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Bakers Apprentice Jobs in Santa Rosa, CA (NOW HIRING)

Cake Decorator - Part Time

Petaluma, CA · On-site

$16.25 - $20.75/hr

Provide guidance and support for Bakery Decorator Apprentices and other Team Members. * Create special order cake designs based on customer preferences. * Provide excellent customer service ...

Bakers Apprentice information

See Santa Rosa, CA salary details

$8

$16

$21

How much do bakers apprentice jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for bakers apprentice in Santa Rosa, CA is $16.74, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.77 and $18.41 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Bakers Apprentice vs Pastry Cook?

AspectBakers ApprenticePastry Cook
CredentialsBasic culinary training, on-the-job trainingSimilar culinary training, often with specialized pastry courses
Work EnvironmentBakery, bread production, early-stage bakery settingsBakery, pastry shops, dessert production areas
Industry UsageCommonly used in bakeries and bread-focused establishmentsUsed in bakeries, hotels, restaurants with pastry sections

The main difference between a Bakers Apprentice and a Pastry Cook lies in their focus and specialization. A Bakers Apprentice typically works in bread and basic baked goods, gaining foundational skills, while a Pastry Cook specializes in desserts, pastries, and more intricate baked items. Both roles require similar training, but their work environments and specific tasks differ, with Pastry Cooks often working on more complex confections.

What are Bakers Apprentices?

Bakers Apprentices are individuals who are learning the craft of baking through hands-on experience under the supervision of experienced bakers. They assist with preparing ingredients, mixing dough, operating baking equipment, and maintaining a clean work environment. The apprenticeship is designed to teach foundational skills in bread, pastry, and cake making, often as part of a formal training program or on-the-job learning. Over time, apprentices gain technical expertise and may progress to becoming fully qualified bakers.

What is the highest paying apprenticeship trade?

Among apprenticeship trades, skilled trades such as elevator installers, power plant operators, and nuclear technicians tend to have the highest wages. These roles often require specialized training, certifications, and sometimes longer apprenticeship periods, but they offer higher pay compared to other trades like baking or general construction.

What are some common challenges a Baker's Apprentice might face during their training, and how can they overcome them?

As a Baker's Apprentice, you may encounter challenges such as mastering precise techniques, working early or irregular hours, and handling the physical demands of standing for long periods or lifting heavy ingredients. To overcome these, it's important to ask questions, seek feedback from experienced bakers, and continually practice your skills. Building stamina and establishing a routine can help manage the physical aspects, while staying organized and attentive to detail will support your learning and growth in the bakery environment.

Can you do a baking apprenticeship?

Yes, a baking apprenticeship is a common way to gain hands-on experience and learn baking skills under the supervision of experienced bakers. Apprenticeships typically involve working in bakeries or culinary schools and may require some prior knowledge of baking techniques. They often lead to certification or increased job opportunities in the baking industry.

How to get a bakery job with no experience?

To get a bakery job as an apprentice with no experience, focus on demonstrating enthusiasm for baking, willingness to learn, and good work ethic. Entry-level positions often require no prior skills, so applying to local bakeries, volunteering, or taking basic baking courses can improve your chances. Highlight any related skills such as attention to detail or ability to work early mornings or weekends in your application.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Bakers Apprentice, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Bakers Apprentice, you need a basic understanding of baking techniques, food safety standards, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with commercial baking equipment, dough mixers, ovens, and adherence to health and safety regulations is typically required. Strong attention to detail, teamwork, and a willingness to learn help individuals stand out in this role. These skills and qualities are vital for producing consistent, high-quality baked goods and supporting efficient bakery operations.

What does a bakery apprentice do?

A bakery apprentice assists bakers by preparing ingredients, mixing dough, and operating baking equipment. They learn baking techniques, follow safety standards, and gain hands-on experience in a bakery environment, often working under supervision to develop their skills.
What are the most commonly searched types of Bakers jobs in Santa Rosa, CA? The most popular types of Bakers jobs in Santa Rosa, CA are:
What cities near Santa Rosa, CA are hiring for Bakers Apprentice jobs? Cities near Santa Rosa, CA with the most Bakers Apprentice job openings:
Infographic showing various Bakers Apprentice job openings in Santa Rosa, CA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $34,810 per year, or $16.7 per hour.

