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Assistant Pastry Chef Jobs in Silver Spring, MD (NOW HIRING)

Pastry Cook

Washington, DC · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

Pastry Chef / Executive Pastry Chef / Chef de Cuisine Department: Back of House - Pastry Employment ... Inventory, Receiving & Waste Control * Assist with receiving: check quantities, temperatures, and ...

Pastry Cook

Washington, DC · On-site

$19.75 - $24/hr

Pastry Chef / Executive Pastry Chef / Chef de Cuisine Department: Back of House - Pastry Employment ... Inventory, Receiving & Waste Control * Assist with receiving: check quantities, temperatures, and ...

Pastry Sous Chef

Washington, DC · On-site

$80K - $85K/yr

Pastry Chef Salary: $80,000 to $85,000 Other Forms of Compensation: Bonus Founded in 2005 as Hudson ... * Assist in menu development, inventory, ordering/purchasing, food cost controls, training ...

Pastry Sous Chef

Washington, DC · On-site

$80K - $85K/yr

Pastry Chef Salary: $80,000 to $85,000 Other Forms of Compensation: Bonus Founded in 2005 as Hudson ... * Assist in menu development, inventory, ordering/purchasing, food cost controls, training ...

Pastry Sous Chef

Washington, DC · On-site

$80K - $85K/yr

Pastry Chef Salary: $80,000 to $85,000 Other Forms of Compensation: Bonus Founded in 2005 as Hudson ... * Assist in menu development, inventory, ordering/purchasing, food cost controls, training ...

Pastry Sous Chef

Washington, DC · On-site

$80K - $85K/yr

Pastry Chef Salary: $80,000 to $85,000 Other Forms of Compensation: Bonus Founded in 2005 as Hudson ... * Assist in menu development, inventory, ordering/purchasing, food cost controls, training ...

Showing results 21-40

Assistant Pastry Chef information

See Silver Spring, MD salary details

$12

$25

$39

How much do assistant pastry chef jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for assistant pastry chef in Silver Spring, MD is $25.60, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.39 and $33.56 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an assistant pastry chef do?

An Assistant Pastry Chef works under the supervision of the head pastry chef to help prepare, bake, and decorate pastries, desserts, and baked goods. Their daily tasks typically include measuring ingredients, mixing doughs or batters, monitoring baking times, and ensuring cleanliness in the pastry kitchen. Additionally, they may assist in developing new recipes, organizing inventory, and maintaining high standards of food presentation and safety. This role requires attention to detail, creativity, and the ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an assistant pastry chef?

To thrive as an Assistant Pastry Chef, you need a solid understanding of baking techniques, pastry preparation, and food safety, often supported by a culinary degree or relevant work experience. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, ingredient measurement systems, and HACCP certification is typically required. Attention to detail, creativity, teamwork, and time management are crucial soft skills that set exceptional candidates apart. These skills ensure consistent product quality, smooth kitchen operations, and the ability to innovate under pressure in a professional pastry environment.

What are some common challenges faced by an assistant pastry chef in a professional kitchen?

As an Assistant Pastry Chef, one frequent challenge is balancing creativity with consistency, as you must replicate desserts to exacting standards while innovating new menu items. Time management is crucial, given the need to prepare multiple components simultaneously and often under tight deadlines, especially during busy service periods. Additionally, working closely with the Head Pastry Chef and other kitchen staff requires strong communication skills to ensure smooth coordination and maintain high quality across all desserts. Adapting to changes, such as menu updates or ingredient shortages, is also a regular part of the role.

What is the difference between Assistant Pastry Chef vs Pastry Chef?

AspectAssistant Pastry ChefPastry Chef
CredentialsHigh school diploma, culinary training, pastry certificationsSame as Assistant Pastry Chef, often with additional experience
Work EnvironmentAssists in pastry preparation, supports head pastry chef in bakery or restaurantLeads pastry production, develops recipes, manages pastry staff
ResponsibilitiesPrepares ingredients, assists in baking, maintains cleanlinessCreates pastry menus, supervises baking, quality control

The main difference between an Assistant Pastry Chef and a Pastry Chef lies in their responsibilities and experience level. The Assistant Pastry Chef supports the pastry team with preparation and basic tasks, while the Pastry Chef oversees the entire pastry operation, develops recipes, and manages staff. Both roles require culinary training and pastry certifications, but the Pastry Chef typically has more experience and leadership duties.

What are the most commonly searched types of Pastry Chef jobs in Silver Spring, MD?

