The average hourly wage for Bakers in San Francisco is about $23 per hour, significantly higher than the national average. Yet, where a Baker works can make a big difference in actual earnings — factors like the bakery’s type, clientele and reputation all influence the final take-home pay.
In this article, we’ll reveal where Bakers earn the most in San Francisco, highlight the types of bakeries that offer top pay and share tips for maximizing your salary in the city’s competitive culinary landscape.
Top-Paying Restaurants for Bakers in San Francisco- 1. Tartine Bakery
- 2. b. patisserie
- 3. Craftsman and Wolves
- 4. Arsicault Bakery
- 5. Jane the Bakery
- 6. Josey Baker Bread
- 7. Boudin Bakery
- The Impact of Restaurant Type on Baker Earnings
- How To Find a High Paying Baker Job in San Francisco
- What’s the Outlook for Baker Jobs in San Francisco in 2025 and Beyond?
- Is a Baker’s Salary Enough to Live Well in San Francisco?
- Our Criteria for Choosing Top-Paying San Francisco Baker Jobs
Top-Paying Restaurants for Bakers in San Francisco
San Francisco’s artisan bakery scene is world-renowned, offering some of the country’s best opportunities for Bakers. The following bakeries are recognized for both their pay and their prestige in the baking community.
1. Tartine Bakery
Tartine Bakery is famous for its legendary sourdough, flaky morning buns and ever-evolving menu of pastries. Launched in 2002 by acclaimed Bakers Chad Robertson and Elisabeth Prueitt, its craftsmanship and allure attract both locals and food tourists and its staff are among the most respected — and best-compensated — Bakers in the city.
2. b. patisserie
Founded by Pastry Chef Belinda Leong, b. patisserie stands out for its exquisite French pastries, especially the much talked-about kouign-amann. The bakery’s reputation for excellence means its Bakers gain valuable experience and higher-than-average wages, especially for those with skills in laminated doughs.
3. Craftsman and Wolves
Craftsman and Wolves is a modern patisserie best known for its daring, inventive treats like “The Rebel Within.” Bakers here are given the opportunity to innovate, which contributes to a creative and well-paid baking environment.
4. Arsicault Bakery
Arsicault gained national fame after being named America’s Best New Bakery by Bon Appétit in 2016. Specializing in croissants and other French classics, they reward skilled Bakers who can meet their high standards for consistency and quality with generous compensation.
5. Jane the Bakery
Known for its artisan breads and hearty fare, Jane the Bakery offers a supportive atmosphere and a focus on sustainability. This company is well-regarded for treating its back-of-house team well, including competitive pay and benefits.
6. Josey Baker Bread
Josey Baker Bread (inside The Mill) is driven by its eponymous Founder’s dedication to whole grains and traditional fermentation techniques. The shop offers both a strong learning experience and a wage that reflects the skill and care required to excel there.
7. Boudin Bakery
As one of San Francisco’s oldest and most famous institutions, Boudin Bakery is best known for its sourdough heritage and bustling tourist-facing bakery. Bakers here benefit from union representation, steady employment and access to robust benefits and overtime pay.
The Impact of Restaurant Type on Baker Earnings
Different bakeries offer distinct earning opportunities for Bakers in San Francisco. While working in an artisan bakery can command a higher wage thanks to skills in fermentation and pastry, commercial or franchise bakeries typically provide more consistent if slightly lower pay.
Upscale Artisan Bakeries
Establishments like Tartine or b. patisserie are known for premium pay, especially for Bakers who can demonstrate expertise with sourdough, laminated doughs and intricate pastries. Such jobs usually come with expectations of early shifts and a passion for craft.
Chain Bakeries & Large-Scale Producers
At places like Boudin, union backing can mean solid base wages and overtime. The pace can be rigorous and standardized but the benefits and job security may be attractive, especially for those who prefer stability.
Location & Required Certifications
Bakeries near tourist districts or affluent neighborhoods typically pay more, matching higher sales volumes or increased demand for high-quality products. Bakers with certifications — like food safety, proper handling or advanced culinary degrees — often command higher starting salaries or move quickly into supervisory roles.
How To Find a High Paying Baker Job in San Francisco
- Target top-rated artisan bakeries: Research reviews and “best of” lists to identify high-profile employers known for rewarding skilled Bakers.
- Perfect your resume: Highlight any experience with artisan bread, laminated doughs or high-volume pastry production. Certifications and competition wins are strong assets.
- Visit bakeries in person: Many San Francisco bakeries prefer applicants who show up early with a resume in hand — and an eagerness to talk about bread.
- Network with industry professionals: Attend local baking workshops, classes or food events to connect with hiring managers or current staff.
- Prepare for working interviews: Many bakeries require a brief “stage” or working trial, so be ready to demonstrate your skill in real-time alongside their team.
What’s the Outlook for Baker Jobs in San Francisco in 2025 and Beyond?
The demand for skilled Bakers in San Francisco is projected to remain strong through 2025 and beyond. With increased appreciation for artisan bread and unique pastries and a persistent food tourism market, many bakeries continue to expand or innovate in their offerings.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, food preparation and baking roles are expected to grow steadily in California. In San Francisco, trends like plant-based baking, sustainability and locally sourced ingredients are fueling continued hiring. Upscale bakeries in particular report difficulty finding skilled and reliable staff, which should help keep wages competitive for qualified Bakers.
Is a Baker’s Salary Enough to Live Well in San Francisco?
An average wage of $23 per hour translates to roughly $47,840 per year before taxes for Bakers in San Francisco (assuming full-time hours). While this is high by national standards, San Francisco is also among the most expensive cities in the U.S.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment (city center): $2,900–$3,300/month
- Utilities: $200/month
- Monthly Transportation: $98 (Muni pass)
- Groceries: $500–$700/month
For Bakers living alone, budgeting is essential but sharing rent or working overtime can make city life sustainable. Those who land roles at top bakeries, pick up extra shifts or move into supervisory roles are more likely to thrive — even with San Francisco’s high cost of living.
Our Criteria for Choosing Top-Paying San Francisco Baker Jobs
The bakeries listed here were selected based on a combination of salary reports, employee reviews, job listings and local reputation.
- Pay & Overtime: Employers that consistently offer hourly rates above $20/hour with opportunities for raises or overtime.
- Work Environment: Places that prioritize training, culture and staff well-being.
- Prestige & Learning: Bakeries known for developing skills, fostering innovation or advancing careers in baking.
- Benefits: Health insurance, paid time off or union representation.
These factors combine to make the bakeries above the most attractive workplaces for Bakers looking to maximize earnings — and satisfaction — within San Francisco’s vibrant food industry.