Cake Decorator - Part Time

Whole Foods Market

Petaluma, CA • On-site

$19.50 - $30.20/hr

Part-time

Medical, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Whole Foods Market rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Whole Foods Market

Based on 1,449 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

6.1

Company rating compared to similar companies: 6.1 out of 10

Grocery stores average

Based on 49,702 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

The best things about working at Whole Foods Market

  • 97%

    97% say they get paid time off

    say they get paid time off

  • 88%

    88% say their health insurance is affordable

    say their health insurance is affordable

  • 85%

    85% say they have respectful managers

    say they have respectful managers

Featured by Whole Foods Market, based on 1449 Breakroom Quiz responses from their frontline employees


Job description

A career at Whole Foods Market is more than just the work you do- it's about your personal growth and creating meaningful change. Our purpose is to nourish people and the planet. That means improving how people eat, funding grants for school gardens, providing access to fresh and healthy food to people living within food deserts, alleviating poverty in developing countries, and so much more. Working with us means you are making a difference within your community and beyond. We aren't just a grocery store: we're world-changers. And with your help, we will continue to set the standards of excellence and revolutionize the grocery industry.

As a Bakery Decorator, you'll be responsible for all duties related to creating and decorating cakes, tarts, pastries, and special-order items. You'll use your artistic talents to build and finish all specialty bakery goods, ensuring that every detail is just right.As a Bakery Decorator, you'll play a critical role in upholding our differentiators by providing outstanding service and delicious treats to our customers that meet our quality standards.In addition to following these procedures, you'll also be expected to support our Core Values and goals, promote companywide, regional, and store programs and initiatives, ensuring strict adherence to all applicable Food Safety and compliance duties required in the department. Job Responsibilities
  • Assemble, fill, and finish/decorate cakes, tarts, select pastry, and special-order bakery items.
  • Build, ice, and decorate cakes and other bakery items following standard procedures to meet business demand. Complete production and spoilage records according to standard procedures, adjusting production sheets to maintain sufficient product.
  • Prioritize production lists and recommend adjustments as needed. 
  • Merchandise and showcase products in the sales display case to satisfy and delight customers. Monitor product quality for freshness and ensure proper product rotation within the display case, following standard procedures.
  • Provide guidance and support for Bakery Decorator Apprentices and other Team Members.
  • Create special order cake designs based on customer preferences. 
  • Provide excellent customer service, addressing customers' needs in a timely and effective manner, model suggestive selling techniques, answer phones and pages promptly and courteously.
  • Maintain, or ensure maintenance of, a clean and sanitary working and shopping environment; maintain equipment in accordance with Whole Foods Market cleanliness and safety standards.
  • Perform opening, mid, and closing duties as assigned, ensuring accuracy of signage and pricing.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.
Skill Requirements
  • Efficient cake and pastry decorating skills, including intermediate piping techniques and the ability to create decorative flowers and borders. 
  • Understand color theory as it pertains to blending buttercream colors and coordinating complementing palettes. 
  • Ability to apply proper technique when using all icings, including Swiss Buttercream, American Buttercream, Ganache, Cream Cheese Icing, Whipped Cream, Chantilly, German Chocolate Icing, Fudge Icing, and all varieties of Meringue.  
  • Ability to follow recipes, directions, and procedures; effective time management and organization skills.
  • Advanced knife handling, tool, and equipment safety.
  • Basic math skills for recipe conversions and modifications.
  • Strong communication skills and willingness to work as part of a team.
  • Ability to deliver information in a clear and respectable manner to fellow Team Members, customers, and vendors.
  • Ability to meet customer service expectations and standards in all interactions with customers, vendors, and Team Members.
  • Strong work ethic and ability to work in a fast-paced environment with a sense of urgency.
Experience
  • Minimum of 6-12 months retail or restaurant experience.
  • Complete the Bakery Decorator Apprentice training program, or equivalent experience.
  • Prior experience within a professional bakery or grocery retail, preferred. 
Physical Requirements / Working Conditions 
  • Must be able to lift 50 pounds.
  • In an 8-hour workday: standing/walking 6-8 hours.
  • Hand use: single grasping, fine manipulation, pushing and pulling.
  • Work requires the following motions: bending, twisting, squatting and reaching.
  • Exposure to FDA approved cleaning chemicals.
  • Exposure to temperatures: <32 degrees Fahrenheit (freezing), 32-40 degrees Fahrenheit (refrigerators), >90 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Ability to work in wet and dry conditions.
  • Ability to work a flexible schedule including nights, weekends, and holidays as needed.
  • Ability to use tools and equipment, including knives, box cutters, electric pallet jacks, and other heavy machinery.
  • May require use of ladders.

