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Pastry Chef Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

$75K/yr

Now Hiring | Pastry Chef $75,000 | The Bridges, Rancho Santa Fe An Exciting Opportunity Awaits The Bridges at Rancho Santa Fe is entering an exciting new chapter. We are launching a brand-new Food ...

Baker / Pastry Chef Chateau Cupertino | Full-Time | Monday-Friday | 5:00 AM-1:30 PM Are you passionate about creating exceptional baked goods from scratch while enjoying a consistent daytime schedule?

Pastry Chef

Cupertino, CA · On-site

$22 - $28/hr

Baker / Pastry Chef Chateau Cupertino | Full-Time | Monday-Friday | 5:00 AM-1:30 PM Are you passionate about creating exceptional baked goods from scratch while enjoying a consistent daytime schedule?

New

Pastry Chef

Pleasanton, CA · On-site

$85K/yr

The Sous Chef - Pastry Focus assists the Executive Chef in the overall supervision of kitchen operations, with direct responsibility for the Pastry and Dessert Program. This role emphasizes hands-on ...

The Sous Chef - Pastry Focus assists the Executive Chef in the overall supervision of kitchen operations, with direct responsibility for the Pastry and Dessert Program. This role emphasizes hands-on ...

PASTRY CHEF

San Diego, CA · On-site

$23 - $27/hr

Pastry Chef - The Wild Thyme Company San Diego, CA | Full-Time | Creative * Professional * Sweetly Wild Join our award-winning team! The Wild Thyme Company is looking for a talented and passionate ...

LEARN through our classes and our team's product knowledge The Pastry Chef oversees the production of all pastries for an Eataly, including: Italian pasticcini, cakes, desserts, cookies, candies and ...

Position Summary The Assistant Pastry Chef assists the Executive Pastry Chef in producing exceptional desserts, pastries, breads, and baked goods for members, private events, and special functions.

We are looking for a pastry Chef with 5 years + professional pastry / baking experience Creative , organized with strong attention to details. Comfortable in fast paced environment Self Starter ...

Pastry Chef

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$20/hr

We are looking for an experienced, detail-oriented and positive professional who wants to pursue a career in the pastry arts and fine dining to join our team as pastry chef . We are open Tuesday ...

LEARN through our classes and our team's product knowledge The Pastry Chef oversees the production of all pastries for an Eataly, including: Italian pasticcini, cakes, desserts, cookies, candies and ...

We are looking for a pastry Chef with 5 years + professional pastry / baking experience Creative , organized with strong attention to details. Comfortable in fast paced environment Self Starter ...

Pastry Sous Chef

Emeryville, CA · On-site

$32 - $34/hr

The Pastry Sous Chef supports the Executive Pastry Chef's efforts by overseeing pastry production This involves ongoing training, demonstration of techniques, and supervision of pastry staff. The ...

The Pastry Sous Chef supports the Executive Pastry Chef's efforts by overseeing pastry production . This involves ongoing training, demonstration of techniques, and supervision of pastry staff. The ...

* We have an opening for a full time PASTRY CHEF position. * Location: South San Francisco Commissary - 1080 San Mateo Avenue, South San Francisco, CA 94080. Note: online applications accepted only.

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Pastry Chef information

See California salary details

$11

$24

$40

How much do pastry chef jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for pastry chef in California is $24.69, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.03 and $30.82 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a pastry chef?

Pastry chefs are culinary professionals who specialize in creating baked goods, desserts, and pastries. They are skilled in techniques such as dough preparation, chocolate work, and decorating cakes or desserts. Pastry chefs often work in bakeries, restaurants, hotels, or patisseries, and are responsible for designing dessert menus, developing recipes, and ensuring the quality of sweet offerings. Their creativity and precision are essential for producing visually appealing and delicious treats.

Is a pastry chef a good career?

A pastry chef is a skilled culinary professional specializing in baked goods and desserts, often working in restaurants, bakeries, or hotels. The career can be rewarding for those passionate about baking, but it typically involves long hours, physical demands, and the need for creativity and technical skills. Job prospects depend on experience, location, and the ability to adapt to industry trends.

What is the difference between Pastry Chef vs Baker?

AspectPastry ChefBaker
CredentialsFormal culinary training, pastry certifications often preferredVaries; some formal training, but often self-taught or on-the-job
Work EnvironmentProfessional kitchens, restaurants, hotels, pastry shopsBakery shops, commercial bakeries, cafes
Job FocusCreating pastries, desserts, and baked goods with artistic presentationPreparing bread, rolls, and basic baked goods, often in larger quantities
Industry UsageCommonly employed in fine dining, hotels, pastry boutiquesFound in retail bakeries, supermarkets, and casual eateries

The main difference between a Pastry Chef and a Baker lies in their focus and work environment. Pastry Chefs typically have formal training and work in upscale settings creating intricate desserts, while Bakers often focus on bread and simple baked goods, working in more casual or retail environments.

How much do pastry chefs make?

