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Pastry Intern Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Pastry Intern information

See Tennessee salary details

$8

$15

$22

How much do pastry intern jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for pastry intern in Tennessee is $15.46, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.08 and $17.45 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a pastry intern do?

A Pastry Intern assists professional pastry chefs in preparing baked goods such as breads, cakes, pastries, and desserts. Typical responsibilities include measuring and mixing ingredients, maintaining cleanliness in the kitchen, and learning pastry techniques under supervision. The internship is designed to provide hands-on experience, improve technical skills, and gain insight into the daily operations of a pastry kitchen. Pastry interns may also help with plating desserts, inventory, and sometimes customer service, depending on the establishment.

What are some common challenges a pastry intern might face during their internship?

As a Pastry Intern, you may encounter challenges such as adapting to a fast-paced kitchen environment, mastering precise techniques, and managing time effectively during busy service periods. It's common to start with basic tasks like prepping ingredients or assisting with plating, but attention to detail and consistency are crucial. You'll also need to quickly learn how to collaborate with both pastry chefs and the broader kitchen team, often under tight deadlines. Asking questions and staying organized will help you overcome these challenges and make the most of your learning experience.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a pastry intern?

To thrive as a Pastry Intern, you need a foundational understanding of baking techniques, food safety, and basic pastry preparation, often gained through culinary education or relevant coursework. Familiarity with professional kitchen equipment, baking tools, and inventory management systems is typically required. Attention to detail, creativity, and the ability to work well under pressure are standout soft skills in this role. These qualities ensure consistent product quality, efficient workflow, and contribute to a positive kitchen environment.

What is the difference between Pastry Intern vs Pastry Chef Apprentice?

AspectPastry InternPastry Chef Apprentice
CredentialsHigh school diploma or ongoing culinary educationSimilar, often enrolled in culinary or pastry programs
Work EnvironmentEntry-level, seasonal, or internship settings in bakeries or hotelsHands-on training in professional kitchens, often more intensive
Employer & Industry UsageHotels, bakeries, culinary schools, restaurantsHotels, restaurants, pastry shops, culinary establishments

Pastry Interns typically are students or entry-level individuals gaining initial experience, often through internships. Pastry Chef Apprentices are more involved in hands-on training within professional kitchens, working closely with experienced pastry chefs. Both roles focus on skill development but differ in depth of responsibility and experience level.

What are the most commonly searched types of Pastry jobs in Tennessee?

The most popular types of Pastry jobs in Tennessee are:

What are popular job titles related to Pastry Intern jobs in Tennessee?

For Pastry Intern jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Pastry Intern jobs?

Cities in Tennessee with the most Pastry Intern job openings:

Infographic showing various Pastry Intern job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Internship, and 33% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $32,162 per year, or $15.5 per hour.

Fall 2026 Pastry Baking Internship - Dollywood Theme Park - Seasonal

Herschend Family Entertainment

Pigeon Forge, TN • On-site

$14.50 - $18.50/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 9 days ago


Job description

At Dollywood Parks & Resorts, we create memories worth repeating! We are seeking Pastry Baking Interns who will embody the heart and soul of our mission of creating memories worth repeating while bringing families closer together while caring deeply about our brand.
We want to work alongside someone who acts as an extension of our mission, values, and culture. The ideal Pastry Baking Intern will be equal parts curious learner, innovator, administrator, detail driver, mentor, and motivator. In turn, the intern will satisfactorily complete individual program requirements to satisfy college/university credit and/or course study requirements if needed. The Dollywood Company will provide the intern:
  • The opportunity to complete course credit for the term of the internship
  • Practical experience within a fast paced and ever-changing work environment
  • Opportunity to apply theory with practice

