What Restaurants Do Bakers Make the Most Money at in Tacoma, WA?

The typical hourly wage for a Baker in Tacoma hovers around $19 per hour, making it a competitive market compared to other mid-sized US cities. However, actual pay can fluctuate significantly depending on the type of restaurant or bakery, your specializations and the demand for artisanal breads or pastries.

In this guide, we'll show you which restaurants are known for top Baker pay in Tacoma and break down how a Baker's salary is influenced by the establishment, location and your skills. We'll also share tips on landing the most lucrative Baker jobs, the local outlook and what it really takes to thrive in Tacoma as a Baker.

Top-Paying Restaurants for Bakers in Tacoma

Tacoma's culinary community prizes fresh, handcrafted baked goods and several local businesses are known for paying their Bakers well. These picks represent establishments with a reputation for excellent compensation, creative freedom and steady demand for quality baking.

Corina Bakery

Corina Bakery is a beloved Tacoma institution, famous for its scratch-made cakes, pies and gluten-free treats. Bakers here are valued for their skill and creativity, often receiving above-average pay and recognition for custom orders and wedding cakes.

Hello, Cupcake

Specializing in gourmet cupcakes and creative confections, Hello, Cupcake is known for its fun, high-energy environment and steady demand. Bakers here regularly develop new flavors and receive competitive hourly rates especially as senior team members.

Red Elm Café

This local favorite is a family-owned café and bakery that spotlights from-scratch pastries, scones and muffins. Bakers at Red Elm Café benefit from a tight-knit atmosphere and opportunities for cross-training with compensation reflecting experience and versatility.

Thobias European Bakery

Thobias European Bakery draws crowds for its authentic German breads, croissants and sweet pastries. Skilled Bakers are in high demand for their expertise in traditional European techniques with pay rates elevated accordingly.

Anthem Coffee & Bakery

With several locations throughout the region, Anthem Coffee & Bakery provides a lively, busy setting with Bakers often leading product innovation for the morning rush. Schedules here are flexible and pay is competitive for those with high-volume baking experience.

Doyle’s Public House

This Irish pub doesn’t just serve up drinks — it employs talented Bakers to turn out savory breads, scones and desserts to accompany its hearty dishes. Bakers with a flair for rustic, pub-style baking can earn excellent hourly wages here.

Legendary Doughnuts

Known for over-the-top gourmet doughnuts, this popular shop rewards Bakers with bonuses for consistency and creativity. High turnover due to early hours sometimes boosts pay rates for those willing to take on the challenge.

The Impact of Restaurant Type on Baker Earnings

Casual Cafés vs. Upscale Bakeries

Upscale bakeries and restaurants with a focus on high-quality, artisan baked goods often offer higher base pay and greater creative control. Bakers in these venues may be responsible for recipe development, leading to higher demand for their skills.

In contrast, larger cafés or chains employ more Bakers but may pay slightly less per hour due to standardization and bulk production. However, high-volume locations sometimes offer shift differentials or bonuses for overtime and early starts.

Location and Specialized Skillsets

Bakers with expertise in gluten-free, vegan or ethnic specialties command higher pay, especially in neighborhoods with a well-traveled or health-conscious clientele. Proximity to downtown or popular university districts can also boost wages, thanks to steady foot traffic and a loyal customer base.

• Certifications and food safety credentials are looked upon favorably and often result in higher starting offers.
• Bakers able to assist with business operations — like menu design or supply ordering — may receive added compensation or advancement.

How To Find a High Paying Baker Job in Tacoma

• Perfect Your Portfolio: Prepare a photo collection of your best baked goods and custom items to showcase for potential employers.
• Target Local Hotspots: Research which Tacoma-area bakeries and restaurants are consistently praised in reviews for their baked goods and follow those businesses on social media for up-to-date hiring alerts.
• Update Food Safety Certifications: Many Baker employers in Tacoma require up-to-date Washington food handler cards or other relevant certificates. This can set you apart and justify a higher rate.
• Ace the Interview: Prepare to answer questions about baking process, ingredient sourcing and teamwork. Consider conducting a short demo bake if asked!
• Network Within Tacoma’s Baking Community: Attend local farmers markets or food events — many top local Bakers hire through word-of-mouth or personal recommendations.
• Write a Compelling Cover Letter: Highlight your experience with different styles of baking and your ability to work in a fast-paced environment.

What’s the Outlook for Baker Jobs in Tacoma in 2025 and Beyond?

The demand for skilled Bakers in Tacoma is projected to remain steady into 2025 and beyond. Growth in the artisan baked goods and specialty bread markets continues with more restaurants and coffee shops featuring in-house baking programs to attract loyal customers.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, bakery employment is expected to see moderate growth, particularly in regions with expanding downtowns and a focus on local food. Tacoma’s combination of new construction, tourism and foodie culture bodes well for both job security and upward mobility for experienced Bakers willing to keep up with new trends.

As more residents seek gluten-free, organic or international baked goods, Bakers who develop specialized skills will remain in high demand across the city.

Is a Baker’s Salary Enough to Live Well in Tacoma?

With the average Baker salary in Tacoma at about $19 per hour, experienced Bakers working full time can expect to earn approximately $39,500 annually (before tips, bonuses or overtime).

Here’s a look at the typical monthly living costs in Tacoma for 2025:

• 1-bedroom apartment (city center): $1,450
• Utilities: $175
• Groceries: $350–$450 per month
• Transportation: $100 (public transit pass) or $200+ (car)

While Tacoma is more affordable than Seattle, single-income Bakers may need to budget carefully or seek additional shifts at higher-paying venues to enjoy financial comfort. Those in upscale bakeries or with significant overtime can often afford city living with some discretionary income left over.

Our Criteria for Choosing Top-Paying Tacoma Baker Jobs

We selected these top Tacoma bakeries and restaurants based on a mix of pay rates, work environment and employee feedback found on job boards, employer data and community reviews.

Key factors included:

• Competitive wages and regular raises for experienced Bakers
• Support for creative expression, new recipe development and advancement within the company
• Positive work-life balance and staff retention rates
• Location within bustling Tacoma neighborhoods for steady foot traffic

Our aim was to highlight establishments where Bakers are treated as valued team members and rewarded for their technical expertise.