The most popular types of Pastry Chef jobs in Silver Spring, MD are:

What cities near Silver Spring, MD are hiring for Assistant Pastry Chef jobs?

Cities near Silver Spring, MD with the most Assistant Pastry Chef job openings:

Infographic showing various Assistant Pastry Chef job openings in Silver Spring, MD as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 24% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,246 per year, or $25.6 per hour.

$18 - $20/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 19 days ago


Job description

Job Title: Pastry Cook
Reports To: Pastry Chef / Executive Pastry Chef / Chef de Cuisine
Department: Back of House - Pastry
Employment Type: Hourly, Non-Exempt
About José Andrés Group
José Andrés Group (JAG) is a hospitality company led by Chef José Andrés, known for outstanding guest experiences, innovation, and a values-driven culture. Our teams bring world-class food and warm hospitality to life across acclaimed concepts worldwide.
Position Summary
Pastry Cooks execute precise mise en place and production for all pastry items-ensuring quality, consistency, and timing that meet JAG standards. You'll scale recipes, assemble and finish desserts, support service plating, and uphold rigorous food safety, labeling, and organization. This role thrives on accuracy, pace, and craftsmanship.
Key Responsibilities
Mise en Place & Production
  • Execute daily prep lists to spec: cakes, tarts, custards, mousses, curds, crémeux, pâte à choux, laminated doughs, cookies, sablés, glazes, and sauces.
  • Scale recipes accurately (metric & imperial), temper chocolate, prepare ganache/praliné, and finish items to standard.
  • Operate proofing, baking, and chilling schedules to hit pars for service, banquets, and retail/pastry case.

Finishing, Plating & Service Support
  • Portion and finish desserts with consistent textures and presentation; maintain garnish standards.
  • Set up pastry station for service; coordinate with expo to protect ticket times and product integrity.
  • Execute preset/event desserts and PDR/BEO specifications with accuracy.

Quality & Consistency
  • Taste and calibrate products for balance, texture, and bake; log adjustments per SOP.
  • Follow standardized recipes, weights/temps, and portioning; flag spec variances immediately.
  • Participate in tastings; provide constructive feedback and apply coaching in real time.

Food Safety, Sanitation & Compliance
  • Adhere to DOH/HACCP: cooling logs, hot/cold holding, allergen and cross-contact protocols, and personal hygiene.
  • Label/date all products; practice FIFO and track hold times/shelf life; maintain temperature records.
  • "Clean as you go"; complete opening/closing sidework and scheduled deep cleans.

Inventory, Receiving & Waste Control
  • Assist with receiving: check quantities, temperatures, and quality; store promptly in proper zones.
  • Maintain accurate yields and waste logs; minimize waste through smart batch sizes and storage.
  • Keep walk-ins, freezers, and dry storage organized, labeled, and mapped.

Equipment & Maintenance
  • Safely operate mixers, ovens, sheeters, proofers, dehydrators, blast chillers, chocolate tempering machines, and small tools.
  • Perform basic care (calibrate scales, clean attachments) and escalate repair needs; tag out unsafe equipment.

Teamwork & Culture
  • Communicate clearly with pastry, culinary, and FOH teams; support during peak periods and events.
  • Attend line-ups/trainings; learn new items quickly and share best practices.
  • Model professionalism, punctuality, and a respectful, inclusive, learning-focused mindset.

Requirements
Required Qualifications
  • 1+ year of professional pastry/bakery experience in upscale casual, casual-fine, fine dining, or hotel pastry; culinary/pastry program a plus.
  • Strong scaling and baking fundamentals (mixing methods, proofing, tempering chocolate, glazing, finishing).
  • Knowledge of food safety, allergens, and sanitation; valid Food Handler certification (or ability to obtain).
  • Excellent organization, attention to detail, and pace under pressure; clear communication.
  • Schedule flexibility (early mornings, nights, weekends, holidays).

Working Conditions & Physical Requirements
  • Stand and move for extended periods (up to 8+ hours); frequent bending, reaching, and repetitive motion.
  • Lift/carry/push/pull up to 35-50 lbs. (bags of flour/sugar, sheet trays, equipment).
  • Frequent exposure to heat, refrigeration, and cleaning chemicals; slip-resistant footwear required.

In Return, We Offer You
  • Competitive hourly pay with opportunities for cross-training and advancement
  • Eligible health & wellness benefits (for qualifying positions)
  • Employee dining and partner discounts
  • Growth in a values-driven, award-winning hospitality group

Equal Opportunity EmployerJosé Andrés Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer and participates in the federal E-Verify Program.
Salary Description
$18-20/per hour