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Trainee Pastry Chef Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Part-Time Chef

Chicago, IL · On-site

$18 - $19.23/hr

Bakes breads and pastries. * Cuts meat, poultry, and fish as needed. * Estimates ingredients and ... Ability to communicate effectively with customers, clients, staff and trainees at all levels.

Trainee Pastry Chef information

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$12

$25

$40

How much do trainee pastry chef jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for trainee pastry chef in the United States is $25.02, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.27 and $31.25 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some typical responsibilities of a Trainee Pastry Chef during a busy service?

As a Trainee Pastry Chef, you can expect to be involved in a variety of tasks during busy service periods, such as preparing ingredients, assisting with assembling desserts, and ensuring stations are clean and organized. You may also help with plating pastries, maintaining inventory, and following recipes under the supervision of senior chefs. Teamwork and adaptability are crucial, as you’ll often collaborate with other kitchen staff to meet tight deadlines and uphold presentation standards.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Trainee Pastry Chef, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Trainee Pastry Chef, you need a basic understanding of baking techniques, ingredient handling, and food safety, often supported by a culinary diploma or relevant coursework. Familiarity with kitchen equipment such as mixers, ovens, and pastry tools, as well as knowledge of HACCP or food hygiene certifications, is typically required. Attention to detail, creativity, and effective communication are essential soft skills that help you learn quickly and collaborate with the kitchen team. These skills and qualifications ensure precision, consistent quality, and a smooth workflow in a demanding culinary environment.

What is the difference between Trainee Pastry Chef vs Pastry Chef?

AspectTrainee Pastry ChefPastry Chef
QualificationsBasic culinary training, apprenticeship programsFormal culinary education, specialized pastry certifications
Work EnvironmentEntry-level kitchen, supervised trainingEstablished bakery or restaurant kitchen, more independent
ResponsibilitiesAssisting in pastry prep, learning techniquesCreating pastries, managing pastry station

The main difference between a Trainee Pastry Chef and a Pastry Chef is experience and responsibility level. Trainee Pastry Chefs are in training, focusing on learning skills under supervision, while Pastry Chefs are skilled professionals responsible for creating and managing pastry offerings independently.

What does a Trainee Pastry Chef do?

A Trainee Pastry Chef works under the guidance of experienced pastry chefs to learn the skills and techniques required in pastry and dessert preparation. Their duties typically include assisting with baking, mixing ingredients, decorating cakes and pastries, and maintaining a clean work environment. Trainee Pastry Chefs also learn about food safety, kitchen organization, and how to follow recipes precisely. This role is essential for developing foundational skills needed to advance in the pastry arts.
More about Trainee Pastry Chef jobs
What cities are hiring for Trainee Pastry Chef jobs? Cities with the most Trainee Pastry Chef job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Pastry Chef jobs? The most popular types of Pastry Chef jobs are:
What states have the most Trainee Pastry Chef jobs? States with the most job openings for Trainee Pastry Chef jobs include:
Infographic showing various Trainee Pastry Chef job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 79% Full Time, and 21% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,042 per year, or $25 per hour.
Intern - Culinary and Baking/Pastry

Intern - Culinary and Baking/Pastry

Reynolds Lake Oconee

Greensboro, GA • On-site

$15/hr

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago


Job description

This is a paid internship with housing available. The main objective of the trainee is to fully understand the day-to-day operations of the Culinary Department and understand the way the department is managed. The trainee will obtain an overall view of the organization and have an insight about how departments relate to each other. In addition, the trainee would learn new skills and technologies by exposure to standards of culinary execution and management styles that differ significantly from those in the standard resort/restaurant environment.
As a Culinary Intern, the trainee will be exposed to the following areas:
  • Line Kitchen Culinary Operations (including restaurant and banquet)
  • Garde Manger
  • Baking and Pastry
  • Stewarding

In each of these areas the trainee will develop the following skills and knowledge:
Stewarding:
  • Orientation to Clubhouse facilities and kitchens
  • Operation of dish machine (proper rinse, ware washing, temperatures, cleaning, setup and breakdown of equipment)
  • Sanitation Standards-Serve safe certification course
  • Pot Station set up

In Banquets, the trainee will gain an unique set of skills, for planning and executing large-scale banquet events. The responsibilities, skills, and knowledge obtained will include:
  • Preparing and coordination with service staff
  • "Off-site" catering functions
  • Working "action" stations
  • Organization of plate up and execution

Receiving & Storage of Food Products
  • Standards of product inspection
  • Rotation, storage and placement of products
  • Invoice review and process
  • Refrigerator and freezer standards (Temperatures, cleanliness and organizations)

Menu Preparation for Ala Cart Restaurants and Banquets
  • Mise in place for stations
  • Sauce and garnish preparation
  • Assist on the Line and Banquets when needed

As an intern for Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner, the trainee will be responsible for the set-up, operation of, breakdown, and clean-up of his/her assigned station. Stations, and the responsibilities, skills and knowledge developed there, may include:
The trainee will further be able to develop skills in taking daily inventory and ordering from the par/production sheets. In desserts, the trainee will prepare and display the nightly dessert items, both warm and cold, as well as practice buffet presentation and displays.
Throughout the program the trainee's immediate supervisor will serve as a mentor and instructor, coaching and guiding the trainee to develop his/her chef de cuisine and executive chef skills further. The trainee will develop an in-depth understanding of the operation of a Culinary Department in a resort/country club environment.
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