What Restaurants Do Pastry Chefs Make the Most Money at in Norfolk, VA?

Restaurants Where Pastry Chefs Make the Most Money at in Norfolk, VA: Key Takeaways

The average wage for Pastry Chefs in Norfolk, VA is around $16–$22 per hour.
Tips are typically minimal or non-existent for Pastry Chefs as they are primarily back-of-house staff.
Gold Key PHR and Panera Bread are among the highest-paying employers for Pastry Chefs in Norfolk.

Pastry Chef salaries in Norfolk, VA vary depending on the restaurant's size, reputation, and location, with hourly wages ranging from $12 to $22.

This article breaks down the top-paying restaurants for Pastry Chefs in the area and insights on earnings and career tips.

For those looking to enhance their career prospects, consider reading our chef cover letter examples and templates to create effective application materials.

Top-Paying Restaurants for Pastry Chefs in Norfolk, VA

Norfolk offers a wide array of eateries and bakeries where Pastry Chefs can hone their craft while earning competitive wages.

Below are some of the top establishments known for compensating Pastry Chefs well.

Gold Key PHR

Gold Key PHR is a prominent hospitality group in Norfolk, known for its upscale hotels and dining venues.

Pastry Chefs here earn some of the highest wages averaging $22 per hour, reflecting the establishment’s quality and clientele.

Panera Bread

Panera Bread is a popular bakery-cafe chain serving fresh baked goods and coffee.

Pastry Chefs at Panera in Norfolk earn around $19 per hour, benefiting from stable corporate policies and good employee support.

Crave Bakery and Coffee Bar

Crave Bakery and Coffee Bar is a local favorite known for delicious pastries and artisanal coffee blends.

Pastry Chefs here earn approximately $14.50 per hour, ideal for those seeking a creative yet relaxed working environment.

Pastry Chefs aiming to boost their career can learn valuable skills and interview tips from our pastry chef interview questions guide.

Kroger

Kroger is a major grocery store chain with in-store bakeries offering fresh pastries daily.

Pastry Chefs employed by Kroger receive about $13 per hour, with the advantage of additional employee benefits common in retail.

Nothing Bundt Cakes

Nothing Bundt Cakes specializes in rich and luscious bundt cakes, a beloved brand in the region.

Pastry Chefs here earn around $12 per hour, often gaining experience in cake decoration and customer interaction.

The Impact of Restaurant Type on Pastry Chef Earnings in Norfolk, VA

The type of establishment strongly influences the wage and tips (if any) that Pastry Chefs can expect.

Upscale hotels and fine dining restaurants usually offer higher base salaries but less direct tips since Pastry Chefs are back-of-house staff.

Casual bakeries and chain cafes may offer stable wages with less variability, but often provide opportunities for bonuses and employee discounts.

Location: Downtown Norfolk and tourist-heavy areas tend to pay more due to higher customer volume and demand.
Certifications: Pastry Chefs with specialized culinary certifications or advanced baking skills command better pay.
Experience Level: Senior or executive Pastry Chefs generally earn significantly more than entry-level roles.
Tip Availability: While most Pastry Chefs do not receive tips, some might share in tip pools at certain establishments, adding $0 to $5 per hour.

Employers seeking to improve recruitment and retention should review our guide on how to hire a pastry chef for effective hiring strategies.

How To Find a High Paying Pastry Chef Job in Norfolk, VA

Create a Standout Resume and Cover Letter

Highlight your pastry skills, certifications, and experience clearly to catch the attention of hiring managers.

See examples in our chef cover letter examples and templates to craft yours.

Gain Relevant Certifications and Skills

Obtain culinary and food safety certifications like ServSafe to increase your marketability and salary potential.

Network Within the Local Culinary Community

Attend culinary events and connect with local chefs to discover openings and receive recommendations.

Learn effective networking tips in our hospitality mentorship and career growth spotlight.

Prepare for Interviews Thoroughly

Practice common interview questions and showcase your creativity and technical skills to impress prospective employers.

Use our pastry chef interview questions guide for preparation.

What’s the Outlook for Pastry Chef Jobs in Norfolk, VA in 2025 and Beyond?

According to labor market projections, the hospitality sector in Norfolk is expected to see moderate growth, sustaining demand for skilled Pastry Chefs.

As local dining scenes expand and tourism increases, Pastry Chefs with unique talents and certifications are likely to find favorable job prospects.

Advancements in culinary technology and emphasis on artisan baking may create new roles as well as opportunities for career growth.

For employers, staying updated on these trends can help in restaurant staff hiring and talent retention strategies.

Is a Pastry Chef’s Salary Enough to Live Well in Norfolk, VA?

Pastry Chefs in Norfolk generally earn between $25,000 and $45,000 annually, depending on hours and establishment.

Average living costs in Norfolk are moderate, with rent for a one-bedroom apartment averaging $1,200/month and utilities around $150/month.

Groceries typically cost about $300/month, making a Pastry Chef’s income sufficient for a comfortable lifestyle if budgeting wisely.

Our Criteria for Choosing Top-Paying Norfolk, VA Pastry Chef Jobs

We selected restaurants based on their competitive pay scales, employee benefits, and location in thriving culinary hubs within Norfolk.

Wage consistency: Preference for employers with above-average hourly rates.
Reputation: Restaurants and bakeries with strong customer reviews and stable operations.
Employee Support: Workplaces known for supporting staff development and work-life balance.

These factors together provide Pastry Chefs optimal opportunities to maximize earnings and build rewarding careers.

For hiring managers looking to improve employee retention, our strategies to reduce restaurant employee turnover are highly effective.

01. Which restaurant pays the best for Pastry Chefs in Norfolk, VA?

Gold Key PHR is the highest paying employer for Pastry Chefs in Norfolk, with wages averaging around $22 per hour.

02. How much does a Pastry Chef in Norfolk, VA earn from tips?

Pastry Chefs mainly work behind the scenes and typically receive little to no tips; any tip income usually ranges from $0 to $5 per hour depending on the establishment.

03. Is it easy to find a job as a Pastry Chef in Norfolk, VA?

With sufficient experience and certifications, it is feasible to find a job as a Pastry Chef in Norfolk; however, competition can be stronger for higher-paying roles at upscale venues.

04. What is the career path for Pastry Chefs in Norfolk, VA?

Pastry Chefs can advance to senior or executive positions in kitchens, move into bakery management, or specialize further in artisan or pastry arts to increase earnings and status.