Occupation AtlasBakers

O*NET · 51-3011.00

Bakers

Mix and bake ingredients to produce breads, rolls, cookies, cakes, pies, pastries, or other baked goods.

Also called Bakery Worker · Bread Baker · Cake Baker · Cake Decorator · Donut Maker · Dough Maker · Dough Mixer · French Pastry Cook
16 more

Hotel Baker · Manufacturing Baker · Mixer · Night Baker · Pastry Baker · Pastry Cook · Pastry Decorator · Pastry Finisher · Pie Baker · Pie Maker · Production Baker · Relief Baker · Restaurant Baker · Scaler · Specialty Baker · Store Baker

Job Zone 2 — Some Preparation NeededHolland code RCA35 skills on file

Compare with another occupationCompare with Insulation Workers, Mechanical

Job Zone

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5

Zone 2: Some Preparation Needed

Some preparation. Usually a high school diploma, some previous work-related skill or experience, and a few months to a year of training with experienced workers.

Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.

Occupational interest profile

RCARealistic · Conventional · Artistic — the three strongest interests, in order

  • R Realistic6.29
  • C Conventional4.20
  • A Artistic2.39
  • E Enterprising2.10
  • S Social1.73
  • I Investigative1.66

RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.

Education and experience

The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.

  • Less than a High School Diploma11%
  • High School Diploma or the equivalent57%
  • Post-Secondary Certificate15%
  • Some College Courses17%
Related work experience
Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years (53%)
On-site or in-plant training
Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months (47%)
On-the-job training
Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months (37%)

Typically associated skills

All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.

  • Time ManagementImportance 3.0Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Keep a monthly calendar of appointments
  • Active ListeningbasicImportance 3.0Level 2.6Level 2 looks like: Take a customer's order
  • Judgment and Decision MakingImportance 3.0Level 2.6Level 2 looks like: Decide how scheduling a break will affect work flow
  • Critical ThinkingbasicImportance 2.9Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Determine whether a subordinate has a good excuse for being late
  • MonitoringbasicImportance 2.9Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Proofread and correct a letter
  • SpeakingbasicImportance 2.9Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Greet tourists and explain tourist attractions
  • Reading ComprehensionbasicImportance 2.9Level 2.6Level 2 looks like: Read step-by-step instructions for completing a form
  • Quality Control AnalysisImportance 2.9Level 2.5Level 2 looks like: Inspect a draft email for errors (e.g., grammar, punctuation)
  • CoordinationImportance 2.8Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Schedule appointments for a medical clinic
  • Active LearningbasicImportance 2.6Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Think about the implications of a news article for job opportunities
  • Operations MonitoringImportance 2.6Level 2.5Level 2 looks like: Monitor completion times while running a computer program
  • Social PerceptivenessImportance 2.6Level 2.5Level 2 looks like: Notice that customers are angry because they have been waiting too long
Show the other 23
  • Service OrientationImportance 2.5Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Ask customers if they would like a cup of coffee
  • Operation and ControlImportance 2.4Level 2.3Level 2 looks like: Navigate the settings on an office printer to print on both sides of the paper
  • Systems EvaluationImportance 2.3Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Determine why estimates for the time to complete a task are overly optimistic
  • MathematicsbasicImportance 2.1Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Count the amount of change to be given to a customer
  • Systems AnalysisImportance 2.1Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Determine how loss of a team member will affect the completion of a job
  • Complex Problem SolvingImportance 2.0Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Lay out tools to complete a job
  • InstructingImportance 2.0Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Instruct a new employee in the use of a timekeeping system
  • Learning StrategiesbasicImportance 2.0Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Learn a different method of completing a task from a coworker
  • WritingbasicImportance 2.0Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Write down a guest's order at a restaurant
  • NegotiationImportance 2.0Level 1.8Level 2 looks like: Present justification to a manager for altering a work schedule
  • PersuasionImportance 2.0Level 1.8Level 2 looks like: Solicit donations for a charity
  • Management of Personnel ResourcesImportance 2.0Level 1.6Level 2 looks like: Encourage a coworker who is having difficulty finishing a project
  • Management of Material ResourcesImportance 2.0Level 1.1Level 2 looks like: Reserve a room for a management meeting
  • TroubleshootingImportance 1.9Level 1.0Level 2 looks like: Identify the source of a leak by looking under a machine
  • Operations AnalysisImportance 1.8Level 1.1Level 2 looks like: Select a printer for an office
  • SciencebasicImportance 1.6Level 0.6
  • Equipment SelectionImportance 1.5Level 0.6
  • Management of Financial ResourcesImportance 1.5Level 0.6
  • Equipment MaintenanceImportance 1.5Level 0.5
  • Technology DesignImportance 1.5Level 0.5
  • InstallationImportance 1.0Level —
  • ProgrammingImportance 1.0Level —
  • RepairingImportance 1.0Level —

