How to become bakerseducation, training, experience and the steps to enter

United States Manufacturing & Repair Confidence ★★★★★

Median annual pay

$37,160

25th–75th pct. $32,660–$44,360

Top pay (est.)

$63,700

Top 10% $49,020

Pay in 5 years

$43,400est.

2031

Pay in 10 years

$50,700est.

$43,600–$58,900

Outlook score

55/100

★★★☆☆ Average

AI replacement risk

38%

Low

Job growth (10 yr)

+5.5%

36K openings / yr

How to become bakers

Typical education

No formal educational credential

BLS

Related experience

None

On-the-job training

Moderate-term on-the-job training

A step-by-step guide for this occupation is being prepared. The education, training and experience data above show the typical path.

Skills, education and requirements for Bakers

Key skills

Critical Thinking

2.9

Monitoring

2.9

Time Management

2.9

Speaking

2.8

Coordination

2.8

Active Learning

2.8

Judgment and Decision Making

2.6

Reading Comprehension

2.6

O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).

Key knowledge areas

Production and Processing

3.6

Food Production

3.2

Customer and Personal Service

3.2

Public Safety and Security

2.7

Administration and Management

2.6

English Language

2.5

Mathematics

2.4

Mechanical

2.4

What the work involves

Handling and Moving ObjectsOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkPerforming General Physical ActivitiesMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsControlling Machines and ProcessesCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesIdentifying Objects, Actions, and EventsThinking Creatively

Important abilities

Near VisionOral ComprehensionInformation OrderingOral ExpressionManual DexterityVisual Color Discrimination

Training before entry

None / short demo

21%

6–12 months

20%

Up to 1 month

3–6 months

Related work experience

1–2 years

53%

None

34%

3–6 months

6–12 months

Job Zone 2 — some preparation needed (O*NET)

Difficulty of entry: ★☆☆☆☆ Easy to enter (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)

Career path and how to earn more as bakers

Career-path guidance is being prepared. Pay by percentile is shown in the Pay section.

Related occupations

	Occupation	Pay	Outlook	AI risk
1	Maintenance and Repair Workers, General Perform work involving the skills of two or more maintenance or craft occupations to keep machines, mechanical equipment, or the structure of a building in repair.	$49,590	60/100	26%
2	Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul automotive vehicles.	$50,620	61/100	27%
3	First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers Directly supervise and coordinate the activities of production and operating workers, such as inspectors, precision workers, machine setters and operators, assemblers, fabricators, and plant and system operators.	$74,450	50/100	47%
4	First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers Directly supervise and coordinate the activities of mechanics, installers, and repairers.	$79,860	58/100	38%
5	Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers Inspect, test, sort, sample, or weigh nonagricultural raw materials or processed, machined, fabricated, or assembled parts or products for defects, wear, and deviations from specifications.	$48,570	45/100	55%
6	Industrial Machinery Mechanics Repair, install, adjust, or maintain industrial production and processing machinery or refinery and pipeline distribution systems.	$64,520	74/100	26%

Pay and employment figures are national statistics. Projected pay, outlook scores and AI replacement risk are estimates from the Shigoto Zukan model, not guarantees. To request a correction, use the contact form. How to read the data

Sources: BLS OEWS May 2025; BLS Employment Projections 2025–35; O*NET 31.0 Database by USDOL/ETA (CC BY 4.0), modified by Shigoto Zukan. Pay ranges, projections and scores are Shigoto Zukan estimates.