The average hourly wage for Bakers in Saint Paul stands at around $18 per hour, slightly above the national average for this role. Yet, some Baker jobs notably offer higher pay, depending on factors like where you work and the style of bakery or restaurant as well as your experience and certifications.
If you're aiming to maximize your baking income, knowing where the top-paying jobs are is crucial. In this article, we’ll highlight Saint Paul’s standout restaurants and bakeries for Bakers, break down the influence of venue type on earnings and share strategies for landing the best-paying positions.
Top-Paying Restaurants for Bakers in Saint Paul- 1. Patisserie 46
- 2. Bread and Chocolate
- 3. Saint Paul Hotel (M ST. Cafe)
- 4. A Baker’s Wife Pastry Shop
- 5. Cafe Latte
- 6. Rose Street Patisserie
- The Impact of Restaurant Type on Baker Earnings
- How To Find a High Paying Baker Job in Saint Paul
- What’s the Outlook for Baker Jobs in Saint Paul in 2025 and Beyond?
- Is a Baker’s Salary Enough to Live Well in Saint Paul?
- Our Criteria for Choosing Top-Paying Saint Paul Baker Jobs
Top-Paying Restaurants for Bakers in Saint Paul
Saint Paul’s vibrant culinary scene offers rewarding opportunities for skilled Bakers, especially in venues that emphasize artisan techniques, creativity and quality ingredients. These restaurants and bakeries are known for competitive pay, positive workplace culture and local acclaim.
Here’s a look at some of the best workplaces in Saint Paul for Bakers:
1. Patisserie 46
This award-winning bakery is renowned for authentic French pastries, breads and desserts. Their commitment to top-tier ingredients and innovative baked goods makes Patisserie 46 one of the most desirable bakeries for those seeking skill development and higher-than-average wages.
2. Bread and Chocolate
As a beloved local fixture, Bread and Chocolate has been serving up fresh, scratch-made goods since 1981. Bakers here enjoy stable schedules and competitive compensation plus the chance to craft everything from European-style breads to decadent breakfast pastries.
3. Saint Paul Hotel (M ST. Cafe)
The historic Saint Paul Hotel’s M ST. Cafe prioritizes high-end pastries, breads and desserts for guests, special events and the restaurant alike. Working here means exposure to luxury hotel standards and expanded roles in large-scale baking and special event production.
4. A Baker’s Wife Pastry Shop
Famed for its neighborhood charm, this bakery is known for old-school donuts, breads and pies. Loyal customers and steady business keep experienced Bakers busy — and well-compensated — in a bustling, community-oriented setting.
5. Cafe Latte
A Grand Avenue icon, Cafe Latte not only features freshly baked breads and desserts but is also celebrated for progressive employee policies. Their focus on a positive workplace and using high-quality, local ingredients supports higher earning potential for Bakers.
6. Rose Street Patisserie
Rose Street is acclaimed for its French-inspired pastries and breads, founded by award-winning Chef John Kraus. Their dedication to artisan tradition and innovation, combined with consistent press attention, means strong demand for experienced Bakers who wish to work at the highest level.
The Impact of Restaurant Type on Baker Earnings
Where a Baker works in Saint Paul can greatly influence their overall salary and job satisfaction. The type of establishment, size and client base all matter — sometimes as much as experience itself.
Independent Bakeries vs. Chain Bakeries
Independent bakeries and patisseries typically offer higher hourly wages, better creative freedom and increased opportunities to learn advanced baking techniques. On the other hand, chain bakeries or grocery stores might provide steadier hours but with lower earning potential and less room for advancement.
Restaurants, Hotels & Cafes
Upscale restaurants and luxury hotels, such as the Saint Paul Hotel, often pay more for experienced Bakers, especially those with backgrounds in pastry arts or certifications. Cafes that make goods in-house tend to pay mid-to-high range wages if their focus is on artisan production.
Key Pay Factors
- Specialization: Bakers with expertise in pastry, bread or gluten-free goods tend to command higher pay.
- Location: Venues in popular neighborhoods or tourist centers often have greater volume and better compensation.
- Certifications: Credentials from culinary schools or baking organizations can raise your starting wage.
How To Find a High Paying Baker Job in Saint Paul
Set yourself up for success by following these steps when hunting for Saint Paul’s top-paying Baker jobs:
- Target artisan or high-end venues (not just entry-level bakeries).
- Create a strong baking resume that highlights your specialty areas — artisan bread, pastry, cake or gluten-free baking — and any certifications.
- Network at local food and industry events to meet bakery and restaurant owners.
- Visit prospective workplaces in person, sample their products and chat with staff — personal introductions often go further than online applications.
- Practice interview and trial bake skills: Many bakeries require a skills demo as part of their hiring process.
What’s the Outlook for Baker Jobs in Saint Paul in 2025 and Beyond?
The demand for skilled Bakers in Saint Paul continues to be healthy through 2025 and beyond, fueled by expanding artisanal bakeries and a steady interest in high-quality, fresh-baked goods.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for Bakers is projected to grow by about 5% nationally over the next decade. In Saint Paul, this rate may even be higher given the city’s strong “eat local” movement and the frequent opening of new bakery concepts.
Large hotels, catering businesses and established restaurants are also expected to maintain steady need for full-time and part-time Bakers, with more opportunities emerging for those with experience in specialty diets or advanced pastry skills.
Is a Baker’s Salary Enough to Live Well in Saint Paul?
The typical Baker in Saint Paul earning $18/hour makes about $37,000 annually (before taxes). This can rise to $45,000+ depending on venue, skill and overtime availability.
Saint Paul’s cost of living is moderate compared to larger U.S. cities. Here’s a quick monthly breakdown:
- 1-bedroom apartment (city center): $1,200–$1,400
- Utilities: $180
- Groceries: $350–$450
- Transit or gas: $80–$140
With prudent budgeting, Bakers in Saint Paul can generally live comfortably, especially if working at top-paying bakeries or supplementing income via overtime, custom cake orders or seasonal events.
Our Criteria for Choosing Top-Paying Saint Paul Baker Jobs
These top spots were chosen based on their reputation for offering competitive pay, strong employee reviews and opportunities for the professional growth of Bakers.
- Pay rate data was gathered from job listings, local salary surveys and direct feedback from recent employees.
- Positive workplace culture, training opportunities and high-quality production standards were also considered.
- Locations with steady business, strong leadership and a loyal customer base ranked higher for overall job security and earnings reliability.
Focusing on these factors helps ensure Bakers not only earn well but also find a position that supports their career advancement in Saint Paul’s vibrant restaurant and baking scene.
