9 min read

What Restaurants Do Pastry Chefs Make the Most Money at in St. Louis, MO?

Discover which restaurants in St. Louis offer the highest pay for Pastry Chefs and learn how to secure well-paying positions.

What restaurants do Pastry Chefs make the most money at in St. Louis

Restaurants Where Pastry Chefs Make the Most Money at in St. Louis, MO: Key Takeaways

  • The average hourly wage for Pastry Chefs in St. Louis is around $20 per hour, with top restaurants offering up to $24.15 per hour.
  • Tips are less common for Pastry Chefs, but some establishments may offer bonus or profit-sharing opportunities to increase overall earnings.
  • Nathaniel Reid Bakery and American Cruise Lines are known for paying pastry chefs higher wages in the St. Louis area.

Pastry Chefs in St. Louis can earn a solid hourly wage, especially at well-established bakeries and clubs. This article provides a detailed overview of the best-paying restaurants and earnings potential.

If you're looking to discover which restaurants in St. Louis pay Pastry Chefs the most, the following breakdown will help you understand salary ranges and tips.

Understanding the best restaurants for cooks to make money can also give insight into the pastry chef salary landscape.

Top-Paying Restaurants for Pastry Chefs in St. Louis, MO

Nathaniel Reid Bakery

Nathaniel Reid Bakery is celebrated for its artisanal breads and pastries, with a strong commitment to quality and local ingredients. Pastry Chefs here earn some of the highest wages available in St. Louis.

For those looking to excel in this role, understanding the baker job description can provide useful insights on responsibilities and skills required.

American Cruise Lines

American Cruise Lines offers Pastry Chefs the unique opportunity to work onboard luxury cruises, creating exquisite desserts for affluent guests. Their pay rate is among the top in the region.

Saint Louis Club

This private club is known for its elegant dining experience and classic menus. Pastry Chefs at the Saint Louis Club contribute to high-end dining and enjoy competitive pay within the city.

La Bonne Bouchee

La Bonne Bouchee is a local favorite for French-inspired baked goods and pastries. The establishment offers solid wages and opportunities for creative freedom to its Pastry Chefs.

Union Loafers Café & Bread Bakery

Union Loafers is a popular café and bakery focusing on fresh, handcrafted breads and pastries. Pastry Chefs here earn competitive salaries in a vibrant community atmosphere.

The Impact of Restaurant Type on Pastry Chef Earnings in St. Louis, MO

The type of restaurant heavily influences Pastry Chef salaries. Upscale bakeries and exclusive clubs typically offer higher base wages and bonuses, recognizing the skill and creativity required.

Casual cafés and smaller establishments often provide more modest wages but may offer steadier work hours.

  • Upscale and Luxury Venues: Tend to pay more, with hourly rates often above $20 and occasional bonuses.
  • Casual Cafés and Bakeries: Usually pay between $15-$18 per hour but may provide a more relaxed working environment.
  • Certifications and Experience: Pastry Chefs with advanced training or specialized skills can negotiate better pay.

To improve your chances, how to hire a baker guides provide critical advice for employers seeking skilled pastry chefs.

Hiring for this role?
OR
Looking for top paid jobs?

How To Find a High Paying Pastry Chef Job in St. Louis, MO

Craft a Standout Resume

Highlight your baking experience, specialized skills, and any certifications such as ServSafe or culinary school credentials to attract top employers.

Avoid common application errors by learning from application mistakes to avoid, helping you make a great impression.

Network in the Local Culinary Community

Attend food fairs and join St. Louis culinary groups to connect with hiring managers and discover hidden job openings.

Check out local job fairs to maximize networking opportunities, such as Johnson Wales University culinary career fairs.

Target Top-Rated Bakeries and Clubs

Focus your job search on well-reviewed establishments known for quality, as they tend to offer higher wages and better work conditions.

Practice Interview and Showcase Portfolio

Prepare for interviews by demonstrating your creativity and precision; bring a portfolio of your best pastry work to present your skills vividly.

Learn common pastry chef interview questions to confidently prepare for your job interviews.

What’s the Outlook for Pastry Chef Jobs in St. Louis, MO in 2025 and Beyond?

Pastry Chef jobs in St. Louis are expected to see steady demand growth through 2025 and beyond, driven by a thriving hospitality industry and increasing interest in artisanal baked goods.

The rise of specialty bakeries and farm-to-table restaurants is likely to create more opportunities for skilled pastry professionals.

Economic recovery and expanding tourism in St. Louis further contribute to promising career prospects for Pastry Chefs.

Is a Pastry Chef’s Salary Enough to Live Well in St. Louis, MO?

A Pastry Chef earning around $20 per hour, plus possible bonuses, can expect an annual salary of approximately $41,000 to $50,000 depending on hours worked.

St. Louis has a relatively affordable cost of living:

  • Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $900 per month
  • Utilities and internet: $150 per month
  • Groceries and dining: $300-$400 per month

Overall, a Pastry Chef’s salary, especially at higher-paying restaurants, can comfortably cover living expenses and allow some savings in St. Louis.

Employers can consider retaining a chef strategies to maintain their pastry chef talent and reduce turnover costs.

Our Criteria for Choosing Top-Paying St. Louis, MO Pastry Chef Jobs

We carefully selected these establishments based on multiple factors to ensure they represent the best opportunities for Pastry Chefs seeking high pay in St. Louis.

  • Competitive wages: All listed restaurants offer above-average hourly rates for the position.
  • Reputation and work environment: These venues are known for maintaining supportive workplaces and professional growth.
  • Location: Situated in accessible and popular areas of St. Louis with steady customer flow.

Our criteria ensure that Pastry Chefs will find quality jobs that value their skills and experience.

Restaurants Where Pastry Chefs Make the Most Money at in St. Louis, MO: FAQs

American Cruise Lines offers one of the highest average hourly wages for Pastry Chefs in St. Louis, closely followed by Nathaniel Reid Bakery.

Pastry Chefs typically don't receive regular tips like front-of-house staff, but they may benefit from bonuses or profit-sharing in certain establishments.

Finding a Pastry Chef position in St. Louis is fairly accessible, especially for those with experience and specialized baking skills, with opportunities in both bakeries and restaurants.

Pastry Chefs can advance to lead chef positions, bakery management, or start their own bakeries or dessert-focused businesses within the city.