What Restaurants Do Pastry Chefs Make the Most Money at in Upper Darby, PA?

Restaurants Where Pastry Chefs Make the Most Money at in Upper Darby, PA: Key Takeaways

• The average hourly wage for Pastry Chefs in Upper Darby is around $20 per hour, slightly above the Pennsylvania state average of $18.50.
• Wages at top bakeries like Sur La Table and Essen Bakery can reach up to $22 per hour.
• Tips are uncommon for Pastry Chefs since they are usually back-of-house staff, so their income is mostly from base pay.

Pastry Chefs in Upper Darby earn competitive wages, with top-paying bakeries offering up to $22 per hour.

This article provides a breakdown of who pays best and how the type of bakery or restaurant affects earnings.

For a comprehensive understanding of the pros and cons of being a pastry chef, check out this detailed spotlight.

Top-Paying Restaurants for Pastry Chefs in Upper Darby, PA

Upper Darby and its surrounding area host a variety of bakeries and culinary establishments where Pastry Chefs can earn competitive wages.

For those looking to understand the pastry chef job description and responsibilities, this career page is very helpful.

Here are five notable places with some of the highest estimated pay:

1. Tiffany's Bakery

Tiffany's Bakery is known for its exquisite custom cakes and pastries, offering Pastry Chefs solid hourly wages around $20 per hour.

2. Essen Bakery

Essen Bakery prides itself on European-style baked goods and modern pastries, with Pastry Chefs earning up to $21 per hour.

3. Paris Baguette - Upper Dublin

Located nearby, Paris Baguette is a popular chain combining French baking traditions with Asian fusion, paying Pastry Chefs approximately $19 per hour.

4. Sur La Table

Sur La Table blends retail culinary experiences with in-house bakery products. Pastry Chefs here can earn as much as $22 per hour, the highest in the region.

If you're considering how to hire a baker for your bakery or restaurant, this spotlight offers valuable tips.

5. Nothing Bundt Cakes

Specializing in bundt cakes with creative flavors, this establishment offers Pastry Chefs an estimated wage of $18 per hour.

The Impact of Restaurant Type on Pastry Chef Earnings

The style and status of the bakery or restaurant greatly influence Pastry Chef salaries in Upper Darby.

Upscale bakeries and specialty dessert shops tend to offer higher base pay reflecting skill requirements and clientele.

In contrast, casual or chain bakeries may offer more modest wages but provide steady employment.

• Location: Proximity to urban centers like Philadelphia often correlates with higher wages.
• Experience and Certification: Pastry Chefs with culinary training and certifications can command better pay.
• Restaurant prestige: Renowned establishments often provide bonuses or wage incentives.

Tips are rare for Pastry Chefs since they generally work behind the scenes, so their earnings mainly stem from their base pay.

For more about how to develop your career as a pastry chef, visit our career guide for bakers.

How To Find a High Paying Pastry Chef Job in Upper Darby, PA

• Research and Target Top Bakeries: Focus on upscale and specialty bakeries known for competitive pay.
• Develop Relevant Skills: Enhance your baking and pastry techniques through classes or certifications.
• Build a Strong Portfolio: Showcase your best pastry creations to potential employers.
• Network Locally: Join culinary groups and participate in food events in the Philadelphia metro area.
• Prepare for Interviews: Practice common interview questions geared toward Pastry Chef roles.

Learn how to prepare for pastry chef interviews with our specialized career resource.

What’s the Outlook for Pastry Chef Jobs in Upper Darby, PA in 2025 and Beyond?

The demand for Pastry Chefs in Upper Darby is expected to remain stable with moderate growth due to the area's expanding food scene and proximity to Philadelphia.

Specialty bakeries and boutique dessert shops continue to open, necessitating experienced pastry professionals.

According to labor market projections, culinary jobs including Pastry Chefs are seeing steady demand, supported by consumer interest in artisan and gourmet baked goods.

Employers looking to attract pastry talent can refer to hiring guides for restaurant consultants to improve recruitment strategies.

Is a Pastry Chef’s Salary Enough to Live Well in Upper Darby, PA?

A Pastry Chef earning around $20 per hour and working full-time can expect approximately $41,600 annually.

Living costs in Upper Darby are generally more affordable than in urban Philadelphia:

• Average rent (1-bedroom apartment): $1,200 per month
• Utilities and internet: $150 per month
• Groceries and other essentials: $350–$500 per month

This salary can support a modest lifestyle, especially with careful budgeting or shared housing.

Our Criteria for Choosing Top-Paying Upper Darby, PA Pastry Chef Jobs

We chose these particular bakeries and culinary establishments based on their competitive wage offerings and reputations for quality work environments.

Location was also a factor, prioritizing accessible venues near Upper Darby and Philadelphia to maximize job opportunities.

We also considered employee benefits and opportunities for skill growth to ensure sustainable career paths for Pastry Chefs.

If you want to learn how to optimize hiring for kitchen staff, this guide to hiring kitchen staff includes free templates.