Tasks

13 core · 5 supplemental

What people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).

  1. Measure or weigh flour or other ingredients to prepare batters, doughs, fillings, or icings, using scales or graduated containers.Importance 4.6
  2. Set oven temperatures, and place items into hot ovens for baking.Importance 4.5
  3. Check equipment to ensure that it meets health and safety regulations, and perform maintenance or cleaning, as necessary.Importance 4.5
  4. Check products for quality, and identify damaged or expired goods.Importance 4.5
  5. Observe color of products being baked, and adjust oven temperatures, humidity, or conveyor speeds accordingly.Importance 4.4
  6. Combine measured ingredients in bowls of mixing, blending, or cooking machinery.Importance 4.4
  7. Place dough in pans, molds, or on sheets, and bake in production ovens or on grills.Importance 4.4
  8. Adapt the quantity of ingredients to match the amount of items to be baked.Importance 4.4
  9. Set time and speed controls for mixing machines, blending machines, or steam kettles so that ingredients will be mixed or cooked according to instructions.Importance 4.4
  10. Roll, knead, cut, or shape dough to form sweet rolls, pie crusts, tarts, cookies, or other products.Importance 4.3
  11. Check the quality of raw materials to ensure that standards and specifications are met.Importance 4.3
  12. Decorate baked goods, such as cakes or pastries.Importance 4.0
Show the other 6
  1. Apply glazes, icings, or other toppings to baked goods, using spatulas or brushes.Importance 3.9
  2. Prepare or maintain inventory or production records.Importance 4.3
  3. Order or receive supplies or equipment.Importance 4.3
  4. Direct or coordinate bakery deliveries.Importance 4.0
  5. Operate slicing or wrapping machines.Importance 3.9
  6. Develop new recipes for baked goods.Importance 3.3

Knowledge

Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.

