Bakers
Salary, job outlook, AI risk & career information
Median Salary
$36,650
~$18/hr · ~$3,054/mo
US Jobs
249K
Faster than average
AI & Automation Risk
2/10
Safe
AI & Automation Risk
Safe 2/10
The core duties of a baker are physical and sensory, involving manual dexterity for shaping dough and real-time monitoring of physical products in high-heat environments. While AI can optimize recipes or assist with inventory management and scheduling, the fundamental work of kneading, decorating, and handling equipment remains a physical task resistant to digital automation.
Salary by City — What You Actually Take Home
Real purchasing power = salary adjusted for cost of living. Higher = more money in your pocket.
| City | Local Salary | Cost of Living | Real Purchasing Power |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dubuque, IABEST VALUE | $39,890 | Below avg (89.1) | $44,791 |
| Watertown-Fort Drum, NY | $40,360 | Below avg (90.9) | $44,378 |
| Tuscaloosa, AL | $39,480 | Below avg (89.1) | $44,306 |
| Rochester, MN | $40,120 | Below avg (93.0) | $43,159 |
| Flagstaff, AZ | $39,420 | Below avg (91.9) | $42,915 |
| La Crosse-Onalaska, WI-MN | $38,750 | Below avg (90.6) | $42,775 |
| Wenatchee-East Wenatchee, WA | $43,490 | Average (101.9) | $42,676 |
| Duluth, MN-WI | $37,190 | Below avg (87.2) | $42,658 |
| Fargo, ND-MN | $38,020 | Below avg (89.1) | $42,654 |
| Grand Forks, ND-MN | $36,560 | Below avg (85.9) | $42,557 |
| Lewiston, ID-WA | $37,170 | Below avg (87.9) | $42,292 |
| Kahului-Wailuku, HI | $45,240 | Above avg (107.2) | $42,204 |
| Traverse City, MI | $38,160 | Below avg (90.6) | $42,127 |
| Michigan City-La Porte, IN | $38,440 | Below avg (92.0) | $41,773 |
| Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA | $44,270 | Above avg (106.4) | $41,623 |
Cost of Living Index: 100 = US national average. Below 100 = cheaper. Above 100 = more expensive.
Education & Requirements
Education Required
No formal educational credential
10-Year Growth
+6% (Faster than average)
Hourly Rate
~$18/hr
Monthly Income
~$3,054/mo
Related Careers
Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics OOH (2024)