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Cake Designer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Cake Decorator

Los Alamitos, CA

$15 - $19.25/hr

Description Cake Decorator The Cake Decorator is responsible for preparing breads, pastries, desserts by designing, producing and maintaining production of artistic presentation. The Cake Decorator ...

Cake Decorator

Los Alamitos, CA · On-site

$15 - $19.25/hr

Cake Decorator The Cake Decorator is responsible for preparing breads, pastries, desserts by designing, producing and maintaining production of artistic presentation. The Cake Decorator may handle ...

Cake Decorator

Manteca, CA · On-site

$14.25 - $18.50/hr

Prepare cake bases, frostings, and fillings according to established recipes and guidelines ... Decorate cakes using piping, fondant sculpting, and icing to achieve desired designs and themes.

Bakery Manager FLSA Status: Nonexempt Essential Duties and Responsibilities The Cake Decorator prepares, designs, and decorates cakes as well as performs the following duties (other duties may be ...

... · Designing and decorating specialty stacked and tiered wedding and specialty cakes · Works with co-workers as a team to ensure customer satisfaction and a pleasant work environment. · Review ...

Showing results 21-40

Cake Designer information

See California salary details

$25.7K

$78.2K

$140.6K

How much do cake designer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for cake designer in California is $78,156.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49,300.00 and $91,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a cake designer?

To thrive as a Cake Designer, you need a solid background in baking, cake decorating techniques, and food safety, often supported by culinary training or certifications. Mastery of tools such as fondant smoothers, piping bags, airbrush kits, and familiarity with food-safe coloring systems is typically required. Creativity, attention to detail, and strong customer communication are essential soft skills that distinguish exceptional designers. These abilities are crucial for delivering visually stunning, delicious cakes that meet client expectations and maintain high standards of quality and safety.

What are some common challenges cake designers face when working on custom orders?

One of the most common challenges Cake Designers encounter is translating a client's vision into a structurally sound and visually appealing cake, especially when dealing with intricate designs or unconventional themes. Managing time effectively while juggling multiple orders and ensuring each cake meets high standards for both taste and appearance can also be demanding. Additionally, Cake Designers often need to stay updated with the latest trends and techniques in decorating, which requires continuous learning and creativity. Collaborating closely with clients, bakers, and event planners is vital to ensure that every detail, from flavor to decoration, aligns with the client's expectations and event requirements.

What is the difference between Cake Designer vs Pastry Chef?

AspectCake DesignerPastry Chef
CredentialsMay require culinary or cake decorating certificationsOften requires culinary school training or pastry certifications
Work EnvironmentSpecializes in designing and decorating cakes, often in bakeries or specialty shopsWorks in bakeries, restaurants, or hotels preparing a variety of baked goods
Industry UsageFocused on cake decoration and custom cake creationBroader pastry and baking responsibilities, including breads, tarts, and desserts

While both Cake Designers and Pastry Chefs work in the baking industry, Cake Designers primarily focus on creating visually stunning cakes and decorations, often for special occasions. Pastry Chefs have a wider scope, preparing various baked goods and desserts. The roles overlap in skills and environment but differ in specialization and scope of work.

What does a cake designer do?

A cake designer is a professional who creates visually appealing and often custom cakes for special occasions such as weddings, birthdays, and corporate events. Their work involves both baking and decorating cakes, using various techniques like fondant sculpting, piping, airbrushing, and hand-painting. Cake designers consult with clients to understand their vision and preferences, then bring those ideas to life in edible form. Creativity, attention to detail, and strong baking skills are essential for this role.
What are popular job titles related to Cake Designer jobs in California? For Cake Designer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in California are hiring for Cake Designer jobs? Cities in California with the most Cake Designer job openings:
Infographic showing various Cake Designer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $78,156 per year, or $37.6 per hour.

Cake Decorator - Full Time

Whole Foods Market

San Francisco, CA • On-site

$20.50 - $31.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, PTO

Posted 19 days ago


Whole Foods Market rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Whole Foods Market

Based on 1,454 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 49,925 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

The best things about working at Whole Foods Market

  • 98%

    98% say they get paid time off

    say they get paid time off

  • 89%

    89% say their health insurance is affordable

    say their health insurance is affordable

  • 86%

    86% say they have respectful managers

    say they have respectful managers

Featured by Whole Foods Market, based on 1454 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 $20.50-$31.50 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.
Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
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