Bakers in Hilo can expect to earn an average hourly wage of around $18 per hour, though this number can fluctuate based on the establishment and experience level. Like most Culinary roles, pay varies significantly depending on the type of Bakery or Restaurant, location within the city and specialized skills or certifications.
This article explores some of the top-paying Bakeries and Restaurants in Hilo where Bakers can find lucrative opportunities. We’ll also discuss the key factors influencing Baker earnings and share tips on landing a high-paying Bakery position in this unique Hawaiian town.
Top-Paying Restaurants for Bakers in Hilo, HI- 1. Ken’s House of Pancakes
- 2. Hilo Bay Cafe
- 3. Cafe 100
- 4. Hilo Coffee Mill Cafe
- 5. Hawaiian Style Cafe
- 6. Lava Rock Cafe
- The Impact of Restaurant Type on Baker Earnings in Hilo
- How To Find a High Paying Baker Job in Hilo
- What’s the Outlook for Baker Jobs in Hilo in 2025 and Beyond?
- Is a Baker’s Salary Enough to Live Well in Hilo?
- Our Criteria for Choosing Top-Paying Hilo Baker Jobs
Top-Paying Restaurants for Bakers in Hilo, HI
Hilo's food scene, influenced by Hawaii’s agricultural bounty and rich culture, has a variety of Bakeries and Cafes offering strong earnings for skilled Bakers. These places often combine traditional Hawaiian flavors with international techniques, creating unique opportunities for Bakery staff.
Here are some standout establishments for Bakers looking to maximize their wages:
1. Ken’s House of Pancakes
A beloved local institution since 1967, Ken’s House of Pancakes is known for its hearty breakfast dishes and classic Bakery items. Its steady flow of loyal customers means consistent shifts and reliable income for Bakers creating comfort food staples.
2. Hilo Bay Cafe
Situated right on Hilo Bay, this upscale Café offers a fusion menu incorporating local Hawaiian ingredients. Bakers here benefit from a higher-end menu that calls for artisanal breads and pastries, leading to higher pay rates reflecting skill demands.
3. Cafe 100
Famous for its Hawaiian plate lunches but also known to serve fresh baked goods, Cafe 100 provides a bustling environment where Bakers can work with traditional island recipes. The high volume of customers supports strong earning potential, particularly with added weekend and event hours.
4. Hilo Coffee Mill Cafe
Combining locally roasted coffee with freshly baked breads and sweets, this Café has grown popular among residents and tourists alike. Bakers here often enjoy a blend of steady base pay and tips from customers appreciative of the artisan Bakery craft.
5. Hawaiian Style Cafe
A long-standing eatery specializing in Hawaiian comfort food, Hawaiian Style Cafe includes a Bakery section with traditional island treats. Bakers skilled in native Hawaiian recipes and baking techniques can command favorable wages in this welcoming environment.
6. Lava Rock Cafe
Known for its farm-to-table philosophy, the Lava Rock Cafe values fresh, local ingredients in a casual dining setting. Bakers contribute significantly to the menu with signature breads and pastries, earning competitive rates reflective of their creativity and craftsmanship.
The Impact of Restaurant Type on Baker Earnings in Hilo
The style and scale of a Bakery or Restaurant greatly affect Baker compensation in Hilo. Establishments with a focus on artisanal and specialty baked goods tend to offer higher wages, as Bakers need more refined skills and knowledge.
Factors influencing pay include:
- Type of Venue: Upscale Cafes and farm-to-table Bakeries generally pay more than casual diners or cafeteria-style establishments.
- Menu Complexity: Bakers working with complex doughs, pastries or custom creations often command higher salaries.
- Certifications & Skills: Occupational certifications such as ServSafe or advanced baking courses can enhance earning potential.
- Location within Town: Bakeries in tourist-heavy or affluent areas tend to have higher income potential.
Conversely, casual bulk-production Bakeries might offer lower hourly wages but can provide steady work hours, which some Bakers prefer.
How To Find a High Paying Baker Job in Hilo
Target Upscale and Specialty Bakeries
Seek out Bakeries emphasizing artisan bread, Hawaiian fusion pastries or farm-to-table approaches, as these tend to offer better pay and opportunities for skill development.
Build Relevant Certifications and Skills
Obtaining food safety certifications and advanced baking training can set you apart in job applications and increase your leverage for negotiating pay.
Network Locally
Attend Hawaii Island Culinary events, visit Bakeries to introduce yourself and leverage social media groups dedicated to Hilo’s food scene to learn about openings before they’re widely advertised.
Prepare a Strong Resume and Cover Letter
Highlight your baking specialties, experience with Hawaiian recipes or ingredients and any leadership roles held during previous baking jobs.
Practice Interview Skills
Be ready to discuss how you handle high-volume baking, maintain quality and contribute creatively to Bakery menus.
What’s the Outlook for Baker Jobs in Hilo in 2025 and Beyond?
The demand for skilled Bakers in Hilo is expected to see modest growth, supported by the area's steady tourism industry and the rise of local artisan food movements. As visitors seek diverse Culinary experiences, Bakeries expanding their offerings will need experienced Bakers to keep up.
According to labor projections, Food Service occupations including Bakers will continue to grow in Hawaii moderately, with particular need for workers skilled in traditional and fusion baking to satisfy evolving customer tastes.
Additional factors influencing the outlook include:
- Increased local focus on sustainable and locally sourced Bakery ingredients
- Emerging farm-to-table and specialty Hawaiian fusion Bakery concepts
- Ongoing need for Bakers capable of handling larger volume production during peak tourist seasons
Bakers willing to update their skills and adapt to new trends will find positively trending job prospects in Hilo’s food sector.
Is a Baker’s Salary Enough to Live Well in Hilo?
With an average hourly wage around $18, a Baker working full-time hours can expect to earn approximately $37,000 annually before taxes. While this salary level provides a modest but sustainable income, it should be considered against Hilo’s living costs.
Current estimated monthly expenses for a single adult include:
- Rent for 1-Bedroom Apartment: $1,200 - $1,500
- Utilities and Internet: $150 - $200
- Groceries: $350 - $500
- Transportation: $100 - $150
Bakers employed at higher-end venues or working overtime and holiday shifts can increase their take-home earnings and enjoy additional financial comfort. Moreover, living in shared housing or with family can make the salary stretch further.
Ultimately, while a Baker’s salary in Hilo can cover essential living expenses, budgeting and exploring additional income opportunities may be necessary to live well.
Our Criteria for Choosing Top-Paying Hilo Baker Jobs
To identify the highest paying Baker jobs in Hilo, we focused on multiple factors gathered through local job listings, industry feedback and economic data.
These criteria include:
- Competitive Pay: Establishments with an hourly wage or salary above the average in Hilo’s Bakery sector.
- Reputation and Stability: Long-standing Bakeries or popular new concepts that provide consistent work volume.
- Location: Bakeries situated in tourist-rich or economically vibrant parts of Hilo to maximize customer flow and business revenue.
- Employee Benefits: Consideration for jobs offering paid time off, health benefits or opportunities for advancement.
All these dimensions contribute to the overall earning potential and quality of employment for Bakers seeking top-paying roles in Hilo.
