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Pastry Chef Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

José Andrés Group

Pastry Cook

Washington, DC · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

Pastry Chef / Executive Pastry Chef / Chef de Cuisine Department: Back of House - Pastry Employment Type: Hourly, Non-Exempt About José Andrés Group José Andrés Group (JAG) is a hospitality ...

GLOBAL TAPAS LLC

Pastry Cook

Washington, DC

$19.75 - $24/hr

Pastry Chef / Executive Pastry Chef / Chef de Cuisine Department: Back of House - Pastry Employment Type: Hourly, Non-Exempt About Jose Andres Group Jose Andres Group (JAG) is a hospitality company ...

COLUMBIA COUNTRY CLUB

Pastry Cook

Chevy Chase, MD · On-site

$20 - $22/hr

The Pastry Chef is responsible for leading the preparation, production, and presentation of all desserts, pastries, and baked goods. This role ensures the highest standards of quality, consistency ...

Compass Group

Pastry Sous Chef

Washington, DC · On-site

$80K - $85K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Pastry Chef Salary: $80,000 to $85,000 Other Forms of Compensation: Bonus Founded in 2005 as Hudson Yards Catering, Union Square Events is a culinary and operations leader in the hospitality industry ...

Compass Group

Pastry Sous Chef

Washington, DC · On-site

$80K - $85K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Pastry Chef Salary: $80,000 to $85,000 Other Forms of Compensation: Bonus Founded in 2005 as Hudson Yards Catering, Union Square Events is a culinary and operations leader in the hospitality industry ...

Union Square Events

Pastry Sous Chef

Washington, DC · On-site

$80K - $85K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Pastry Chef Salary: $80,000 to $85,000 Other Forms of Compensation: Bonus Founded in 2005 as Hudson Yards Catering, Union Square Events is a culinary and operations leader in the hospitality industry ...

Compass Group

Pastry Sous Chef

Washington, DC · On-site

$80K - $85K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Pastry Chef Salary: $80,000 to $85,000 Other Forms of Compensation: Bonus Founded in 2005 as Hudson Yards Catering, Union Square Events is a culinary and operations leader in the hospitality industry ...

Un je ne sais Quoi...

Pastry Assistant

Washington, DC · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

Measure, mix, and prepare ingredients under the guidance of the Lead Pastry Chef. * Ensure proper handling, storage, and organization of ingredients and finished products. * Help with decorating and ...

Harris Teeter

Part Time Pastry Chef

Falls Church, VA · On-site

This is a part time position. Responsible for preparing, processing, packaging, and stocking products according to Fresh Foods Standards. Also responsible for providing customer service, cleaning ...

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Pastry Chef information

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$28

$46

How much do pastry chef jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for pastry chef in Washington is $28.34, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.67 and $35.38 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.

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.

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.

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.

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 competitive environments. Success often requires creativity, technical skills, and sometimes formal culinary training or certifications.

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. Job growth is expected to be consistent as the culinary industry continues to prioritize quality desserts and baked goods.
More about Pastry Chef jobs

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

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For Pastry Chef jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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The top searched job categories for Pastry Chef jobs in Washington are:

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Cities in Washington with the most Pastry Chef job openings:

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For Pastry Chef jobs in WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Pastry Chef jobs near you
Infographic showing various Pastry Chef job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 74% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 3% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,943 per year, or $28.3 per hour.

Pastry Cook

José Andrés Group

Washington, DC • On-site

$18 - $20/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 18 days ago

Job description

Job Title: Pastry Cook
Reports To: Pastry Chef / Executive Pastry Chef / Chef de Cuisine
Department: Back of House - Pastry
Employment Type: Hourly, Non-Exempt
About José Andrés Group
José Andrés Group (JAG) is a hospitality company led by Chef José Andrés, known for outstanding guest experiences, innovation, and a values-driven culture. Our teams bring world-class food and warm hospitality to life across acclaimed concepts worldwide.
Position Summary
Pastry Cooks execute precise mise en place and production for all pastry items-ensuring quality, consistency, and timing that meet JAG standards. You'll scale recipes, assemble and finish desserts, support service plating, and uphold rigorous food safety, labeling, and organization. This role thrives on accuracy, pace, and craftsmanship.
Key Responsibilities
Mise en Place & Production
  • Execute daily prep lists to spec: cakes, tarts, custards, mousses, curds, crémeux, pâte à choux, laminated doughs, cookies, sablés, glazes, and sauces.
  • Scale recipes accurately (metric & imperial), temper chocolate, prepare ganache/praliné, and finish items to standard.
  • Operate proofing, baking, and chilling schedules to hit pars for service, banquets, and retail/pastry case.

Finishing, Plating & Service Support
  • Portion and finish desserts with consistent textures and presentation; maintain garnish standards.
  • Set up pastry station for service; coordinate with expo to protect ticket times and product integrity.
  • Execute preset/event desserts and PDR/BEO specifications with accuracy.

Quality & Consistency
  • Taste and calibrate products for balance, texture, and bake; log adjustments per SOP.
  • Follow standardized recipes, weights/temps, and portioning; flag spec variances immediately.
  • Participate in tastings; provide constructive feedback and apply coaching in real time.

Food Safety, Sanitation & Compliance
  • Adhere to DOH/HACCP: cooling logs, hot/cold holding, allergen and cross-contact protocols, and personal hygiene.
  • Label/date all products; practice FIFO and track hold times/shelf life; maintain temperature records.
  • "Clean as you go"; complete opening/closing sidework and scheduled deep cleans.

Inventory, Receiving & Waste Control
  • Assist with receiving: check quantities, temperatures, and quality; store promptly in proper zones.
  • Maintain accurate yields and waste logs; minimize waste through smart batch sizes and storage.
  • Keep walk-ins, freezers, and dry storage organized, labeled, and mapped.

Equipment & Maintenance
  • Safely operate mixers, ovens, sheeters, proofers, dehydrators, blast chillers, chocolate tempering machines, and small tools.
  • Perform basic care (calibrate scales, clean attachments) and escalate repair needs; tag out unsafe equipment.

Teamwork & Culture
  • Communicate clearly with pastry, culinary, and FOH teams; support during peak periods and events.
  • Attend line-ups/trainings; learn new items quickly and share best practices.
  • Model professionalism, punctuality, and a respectful, inclusive, learning-focused mindset.

Requirements
Required Qualifications
  • 1+ year of professional pastry/bakery experience in upscale casual, casual-fine, fine dining, or hotel pastry; culinary/pastry program a plus.
  • Strong scaling and baking fundamentals (mixing methods, proofing, tempering chocolate, glazing, finishing).
  • Knowledge of food safety, allergens, and sanitation; valid Food Handler certification (or ability to obtain).
  • Excellent organization, attention to detail, and pace under pressure; clear communication.
  • Schedule flexibility (early mornings, nights, weekends, holidays).

Working Conditions & Physical Requirements
  • Stand and move for extended periods (up to 8+ hours); frequent bending, reaching, and repetitive motion.
  • Lift/carry/push/pull up to 35-50 lbs. (bags of flour/sugar, sheet trays, equipment).
  • Frequent exposure to heat, refrigeration, and cleaning chemicals; slip-resistant footwear required.

In Return, We Offer You
  • Competitive hourly pay with opportunities for cross-training and advancement
  • Eligible health & wellness benefits (for qualifying positions)
  • Employee dining and partner discounts
  • Growth in a values-driven, award-winning hospitality group

Equal Opportunity EmployerJosé Andrés Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer and participates in the federal E-Verify Program.
Salary Description
$18-20/per hour

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