  • Production and ProcessingImportance 3.3Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Supervise an appliance assembly line
  • Food ProductionImportance 3.1Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Operate a commercial fishing boat
  • Administration and ManagementImportance 2.8Level 2.6
  • Customer and Personal ServiceImportance 2.8Level 3.2Level 4 looks like: Be responsible for 10 children at daycare
  • English LanguageImportance 2.8Level 2.5Level 1 looks like: Write a thank you note
  • Public Safety and SecurityImportance 2.6Level 2.7
  • AdministrativeImportance 2.5Level 1.8Level 1 looks like: Direct phone calls to the appropriate staff member
  • Sales and MarketingImportance 2.5Level 1.8Level 1 looks like: Sell cakes at a bake sale
Show all 33
  • Education and TrainingImportance 2.3Level 2.2Level 1 looks like: Show someone how to bowl
  • MechanicalImportance 2.3Level 2.4Level 1 looks like: Replace the filters in a furnace
  • MathematicsImportance 2.2Level 2.4Level 1 looks like: Add two numbers
  • Personnel and Human ResourcesImportance 2.1Level 1.6Level 1 looks like: Fill out a medical claim form
  • Economics and AccountingImportance 2.0Level 1.9Level 1 looks like: Answer billing questions from credit card customers
  • ChemistryImportance 1.8Level 1.4Level 1 looks like: Use a common household bug spray
  • Communications and MediaImportance 1.8Level 1.3Level 1 looks like: Write a thank you note
  • Computers and ElectronicsImportance 1.8Level 1.5Level 1 looks like: Operate a media player to watch a training video
  • DesignImportance 1.7Level 1.4Level 1 looks like: Draw a straight line 4 3/16 inches long
  • Building and ConstructionImportance 1.6Level 1.2Level 1 looks like: Choose the proper type of wood for adding a deck onto a house
  • PsychologyImportance 1.6Level 1.2Level 1 looks like: Monitor several children on a playground
  • Engineering and TechnologyImportance 1.5Level 1.0Level 1 looks like: Install a door lock
  • Fine ArtsImportance 1.5Level 0.8Level 1 looks like: Attend a popular music concert
  • Law and GovernmentImportance 1.5Level 1.0Level 1 looks like: Describe the length of a U.S. presidential term
  • PhysicsImportance 1.5Level 0.9Level 1 looks like: Use a crowbar to pry open a box
  • Sociology and AnthropologyImportance 1.5Level 0.7Level 1 looks like: Identify two cultures in a story as being different
  • TelecommunicationsImportance 1.5Level 0.7Level 1 looks like: Send an email
  • Foreign LanguageImportance 1.4Level —
  • Medicine and DentistryImportance 1.4Level 0.7Level 1 looks like: Use a band-aid
  • TransportationImportance 1.4Level —
  • Therapy and CounselingImportance 1.3Level —
  • BiologyImportance 1.2Level —
  • GeographyImportance 1.2Level —
  • History and ArcheologyImportance 1.2Level —
  • Philosophy and TheologyImportance 1.2Level —

Abilities

Enduring capacities the work calls for.

  • Near VisionImportance 3.8Level 3.8
  • Manual DexterityImportance 3.1Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Pack oranges in crates as quickly as possible
  • Problem SensitivityImportance 3.1Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Recognize that an unplugged lamp won't work
  • Category FlexibilityImportance 3.0Level 2.9Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
  • Control PrecisionImportance 3.0Level 2.6Level 2 looks like: Adjust a room light with a dimmer switch
  • Deductive ReasoningImportance 3.0Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Know that a stalled car can coast downhill
  • Information OrderingImportance 3.0Level 3.1Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
  • Oral ComprehensionImportance 3.0Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Understand a coach's oral instructions for a sport
Show all 52
  • Oral ExpressionImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Place an order at a restaurant drive-thru
  • Selective AttentionImportance 3.0Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Answer a business call with coworkers talking nearby
  • Speech ClarityImportance 3.0Level 2.9
  • Speech RecognitionImportance 3.0Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Recognize the voice of a coworker
