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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Head Baker in California is $38,575 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $19.
However, a Head Baker's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Head Baker Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $41,405 | $3,450 | $796 | $20 |
| Average | $38,575 | $3,215 | $742 | $19 |
| 25th Percentile | $34,404 | $2,867 | $662 | $17 |
The Commissary - San Francisco, CA
HHB Restaurant Recruiting - San Francisco, CA
HHB Restaurant Recruiting - Menlo Park, CA
The Walt Disney Company - Anaheim, CA
A Head Baker's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Head Baker's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here’s how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Head Baker | $37,995 |
| Intermediate Level Head Baker | $38,169 |
| Senior Level Head Baker | $38,748 |
| Specialist Level Head Baker | $39,924 |
| Expert Level Head Baker | $40,444 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Head Bakers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:
For Head Baker roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Retail & Wholesale, offers compensation 20% above the average. Conversely, Head Baker positions in Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Head Baker as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Retail & Wholesale | $46,289 | $22.0 | 20% |
Understanding how a Head Baker's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $41,405 | $3,450 | $796 | $20 |
| Average | $38,575 | $3,215 | $742 | $19 |
| 25th Percentile | $34,404 | $2,867 | $662 | $17 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Head Baker job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Disney France
Anaheim, CA
Disney France | Anaheim, CA
Pastry Chef/Head Baker - Full Time. At the Disneyland Resort, our Pastry teams are more than chefs - they're artists, visionaries, and storytellers. Join u... more
7 Days Ago
Boudin
Irvine, CA
Giant Eagle
WASHINGTON, PA
Giant Eagle
BROOKLINE, PA
Pilot Flying J
EVANSTON, WY
Pilot Flying J | EVANSTON, WY
Pilot Flying J is seeking a Deli Baker to prepare fresh baked goods and deli items for travelers and professional drivers in our busy travel center. In thi... more
5 Days Ago
Pilot Flying J
GRASS VALLEY, NV
Pilot Flying J | GRASS VALLEY, NV
Pilot Flying J is seeking a Deli Baker to prepare fresh baked goods and deli items for travelers and professional drivers in our busy travel center. In thi... more
5 Days Ago
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