What Restaurants Do Bakers Make the Most Money at in Des Plaines, IL?

For Bakers considering work in Des Plaines, the average hourly wage is approximately $18 per hour, which aligns closely with the Chicago metropolitan area average. Still, pay can fluctuate greatly depending on where you work, your level of experience and the type of establishment you join.

This article highlights top-paying restaurants and bakeries in Des Plaines, explores how different factors impact Baker earnings and provides tips on landing a lucrative Baker job. Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned pro, knowing which employers offer the best pay is a smart first step.

Top-Paying Restaurants for Bakers in Des Plaines

Des Plaines is home to several established bakeries and cafes where Bakers truly thrive professionally and financially. From time-honored family bakeries to national chains, the best jobs let you combine creativity with a stable, strong income.

Here are the top-paying spots for Bakers in the area:

1. Jarosch Bakery

Renowned for its German-inspired pastries and cakes, Jarosch Bakery is a local institution established in 1959. Their busy production schedules and focus on craftsmanship mean Bakers here often earn higher hourly wages especially with experience or specialty skillsets.

2. Panera Bread

Panera Bread is a nationally recognized chain that frequently hires Bakers for overnight and early morning shifts. The company is known for offering competitive pay, solid benefits and set hours — appealing for those seeking predictable and reliable income.

3. Allegretti’s Bakery

A family-owned bakery famed for their Italian cookies and wedding cakes, Allegretti’s has been a local favorite for generations. Their loyal clientele and steady business volume equate to excellent opportunities for Bakers with a sweet tooth and artistic flair.

4. LeilaLove French Bakery

Offering classic French pastries and custom desserts, LeilaLove is a smaller artisan bakery that values skilled hands. Bakers are compensated well for their expertise especially those who can master laminated doughs and understated French confections.

5. Oak Mill Bakery

With a reputation for stunning European cakes and tortes, Oak Mill Bakery is known for hiring talented Bakers and cake decorators. They emphasize quality and consistency, rewarding staff for specialty baking skills and efficiency.

6. Caffe di Moda

This chic café and bakery serves up gourmet pastries and breads daily. Bakers here can expect a varied routine and, thanks to high demand for fresh-baked goods, pay above the local average for early-morning shifts.

The Impact of Restaurant Type on Baker Earnings

Where a Baker chooses to work in Des Plaines strongly impacts annual earnings. Each type of business brings its own set of benefits and tradeoffs for pay, scheduling and growth.

Local Artisan Bakeries

Artisan bakeries often offer the highest earnings for skilled Bakers with proven abilities in European breads, pastries or decorative cakes. These jobs may come with early hours and higher pressure but also uniquely rewarding compensation and creative autonomy.

Chain Restaurants & Cafes

National brands like Panera Bread and similar chains are known for competitive starting wages and full-time benefits such as health care and paid time off. The work is steady, shifts are usually predictable but the baking tasks tend to be more repetitive and process-based.

Grocery Store Bakeries

Large grocery stores may not pay as much per hour but they often provide consistent hours and union benefits. These are great roles for those looking to prioritize stability and desire a regular work routine.

• Specialty skillsets (e.g., cake decorating, pastry arts) can command premium pay.
• Bakeries in high-traffic or affluent areas often tip slightly higher than those in more residential neighborhoods.
• Formal credentials or certifications (such as a degree in pastry arts) lead to better-paying opportunities in the long run.

How To Find a High Paying Baker Job in Des Plaines

Maximize your chance of landing a well-compensated baking position with these steps:

• Refine your resume: Emphasize specialty cakes, bread, pastry or certifications (like ServSafe or a pastry diploma).
• Research employers: Visit bakeries in person and sample their products. Look for places with a stellar reputation and bustling business.
• Network locally: Connect with other Bakers, Pastry Chefs and local restaurant groups; let them know you’re looking for an opening.
• Prepare a portfolio: Assemble photos of your prior creations — cakes, breads or unique pastries — to demonstrate skill and creativity.
• Ace the interview: Show up early, be ready to discuss your process, work sample shifts if invited and ask intelligent questions about the kitchen setup and workflow.

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

As artisan bread and pastry popularity grows, demand for skilled Bakers in Des Plaines continues on an upward trend. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Baker employment nationwide is projected to grow by 5% through 2032, about as fast as the average for all occupations.

In Des Plaines, the expansion of both independent bakeries and national franchises means experienced Bakers — especially those with decorating or specialty skills — will have ample job opportunities in 2025 and beyond.

Employers will increasingly seek Bakers who can work efficiently, maintain food safety standards and adapt to creative menu changes. Those with a robust portfolio may find even more lucrative roles.

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

With Bakers earning an average of $18 per hour in Des Plaines, experienced professionals can expect an annual salary in the $37,000 – $45,000 range (assuming full-time hours and overtime potential).

Des Plaines is considered more affordable than Chicago proper. A quick look at monthly living costs in 2025:

• 1-Bedroom Apartment (city center): $1,200
• Utilities: $160
• Transportation: $100 – $150
• Groceries (individual): $350 – $450

Bakers earning at the higher end — or those working at multiple establishments or specializing in wedding cakes and custom orders — should be able to cover basic living expenses and save. Shared housing is also a common option to boost savings.

Ultimately, landing a spot at one of Des Plaines’ top bakeries or high-volume franchises makes living comfortably as a Baker completely feasible.

Our Criteria for Choosing Top-Paying Des Plaines Baker Jobs

We selected these restaurants and bakeries based on publicly posted pay rates, benefits (such as health care and paid time off), location and reputation among employees and locals.

• Strong track record of competitive pay for experienced Bakers
• Regularly hiring new staff and offering growth opportunities internally
• Accessible location — either near transit or situated in popular, busy neighborhoods
• Additional benefits for specialized skills or certifications (e.g., advanced cake artistry or food safety training)

These factors ensure our picks represent the best Baker jobs in Des Plaines for both pay and professional growth.