ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Professional Pastry Chef Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

RIDGEWELLS INC

Pastry Sous Chef

Bethesda, MD · On-site

Instructs and trains bakery associates on the proper procedures and techniques for the creation of attractive, professional pastry items. * Assists the Executive Pastry Chef in the establishment of ...

Ridgewells

Pastry Sous Chef

Bethesda, MD · On-site

$60 - $65/hr

Instructs and trains bakery associates on the proper procedures and techniques for the creation of attractive, professional pastry items. * Assists the Executive Pastry Chef in the establishment of ...

Clyde's Restaurant Group

Pastry Chef

Washington, DC · On-site

$80K - $95K/yr

This is a hands-on leadership role for a skilled pastry professional who thrives in high-volume ... If you're a Executive Pastry Chef or Head Pastry Chef ready to step into or continue leading a full ...

The Hamilton

Pastry Chef

Washington, DC · On-site

$80K - $90K/yr

This is a hands-on leadership role for a skilled pastry professional who thrives in high-volume ... If you're a Executive Pastry Chef or Head Pastry Chef ready to step into or continue leading a full ...

Jose Andres Group

Pastry Cook

Washington, DC · On-site

$19.75 - $24/hr

Pastry Chef / Executive Pastry Chef / Chef de Cuisine Department: Back of House - Pastry Employment ... Model professionalism, punctuality, and a respectful, inclusive, learning-focused mindset.

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 ... Model professionalism, punctuality, and a respectful, inclusive, learning-focused mindset.

GLOBAL TAPAS LLC

Pastry Cook

Washington, DC · On-site

$19.75 - $24/hr

Pastry Chef / Executive Pastry Chef / Chef de Cuisine Department: Back of House - Pastry Employment ... Model professionalism, punctuality, and a respectful, inclusive, learning-focused mindset.

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 ... to interact professionally with staff and members at all levels. · Physically capable of ...

Fresh Baguette

Pastry Assistant

Rockville, MD · On-site

$18/hr

The Pastry Assistant's role is to support the Baker Sous Chefs in their daily operations. You will ... No prior professional experience required. * A fast learner with a positive attitude and a proven ...

Fresh Baguette

Pastry Assistant

Rockville, MD · On-site

$18/hr

The Pastry Assistant's role is to support the Baker Sous Chefs in their daily operations. You will ... No prior professional experience required. * A fast learner with a positive attitude and a proven ...

Fresh Baguette

Pastry Assistant

Rockville, MD

$18/hr

The Pastry Assistant's role is to support the Baker Sous Chefs in their daily operations. You will ... No prior professional experience required. * A fast learner with a positive attitude and a proven ...

Fresh Baguette

Pastry Assistant

Rockville, MD · On-site

$49.59/hr

The Sweets Baker Assistant's role is to support the Baker Sous Chefs in their daily operations. You ... No prior professional experience required. * A fast learner with a positive attitude and a proven ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsProfessional Pastry Chef JobsProfessional Pastry Chef Jobs in Washington

Professional Pastry Chef information

See Washington salary details

$13

$28

$46

How much do professional pastry chef jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for professional 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 does a professional pastry chef do?

A professional pastry chef specializes in creating baked goods and desserts, such as cakes, pastries, breads, and confections. They are responsible for designing dessert menus, preparing recipes, and ensuring high standards of presentation and taste. Pastry chefs often work in restaurants, hotels, bakeries, or patisseries, and may oversee a team of bakers or assistants. Their job also includes ordering ingredients, maintaining kitchen equipment, and sometimes experimenting with new techniques or flavors to create unique desserts.

What are some common challenges a professional pastry chef faces in a busy kitchen environment?

Professional Pastry Chefs often work under tight deadlines, balancing precision and creativity while producing high-quality desserts in large quantities. Managing time efficiently and coordinating with other kitchen staff is essential, especially during peak service hours. Additionally, maintaining consistency in taste and presentation, adapting to seasonal ingredient availability, and ensuring adherence to food safety standards are ongoing challenges. Strong communication skills and a collaborative attitude help navigate these demands and contribute to a positive work environment.

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

To thrive as a Professional Pastry Chef, you need expertise in baking techniques, pastry arts, and food safety, often backed by a culinary degree or pastry certification. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, recipe management software, and advanced decorating tools is typical in this role. Creativity, attention to detail, and effective time management are standout soft skills for producing high-quality pastries and desserts. These skills and qualities are vital for consistently delivering exceptional products, maintaining kitchen efficiency, and exceeding customer expectations.

