There are currently an estimated 218,800 bakers in the United States. The baker job market is expected to grow by 4.9% between 2022 and 2032.

How employable are bakers?

CareerExplorer rates bakers with a C employability rating, meaning this career should provide moderate employment opportunities for the foreseeable future. Over the next 10 years, it is expected the US will need 18,300 bakers. That number is based on 10,800 additional bakers, and the retirement of 7,500 existing bakers.

Are bakers in demand?

The job outlook for bakers will be moderate, as manufacturing facilities increasingly use automated equipment to mass-produce baked goods. Population and income growth, however, are expected to boost demand for specialty baked goods including cupcakes, pies, and cakes. Employment opportunities should exist with traditional bakeries, higher-end grocery stores, bistros, restaurants, and hotels. Aspiring bakers should be prepared to work long hours – often starting very early in the morning – and spend many hours on their feet. While some bakers learn on the job under the apprenticeship of a seasoned baker, entrants to the field who undergo formal training and obtain a culinary arts certificate or degree generally have better prospects. Those who become certified by the Retail Bakers of America further enhance their employability. The available designations reflecting various competence levels are Certified Journey Baker, Certified Baker, and Certified Master Baker.

What’s the supply of bakers?

The baker industry is concentrated in California, Texas, New York

Baker job market by state

State Name Employed Bakers
California 27,740
Texas 13,900
New York 11,820
Florida 11,230
Pennsylvania 9,680
Illinois 7,640
Ohio 6,080
Michigan 5,820
New Jersey 5,770
Washington 5,340
Georgia 5,120
North Carolina 4,340
Maryland 4,060
Massachusetts 3,870
Colorado 3,750
Missouri 3,600
Wisconsin 3,490
Virginia 3,360
Tennessee 3,240
Arizona 3,070
Indiana 2,940
Oregon 2,690
Minnesota 2,340
Nevada 2,210
Iowa 2,160
Utah 2,140
Oklahoma 1,990
South Carolina 1,940
Connecticut 1,680
Puerto Rico 1,660
Alabama 1,630
Louisiana 1,620
Kansas 1,490
Hawaii 1,400
Mississippi 1,170
Kentucky 1,080
Arkansas 1,070
Idaho 1,030
Maine 990
New Hampshire 960
Montana 950
Nebraska 910
West Virginia 860
Vermont 820
New Mexico 820
North Dakota 650
Rhode Island 640
District of Columbia 530
South Dakota 380
Delaware 330
Wyoming 300
Alaska 260
Guam 190