The average hourly wage for a Baker in Pittsburgh is around $17 per hour in 2024. While this figure serves as a solid benchmark, actual Baker pay varies considerably depending on factors such as restaurant type, experience and even the neighborhood.
If you’re asking yourself, "Where do Bakers make the most money in Pittsburgh?" — you’re not alone. In this article, we’ll spotlight top-paying Pittsburgh establishments for Bakers, explore how pay differs across venues and offer strategies for landing the best-paying bakeries and restaurant kitchens in the Steel City.
Top-Paying Restaurants for Bakers in Pittsburgh- La Gourmandine Bakery
- Prantl’s Bakery
- Five Points Artisan Bakeshop
- Oakmont Bakery
- Mediterra Café
- BreadWorks
- Gaby et Jules
- Grandview Bakery
- The Impact of Restaurant Type on Baker Earnings
- How To Find a High Paying Baker Job in Pittsburgh
- What’s the Outlook for Baker Jobs in Pittsburgh in 2025 and Beyond?
- Is a Baker’s Salary Enough to Live Well in Pittsburgh?
- Our Criteria for Choosing Top-Paying Pittsburgh Baker Jobs
Top-Paying Restaurants for Bakers in Pittsburgh
Bakers in Pittsburgh can find excellent pay at several standout bakeries and restaurants, each known for their high quality and loyal customer base. These venues are frequently praised for investing in skilled Bakers and rewarding commitment to craft.
Below are the best places to consider if you’re wanting to maximize your earning potential as a Baker in Pittsburgh:
La Gourmandine Bakery
La Gourmandine is a celebrated French bakery with multiple locations across Pittsburgh. It's famous for authentic breads, viennoiseries and classic French pastries and frequently recognized as one of the city's top-paying bakeries for experienced hands.
Prantl’s Bakery
Known citywide for its legendary Burnt Almond Torte, Prantl’s is a beloved Pittsburgh institution. Bakers here work with a diverse array of pastries and enjoy strong steady demand leading to consistently competitive pay.
Five Points Artisan Bakeshop
Five Points specializes in artisan breads made from local grains. Their dedication to traditional fermentation techniques creates a need for high-skill Bakers which the business rewards with strong pay and opportunities for skill development.
Oakmont Bakery
Continually voted as one of America's best bakeries, Oakmont Bakery is family-owned and known for its massive variety and bustling business. Their high volume of orders translates to more hours and higher earnings for their baking staff.
Mediterra Café
Mediterra Café brings together retail, restaurant and bakery under one stylish roof. Their focus on European-style baking lets Bakers work with premium ingredients and pay rates tend to be higher as a result.
BreadWorks
BreadWorks is an award-winning bakery famous for its crusty breads and old-world baking traditions. Demand for their breads means Bakers can expect steady shifts and solid compensation especially for those with overnight availability.
Gaby et Jules
Gaby et Jules is best known for their perfect French macarons and pâte à choux. Their meticulous attention to classic French technique means Bakers with special skills can command premium pay here.
Grandview Bakery
Located in Mount Washington, this cozy bakery is cherished for classic cookies, cakes and more. Grandview’s team-based approach often provides steady work and competitive wages for dedicated Bakers.
The Impact of Restaurant Type on Baker Earnings
Upscale Bakeries vs. Production Bakeries
Upscale bakeries and patisseries in vibrant neighborhoods (like Shadyside or the Strip District) tend to offer the highest rates — sometimes $20/hour or more for qualified Bakers. Production bakeries or grocery chains typically pay less but may offer more reliable schedules.
Location and Clientele
Bakeries and restaurants in busier, more affluent areas often see greater foot traffic and higher price points which can translate into higher pay for Bakers due to increased business and sometimes even tip-sharing.
Certification and Specialty Skills
Bakers with special certifications (such as mastery in French or artisan breads) or backgrounds in pastry arts can earn more than general bakery staff especially at establishments that pride themselves on technique and authenticity.
How To Find a High Paying Baker Job in Pittsburgh
Take your bakery job search to the next level and maximize your chances with these proven steps:
- Tailor Your Resume: Highlight craftsmanship, special skills (like sourdough or laminated dough) and any relevant certifications.
- Craft a Great Cover Letter: Explain your interest in the employer’s products and describe your commitment to quality baking.
- Network Locally: Attend local food events, farmers markets and baking competitions to meet owners and Head Bakers in person.
- Prepare for Technical Interviews: Brush up on classic techniques, ingredient science and presentation — these are often tested during in-person interviews or trials.
- Research Employer Reputation: Use platforms like OysterLink and Glassdoor to see what current and former staff say about pay, management and work-life balance.
By putting your best foot forward, you can target Pittsburgh’s most rewarding baking jobs.
What’s the Outlook for Baker Jobs in Pittsburgh in 2025 and Beyond?
Baker employment in Pittsburgh is expected to remain steady through 2025 with gradual growth driven by a renewed interest in artisan baking, specialty diets (like gluten-free and vegan) and the city’s vibrant café and restaurant scene.
According to the latest BLS data, the demand for skilled Bakers in the U.S. is projected to grow about 5% over the next decade — slightly above average for hospitality positions. Pittsburgh’s thriving food industry and lower cost of entry for small bakeries mean consistent opportunities, particularly for those with advanced baking or pastry skills.
New bakery openings in up-and-coming neighborhoods and a rise in locally-sourced menus ensure that qualified Bakers will continue to find ample job prospects in Pittsburgh.
Is a Baker’s Salary Enough to Live Well in Pittsburgh?
At $17 per hour, a full-time Baker in Pittsburgh can expect to earn about $35,000 annually before taxes with potential for higher earnings at premium establishments.
Pittsburgh has a relatively low cost of living compared to most large cities. Here’s a typical monthly budget:
- 1-Bedroom Apartment (city center): $1,200
- Utilities (electricity, water, etc.): $150
- Groceries (solo adult): $350–$450
- Public Transit Pass: $100
Most Bakers earning at or above the average — especially those at top bakeries or specialty restaurants — can comfortably cover expenses, save and enjoy a solid quality of life in Pittsburgh.
Our Criteria for Choosing Top-Paying Pittsburgh Baker Jobs
We selected these restaurants and bakeries based on their pay rates, benefits and industry reputation as shared in job listings, reviews and employee feedback.
Our criteria included:
- Compensation: Top-of-market pay rates for skilled Bakers and opportunities for overtime or bonuses.
- Benefits: Health insurance, paid time off and professional development when available.
- Work Environment: Locations renowned for professional kitchens, modern facilities or a strong commitment to culinary craft.
- Location: Accessible sites in high-traffic or growing parts of Pittsburgh.
This approach helps bake up the most reliable and rewarding workplaces for Bakers in Pittsburgh.
