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Panera Baker Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Team Lead - MIC

Vernon Hills, IL · On-site

$18 - $20.75/hr

As part of your bakery-cafe's management team, you report directly to the General Manager or Operating Partner. As a Team Lead Manager in Charge at Panera, your responsibilities include but are not ...

As part of your bakery-cafe's management team, you report directly to the General Manager or Operating Partner. As a Team Lead Manager in Charge at Panera, your responsibilities include but are not ...

As part of your bakery-cafe's management team, you report directly to the General Manager or Operating Partner. As a Team Lead Manager in Charge at Panera, your responsibilities include but are not ...

Manager In Training

Clay, NY · On-site

$16 - $21.75/hr

As part of your bakery-cafe's management team, you report directly to the General Manager or Operating Partner. As a Team Lead Manager in Charge at Panera, your responsibilities include but are not ...

Team Lead - MIC

Streamwood, IL · On-site

$18 - $20.75/hr

As part of your bakery-cafe's management team, you report directly to the General Manager or Operating Partner. As a Team Lead Manager in Charge at Panera, your responsibilities include but are not ...

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Panera Baker information

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$9

$14

$21

How much do panera baker jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for panera baker in the United States is $14.90, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.50 and $16.35 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Panera Baker vs Starbucks Baker?

AspectPanera BakerStarbucks Baker
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; food safety certification often preferredHigh school diploma or equivalent; food safety certification often required
Work EnvironmentBakery-focused, retail bakery setting with a focus on fresh bread and pastriesBakery section within coffee shop environment, emphasizing quick service and packaged baked goods
Employer & Industry UsagePanera Bread chain, bakery and cafe industryStarbucks chain, coffeehouse and bakery industry

Both Panera Bakers and Starbucks Bakers prepare baked goods, but Panera Bakers focus on artisan bread and pastries in a bakery setting, while Starbucks Bakers primarily produce baked items for a coffee shop environment. The roles share similar credentials and work environments but differ in product focus and company culture.

How much does Panera pay their bakers?

Panera Bread bakers typically earn between $12 and $16 per hour, depending on experience and location. Entry-level bakers may start at the lower end, while experienced bakers or those in high-cost areas can earn higher wages. The role often requires basic baking skills and the ability to work early morning or weekend shifts.

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

To thrive as a Panera Baker, you need a solid understanding of baking techniques, food safety standards, and a high attention to detail, often supported by prior food service or bakery experience. Familiarity with commercial ovens, dough preparation equipment, and inventory management systems is typically required. Dependability, time management, and teamwork are crucial soft skills for excelling in this early-morning, high-volume environment. These skills and qualities ensure consistent product quality, efficient operations, and a positive customer experience.

What does a typical shift look like for a Panera Baker, and how do they work with the rest of the café team?

Panera Bakers usually start their shifts early in the morning or late at night to ensure fresh baked goods are ready for opening. Their main responsibilities include preparing dough, baking breads and pastries, and maintaining high food safety standards. Bakers often collaborate closely with café managers and associates to coordinate product availability and respond to customer demand throughout the day. While much of the baking is done independently, teamwork is essential for inventory management and providing a seamless guest experience.

What does a Panera Baker do?

A Panera Baker is responsible for preparing, baking, and presenting fresh breads, bagels, and pastries according to Panera's recipes and standards. They typically work early morning shifts to ensure that baked goods are ready for customers each day. Bakers follow strict food safety procedures, maintain a clean work environment, and may also assist with inventory and ingredient ordering. Their role is essential to providing the high-quality bakery items customers expect from Panera Bread.

What is Panera Breads starting pay?

The starting pay for a Panera Baker typically ranges from $11 to $14 per hour, depending on location and experience. Entry-level bakers may also receive benefits such as flexible scheduling and training on baking techniques and food safety standards.

What do you do as a baker at Panera?

A baker at Panera prepares and bakes bread, pastries, and other baked goods according to company recipes and standards. They also ensure the quality and freshness of products, maintain a clean work environment, and may assist with inventory and equipment maintenance. The role typically requires attention to detail, baking skills, and adherence to food safety protocols.

Does Panera Bread pay $20 an hour?

Panera Bread baker positions typically pay less than $20 an hour, with starting wages often around minimum wage or slightly above, depending on location and experience. Experienced bakers or those in supervisory roles may earn higher wages, but $20 an hour is not standard for entry-level bakery positions at Panera Bread.
More about Panera Baker jobs
What cities are hiring for Panera Baker jobs? Cities with the most Panera Baker job openings:
What states have the most Panera Baker jobs? States with the most job openings for Panera Baker jobs include:
Infographic showing various Panera Baker job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $30,993 per year, or $14.9 per hour.
Manager in Training - Fayetteville, NY

Manager in Training - Fayetteville, NY

Panera Bread

Fayetteville, NY

$15.50 - $21.75/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 20 days ago


Panera Bread rating

5.4

Company rating: 5.4 out of 10

Based on 1,423 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

9th of 16 rated cafes


Job description

Team Lead - MIC

PANERA CAFE TEAM LEAD – MANAGER IN CHARGE

Want to work in a place where you can learn, laugh, be supported, be yourself and reach your goals? If so, then Panera is for you. We do everything possible to earn your trust and help you succeed—every day, in every way. Come join the fun.  

