involve custom pastry creations and can affect salary based on demand.
The type of establishment influences salary based on the scale, clientele, and complexity of pastry products needed.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Wichita for Pastry Chefs
If you are interested in related careers to Pastry Chef, consider these similar roles:
These include Pastry Cook, Pastry Chef, and Chef, all of which involve culinary skills closely related to pastry creation and kitchen management.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Pastry Chefs in Wichita
Pastry Chefs should familiarize themselves with labor laws and taxation regulations to ensure compliance and protect their rights.
- For information on federal labor laws, visit the U.S. Department of Labor website.
- Details on Kansas state labor regulations are available at the Kansas official government site.