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Independent Contractor Pastry Chef Jobs in Michigan

Holiday Market

Pastry Chef

Royal Oak, MI

$21/hr

Pastry Chef: Holiday Market, an award winning, family-owned gourmet grocery store and bakery, is ... Holiday Market-Royal Oak, MI, has consistently been awarded the best independent gourmet market by ...

Schulte

Pastry Chef at Saint John's Resort

Plymouth, MI · On-site

... winning independent luxury and lifestyle properties. We believe our greatest asset is our people ... As Pastry Chef, you'll be responsible for the strategic leadership and daily execution of all ...

Grosse Pointe Yacht Club

Line Cook

Grosse Pointe Shores, MI · On-site

$14.75 - $18.50/hr

Executive Chef / Sous Chef / Pastry Chef Supervises: None Company Summary: With over a century of ... Must be able to work independently * Must be able to lift and carry up to 50 lbs. and can push ...

Grosse Pointe Yacht Club

Line Cook

Grosse Pointe, MI · On-site

$14.75 - $18.50/hr

Executive Chef / Sous Chef / Pastry Chef Supervises: None Company Summary: With over a century of ... Must be able to work independently * Must be able to lift and carry up to 50 lbs. and can push ...

Grosse Pointe Yacht Club

Line Cook

Grosse Pointe Shores, MI · On-site

$14.75 - $18.50/hr

Executive Chef / Sous Chef / Pastry Chef Supervises: None Company Summary: With over a century of ... Must be able to work independently * Must be able to lift and carry up to 50 lbs. and can push ...

Grosse Pointe Yacht Club

Line Cook

Grosse Pointe, MI · On-site

$14.75 - $18.50/hr

Executive Chef / Sous Chef / Pastry Chef Supervises: None Company Summary: With over a century of ... Must be able to work independently * Must be able to lift and carry up to 50 lbs. and can push ...

Union Joints

Sous Chef

Troy, MI · On-site

$46K - $63K/yr

Gran Castor has a certain obligation to represent the independent spirit on a chain-strewn corridor ... Homey pastries. And cocktails that are straightforward and anything but straight at the same time.

Union Joints

Sous Chef

Troy, MI · On-site

$46K - $63K/yr

Gran Castor has a certain obligation to represent the independent spirit on a chain-strewn corridor ... Homey pastries. And cocktails that are straightforward and anything but straight at the same time.

Nexdine Hospitality

Cook - Kalamazoo, MI

Kalamazoo, MI

$18 - $20/hr

... independent schools, higher education, senior living, and hospitals nationwide. We put our people ... The Cookreports to the Sous Chef or Executive Chef. The Cookis responsible for preparing and ...

Nexdine Hospitality

Cook

Saginaw, MI

$16/hr

... independent schools, higher education, senior living, and hospitals nationwide. We put our people ... The Cookreports to the Chef or Chef Manager. The Cookis responsible for preparing and serving ...

Nexdine Hospitality

Cook

Saginaw, MI · On-site

$16/hr

... independent schools, higher education, senior living, and hospitals nationwide. We put our people ... The Cook reports to the Chef or Chef Manager. The Cook is responsible for preparing and serving ...

Nexdine Hospitality

Cook - Kalamazoo, MI

Kalamazoo, MI

$18 - $20/hr

... independent schools, higher education, senior living, and hospitals nationwide. We put our people ... The Cookreports to the Sous Chef or Executive Chef. The Cookis responsible for preparing and ...

Nexdine Hospitality

Cook - Kalamazoo, MI

Kalamazoo, MI · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

... independent schools, higher education, senior living, and hospitals nationwide. We put our people ... The Cook reports to the Sous Chef or Executive Chef. The Cook is responsible for preparing and ...

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All JobsIndependent Contractor Pastry Chef JobsIndependent Contractor Pastry Chef Jobs in Michigan

Independent Contractor Pastry Chef information

See Michigan salary details

$10

$21

$35

How much do independent contractor pastry chef jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for independent contractor pastry chef in Michigan is $21.81, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.91 and $27.26 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How does working as an independent contractor pastry chef differ from working in a traditional bakery setting?

