The average hourly wage for Bakers in Cleveland sits at around $17 per hour, placing Cleveland close to the national average for this skilled position. However, there is a significant difference between entry-level bakery jobs and top-paying Baker positions in the city’s bustling culinary scene.
This article breaks down which Cleveland restaurants and bakeries pay Bakers the most and what factors help drive those top wages. Whether you’re a dough-slinging newcomer or a seasoned artisan, you’ll find strategies and tips on how to maximize your earnings as a Baker in Cleveland.
Top-Paying Restaurants for Bakers in Cleveland- On The Rise Artisan Breads
- Stone Oven Bakery & Café
- Corbo’s Bakery
- Presti’s Bakery
- Fluffy Duck Café
- The Blackbird Baking Company
- The Impact of Restaurant Type on Baker Earnings
- How To Find a High Paying Baker Job in Cleveland
- What’s the Outlook for Baker Jobs in Cleveland in 2025 and Beyond?
- Is a Baker’s Salary Enough to Live Well in Cleveland?
- Our Criteria for Choosing Top-Paying Cleveland Baker Jobs
Top-Paying Restaurants for Bakers in Cleveland
Cleveland has a vibrant scene for bread, pastry and European-style baking. Some bakeries thrive on heritage and tradition while others stand out for craftsmanship and innovation. These are some of the best spots for Bakers to earn above-average wages, factoring in workload, reputation and pay.
On The Rise Artisan Breads
On The Rise in Cleveland Heights is renowned for its European-style, naturally-leavened breads and pastries. Its high-volume output, focus on artisan methods and loyal customer base make it a top employer for talented Bakers who appreciate craftsmanship and quality ingredients.
Stone Oven Bakery & Café
Stone Oven is famous for hearth-baked breads and Mediterranean treats, with bustling locations in both Cleveland Heights and downtown. Bakers here enjoy reliable scheduling, a collaborative environment and some of the best pay rates for bread-focused Bakers in the city.
Corbo’s Bakery
A Little Italy icon, Corbo’s is a family-owned bakery popular for cannoli, cassata cake and other Italian pastries. Their bustling retail and wholesale business can mean overtime opportunities and a chance to learn traditional secrets if you join the baking team.
Presti’s Bakery
Located in Little Italy and operating for over a century, Presti’s is loved for fresh bread, pizza and classic Italian desserts. Bakers who thrive in a high-volume, fast-paced environment can command top pay, especially with experience in European dough methods.
Fluffy Duck Café
The Fluffy Duck Café on Chester Ave boasts small-batch, French-inspired breads, viennoiserie and plated pastries. With a reputation for quality, Bakers with a knack for creativity and precision can find both a supportive environment and some of the city’s highest hourly pay.
The Blackbird Baking Company
Located in Lakewood, Blackbird specializes in artisan sourdoughs, croissants and naturally-leavened bread. Known for a passionate team and loyal neighborhood fans, experienced Bakers here often receive pay at the very top of Cleveland’s market.
The Impact of Restaurant Type on Baker Earnings
Differentiating Between Bakery Types
Not all Baker jobs pay the same — even in the same city. Upscale, boutique bakeries and those with wholesale contracts often offer higher wages due to demand for specialized skills and consistent quality. By contrast, chain bakeries or grocery store bakeries may pay less for less specialized work.
Other Factors Affecting Pay
- Style of Operation: Restaurants and cafés that serve baked goods alongside brunch or full meals may offer higher tips or salaries if baking shifts blend into other kitchen duties.
- Location: Bakeries located in high-traffic areas like Little Italy, downtown or trendy neighborhoods see larger sales volumes and often translate that into more competitive wages or overtime availability.
- Experience Level: Certified Bakers, those with culinary degrees or experience in sourdough/artisan techniques can usually negotiate higher pay.
Ultimately, the type of establishment, skill level and specialization are the main drivers in determining who makes the most as a Baker in Cleveland.
How To Find a High Paying Baker Job in Cleveland
- Polish Your Resume: Highlight experience with artisan breads, pastries and specialty baked goods. Certifications or formal culinary training will give you an edge.
- Build a Portfolio: Create a digital or print portfolio with photos of your work, especially if you have creative or unique breads and pastries to showcase.
- Network Locally: Visit top bakeries, introduce yourself and ask if you can stage (do a trial). Word-of-mouth often leads to the best-paying Baker jobs.
- Look for Growth Opportunities: Seek bakeries that offer overtime, professional development or a clear path toward lead/senior Baker roles.
- Prepare for Interviews: Be ready to discuss production volume experience, recipes and how you troubleshoot issues in busy environments.
- Follow Industry Groups: Monitor local online groups, culinary job boards and food-focused social media for openings as soon as they’re posted.
What’s the Outlook for Baker Jobs in Cleveland in 2025 and Beyond?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for Bakers is expected to grow steadily at about 5% annually, and Cleveland’s vibrant food scene means opportunities will continue, especially for artisan skill sets.
New independent cafés, the ongoing popularity of artisan and specialty bread and reviving historic neighborhoods all point toward continued demand for trained, reliable Bakers capable of handling high standards and production.
Jobs in wholesale baking and restaurant bakery operations may be especially strong, as local restaurants seek in-house talent to compete with renowned bakeries for quality and freshness.
Is a Baker’s Salary Enough to Live Well in Cleveland?
With an average hourly wage of $17, most full-time Bakers in Cleveland can expect to earn $35,000–$40,000 annually. This is above the minimum wage but still requires smart budgeting.
Cleveland’s cost of living is much lower versus other metro areas. Here's an estimate of average expenses:
- 1-Bedroom Apartment (city center): $1,100/month
- Utilities: $150–$200/month
- Groceries (solo adult): $350–$450/month
- Transit: $95/month
For Bakers earning at the higher end — especially with overtime or shifts at premium bakeries — living comfortably is possible. But household support or additional income streams make things much easier.
Our Criteria for Choosing Top-Paying Cleveland Baker Jobs
The bakeries and restaurants listed were chosen based on data analysis of pay rates from job listings, feedback from local culinary professionals and an evaluation of each business’s reputation, benefits and workplace environment.
These key criteria mattered most:
- Competitive pay and overtime potential
- Positive reviews from staff and customers
- A supportive, professional kitchen culture
- Focus on skill-building and advancement for Bakers
We believe that these venues represent the best opportunities for Bakers who want to grow their skills and maximize their earnings in Cleveland.
