The average hourly wage for Bakers in Hillsboro is about $18-$22 per hour, according to current local data. However, actual pay can be much higher depending on where you work, the type of bakery or restaurant and your specialty skills.
In this guide, we’ll highlight top-paying restaurants and bakeries in Hillsboro, explore what factors influence Baker salaries and offer tips on landing the most lucrative positions in the city.
Top-Paying Restaurants for Bakers in Hillsboro
If you’re aiming to maximize your Baker income in Hillsboro, you’ll want to look beyond chain bakeries. Independent bakeries, upscale restaurants and well-trafficked cafés often offer better pay and more opportunities to show your craft.
Here are some of the best-paying places for Bakers in Hillsboro:
1. Oyatsupan Bakers
Oyatsupan Bakers is a renowned Japanese-style bakery known for its inventive pastries and freshly baked breads. Bakers here enjoy creating unique treats for a devoted local following, and starting wages are highly competitive due to the bakery’s quality standard and popularity.
2. Süda Bakery & Cafe
Süda blends Scandinavian and local flavors in their breads and pastries, offering artisanal baked goods that attract foodies from all over Hillsboro. Their emphasis on scratch baking means skilled Bakers can command higher hourly rates and opportunities to grow.
3. Decadent Creations Bakery
Known for its custom cakes and European pastries, Decadent Creations Bakery gives Bakers a creative and dynamic environment. With frequent special orders and a reputation for excellence, staff are often compensated above-average rates to retain their expertise.
4. Insomnia Coffee Co. & Wildwood Taphouse
Pairing specialty coffee with fresh-baked goods, this café/taphouse chain employs Bakers to produce daily offerings that keep pastry cases full and customers coming back. Their steady business ensures consistent hours and competitive pay for dedicated Bakers.
5. New Seasons Market
This beloved regional grocery features an extensive bakery section and hires Bakers for artisan breads, cakes and pastries. Good benefits, higher wages and job stability make this a prized workplace, especially for those seeking full-time employment.
6. Panera Bread
Panera Bread is a well-known chain and its Hillsboro locations stand out for offering higher hourly rates to experienced Bakers who can manage the bakery overnight preparations. Reliable schedules and growth opportunities add value to the compensation package.
7. Ava Roasteria
Famous for artisan coffee and baked treats, Ava Roasteria attracts a loyal client base. Bakers here enjoy creative latitude with pastries and benefit from the café’s strong local brand and generous pay structure.
The Impact of Restaurant Type on Baker Earnings
Independent Bakeries vs. Chains
Independent bakeries and patisseries often pay above the city average to attract skilled artisans who can create signature pastries and breads. In contrast, chain bakeries may offer lower starting wages but offset this with steady hours and corporate benefits.
Upscale Restaurants & Hotels
Baker positions at high-end restaurants or boutique hotels in Hillsboro usually offer best-in-class hourly rates and bonuses, as these venues demand advanced pastry skills for desserts and event catering.
Specialization & Shifts
Specializing in areas like gluten-free baking, French patisserie or cake artistry can command a premium wage. Overnight or early morning shifts often come with extra pay or shift differentials, especially in operations that require fresh products at dawn.
How To Find a High Paying Baker Job in Hillsboro
- Target Well-Known Venues: Apply to popular bakeries and restaurants with a strong reputation and high volume such as those listed above.
- Showcase Your Portfolio: Curate a photo collection of your baked goods and special creations to showcase talent at interviews.
- Obtain Certifications: Baking certificates (ServSafe, pastry diplomas, artisan bread courses) can strongly improve your prospects for higher pay.
- Network in Person: Visit local farmers’ markets, food events and meet bakery owners/managers directly. Personal connections are highly valued.
- Refine Your Resume: Emphasize skills like cake decorating, sourdough fermentation or pastry arts relevant to your dream position.
What’s the Outlook for Baker Jobs in Hillsboro in 2025 and Beyond?
The demand for Bakers in Hillsboro is projected to remain strong through 2025 and beyond. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates a steady 5% national job growth for Bakers, with Hillsboro’s expanding population and vibrant food scene supporting new positions.
Local trends indicate ongoing openings for Bakers — particularly those with specialty skills and experience in artisan or health-conscious baking. The rise in cafés, local markets and farm-to-table restaurants creates more opportunities for creative Bakers as well.
Those willing to work early hours, weekends or in leadership roles can expect the strongest job security and earning potential in the city’s competitive market.
Is a Baker’s Salary Enough to Live Well in Hillsboro?
With Bakers in Hillsboro earning an average of $18–$22/hour, a full-time annual salary ranges from $37,500 to $45,900 before overtime. This is generally enough to live modestly, especially compared to Portland-area rents.
Here’s an overview of typical expenses in Hillsboro:
- 1-Bedroom Apartment (city center): $1,600–$1,900 per month
- Utilities: $175 per month
- Groceries: $350–$500 per month (solo)
- Public transportation: $70–$120 per month
Many Bakers supplement their income with overtime, custom orders or by teaching baking classes. Those working at top bakeries or with overtime can enjoy a higher standard of living, especially if they share housing or live outside the city center.
While you may need to budget carefully, a skilled Baker can live comfortably in Hillsboro — particularly with a role at one of the city’s best-paying venues.
Our Criteria for Choosing Top-Paying Hillsboro Baker Jobs
We selected these top places for Bakers based on a blend of salary reports, employee reviews and current job openings in Hillsboro.
- Pay rates: Higher than city averages for experienced or creative Bakers
- Benefits: Health coverage and paid time off where available
- Job stability: Venues with steady business and positive employee reviews
- Location: Easily commutable or centrally located for convenience
- Career development: Opportunities for skill growth, advancement or creative input
These factors help ensure you’re not just earning well but also growing your baking career in a positive environment.