Baker
Also known as
Work environment
- Usually work shifts, including early mornings, evenings and weekends
- Usually work in bakeries, cafes and supermarkets
- May work in hot conditions
- Need to be practical, accurate and work well under pressure
Salary information
Typical tasks
- Bake breads, pies and other goods
- Measure ingredients for each recipe
- Prepare ingredients for mixing
- Mix doughs and batters
- Operate ovens and baking equipment
- Adjust oven temperatures during baking
- Inspect baked goods for quality
- Monitor ovens to prevent baking problems
- Clean baking tools and equipment
Outlook
Baking in New Zealand is shaped by steady demand for fresh bread, pastries and baked goods, alongside changing customer tastes. Health-conscious options, specialty diets, artisan products and convenient ready-to-eat foods are influencing the industry. Global trends such as plant-based ingredients, automation and online ordering are also affecting how bakeries and food producers operate, while cost pressures continue to shape product choices.
What employers and industry want in graduates
- Good practical baking skills and attention to consistency
- Reliability and strong time management, especially with early production schedules
- Understanding of food safety, hygiene and safe handling practices
- Creativity for developing or adapting baked products
- Physical stamina and the ability to work efficiently under pressure
- Willingness to learn new techniques, ingredients and equipment
AUT programmes
The above is a suggestion only and a starting point. You may need to meet other criteria or take additional steps to work in this career.
Further study options
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This data is sourced from the Tertiary Education Commission through the Tahatū Career Navigator website (www.tahtu.govt.nz) and used under the CC BY 4.0 licence. Some of the information has been modified by AUT. TEC has not approved, endorsed or tested these modifications. TEC will not be held accountable for any errors within this data.