As an independent contractor pastry chef, you have the flexibility to set your own schedule, select your clients, and often work on a project or event basis rather than fixed shifts. This role typically involves more autonomy but also requires you to handle business aspects such as marketing, invoicing, and sourcing ingredients. Collaboration is often with event planners, caterers, or direct clients rather than being part of a larger kitchen team. This setup can be rewarding for those who value independence and variety but may also present challenges like inconsistent workflow and the need for strong self-management skills.

What is the difference between Independent Contractor Pastry Chef vs Pastry Chef?

AspectIndependent Contractor Pastry ChefPastry Chef
CredentialsRelevant culinary certifications, pastry trainingSame as contractor, often with formal culinary degrees
Work EnvironmentFreelance, self-employed, multiple clientsEmployed by a restaurant, hotel, or bakery
Employer/Industry UsageUsed in freelance and catering contextsCommon in hospitality and food service industry
Work SetupSelf-managed, flexible hours, project-basedScheduled shifts, fixed hours

In summary, an Independent Contractor Pastry Chef operates independently, managing their own schedule and clients, while a Pastry Chef is typically employed full-time by an establishment. Both roles require pastry skills and certifications, but their work environments and employment structures differ significantly.

What is an independent contractor pastry chef?

Independent contractor pastry chefs are skilled baking professionals who work on a freelance basis rather than as full-time employees. They are typically hired for specific events, projects, or time periods to create baked goods such as cakes, pastries, and desserts. These chefs may collaborate with restaurants, catering companies, or private clients, managing their own schedules and business operations. Working as an independent contractor provides flexibility but also requires handling their own taxes, supplies, and marketing.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an independent contractor pastry chef, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Independent Contractor Pastry Chef, you need expertise in baking techniques, recipe development, and food safety, typically supported by culinary training or certification. Mastery of kitchen equipment, inventory management systems, and familiarity with health regulations are essential technical requirements. Creativity, strong time management, and clear client communication help chefs stand out in competitive markets. These skills are crucial for delivering high-quality products, ensuring client satisfaction, and successfully managing an independent pastry business.

What are the most commonly searched types of Pastry Chef jobs in Michigan?

The most popular types of Pastry Chef jobs in Michigan are:

What cities in Michigan are hiring for Independent Contractor Pastry Chef jobs?

Cities in Michigan with the most Independent Contractor Pastry Chef job openings:

Independent Contractor Pastry Chef jobs near you

Pastry Chef

Holiday Market

Royal Oak, MI

$21/hr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Re-posted 12 days ago

Job description

Pastry Chef:

Holiday Market, an award winning, family-owned gourmet grocery store and bakery, is looking for an inspiring Pastry Chef. The ideal candidate will inspire the bakery team and inspire our customers with custom bakery and pastry creations.

Holiday Market:

Holiday Market-Royal Oak, MI, has consistently been awarded the best independent gourmet market by publications such as HOUR Detroit. In addition, being named the best place to buy your wedding cake and specialty cakes. Our guiding principle is that good companies are customer focused and great companies are employee focused.

Key accountabilities:

-Love what you do and inspire the team to do the same

-Develop a new pastry menu, enhance current recipes, standardize operations

-Train, motivate & mentor team

-Develop/select creative, cost-effective packaging

-Build sales and control costs

-Create systems for order taking counter sales and production schedule

-Focus on baking and pastries as our cake team is strong

-Efficiently manage your time to be hands on and in the bakery but also to complete any administrative work needed to be done

General requirements:

-Have 5 years of pastry chef management

-Be strong in creating and baking pastries, pies, muffins, quick breads, cheesecakes, etc.

-Have retail bakery experience

-Have the physical capabilities for this position (standing & lifting)

Benefits:

-Performance Bonus

-Autonomy

-Solid bakery team to begin with especially Wedding and specialty cakes

-Medical

-401K

-5 days a week on non-peak time retail hours

-Over 15,000 customers passing by baked goods each week

Job Type: Full-time

What once started as a small neighborhood butcher shop and specialty store in 1954, grew each year, aisle by aisle, from our loyal customers' requests. Started by Tom and Janet Violante, Holiday Market focuses on high quality products coupled with friendly neighborhood service. From a 2,500 square feet to now 60,000 square feet, we’ve always preserved our initial focus on quality and service. Over the years the Violante children, Tom Jr. and Gina Mangold, along with her husband Craig, have overseen the growth that has led Holiday Market to be voted one of the best markets in Metro Detroit, year after year.