  • Visual Color DiscriminationImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Trace electrical circuits marked by various colored wires
  • Arm-Hand SteadinessImportance 2.9Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Light a candle
  • Finger DexterityImportance 2.9Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Put coins in a parking meter
  • Multilimb CoordinationImportance 2.9Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Row a boat
  • Perceptual SpeedImportance 2.9Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Sort mail according to ZIP codes with no time pressure
  • Trunk StrengthImportance 2.9Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Sit up in an office chair
  • Far VisionImportance 2.8Level 2.4Level 2 looks like: Read a roadside billboard
  • Inductive ReasoningImportance 2.8Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Decide what to wear based on the weather report
  • OriginalityImportance 2.8Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Use a credit card to open a locked door
  • Time SharingImportance 2.8Level 2.3Level 2 looks like: Listen to music while entering numbers into a spreadsheet
  • Written ComprehensionImportance 2.8Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Understand signs on the highway
  • Flexibility of ClosureImportance 2.6Level 2.4Level 2 looks like: Detect that your phone is ringing while at a concert
  • Fluency of IdeasImportance 2.6Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Name four different uses for a screwdriver
  • VisualizationImportance 2.6Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Imagine how to place paper in a printer so that the letterhead comes out on top
  • Written ExpressionImportance 2.5Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Write a note to remind someone to take food out of the freezer
  • Hearing SensitivityImportance 2.4Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Notice a doorbell ringing
  • Extent FlexibilityImportance 2.3Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Reach to adjust the radio in a car
  • Static StrengthImportance 2.3Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Push an empty shopping cart
  • Gross Body EquilibriumImportance 2.1Level 1.1Level 2 looks like: Stand on a ladder
  • Mathematical ReasoningImportance 2.1Level 2.1Level 1 looks like: Determine how much 20 oranges will cost when they are priced at 5 for 4 dollars
  • Number FacilityImportance 2.1Level 2.1Level 3 looks like: Calculate a discounted price
  • StaminaImportance 2.1Level 1.6Level 1 looks like: Walk 1/4 mile
  • Auditory AttentionImportance 2.0Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Listen to a lecture while people nearby are talking
  • Depth PerceptionImportance 2.0Level 1.5Level 2 looks like: Merge a car into traffic on a city street
  • Dynamic StrengthImportance 2.0Level 1.1Level 2 looks like: Use pruning shears to trim a bush
  • Gross Body CoordinationImportance 2.0Level 1.1Level 2 looks like: Get in and out of a truck
  • MemorizationImportance 2.0Level 1.6Level 1 looks like: Remember the number on your bus to be sure you get back on the right one
  • Rate ControlImportance 2.0Level 1.1Level 1 looks like: Ride a bicycle alongside a jogger
  • Reaction TimeImportance 2.0Level 1.3Level 2 looks like: Start to slow down the car when a traffic light turns yellow
  • Speed of ClosureImportance 2.0Level 1.8
  • Response OrientationImportance 1.9Level 1.0Level 2 looks like: When a doorbell and phone ring at the same time, quickly select which to answer first
  • Wrist-Finger SpeedImportance 1.9Level 1.6Level 2 looks like: Use a screwdriver to twist in a screw
  • Speed of Limb MovementImportance 1.8Level 1.1Level 2 looks like: Saw through a thin piece of wood
  • Dynamic FlexibilityImportance 1.4Level 0.4
  • Explosive StrengthImportance 1.0Level —
  • Glare SensitivityImportance 1.0Level —
  • Night VisionImportance 1.0Level —
  • Peripheral VisionImportance 1.0Level —
  • Sound LocalizationImportance 1.0Level —
  • Spatial OrientationImportance 1.0Level —

