Becoming a Baking and Pastry Chef in Hawaii

Are you considering a career in culinary arts? Do you enjoy making cakes, pastries and tasty treats? Perhaps you would enjoy a career as a baking and pastry chef.

Baking and pastry chefs use their culinary skills, knowledge and artistry to create the baked goods most everyone loves to eat, but there’s much more to working as a pastry chef than baking. Chefs also need to know the ins and outs of running a business. Necessary skills might include keeping books, meeting food service regulations, managing staff and marketing.

Hawaii Regulations for Baking and Pastry Chefs

The state of Hawaii does not have specific regulations or licensing requirements for baking and pastry chefs, but those in the food service industry will need to be aware of state and local health regulations. Training must be acquired through either a training program or on the job experience. A high school diploma or equivalent will also be necessary. Many baking and pastry chefs will seek additional apprenticeships to study specific methodologies or learn from top level chefs.

Baking and Pastry Chef Programs in Hawaii

In Hawaii, there are several educational programs for baking and pastry chefs throughout the state. A few of these include:

  • University of Hawai’i’s Kaua’i Community College in Lihu’a offers several levels of educational certificates as well as an Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Culinary Arts. Coursework includes theoretical training and hands-on laboratory time, which serve to prepare students for positions in the food service industry. Graduates of the AAS program may advance to positions such as chefs, kitchen managers or general managers, once employed.
  • University of Hawai’i’s Maui College in Kahului offers two certificate levels and an Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Culinary Arts. The college promises a nurturing, student-centered environment for teaching. Students will receive the foundational skills for a successful career in the food service industry.
  • University of Hawai’i’s Leeward Community College in Pearl City also offers several certificates and an Associate in Applied Science degree in Culinary Arts. The programs promise to teach students time-honored classical techniques and the mechanics of running a business, while receiving hands-on, practical training in their award-winning, fine dining restaurant.

Additional Baking and Pastry Chef Certifications

The culinary arts can be a highly competitive career path and those wishing to boost their potential might want to consider seeking additional certifications. The American Culinary Federation (ACF) offers a number of certifications based on experience and level of employment. The ability to pass an examination is required.

Projections for Career Growth and Salaries

Baking and pastry chefs in Hawaii should expect salaries above the national average for this field. According to data collected by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) for chefs and head cooks, a category that includes baking and pastry chefs, a median annual salary of $63,810 was reported for the year 2018.

Growth potential is predicted to be nine percent for this career between the years 2016 and 2026, slightly below the national average of 9.6 percent. Hawaii is also listed among the top five states for employment by the BLS. Considering the data and Hawaii’s reputation as a top tourist destination, the career outlook for baking and pastry chefs in the state is positive.

Opportunities for Baking and Pastry Chefs in Hawaii

Baking and pastry chefs find work in a variety of industries including restaurants, hospitals, senior living facilities, hotels and recreation areas, among others. Potential employers in Hawaii include The Walt Disney Company, Hilton, Hyatt, Marriot, Sodexo Inc., Royal Kona Resort, Pyramid Hotel Group, Highgate Hotels and Compass Group, North America.

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