Becoming a Baking and Pastry Chef in Washington, D.C.
If you enjoy baking and making desserts, you might consider a career as a pastry chef or head baker. Pastry chefs design confections and create signature pastries and sweets for restaurants, bakeries and other establishments. As a pastry chef in Washington, DC, you’ll develop the knowledge and skills to make a wide variety of delicious and beautiful breads and desserts.
Making pastries and sweets takes a dedication to precision, an artistic eye and the dexterity and stamina to deal with the rigors of a professional kitchen. You’ll have to work long hours and master many specialized skills before you can advance from an assistant to the lead position. There is a high demand for skilled pastry chefs in the District of Columbia, however, so you should have a lot of opportunities to advance your career in this region.
Requirements for Pastry Chefs in Washington, D.C.
There are no formal requirements for becoming an entry-level pastry cook. Most employers prefer candidates with a high school diploma or GED and a willingness to work hard under the supervision of the head pastry chef. Some restaurants may require their cooks to be 21 year of age if they use liquor or spirits in their desserts.
You should expect to spend several years working as an assistant pastry cook before you are experienced and knowledgeable enough to be considered for a leading role in the kitchen. Head pastry chefs typically have an extensive work history, experience managing professional kitchens and a diverse set of skills with baking, pastry and sugar art.
Professional Certification for Baking and Pastry Chefs
To augment their work experience and culinary education, many pastry chefs seek out professional certification through the American Culinary Federation (ACF). The AFC offers a variety of programs for new and experienced pastry chefs alike. Once you pass the examination, you’ll be certified for three to five years and may renew your certificate when it expires. Obtaining professional certification as a pastry chef will help you stand out when applying for positions and should increase your salary as well.
Educational Programs in Washington, D.C.
While many pastry chefs are trained on the job, taking some courses in baking and pastry from a culinary school will give you a solid foundation in the fundamentals of making desserts. It may be easier to secure entry-level employment if you’ve received a certificate of completion or an associate degree (AS) from a recognized program.
Some options for obtaining a culinary education in Washington, D.C. area include:
- Stratford University. If you’d like to gain your AS degree in baking and pastry arts, then the 18-month program offered through Stratford may be ideal for you. They offer classes at three locations in Maryland and Virginia and some courses can be completed online as well. You’ll gain a solid foundation in making artisan breads, cakes, custards and creams. You’ll also learn the fundamentals of confection and baking, food science, nutrition and menu planning. Upon graduation, you’ll be ready to start an entry-level position in a professional kitchen or bakery.
- L’Academie de Cuisine (ADC). Located in Gaithersburg, Maryland, ADC offers an extensive 50-week program in pastry and baking fundamentals. You’ll spend the first 12 weeks mastering the basic skills and then move on to advanced kitchen training where you’ll work with fondant, gum paste and chocolate. You’ll also learn how to pair tea and wine with desserts and carve ice sculptures. The final phase of your education comprises a 26-week paid internship at a local restaurant or bakery where you will work full-time to hone your skills. ADC provides mentoring services and helps their students secure employment.
Career Outlook and Salary Expectations
According to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data, there were approximately 1,050 chefs and head cooks in Washington, D.C. in 2018, which includes pastry chefs and head bakers. Pastry chefs in this region are some of the highest paid in the country, making an average of $31.63 per hour or about $65,780 annually for full-time employment. Only chefs in Hawaii and New Jersey command a higher salary than those in the District of Columbia.
There is a high demand for pastry chefs in this region as well, and it is predicted that it will increase an additional 10 percent by 2026. With new restaurants and bakeries opening every month, there are about 170 job openings annually in DC and the surrounding area. This is an excellent region for entry-level cooks to gain experience and advance to leading positions.
Working as a Pastry Chef in Washington, D.C.
Entry-level baking and pastry chefs have a lot of options for gaining experience and advancement in Washington, D.C. As a leading center for politics and business, there are many mid-level to high-end bakeries and restaurants in the city that employ assistant and lead pastry chefs. You might find work in a hotel, bar or café frequented by members of Congress or international delegates. You can also seek employment in the neighboring states of Virginia or Maryland, or start your own bakery or business as a personal chef. As one of the top 10 regions in the nation for pastry chefs, you should have no problems advancing your career in Washington DC.