Work activities

Kinds of activity the work is made of.

  • Getting InformationImportance 3.8Level 3.2Level 4 looks like: Review a budget
  • Handling and Moving ObjectsImportance 3.7Level 5.3Level 4 looks like: Arrange books in a library
  • Performing General Physical ActivitiesImportance 3.7Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Paint the outside of a house
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesImportance 3.4Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
  • Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkImportance 3.4Level 4.7Level 4 looks like: Plan and adjust a personal to-do list according to changing demands
  • Controlling Machines and ProcessesImportance 3.3Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Operate a drilling rig
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and EventsImportance 3.3Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Judge the suitability of food products for an event
  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsImportance 3.3Level 2.7
Show all 41
  • Making Decisions and Solving ProblemsImportance 3.2Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Select the location for a major retail store
  • Training and Teaching OthersImportance 3.2Level 2.4Level 1 looks like: Give coworkers brief instructions on a simple procedural change
  • Monitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsImportance 3.0Level 2.2Level 1 looks like: Check to see if baking bread is done
  • Assisting and Caring for OthersImportance 2.8Level 2.1Level 1 looks like: Help a coworker complete an assignment
  • Processing InformationImportance 2.8Level 2.6
  • Thinking CreativelyImportance 2.8Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Adapt popular music for a high school marching band
  • Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsImportance 2.7Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Maintain good working relationships with almost all coworkers and clients
  • Guiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesImportance 2.7Level 2.7
  • Scheduling Work and ActivitiesImportance 2.6Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Prepare the work schedule for salesclerks in a large retail store
  • Documenting/Recording InformationImportance 2.5Level 2.1Level 1 looks like: Record the weight of a patient during a routine health exam
  • Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationImportance 2.5Level 2.3Level 1 looks like: Estimate the size of household furniture to be shipped
  • Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsImportance 2.5Level 1.8Level 1 looks like: Review forms for completeness
  • Providing Consultation and Advice to OthersImportance 2.5Level 1.6Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that requires little advising of others
  • Developing and Building TeamsImportance 2.4Level 1.6Level 1 looks like: Encourage two coworkers to stick with a tough assignment
  • Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleImportance 2.4Level 2.1Level 1 looks like: Determine whether to remove a tree that has been damaged
  • Performing for or Working Directly with the PublicImportance 2.4Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Check tickets at a concert
  • Coaching and Developing OthersImportance 2.3Level 1.9Level 1 looks like: Show a coworker how to operate a piece of equipment
  • Updating and Using Relevant KnowledgeImportance 2.3Level 2.5Level 1 looks like: Keep up with price changes in a small retail store
  • Analyzing Data or InformationImportance 2.2Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Skim a short article to gather the main point
  • Coordinating the Work and Activities of OthersImportance 2.2Level 1.8Level 1 looks like: Exchange information during a shift change
  • Working with ComputersImportance 2.2Level 1.8Level 1 looks like: Enter employee information into a database
  • Interpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersImportance 2.1Level 1.9Level 1 looks like: Interpret a blood pressure reading
  • Monitoring and Controlling ResourcesImportance 2.1Level 1.6Level 1 looks like: Work as a server responsible for keeping track of utensils
  • Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentImportance 2.1Level 2.2Level 1 looks like: Make simple, external adjustments to a door hinge with ordinary hand tools
  • Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersImportance 2.0Level 1.5Level 1 looks like: Apologize to a customer who complains about waiting too long
  • Communicating with People Outside the OrganizationImportance 1.9Level 1.4Level 1 looks like: Have little contact with people outside the organization
  • Developing Objectives and StrategiesImportance 1.9Level 1.7Level 1 looks like: Plan the holiday schedule for an airline workforce
  • Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentImportance 1.9Level 1.0Level 1 looks like: Specify the lighting for a work area
  • Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentImportance 1.9Level 1.3Level 1 looks like: Drive a car
  • Performing Administrative ActivitiesImportance 1.9Level 0.9Level 1 looks like: Complete routine paperwork
  • Repairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentImportance 1.9Level 1.9Level 1 looks like: Use display settings to adjust a television picture
  • Selling or Influencing OthersImportance 1.8Level 1.0Level 1 looks like: Convince a coworker to assist with an assignment
  • Staffing Organizational UnitsImportance 1.7Level 1.1Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that has minimal staffing requirements

Work context

The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.

  • Spend Time Standing5.0
  • Contact With Others4.8
  • Spend Time Walking or Running4.5
  • Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams4.4
  • Importance of Being Exact or Accurate4.4
  • Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions4.4
  • Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team4.4
  • Freedom to Make Decisions4.2
  • Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls4.2
  • Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals4.1

Technology

23 tools

Software used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.

Hot (4)

  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Office software
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Microsoft Word
Other tools (19)
  • ADP Enterprise eTIME
  • Afcom Datasafe Computer Services FlexiBake
  • At Your Service Software CostGuard
  • Axxya Systems Nutritionist Pro
  • Barrington Software CookenPro
  • Culinary Software Services ChefTec
  • EGS CALCMENU
  • Email software
  • Enggist & Grandjean EGS F&B Control
  • iPro
  • LegacyUSA BakeSmart
  • Masters Software CakeBoss
  • Sage 100 ERP
  • SoftCafe MenuPro
  • SweetWARE nutraCoster Professional
  • SweetWARE SmallPICS
  • SweetWARE stockCoster
  • TwinPeaks Software Visual Z-Bake
  • Web browser software

Related occupations

O*NET's own list of the occupations most related to this one, closest first.

ESCO equivalents

From the official ESCO–O*NET crosswalk, strongest match first. A broader occupation takes in this one; a narrower one is a part of it.

Closest occupations

Compare any occupation →

Other O*NET occupations whose importance ratings on the 35 skills both rate are nearest to this one's, with the biggest differences named. A plain rule, not a hidden score.

Use this in your own job architecture

BlissPoint Organization Viewer can link a role directly to this occupation and suggest these skills as that role's starting requirements.

Try it free →

This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.