Note: The purpose of this document is to provide a general summary of essential responsibilities for the position and is not meant as an exhaustive list. This document does not reflect all job duties or requirements for every position. Requirements build as one progresses through the job levels, so any job duties required at a lower level may be required at the higher level in addition to the duties listed for that higher level. Duties, assignments, and other responsibilities may differ for similar positions based on business conditions, departmental or geographic location, and/or needs for the particular position. An individual must demonstrate successful performance in their current position before being considered for promotion. In addition, in order to promote into a higher-level position, a business need for the promotion must exist and the candidate must be considered the most qualified person for the new position. Completion of certain milestones such as obtaining an advanced degree or certification, time in current position, or developing skills to perform at the higher-level role do not guarantee a promotion.
 

The wage range for this position is $19.50-$30.20 Hourly, commensurate with experience. Whole Foods Market offers "Whole Benefits". Whole Benefits offers a wide range of benefits for Full and Part-Time Team Members, including eligibility for a store discount, paid time off, financial wellness, health & wellness support programs, and access to other Team Member perks. Eligibility for Whole Benefits is determined under the terms of the applicable Whole Benefits plan at a person’s date of hire and may vary based on work location, length of service, and job type (such as regular or seasonal). Click here for benefit details.
At Whole Foods Market, we provide a fair and equal employment opportunity for all Team Members and candidates regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, age, marital status, disability, or any other legally protected characteristic. Whole Foods Market hires and promotes individuals solely based on qualifications for the position to be filled and business needs.
Whole Foods Market works with job sites like Indeed, LinkedIn, and ZipRecruiter to promote opportunities at our company. Please be aware that other career sites may not be accurate or up to date and may even be fraudulent. We encourage and recommend all candidates to apply via our site.

Working at Whole Foods Market

Perks for frontline workers

From Whole Foods Market, via Breakroom

  • 20% employee discount

  • Paid time off

  • Flexible scheduling

  • Health insurance with dental & vision

  • Growth opportunities

What to expect from working at Whole Foods Market

From Whole Foods Market

About Whole Foods Market, in their own words

From Whole Foods Market

At Whole Foods Market, we understand that the heart and soul of our organization lies in the remarkable people who make up our team. We're more than a grocer; we're a community of diverse, talented individuals coming together to make a positive impact on the world through food.

Company values

From Whole Foods Market

Our purpose is to nourish people and the planet. We’re a purpose-driven company that aims to set the standards of excellence for food retailers. Quality is a state of mind at Whole Foods Market.

Core Values: (1) We sell the highest quality natural and organic foods (2) We satisfy and delight our customers (3) We promote team member growth and happiness (4) We practice win-win partnerships with our suppliers (5) We create profits and prosperity (6) We care about our community and the environment


What Whole Foods Market employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Whole Foods Market logo

About Whole Foods Market

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Whole Foods Market, Inc., a subsidiary of Amazon, is an American multinational supermarket chain headquartered in Austin, Texas, which sells products free from hydrogenated fats and artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives.A USDA Certified Organic grocer in the United States, the chain is popularly known for its organic selections. Whole Foods has 500 stores in North America and seven in the United Kingdom As of March 4, 2019.

Industry

Food and beverage stores and retail

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Austin, TX, US