Culinary Careers in Pastry

by Eve Lopez

Many people who are interested in pursuing higher education in the culinary arts may choose pastries as a specialty. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that there are seven job titles for careers in pastry. The American Culinary Federation offers certificate programs and a job website that lists several other types of pastry jobs in the culinary arts.
Pastry Bakers

Bakers mix ingredients together to bake pastries and may invent their own recipes. Pastries include cakes, pies, rolls and other desserts.

Pastry Chefs

Pasty chefs create menus and bake pastries.
Head Pastry Chef

This career is for experienced pastry chefs. Head pastry chefs supervise the baking and production of pastries served at restaurants.
Pastry Cook

Pastry cooks plan menus for restaurants and other institutions and assist in baking of pastries.
Pastry Decorator

A pastry decorator frosts pastries when appropriate and also creates designs and decorates the pastries after they're finished baking.
Pastry Finisher

A pastry finisher is another name for a pastry baker. Finishers assist in the creation and baking of pastries.
Pastry Wrapper

Pastry wrappers prepare finished, baked pastries for distribution. This involves wrapping the pastries in plastic or other coverings and then packing the pastries to prepare them for transit to stores, restaurants or distribution plants.
Pastry Lead Cook

This job title is similar to that of head pastry chef. Pastry lead cooks supervise the baking and finishing of pastries in restaurants.
Executive Pastry Chef

Executive pastry chefs work in hotel restaurants and other resorts. They are in charge of planning menus, supervising the bakers and ensuring the restaurant offers aesthetically pleasing pastries. These chefs may also do manager-type work, including hiring and training pastry cooks.

Pastry Bakers