What is the difference between Professional Pastry Chef vs Pastry Cook?

AspectProfessional Pastry ChefPastry Cook
CredentialsFormal culinary training, certifications often preferredOn-the-job training, culinary school optional
Work EnvironmentHigh-end restaurants, bakeries, hotelsRestaurants, bakeries, catering services
ResponsibilitiesDesigning menus, creating complex desserts, supervising staffPreparing and baking pastries, following recipes

The main difference between a Professional Pastry Chef and a Pastry Cook lies in their responsibilities and level of expertise. A Professional Pastry Chef typically has formal training and handles complex dessert creation and menu planning, often supervising others. In contrast, a Pastry Cook focuses on executing recipes and preparing baked goods under supervision. Both roles are essential in the pastry industry but differ in scope and skill level.

Are professional pastry chefs well paid?

Professional pastry chefs' salaries vary based on experience, location, and establishment, but they generally earn a moderate to high income within the culinary industry. Entry-level chefs may start with lower wages, while experienced pastry chefs working in high-end restaurants or hotels can earn significantly more, often supplemented by tips and bonuses.

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

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

What cities in Washington are hiring for Professional Pastry Chef jobs?

Cities in Washington with the most Professional Pastry Chef job openings:

Professional Pastry Chef jobs near you

Pastry Sous Chef

RIDGEWELLS INC

Bethesda, MD • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 28 days ago

Job description

POSITION SUMMARY

The primary responsibility for the Pastry Sous Chef is to assist the Executive Pastry Chef in direction and management of all pastry operations and staff. He/she will assure proper preparation of all baked items for the pastry production and operations. Incumbent will perform the duties of the Executive Pastry Chef in their absence.

RESPONSIBILITIES Other responsibilities include, but not limited to:

  • Supports Executive Pastry Chef in the daily operations in the bakery.
  • Inspects all bakery items upon completion to ensure they have been prepared correctly and attractively.
  • Helps Executive Pastry Chef with menu development and costing of new menu items and/or special requests from clients.
  • Keeps the Executive Pastry Chef informed of all pertinent information and any irregularities occurring in the pastry operations.
  • Oversees the activities of the bakery and monitors food production and presentation in the absence of the Executive Pastry Chef.
  • Assists with ordering bakery ingredients from suppliers.
  • Ensures that all products are received in correct unit count and condition and deliveries are performed in accordance with culinary receiving policies and procedures.
  • Ensures that all equipment is kept clean and kept in excellent working condition through personal inspection.
  • Constantly strives to improve operating procedures; ensures standards are being met and exceeded in all areas of production.
  • Instructs and trains bakery associates on the proper procedures and techniques for the creation of attractive, professional pastry items.
  • Assists the Executive Pastry Chef in the establishment of department budgets and the adherence to budget guidelines.
  • Assists the Executive Pastry Chef with completing the end of month pastry kitchen inventory.
  • Assists Executive Pastry Chef in scheduling labor as required by anticipated business activity while ensuring that all positions are staffed, and labor cost objectives are met per management decisions.
  • Ensures compliance with food handling and sanitation standards.
  • Works to help reduce accidents by maintaining a safe, hazard free environment, ensuring that all accidents are immediately reported.
  • Performs other duties associated with the position that are reasonably assigned to support the overall needs of the business.

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Associate Degree in Baking and Pastry Arts and/or course certification from an accredited Culinary Institute is preferred.
  • 3 to 5+ years' experience in a high-volume/fine dining/Banquet/Pastry production kitchen is desired
  • Computer experience with Excel and Microsoft software programs are helpful.
  • Must be able to communicate, read, write, and speak English effectively. Bi-lingual skills are desired but not required.
  • Ability to calculate proportions, percentages, area, circumference, and volume will be helpful.
  • Must be punctual, reliable, with a positive work ethic.
  • Must be organized, self-motivated, proactive and with strong attention to detail.
  • Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills to plan time effectively are required
  • Must have the ability to handle multiple tasks and prioritize workload in a deadline-driven, demanding environment.
  • Ability to work without direct supervision is needed.
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced, busy, and somewhat stressful environment, work under pressure and meet deadlines while maintaining highest quality is required.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination to handle tools, such as knife techniques for chopping, slicing, cutting, and dicing. Ability to stand, kneel, and bend for extended periods every day and handle extreme heat. Must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.

Apply