The average hourly wage for Bakers in Raleigh is $16 per hour, putting them slightly ahead of the national average. However, actual earnings can swing higher at certain bakeries or restaurants — especially those that are high-volume or emphasize artisan bread and pastry creation.
If you’re asking yourself, "Where do Bakers earn the most in Raleigh?" this article breaks down the city’s most lucrative restaurants and bakeries. We’ll show you top-paying workplaces and explain how types of venues, certification and other factors can boost your paycheck.
Top-Paying Restaurants for Bakers in Raleigh- Boulted Bread
- Lucettegrace
- Yellow Dog Bread Company
- La Farm Bakery
- The Angus Barn
- BurgerFi Raleigh (Dessert Station)
- The Impact of Restaurant Type on Baker Earnings
- How To Find a High Paying Baker Job in Raleigh
- What’s the Outlook for Baker Jobs in Raleigh in 2025 and Beyond?
- Is a Baker’s Salary Enough to Live Well in Raleigh?
- Our Criteria for Choosing Top-Paying Raleigh Baker Jobs
Top-Paying Restaurants for Bakers in Raleigh
Raleigh’s food scene has rapidly evolved, mixing classic bakeries, innovative pastry shops and bustling restaurants with in-house baking staff. Here are some of the best-known employers where Bakers can boost their income and develop advanced skills.
Boulted Bread
Boulted Bread is famous for its organic, stone-milled breads and uniquely crafted pastries. Bakers here work with locally sourced grains, and the shop’s popularity leads to a fast pace and repeat customers — drivers of above-average pay and performance-based raises.
Lucettegrace
A downtown Raleigh destination devoted to modern French pastry, Lucettegrace is celebrated for imaginative desserts and viennoiseries. Bakers here benefit from collaborating with award-winning Chefs and exposure to advanced pastry techniques, often translating to higher pay rates for experienced staff.
Yellow Dog Bread Company
Known for its warm neighborhood atmosphere and classic Southern treats, Yellow Dog Bread Company gives Bakers the chance to manage artisan breads, gourmet cinnamon rolls and seasonal offerings. Consistent demand and a loyal customer base mean reliable schedules and steady earnings.
La Farm Bakery
While technically just outside Raleigh in Cary, La Farm is worthy of mention for its reputation across the Triangle. Bakers work alongside Master Baker Lionel Vatinet and produce a wide range of European breads and pastries, attracting higher wages thanks to the brand’s standard.
The Angus Barn
This legendary Raleigh steakhouse has a dedicated pastry and baking team, offering house-made cakes, pies and breads for a high-volume, special-event-oriented clientele. Bakers on this team enjoy strong pay and the opportunity to consistently produce for a crowd.
BurgerFi Raleigh (Dessert Station)
BurgerFi’s Raleigh location is known for adding a local bakery partnership for its desserts. Bakers who work with or supply for these kind of hybrid restaurant setups can see higher hourly income due to the volume and the creative specials involved.
The Impact of Restaurant Type on Baker Earnings
Independent Craft Bakeries
Independent bakeries focusing on artisanal products often pay higher wages and reward baking innovation. These roles sometimes require early hours but reward with creative freedom and specialty pay for those with advanced skills.
Upscale Restaurants & Hotels
Establishments like fine-dining restaurants and boutique Hotels in Raleigh offer prime opportunities for experienced Bakers. You’ll likely earn more here — especially if the role involves pastry design or event baking for high-end clientele.
National Chains & High-Volume
Large chains and high-traffic establishments (think grocery stores or fast-casual) offer stability, set shifts and benefits. While base pay can be steady, exceptional Bakers or those with certifications can quickly rise into lead positions with higher hourly rates.
- Certifications (like ServSafe or Certified Master Baker) often lead to faster promotions and better pay.
- Location within Raleigh — downtown or university-adjacent bakeries/restaurants — can boost traffic and tips for specialty products.
- Working specialty shifts (overnight, holidays) usually means a higher differential in hourly compensation.
How To Find a High Paying Baker Job in Raleigh
- Perfect Your Resume: Emphasize technical skills, precision and photos of your baked works to catch the eye of premium employers.
- Earn Professional Certifications: Courses (like ACF) and local workshops demonstrate commitment and often access higher pay tiers.
- Network Locally: Visit farmer’s markets, baking events and supply shops to connect with hiring managers and working Bakers for inside leads.
- Research Top Employers: Prioritize bakeries and restaurants celebrated in food press or with “best of Raleigh” mentions.
- Prepare for Practical Tests: Be ready to show your skills with a short stage or trial bake — especially for artisan or upscale venues.
- Craft a Stand-out Cover Letter: Briefly share your passion for baking, any awards and experience with styles relevant to the employer’s focus.
- Practice Interview Questions: Get comfortable talking about precise techniques, time management and recipe scaling under pressure.
What’s the Outlook for Baker Jobs in Raleigh in 2025 and Beyond?
Demand for skilled Bakers in Raleigh is projected to rise through 2025 and beyond. According to BLS data and regional business growth reports, North Carolina’s hospitality and restaurant sector is expected to outperform the national average, thanks to Raleigh’s rapid growth and a booming culinary scene.
The area’s continued influx of new restaurants, tech company expansions and tourism mean more job opportunities and increasingly specialized baking roles — especially in bread, artisan pastries and gluten-free specialties.
The most in-demand Bakers will be those comfortable with large-scale production or creative menu innovation — ideal for Raleigh’s evolving food culture.
Is a Baker’s Salary Enough to Live Well in Raleigh?
With an average wage of $16 per hour, most Bakers in Raleigh can expect an annual salary of roughly $33,000 (assuming full-time hours). Experienced Bakers or those at top venues often cross into the $38,000 – $45,000 range.
Here’s a quick breakdown of Raleigh’s estimated monthly living costs for 2025:
- 1-Bedroom Apartment (city center): $1,450
- Utilities: $170
- Groceries (solo adult): $350 – $500
- Monthly Transit Pass/Gas: $80 – $140
Raleigh is known for its moderate cost of living, especially compared with other major metro areas. At top bakeries or with overtime, Bakers can afford a comfortable lifestyle — especially if they share housing or live slightly outside the city center.
Our Criteria for Choosing Top-Paying Raleigh Baker Jobs
The bakeries and restaurants featured here were chosen based on a mix of average advertised pay rates, employee reviews and local industry reputation.
- Pay rates and wage growth: Preference given to workplaces with documented higher hourly compensation and opportunities for raises.
- Benefits and job security: Paid time off, health benefits and predictable shifts factored in.
- Skill development: Venues that offer learning, creativity or the chance to work under award-winning Chefs vie for top spots.
- Location: Bakeries with loyal clientele and central locations often have better pay and more consistent business.
Ultimately, we highlighted spots that offer strong pay, professional growth and a positive workplace culture. These are among the best in Raleigh to build your baking career.
