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Head Baker Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Sous Chef - Downtown, DC

Bethesda, MD · On-site

$68K - $81K/yr

We are a design-forward bakery and café bringing together handcrafted food, exceptional coffee ... In the absence of the Head Chef, the Sous Chef is responsible for overall kitchen execution ...

Showing results 21-40

Head Baker information

See Reston, VA salary details

$11

$22

$40

How much do head baker jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for head baker in Reston, VA is $22.33, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.25 and $26.25 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Head Baker vs Pastry Chef?

AspectHead BakerPastry Chef
CredentialsExperience in baking, culinary training often preferredSpecialized pastry or baking certifications often preferred
Work EnvironmentBakery, hotel, restaurant kitchens focusing on bread and baked goodsPastry shops, hotels, restaurants focusing on desserts and pastries
Industry UsageCommonly used in bakeries and large food establishmentsCommonly used in pastry shops, hotels, and fine dining

The main difference between a Head Baker and a Pastry Chef lies in their focus areas. A Head Baker oversees all baking operations, primarily focusing on bread and baked goods, while a Pastry Chef specializes in desserts, pastries, and confections. Both roles require culinary experience, but their work environments and specific skill sets differ slightly, with Head Bakers often managing bakery production and Pastry Chefs creating intricate desserts.

What is the job of a head baker?

At a bakery, the head baker is responsible for developing and planning recipes and overseeing the daily production of bread and other baked goods at the facility. Your duties include understanding what types of baked goods your clientele enjoys and developing or improving upon successful recipes. You test different ingredients for recipes and scale them for large-scale production. You also manage other bakers, and in a smaller facility, you may also have managerial responsibilities related to business operations.

What are some common challenges faced by a head baker, and how can they be managed effectively?

As a Head Baker, one of the most common challenges is maintaining consistency and quality across all baked goods, especially when overseeing a team with varying skill levels. Managing early morning or overnight shifts to ensure fresh products are available can also be demanding. Effective communication, detailed scheduling, and hands-on training are crucial for overcoming these hurdles. Additionally, collaborating closely with kitchen staff and front-of-house teams helps ensure smooth operations and customer satisfaction.

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

To thrive as a Head Baker, you need expert knowledge of baking techniques, recipe development, and food safety, typically gained through formal training or significant experience in a bakery setting. Familiarity with commercial baking equipment, inventory management systems, and certifications in food handling are often required. Strong leadership, time management, and creativity help set standout Head Bakers apart as they manage teams and innovate menus. These skills are critical for ensuring product quality, operational efficiency, and a consistently high standard in a competitive food industry.

What does a head baker make?

A head baker is responsible for preparing and baking a variety of baked goods such as bread, pastries, cakes, and cookies. They often oversee baking operations, develop recipes, and ensure quality standards are met, typically working in a bakery or restaurant environment. Strong baking skills, knowledge of ingredients, and sometimes food safety certifications are essential for the role.
What are the most commonly searched types of Baker jobs in Reston, VA? The most popular types of Baker jobs in Reston, VA are:
What are popular job titles related to Head Baker jobs in Reston, VA? For Head Baker jobs in Reston, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Head Baker jobs in Reston, VA look for? The top searched job categories for Head Baker jobs in Reston, VA are:
What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Head Baker jobs? Cities near Reston, VA with the most Head Baker job openings:
Infographic showing various Head Baker job openings in Reston, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,449 per year, or $22.3 per hour.

Bakery Wrapper / Clean Up

Costco Wholesale Corporation

Leesburg, VA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 10 days ago


Costco rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 1,917 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

2nd of 39 rated national retailers


Job description


California applicants: Please click here to review the Costco Applicant Privacy Notice.
The jobs listed are examples of the typical kinds of positions that Costco may hire for when openings exist. The listing does not mean that any positions are currently open or available at Costco.
Position Summary
Responsible for garnishing, weighing, packaging, labeling and merchandising bakery products. Cleans the work area as required. Cleans and sanitizes bakery, bakery equipment, and bakery utensils. Re-stocks supplies and ingredients as needed. Provides a high level of member service.
  • Job Duties
  • Moves product filled oven racks. Un-trays products from baking pans into packaging. Garnishes baked goods according to item requirements; stacks used baking pans on pan dollies. Seals and labels bags and containers of baked goods according to merchandise manual. Re-stocks baking supplies and industrial-sized containers of ingredients.
  • Scales finished product and records weight 4 times on each item packaged on verification sheets. Uses racks or carts to move or stock wrapped products onto tables and pallets. Maintains date rotation and merchandising presentation throughout the day.
  • Cleans and sanitizes the bakery area including bakery cooler and freezer. Sweeps, mops, sprays, washes, applies cleaning agents, wipes, operates pressure washer and operates walk-behind scrubber. Cleans and re-fills mop bucket and cleans mop head as needed.
  • Dismantles bakery equipment, such as power mixer & muffin depositor. Washes, rinses and sanitizes removable parts in commercial dishwasher or by hand in three compartment sinks. Washes bakery containers, pans, and utensils using commercial dishwasher. Wipes down stationary parts with a cleaning agent, water, and sanitizing agent.
  • Follows SSOP guidelines as it refers to proper cleaning and sanitation of all equipment required by this position. Logs sanitation procedures performed on daily reports and complies with health code. Follows safety and security procedures and reads labels for proper use and precautions of cleaning products.
  • Collects cardboard and trash; operates trash compactor, cardboard baler. Takes the laundry to the laundry service pick-up area.
  • Perform weekly cleaning duties.
  • Assists with other bakery duties as needed.
  • Provides prompt and courteous member service.
  • Completes and complies with 11 Commandments of Quality Assurance, Food Safety Certification and all Safety training required by warehouse and department. Maintains current product knowledge of bakery items. Completes training, acknowledges standards and signs annually.
  • Ensures proper cleanup and disposal of hazardous materials.
  • Ability to operate vehicles, equipment or machinery.
  • Assists with department duties as necessary.
  • Assists in other departments of the warehouse as necessary.

For additional information about pay ranges, click here.
We offer a comprehensive package of benefits including paid time off, health benefits - medical/dental/vision/hearing aid/pharmacy/behavioral health/employee assistance, health care reimbursement account, dependent care assistance plan, short-term disability and long-term disability insurance, AD&D insurance, life insurance, 401(k), stock purchase plan to eligible employees.
Apart from any religious or disability considerations, open availability is needed to meet the needs of the business. If hired, you will be required to provide proof of authorization to work in the United States.
Job Description Posting Updated: July 2026 Job Code: 0013

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About Costco

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Costco is a membership warehouse club, dedicated to bringing our members the best possible prices on quality brand-name merchandise. With more than 800 locations worldwide, Costco provides a wide selection of merchandise, plus the convenience of specialty departments and exclusive member services, all designed to make your shopping experience a pleasurable one. Today, as the company evolves, it stays true to the qualities that helped attract and retain millions of loyal members around the globe: Commitment to quality. Costco warehouses carry about 4,000 SKUs (stock keeping units) compared to the 30,000 found at most supermarkets. By carefully choosing products based on quality, price, brand, and features, the company can offer the best value to members.

Industry

Retail

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Issaquah, WA, US

Year founded

1983