The average hourly wage for Bakers in Chicago is around $19 per hour, positioning the city as a competitive market for talented baking professionals. However, earnings can vary dramatically based on the type of bakery, restaurant or hotel as well as experience, shift timing and even neighborhood.
In this guide, we’ll reveal where Bakers earn the most in Chicago and what factors impact your take-home pay. From Michelin-starred kitchens to bustling local bakehouses, we’ll also offer tips to help you land a high-paying Baker job.
Top-Paying Restaurants for Bakers in Chicago
Chicago’s vibrant food scene means there are excellent opportunities for Bakers, from artisanal bread shops to fine dining restaurants. These locations are recognized both for their pay scales and for the quality of experience they offer to baking professionals.
Here’s a look at some top picks for Baker earnings:
1. Bâkery
Bâkery is known for its modern French techniques and inventive pastries, making it one of the hottest destinations for pastry aficionados in the city. Bakers here work with high quality ingredients and can expect premium compensation in line with the bakery’s upscale positioning.
2. Tock: Boka Restaurant Group Venues
Boka Restaurant Group runs several Michelin-starred spots in Chicago (including Girl & the Goat and GT Prime). Their in-house Bakers and Pastry Chefs regularly report industry-leading pay as well as competitive benefits for hospitality professionals.
3. Floriole Bakery & Café
This Lincoln Park staple started as a farmers" market stand and grew into a beloved café. Known for sourdough bread, tartines and French-inspired baked goods, Floriole compensates its Bakers well thanks to high sales volume and a fiercely loyal customer base.
4. Publican Quality Bread
Publican Quality Bread is a leader in artisan wholesale baking in Chicago, supplying premier hotels and restaurants. Their Bakers operate with a high degree of skill and efficiency, which is matched by above-average hourly pay and chances for advancement.
5. Le Pain Quotidien
As a well-known European bakery café chain, Le Pain Quotidien attracts Bakers who want consistency, solid benefits and modern work environments. Its Chicago outposts pay competitively and offer a global approach to baked goods and bread.
6. Dinkel’s Bakery
Dinkel’s is a historic bakery in Lakeview, famous for its coffee cakes and holiday stollen. Legacy and consistent sales mean that experienced Bakers here can secure steady income plus tips with opportunities to hone craft baking skills.
7. Eleven City Diner & Bakery
This retro Jewish-style diner is renowned for classic breads, cakes and danish. Bakers here enjoy strong compensation, a bustling atmosphere and frequent regulars from the neighborhood.
The Impact of Restaurant Type on Baker Earnings
Not every Baker job pays the same in Chicago. Earnings depend heavily on the establishment type, level of skill required and even shift timing. Let’s break down how this works:
Independent vs. Chain Bakeries
Independent and boutique bakeries often pay their skilled Bakers more, especially if they specialize in sourdoughs, viennoiserie or other artisan goods. In contrast, chain bakeries may offer a more predictable schedule and benefits but the hourly wage may be slightly lower.
Upscale Restaurants & Hotels
Serving as a Baker in a fine dining restaurant, luxury hotel or well-known restaurant group (like Boka Restaurant Group) offers the highest earning potential. These roles may also come with additional perks like healthcare, paid time off and tips or bonuses during peak seasons.
Importance of Credentials & Certifications
Bakers with culinary school credentials, food safety certificates or extensive fine-dining pastry backgrounds will usually qualify for premium pay or even shift leads and supervisor roles.
How To Find a High Paying Baker Job in Chicago
Take these key steps to maximize your chances of landing one of Chicago’s top-paying Baker jobs:
- Perfect Your Portfolio: Gather photos of your best baked goods and any awards/recognitions.
- Tailor Your Resume: Highlight specific skills such as artisan bread baking, cake decorating or pastry production.
- Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Briefly explain why you love baking and how you add value in a busy kitchen.
- Network Locally: Attend Pastry Chef events, join Chicago Baker associations and connect with Pastry Professionals.
- Research Pay Rates: Check current average wages for bakery and restaurant roles by neighborhood and employer type.
- Prepare for Interviews: Practice discussing your techniques and how you handle large-batch or time-sensitive orders.
- Consider Shift Premiums: Early morning and overnight bakery shifts might earn extra pay especially in wholesale/commercial settings.
What’s the Outlook for Baker Jobs in Chicago in 2025 and Beyond?
The demand for Bakers in Chicago is expected to remain strong into 2025 and beyond, as the city’s renowned food culture continues to thrive. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects stable to moderate growth in bakery positions, with new artisanal bakeries and high-end restaurants fueling job creation.
Specific trends supporting job security for Bakers in Chicago include:
- Increasing interest in artisanal bread, gluten-free and specialty pastries
- Ongoing restaurant openings and expanded foodservice in downtown and neighborhood districts
- Rise in catering, events and hospitality following pandemic recovery
With demand focused on both creativity and consistency, Bakers with diverse skills and adaptability are likely to see the strongest job opportunities.
Is a Baker’s Salary Enough to Live Well in Chicago?
With an average wage of $19 per hour, a full-time Baker in Chicago typically earns $39,500–$46,000 annually (before overtime, incentives or tips). But is that enough to live well in the Windy City?
Here’s a snapshot of estimated living costs for 2025:
- 1-Bedroom Apartment (city center): $1,800/month
- Utilities: $150–$200/month
- Transportation (monthly CTA pass): $75
- Groceries (solo adult): $350–$500
Bakers working in top-tier restaurants or artisan bakeries who maximize overtime or early-morning premiums often have a comfortable wage but those supporting dependents or facing higher rent should still budget carefully.
For those passionate about baking and willing to work peak bakery hours, Chicago offers a solid blend of income potential and vibrant city life.
Our Criteria for Choosing Top-Paying Chicago Baker Jobs
Our picks for Chicago’s highest-paying Baker jobs are based on extensive research across job listings, employer reviews and direct industry feedback.
Criteria included:
- Pay rates: Above-average hourly wages or annual compensation for the area
- Benefits: Health coverage, paid time off, shift premiums, tips or bonuses
- Employer reputation: Work environment, opportunities for skill growth and consistent hours
- Location: Central, high-traffic or in-demand districts of Chicago
All selected venues offer strong opportunities for growth, learning and earning power for serious Bakers.
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