Bakers in Bloomington typically earn around $16 per hour, although this can vary significantly depending on the establishment. Salaries for Bakers are influenced by the type of restaurant, the complexity of the baked goods produced and the Baker’s experience and certifications.
This article will explore some of the best-paying restaurants and bakeries in Bloomington and provide insights into how various factors affect Baker salaries. We will also share tips on how to land a high-paying Baker job in this vibrant culinary city.
Top-Paying Restaurants for Bakers in Bloomington, IN- 1. Upland Brewing Company
- 2. The Village Deli
- 3. The Baked Bear Bloomington
- 4. Soma Coffeehouse & Bakery
- 5. Baked! of Bloomington
- The Impact of Restaurant Type on Baker Earnings in Bloomington
- How To Find a High Paying Baker Job in Bloomington
- What’s the Outlook for Baker Jobs in Bloomington, IN in 2025 and Beyond?
- Is a Baker’s Salary Enough to Live Well in Bloomington?
- Our Criteria for Choosing Top-Paying Bloomington, IN Baker Jobs
Top-Paying Restaurants for Bakers in Bloomington, IN
Bloomington has a thriving food scene with a mix of bakeries, cafes and restaurants that offer compelling opportunities for Bakers. From artisan bread makers to pastry-focused establishments, here are some notable spots where Bakers can earn competitive wages.
1. Upland Brewing Company
Known widely for its craft beers, Upland Brewing Company also features a bakery section that produces fresh breads and pastries. The company emphasizes quality and innovation, providing Bakers with a dynamic work environment and above-average pay scales.
2. The Village Deli
The Village Deli is a beloved local establishment with a growing reputation for its scratch-made baked goods, including artisanal breads and desserts. Bakers here benefit from stable schedules and opportunities for skill development in a community-focused setting.
3. The Baked Bear Bloomington
Specializing in custom ice cream sandwiches with fresh cookies and brownies, The Baked Bear employs Bakers who can perfect these baked goods while working in a fun and fast-paced environment. Excellent customer traffic often translates into perks and competitive wages.
4. Soma Coffeehouse & Bakery
Soma is a staple cafe and bakery in Bloomington that’s known for its ethically sourced coffee and freshly baked pastries, cakes and bread. Bakers here enjoy working in an eco-conscious business that rewards craftsmanship and consistency with strong pay and benefits.
5. Baked! of Bloomington
A popular cake and pastry shop specializing in custom orders, Baked! is known for its artistic creations and quality ingredients. Bakers with creativity and attention to detail are often compensated with above-market wages and incentives tied to client satisfaction.
The Impact of Restaurant Type on Baker Earnings in Bloomington
The kind of restaurant or bakery you work at plays a key role in how much you can earn as a Baker. Generally, establishments with a focus on artisanal, handcrafted baked goods tend to offer higher wages due to the specialized skills required.
Conversely, casual bakeries or cafes that serve mass-produced items might offer lower hourly rates but compensate with more consistent shifts.
Other factors influencing Baker earnings include:
- Certification: Bakers with formal culinary or pastry certifications usually command higher salaries.
- Experience Level: Bakers who have mastered a range of baking techniques or who are skilled in specialty baking earn more.
- Location: Bakeries in busy or high-traffic areas of Bloomington can afford to pay higher wages.
- Menu Complexity: Restaurants featuring complex pastries, cakes or bread varieties typically pay more due to the skill involved.
How To Find a High Paying Baker Job in Bloomington
Research and Target Upscale Establishments
Look for bakeries and restaurants known for high-quality baked goods or artisan products, as they often value skilled Bakers and offer better pay.
Build a Strong Portfolio
Showcase your best work through a portfolio or social media profiles — it can differentiate you in the hiring process and demonstrate your creativity and skill to potential employers.
Network in the Local Culinary Community
Attend food festivals, farmer’s markets and local meetups to connect with industry professionals and hear about job openings early.
Enhance Your Skill Set
Pursue certification programs or courses in baking and pastry arts to boost your resume and increase your earning potential.
Prepare a Professional Resume and Cover Letter
Highlight relevant experience, certifications and your particular baking specialties clearly to catch the attention of hiring managers.
What’s the Outlook for Baker Jobs in Bloomington, IN in 2025 and Beyond?
The demand for skilled Bakers in Bloomington is expected to remain steady or grow slightly as the city’s food culture continues to develop. Increasing consumer enthusiasm for fresh and artisanal baked goods drives this positive trend.
According to labor market projections, specialized food preparation and bakery occupations in areas like Bloomington will benefit from:
- A rise in specialty bakeries and cafes catering to health-conscious and gourmet consumers.
- The growing popularity of local and organic food products leading to increased artisan bakery openings.
- Expanded opportunities in catering and specialty event baking services.
These factors combine to make Bakers a valuable and sought-after presence in Bloomington’s culinary industry through 2025 and beyond.
Is a Baker’s Salary Enough to Live Well in Bloomington?
An average hourly wage of $16 translates to about $33,000 annually assuming full-time work. While Baker salaries in Bloomington may be modest compared to some metro areas, the city’s relatively low cost of living helps make it feasible to live comfortably.
Typical monthly costs include:
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent: approximately $900–$1,100
- Utilities: around $150
- Groceries: about $300–$400
- Transportation: $60–$100
Bakers earning at or above average and managing expenses wisely can cover housing, necessities and enjoy some discretionary spending. However, those seeking to save rapidly or support larger households might need additional income sources or higher-paying positions within the industry.
Our Criteria for Choosing Top-Paying Bloomington, IN Baker Jobs
We identified these top-paying jobs by analyzing recent hiring data, industry salary reports and input from local culinary professionals. We focused on Bakers’ roles that combine good pay with strong workplace benefits.
Key criteria for selection include:
- Competitive wages: Restaurants and bakeries offering higher-than-average hourly pay
- Positive reputation: Establishments known for quality products and employee satisfaction
- Location: Venues in popular areas of Bloomington with robust customer traffic
- Career development opportunities: Places that support skill growth, certifications or leadership advancement
These factors collectively help Bakers find positions with strong earning potential and long-term job satisfaction.