Panera Perks: 

  • Competitive pay 
  • Eligible for quarterly increases based on performance 
  • Free Meals on shifts 
  • Career Growth Opportunities 
  • Paid vacation & holidays for full-time team members 
  • Medical, dental, vision, life insurance & 401(k) with match available 

Are you friendly, motivated, and hard-working? Up for a challenge? Ready to grow? If so, you’ll thrive on our team. 

Our Team Leads keep us going strong.  
Our Team Lead Managers In Charge make every shift shine. You are key to the success of your bakery-cafe. You handle a wide range of responsibilities, all to ensure that both customers and associates have a great experience. Ensure that every shift is a great one—by developing our people, managing team performance, and building the warm, inclusive, authentic Panera team culture. As part of your bakery-cafe’s management team, you report directly to the General Manager or Operating Partner.

As a Team Lead Manager in Charge at Panera, your responsibilities include but are not limited to: 
 

  • Build our culture of Warmth, Belonging, Growth, and Trust.
  • Be an ambassador of our Guiding Values and Behaviors:
  • Warmth for guests: Making people smile
  • Bold thoughts, brave actions: Learning, growing, and taking risks
  • Own it: Finding solutions and taking initiative
  • Win together: Working (and winning) as a team
  • Inspire and celebrate: Having fun and celebrating success
  • Rooted in respect: Seeing the best in others
  • Ensure extraordinary guest experiences.
  • Make sure every customer is delighted by the quality of our food, service, staff, and safety measures.
  • Build engaging relationships that lead to long-term, loyal customers.
  • Help your bakery-cafe grow and succeed.
  • Coach and motivate your team to exceed your bakery-cafe's goals—for sales, speed of service, order accuracy, and cafe health.
  • Train your team on food safety standards and ensure they are maintained.
  • Lead, manage, and develop your associates.
  • Provide ongoing training and development, including constructive feedback, as needed.
  • Keep your team energized and engaged. Recognize and celebrate individual and team achievements. 

This opportunity is for you if: 

  • You have been working in a Panera bakery-cafe for at least 90 days.  
  • You can direct, motivate, coach, and train others in a fast-paced environment. 
  • You are certified in all positions on either a service or production track: 
  • Service: Coffee, Barista, Bakery Backer, Dining Room, Cashier 
  • Production: Prep, Soups, Salads/Hot Entrees, Sandwiches, Consolidator 
  • You’re hungry for growth and exciting new opportunities. 
  • You’re committed to food safety and health safety. 
  • You meet these requirements:
    • You’re at least 18 years of age.    
    • AOP Approval
    • Complete Certified Manager Program (CMP)*, including ServSafe *Requirements are the same as requirements for Team Managers.
    • ServSafe certification (or able to pass)

Growth opportunities at Panera: 

  • A Path to Success: Most of our retail managers started as hourly associates. Our career path program helps you get there. 
  • Skills and Training: Every day at Panera we help build your skills and prepare you for a strong career—whatever your goals may be. 
  • Nationwide Opportunities: We open about 100 new cafes each year—so you'll have plenty of chances to grow with us. 

Around here, every day starts with a fresh batch of bread and a thousand possibilities.  
 

Get ready to rise.  

__ 

Equal Opportunity Employer: Disabled/Veterans


Additional Description :

Competitive Pay: $15.50 - $21.75


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About Panera Bread

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Panera began in 1987 as St. Louis Bread Company, a humble community bakery founded with a sourdough starter from San Francisco and a dream of putting a loaf of bread in every arm. While our business has expanded well beyond St. Louis since then, that same sourdough starter is still used in our iconic sourdough bread and the craft of baking bread fresh each day remains at the heart of Panera Bread. Each day our trained bakers fill our bakery shelves with delicious freshly baked cookies, pastries, bagels, and a range of breads from focaccia to classic baguettes. We believe in serving delicious, freshly prepared, Clean food made with carefully selected ingredients that we are proud to serve our own families. Our menu, crafted by chefs and bakers, features classic, comforting dishes, each with an intriguing twist. We respect our planet and take measures to lessen our impacts. We believe in treating people with warmth, kindness, and respect, whether it’s a guest in our cafe or one of our associates. And we believe in helping our local communities, especially in times of need.

Industry

Restaurants

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Saint Louis, MO, US

Year founded

1981