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Pastry Cooks Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Pastry Cooks

Manhattan Beach, CA

$18.50 - $22.50/hr

The Arthur J Pastry Cook - Hourly Wage PLUS TIPS Chef David LeFevre has carved a niche in Manhattan Beach with eclectic, chef-driven restaurants focusing on soulful food, engaging service, hand ...

Pastry Cook

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$18.47 - $25/hr

Pastry Cooks at KYU take ownership of preparing ingredients, managing their stations, and creating dishes according to restaurant recipes and specifications. Ultimately, you will play a crucial part ...

Pastry Cook

San Diego, CA · On-site

$18.50 - $22/hr

... Pastry Cooks to join the culinary team at Huntress. This role is ideal for someone who is passionate about pastry, thrives in a high-volume kitchen, and takes pride in quality, consistency, and ...

New

Pastry Cook

Carlsbad, CA · On-site

$19.75 - $22.25/hr

We are currently hiring outstanding Pastry Cooks, to work full time 6:00am - 2:30pm. Pay Rate: $19.75 - $22.25 (depending on experience) Why you would want this job: You will be a part of a culinary ...

Pastry Cook

Petaluma, CA

$20.25 - $24.50/hr

Della Fattoria is looking for full time pastry cooks to join our great team. We are a fast paced bakery and restaurant located in historic downtown Petaluma. Basic knowledge required of the following ...

Pastry Cook

Petaluma, CA · On-site

$20 - $25/hr

Della Fattoria is looking for full time pastry cooks to join our great team. We are a fast paced bakery and restaurant located in historic downtown Petaluma. Basic knowledge required of the following ...

Kitchen - Pastry Line Cook 3

Ojai, CA · On-site

$18.25 - $22.25/hr

Pastry cooks prepare baked goods and sweets for breakfast, lunch and dinner for group dining events and functions. Responsible for cooking and baking food with attention to cleanliness and sanitation ...

Kitchen - Pastry Line Cook 3

Ojai, CA · On-site

$18.25 - $22.25/hr

Pastry cooks prepare baked goods and sweets for breakfast, lunch and dinner for group dining events and functions. Responsible for cooking and baking food with attention to cleanliness and sanitation ...

Kitchen - Pastry Line Cook 3

Ojai, CA

$18.25 - $22.25/hr

Pastry cooks prepare baked goods and sweets for breakfast, lunch and dinner for group dining events and functions. Responsible for cooking and baking food with attention to cleanliness and sanitation ...

Kitchen - Pastry Line Cook 3

Ojai, CA · On-site

$18.25 - $22.25/hr

Pastry cooks prepare baked goods and sweets for breakfast, lunch and dinner for group dining events and functions. Responsible for cooking and baking food with attention to cleanliness and sanitation ...

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Pastry Cooks information

See California salary details

$11

$18

$23

How much do pastry cooks jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for pastry cooks in California is $18.48, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.59 and $20.14 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a pastry cook?

Pastry cooks are culinary professionals who specialize in preparing and baking desserts, breads, and pastries in restaurants, bakeries, or hotels. They work under the supervision of pastry chefs and are responsible for measuring ingredients, following recipes, and ensuring the quality and appearance of baked goods. Pastry cooks may also assist in decorating cakes, making fillings, and maintaining cleanliness in the pastry section. Attention to detail and creativity are important skills in this role. The position is often an entry point to more advanced roles like pastry chef.

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

To thrive as a Pastry Cook, you need a solid understanding of baking techniques, ingredient functions, and recipe execution, often gained through culinary school or apprenticeship experience. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, food safety certifications, and inventory management systems is typically required. Attention to detail, creativity, and time management are essential soft skills for producing high-quality pastries and working efficiently under pressure. These skills ensure consistent product quality, food safety, and the ability to innovate and meet customer expectations in a fast-paced environment.

What are some common challenges pastry cooks face in a busy kitchen environment?

Pastry cooks often work under tight deadlines and must carefully balance precision with speed, especially during peak service hours. Maintaining consistency in taste and presentation across large batches can be challenging, as can adapting to last-minute menu changes or ingredient substitutions. Additionally, pastry cooks typically collaborate closely with chefs and other kitchen staff, requiring strong communication skills to ensure a smooth workflow and timely delivery of desserts.

What is the difference between Pastry Cooks vs Bakers?

AspectPastry CooksBakers
CredentialsHigh school diploma, culinary training, pastry certificationsHigh school diploma, baking courses, culinary training
Work EnvironmentHotels, restaurants, bakeries specializing in dessertsBakeries, commercial kitchens, food production facilities
Job FocusPreparing pastries, desserts, and baked goods with intricate techniquesMaking bread, rolls, and basic baked goods, often in larger quantities
Industry UsageCommonly used in fine dining, patisseries, and upscale restaurantsWidespread in bakeries, supermarkets, and industrial baking

While both Pastry Cooks and Bakers prepare baked goods, Pastry Cooks specialize in desserts and pastries with detailed techniques, often working in upscale settings. Bakers focus on bread and basic baked items, typically in larger-scale production environments.

What cities in California are hiring for Pastry Cooks jobs?

Cities in California with the most Pastry Cooks job openings:

Infographic showing various Pastry Cooks job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 60% Full Time, 37% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $38,435 per year, or $18.5 per hour.

Pastry Cooks

Manhattan Beach, CA

Jobs for Humanity
Non-Profits • 11 - 50 employees

$18.50 - $22.50/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 26 days ago


Job description

Company Description
Jobs for Humanity is collaborating with Upwardly Global and with The Arthur J to build an inclusive and just employment ecosystem. We support individuals coming from all walks of life.
Company Name: The Arthur J
Job Description

Job Description: Pastry Cook - Hourly Wage PLUS TIPS
Chef David LeFevre has carved a niche in Manhattan Beach with eclectic,
chef-driven restaurants focusing on soulful food, engaging service, hand-crafted
cocktails, and boutique wine selections. His pastry team produces artisan goods
for all three of his restaurants; Manhattan Beach Post, Fishing with Dynamite, and
The Arthur J.
A qualified Pastry Cook will possess a minimum of 1 year pastry/baking experience
in a chef-driven concept, can follow specific direction, a self-starter, work clean,
and extremely organized. This Culinarian will be expected to live and respect
our culture of soulful cuisine. A flexible schedule is preferred - early morning hours
will be required. Most of all, we are looking for individuals passionate about their
craft and working with incredible product. If you're a pastry professional/baker
who gets excited about from-scratch-cooking, farmer's market produce, and
mentorship/growth opportunities, then you're exactly what we're looking for. Any
qualified candidate will possess humility, integrity, and respect. More detail about
The Arthur J part of Simms Restaurants, please visit.