Additionally, the ideal candidate will be able to display and live out Lead with Love qualities, strongly rooted in the Dollywood Company culture, by being patient, kind, trusting, unselfish, truthful, forgiving, dedicated and accountable.
Summary of Essential Functions and Responsibilities
  • Attend Leadership Development classes as available
  • Attend weekly intern meetings to discuss jobs of the week and learn about the different functions of a theme park
  • Train and work in the following sections of the internship:
    • Dishwasher - To participate in all activities, including food preparation, merchandise handling, ware washing, and cleanliness and sanitation procedures
    • Receiving Clerk - Manage the loading dock. Responsible for maintaining a clean and safe work environment. Checking in orders, putting up food and non-food inventories. Coding invoices according to standardized accounting process
    • Baker - To participate in all activities, including food preparation, merchandise handling, ware washing, and cleanliness and sanitation procedures
  • Act as a quality assurance inspector for food, ensuring a high quality
  • Responsible for the creation and implementation of new and enticing pastry to fit The Dollywood Company Brand
  • Responsible for the implementation and possible creation of "Plate Perfect" recipes
  • Be available/willing to work at different locations throughout The Dollywood Company
  • Responsible for all aspects of the P&L including but not limited to labor management (scheduling, time keeping, etc.), Cost Analysis to include Cost of Sales, product mix, and Spending Per Person
  • Assisting with creating and implementing improvements profit contribution and cost savings through menu creation
  • Execute special project benefiting the Foods area as determined by Management

Management reserves the right to change and/or add to these duties at any time
Education and Experience Required
  • Must be minimum eighteen (18) years of age
  • Must be enrolled in a continuing education/college program
  • Must have basic computer skills and must be proficient with Microsoft Word, Excel, and Power Point
  • Able to pass a drug screen and background check
  • Ability to safely operate company vehicles according to company policy. Must have valid driver's license, proof of auto liability insurance and acceptable motor vehicle driving record
  • Offers of employment are contingent upon satisfactory completion of background screening which includes criminal history and motor vehicle record check

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
  • Able to make a friendly impression when speaking to or corresponding with guests, vendors, and other employees
  • Must be self-motivated and disciplined
  • Must be able to prioritize and complete work assignments on a timely basis
  • Must maintain strict confidentiality and judgment regarding privileged information
  • Must have professional appearance with good personal hygiene
  • Must be productive in a fast-paced environment
  • Must maintain dependable work attendance and flexibility with assigned work schedules including any required overtime, evenings, weekends and holidays
  • Must be sensitive to the needs of our Guests and feel empowered to act to meet their needs within company guidelines
  • Must be able to utilize effective communication, problem solving, conflict management and interpersonal skills
  • Must be able to communicate effectively with Guests and Hosts using approved communication methods
  • Able to collaborate with cross-functional teams to plan, execute, and deliver projects ahead of schedule, fostering open communication and mutual support to achieve shared goals
  • Able to comprehend instructions and retain information
  • Able to perform duties consistent with creating a safe and secure environment for hosts and guests
  • Able to be flexible to handle frequent changes in priorities
  • Able to operate a Point of Sale System
  • Must take Start Fresh training, as well as implement all safety aspects of Start Fresh training
  • Must comply with all Health Dept., ServSafe, and Company regulations pertaining to Food Safety Handling Procedures

Physical Requirements | Environmental Conditions
  • Lifting and Carrying: Position may require occasional to frequent lifting of up to 50 lbs utilizing company's safety guidelines for safe lifting
  • Mobility: Position may require intermittent to prolonged sitting, standing and/or walking for duration of shift, up to 13 hours
  • Repetitive Movements: This position may require performing repetitive movements and tasks throughout the shift, including repeated use of hands, arms or other body parts as part of typical job functions
  • Environmental Conditions: This position requires the ability to perform work tasks in varying weather conditions to include extreme cold and heat
  • Cognitive and Sensory Requirements: This position requires strong cognitive skills, including the ability to think critically, solve problems, process and retain information, have attention to detail and communicate effectively using approved communication methods

The Dollywood Company is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status. The Dollywood Company drives a welcoming culture where ideas and decisions from all people support our efforts to be relevant in an ever-changing world.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.