Baking and Pastry- 2 yrs.                             County-wide

The Baking and Pastry program prepares students for various aspects of baking and pastry. Students will start with the very basics of the industry such as how ingredients work together for them to make a commercial, sellable product. Other content includes various breads, cookies, pies, cakes, tortes, plated desserts, chocolate and sugar work. This program will help prepare students for culinary school or work in a bakery right after graduation. Students are given the opportunity to earn scholarships by participating in SkillsUSA student organization. 

Required Courses: 

• 1980 Baking and Pastry Foundations

• 1024   Baking and Pastry I

• 1025  Baking and Pastry II

•  1026 Baking and Pastry Advanced

Industry Credentials:  

• WV Welcome 

• ServSafe Food Handlers

• ServSafe Allergens

Leads to careers such as: 

• Pastry Chef

• Baker

• Cake Decorator / Specialty Dessert Artist

• Catering or Bakery Assistant

• Bakery Manager / Owner

• Chocolatier or Confectioner

• Food Stylist / Culinary Content Creator

National Average Salary: 

• Entry-Level Baker / Pastry Assistant: $28,000–$35,000

• Pastry Chef / Baker: $40,000–$55,000

• Bakery Manager / Lead Pastry Chef: $50,000–$65,000

• Specialty Dessert or Entrepreneurial Roles: Highly variable

West Virginia Average Salary

• Entry-Level Baker / Assistant: $28,000–$32,000 per year

• Pastry Chef / Skilled Baker: $35,000–$45,000 per year

• Bakery Manager / Specialty Roles: $45,000–$50,000+ per year

Top-paying opportunities in WV:

• High-end restaurants and hotels

• Specialty bakeries and pastry shops

• Catering and event businesses

• Entrepreneurial baking and online sales