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Pastry Apprentice Jobs in Kansas (NOW HIRING)

Cake Decorator - Part Time

Wichita, KS

$12.50 - $16/hr

Assemble, fill, and finish/decorate cakes, tarts, select pastry, and special-order bakery items ... Provide guidance and support for Bakery Decorator Apprentices and other Team Members. * Create ...

Cake Decorator - Full Time

Wichita, KS

$12.50 - $16/hr

Assemble, fill, and finish/decorate cakes, tarts, select pastry, and special-order bakery items ... Provide guidance and support for Bakery Decorator Apprentices and other Team Members. * Create ...

New

Pastry Apprentice information

See Kansas salary details

$9

$15

$23

How much do pastry apprentice jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for pastry apprentice in Kansas is $15.52, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.51 and $17.16 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by a Pastry Apprentice, and how can they be overcome?

Pastry Apprentices often encounter challenges such as mastering time management during high-volume production and learning to work efficiently under pressure. Adapting to the precision required in pastry recipes and presentation can also be demanding, as consistency is crucial in professional kitchens. To overcome these hurdles, apprentices should be proactive in seeking feedback from mentors, practice meticulous organization, and gradually build speed while maintaining quality. Developing strong communication skills with the pastry team also helps ensure smooth workflow during busy periods.

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

To thrive as a Pastry Apprentice, you need a foundational understanding of baking techniques, attention to detail, and a willingness to learn, often supported by a high school diploma or enrollment in a culinary program. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, food safety standards, and recipe management systems is typically required. Creativity, strong time management, and the ability to take direction are essential soft skills for excelling in this role. These skills are important because they ensure the apprentice can produce consistent, high-quality pastries while contributing effectively to a busy kitchen environment.

What is the highest paying apprenticeship trade?

Among apprenticeship trades, electrical and plumbing apprenticeships tend to offer some of the highest wages, especially as apprentices gain experience and certifications. Skilled trades such as HVAC, elevator installation, and industrial maintenance also provide high earning potential for apprentices. Wages vary by region and industry demand, but these trades generally offer competitive pay during and after apprenticeship programs.

Is 27 too old for an apprenticeship?

A pastry apprenticeship is open to individuals of various ages, and 27 is not considered too old to start. Many apprenticeships value skills, motivation, and a willingness to learn over age, and adult learners often bring valuable life experience to the program.

How to be a pastry chef with no experience?

To become a pastry chef with no experience, start by gaining basic baking skills through online courses or cooking classes, and seek entry-level positions such as bakery assistant or apprentice to learn on the job. Developing a strong understanding of ingredients, techniques, and kitchen safety is essential, and obtaining relevant certifications can improve your prospects. Practical experience and a passion for baking are key to advancing in this field.

Do bakeries do apprenticeships?

Yes, many bakeries offer apprenticeships for aspiring pastry apprentices, providing hands-on training in baking techniques, kitchen operations, and recipe development. These programs often combine work experience with classroom instruction and may lead to certifications or further career advancement.

What is the difference between Pastry Apprentice vs Pastry Cook?

AspectPastry ApprenticePastry Cook
CredentialsBasic culinary training, often in pastry artsFormal culinary education or equivalent experience
Work EnvironmentTraining kitchens, bakeries, pastry shopsBakery kitchens, restaurants, hotels
Job RoleAssists in pastry preparation, learns techniquesPrepares and bakes pastries, manages pastry station

In summary, a Pastry Apprentice is in training, focusing on learning pastry techniques under supervision, while a Pastry Cook is a more experienced role responsible for preparing pastries independently in professional kitchens.

What are pastry apprentices?

Pastry apprentices are entry-level culinary workers who are learning the art and techniques of baking and pastry making under the supervision of experienced pastry chefs. They assist with preparing doughs, batters, fillings, and decorating baked goods such as breads, cakes, and pastries. The apprenticeship allows them to gain hands-on experience, develop professional skills, and understand kitchen operations. Over time, pastry apprentices can advance to higher positions as they gain proficiency in the craft.
What are the most commonly searched types of Pastry jobs in Kansas? The most popular types of Pastry jobs in Kansas are:
What are popular job titles related to Pastry Apprentice jobs in Kansas? For Pastry Apprentice jobs in Kansas, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Pastry Apprentice jobs in Kansas look for? The top searched job categories for Pastry Apprentice jobs in Kansas are:
What cities in Kansas are hiring for Pastry Apprentice jobs? Cities in Kansas with the most Pastry Apprentice job openings:
Cake Decorator - Part Time

$12.50 - $16/hr

Part-time

Medical, PTO

Posted 5 days ago


Whole Foods Market rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Whole Foods Market

Based on 1,424 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 48,880 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 1424 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 $15.50-$29.20 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