What Restaurants Do Bakers Make the Most Money at in Albany, NY?

The average hourly wage for Bakers in Albany is around $17.50 per hour, slightly above the upstate New York average. While this base figure gives a starting point, Baker compensation can vary considerably depending on the restaurant’s type, reputation and your experience level.

If you’re interested in which bakeries and restaurants pay Bakers the best in Albany, you’re in the right place. Below, we explore venues where Bakers tend to earn the most — and explain how factors like restaurant concept, location and expertise can influence your paycheck.

Top-Paying Restaurants for Bakers in Albany

Albany is home to a thriving artisan baking scene. From dedicated pastry shops to bustling breakfast chains and destination bakeries, these workplaces often offer the best earning opportunities for Bakers looking to maximize both skill development and pay.

Here are some of Albany’s top workplace options for talented Bakers:

1. Emma Willard Kitchen & Bake Shop

Known for its historic location and gourmet pastries, Emma Willard Kitchen attracts not just local foodies but also visitors to Albany. Their emphasis on scratch baking and creative seasonal flavors creates a great environment for Bakers to both hone their craft and earn solid pay.

2. Cider Belly Doughnuts

Famous across the region for its mouthwatering cider doughnuts, Cider Belly is a local institution. With high-volume production and a loyal customer base, Bakers here enjoy above-average wages and a fast-paced, rewarding work atmosphere.

3. Bread Alone Bakery (Albany Location)

This Hudson Valley staple’s Albany outlet is focused on organic, naturally leavened breads and pastries. With a reputation for sustainably sourced ingredients and artisan techniques, Bread Alone offers competitive pay — especially for Bakers with experience in European-style breads and a passion for quality.

4. Mrs. London's Bakery

Although originally based in Saratoga Springs, Mrs. London’s supplies top restaurants and hotels throughout the Capital District. Bakers working for their Albany distribution or satellite outlets can expect premium hourly rates and exposure to upscale pastry work.

5. Bruegger's Bagels

A national chain with Albany locations, Bruegger’s is known for fresh-baked bagels and classic ambiance. Their heavy morning rush means steady hours and strong starting wages for Bakers, especially those who can manage large batches efficiently.

6. Bountiful Bread

Bountiful Bread is a favorite for those craving artisan loaves, desserts and specialty sandwiches. Their commitment to fresh, scratch-made products allows Bakers to learn a wide range of recipes and techniques — and to earn extra income by taking on catering or specialty order projects.

The Impact of Restaurant Type on Baker Earnings

Where you bake makes a big difference in how much you earn. Not all bakeries or restaurant kitchens are created equal — pay varies depending on the scale, clientele and style of establishment.

Casual Bakeries

Franchise bakeries like Bruegger’s or national chains offer reliable hourly pay and predictable schedules, perfect if you value job security and steady income over creative freedom.

Artisan/Local Bakeries

Independently owned spots such as Bountiful Bread or Cider Belly Doughnuts often compensate with higher hourly wages and the opportunity to participate in unique, creative baking projects — sometimes at the cost of early mornings or longer shifts.

Upscale Restaurants & Hotels

High-end venues and hotel kitchens (e.g., through Mrs. London’s) tend to require greater expertise but often pay the most competitive rates. These positions may also come with perks like tips, benefits packages or chances for advancement.

• Location: Downtown bakeries or those attached to luxury hotels usually pay more.
• Certifications: ServSafe or culinary school credentials can raise your starting offer.
• Experience: Knowledge of sourdoughs, viennoiserie or cakes may command a premium.

How To Find a High Paying Baker Job in Albany

Looking for a top-paying Baker position in Albany? Here are some effective strategies:

• Perfect Your Resume: Highlight relevant experience, specializations (bread, pastries etc.) and certifications.
• Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Emphasize your passion for baking and why you’re a fit for their team.
• Network Locally: Visit bakeries and introduce yourself; in-person connections matter in this industry.
• Practice Interview Questions: Be prepared to discuss baking techniques, problem-solving and handling high-volume periods.
• Showcase Samples: Bring a portfolio or photos of your baked goods or offer to do a trial bake — many shops love to see your work in action.
• Check Job Boards Regularly: Monitor hospitality job sites for openings at desired locations.

What’s the Outlook for Baker Jobs in Albany in 2025 and Beyond?

The job outlook for Bakers in Albany remains positive and stable for 2025. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Baker employment is projected to grow by about 5% nationally through 2032. In Albany specifically, the rise of local food movements and increased interest in artisan foods signal a strong market for skilled Bakers.

Restaurants, coffee shops and hotels are placing more emphasis on in-house pastry programs and fresh bread production, which means more opportunities — and higher pay potential — for those with the right skills. Expect a steady demand for both entry-level and experienced Bakers as the city’s hospitality sector continues its post-pandemic growth.

Is a Baker’s Salary Enough to Live Well in Albany?

At the average Albany pay of $17.50 per hour, a full-time Baker brings in roughly $36,000 to $39,000 per year before taxes. Compared to New York City and other larger metros, Albany’s cost of living is substantially lower.

• Average 1-bedroom rent: $1,100 per month
• Utilities: $175 per month
• Groceries: $300–$400 per month
• Public transit: ~$65 per month

For Bakers working at premium venues or with overtime, it’s feasible to both cover basic expenses and set aside a small savings. Living with roommates or securing jobs with tips/benefits (especially in hotel or restaurant bakery settings) further improves your quality of life in Albany.

Our Criteria for Choosing Top-Paying Albany Baker Jobs

We selected these bakeries and restaurants based on several key criteria:

• Wages offered: Priority to workplaces advertising above-average hourly pay for Albany
• Reputation and worker reviews: Chosen for positive employee feedback and strong career growth potential
• Location & clientele: Preference for places with high traffic, catering demand or upscale food service programs
• Benefits and advancement: Opportunities for learning, promotion and overtime

These factors help ensure Bakers can expect higher pay, reliable hours and opportunities to advance their baking careers in Albany’s vibrant food scene.