Pastry chefs in Florida typically earn between $30,000 and $50,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and establishment type. Salaries can increase with advanced skills, certifications, and working in high-end or busy venues.

What are some common challenges pastry chefs face when working in a busy kitchen environment?

Pastry chefs in busy kitchens often encounter challenges such as maintaining consistency in quality and presentation, managing time efficiently to meet tight deadlines, and adapting to last-minute menu changes or special requests. Balancing creativity with the need for precise measurements and techniques is essential, as is collaborating closely with other kitchen staff to coordinate service. Strong organizational skills and the ability to stay calm under pressure are key to overcoming these challenges and ensuring smooth kitchen operations.

What does a pastry chef do?

A pastry chef is a skilled culinary professional who specializes in baking pastries, desserts, bread, cakes, cookies, and other sweet cooking preparations. The specific tasks assigned to a pastry chef depend on the job, but in general, they are responsible for inventorying and stocking ingredients, developing recipes, overseeing the pastry department or station, and baking all manner of baked goods, including desserts, bread, pastries, and candies.

Are pastry chefs well paid?

Pastry chefs' salaries vary depending on experience, location, and establishment, but they generally earn a median annual wage that is competitive within the culinary industry. Entry-level pastry chefs may start with lower wages, while those with advanced skills or working in high-end restaurants can earn higher salaries. Certifications and specialized skills can also influence earning potential.

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

To thrive as a Pastry Chef, you need expertise in baking techniques, recipe development, and food safety, typically supported by formal culinary training or certification. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, temperature control systems, and inventory management tools is crucial. Creativity, attention to detail, and strong time management set standout pastry chefs apart. These skills and qualities are vital for producing high-quality pastries, maintaining consistency, and excelling in a fast-paced culinary environment.

Is there a high demand for pastry chefs?

The demand for pastry chefs remains steady in the hospitality and food service industries, especially in high-end restaurants, hotels, and bakeries. Employment opportunities can vary by region and economic conditions, but overall, skilled pastry chefs with creativity and technical skills are sought after in the culinary field.
What are the most commonly searched types of Pastry Chef jobs in California? The most popular types of Pastry Chef jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Pastry Chef jobs in California? For Pastry Chef jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Pastry Chef jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Pastry Chef jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Pastry Chef jobs? Cities in California with the most Pastry Chef job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Pastry Chef jobs in CA? For Pastry Chef jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Pastry Chef job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 78% Full Time, and 22% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $51,360 per year, or $24.7 per hour.

Job description

Now Hiring | Pastry Chef $75,000 | The Bridges, Rancho Santa Fe

An Exciting Opportunity Awaits

The Bridges at Rancho Santa Fe is entering an exciting new chapter. We are launching a brand-new Food and Beverage operation inside our newly renovated multimillion dollar clubhouse, and we are building the team that will bring it to life from the ground up.

This is a rare opportunity to be part of something truly special from day one. If you are a hospitality professional who wants to plant your flag in a world-class setting, we want to hear from you.

Who We Are

The Bridges is a premier private golf and country club nestled in the heart of Southern California, built on a culture of community, excellence, and genuine hospitality. We are more than a workplace. We are a close-knit team dedicated to delivering exceptional experiences to our members and their families each and every day.

The Opportunity

As Pastry Chef you will serve as the creative and operational leader of the kitchen in collaboration with the Executive Chef, Chef de Cuisine, and Sous Chef. You’ll be responsible for developing thoughtful menus, building and guiding a strong team, and assisting in establishing efficient, high-quality kitchen operations in the brand new custom designed kitchen.

Key Responsibilities

  • Designing menus that speak to our membership and change seasonally
  • Assisting in the building and leading a strong, motivated kitchen team
  • Keeping quality, consistency, and presentation at a top-tier level
  • Managing food costs, inventory, and supplier relationships
  • Making sure everything runs clean, safe, and seamless in the new kitchen

What We’re Looking For

  • A passionate Chef with a creative edge and strong sense of ownership
  • Someone who thrives in a pre-opening
  • A natural leader who knows how to motivate and develop a team
  • Detail-oriented but also big-picture driven
  • Someone with high end club, resort, or hotel experience
  • Focused on delivering amazing food and unforgettable experiences

Qualifications

  • 5+ years of experience as Pastry Chef or Sous Chef that is committed and ready to make a jump up. The ideal candidate will have experience in high end casual dining, high end steakhouse experience, and or Forbes rated resorts or hotels.
  • Strong culinary foundation with expertise in all techniques of Baking and Pastry. Experience with bread baking and dough production are a must.
  • Strong ability to modernize classic/iconic desserts in conjunction with current trends.
  • Proven track record of success.
  • Proven leadership skills with the ability to inspire, mentor, and build high-performing teams
  • Experience managing food costs, and inventory

Education & Certifications:

· Culinary degree, apprenticeship, or equivalent professional training preferred. Must have a current servsafe managers certificate and a San Diego County food handler’s card.

Employment Type: Full Time
Years Experience: 3 - 5 years
Salary: $75,000 Annual
Bonus/Commission: No