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In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.
The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used.
Here is how this occupation has been classified over time.
2006 NOC
2006 NOC-S
2011 NOC
2016 NOC
2021 NOC
2023 OaSIS
Bakers weigh, measure and mix ingredients according to recipes or customers’ special instructions. Depending on the size and nature of the bakery, bakers also may:
They may be required to create production schedules to determine the variety and quantity of goods to be produced, and to stock and rotate ingredients. They may also be responsible for purchasing ingredients and supplies.
Bakers work in clean, well-ventilated and well-lighted environments. They generally work 40 hours based on a 5-day week and often work shifts. Employment is fairly constant throughout the year. They may be required to work night shifts.
Bakers routinely lift ingredient containers that are heavy and bulky. Despite operating hot ovens and production equipment, bakers have very few accidents.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2006 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Interest in compiling information to record production data and draw up production schedules to determine type and quantity of goods to produce; and to ensure quality of products meets established standards
Interest in controlling machinery and equipment to mix and bake doughs and batters
Interest in hiring, training and supervising staff; may oversee sales and merchandising of baked goods
To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective, and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes for this NOC group is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.
A Quick Guide
You are born with abilities that help you process certain types of information and turn it into action. These abilities influence which skills you can learn more easily.
The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the General Aptitude Test Battery (GATB). The GATB measures 9 aptitudes. It groups them into 3 categories: mental, visual, and physical.
The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.
Bakers need:
They should enjoy creating things with their hands and having stability and security in their work.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 217 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Apr 08, 2024 and Apr 24, 2024.
Review these skills to learn:
| Tasks: Bake mixed dough and batters | 206 |
|---|---|
| Tasks: Ensure that the quality of products meets established standards | 196 |
| Tasks: Prepare dough for pies, bread, rolls and sweet goods, batters for muffins, cookies and cakes and icings and frostings according to recipes or special customer orders | 181 |
| Tasks: Operate machinery | 157 |
| Tasks: Frost and decorate cakes and baked goods | 151 |
| Attention to detail | 142 |
| Tasks: Inspect kitchen and food service areas | 121 |
| Construction Specialization: Team player | 114 |
| Construction Specialization: Reliability | 112 |
| Tasks: Draw up production schedules | 112 |
To work in Alberta, a baker must be ONE of the following:
To register with Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training, apprentices must find a suitable employer who is willing to hire and train them. They must also meet ONE of the following:
The term of apprenticeship is 3 years (three 12-month periods) that include a minimum of 1,560 hours of on-the-job training and 8 weeks of classroom instruction each year.
High school students can earn credits toward apprenticeship training and a high school diploma at the same time through the Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP). Applicants who have related training or work experience may be eligible for admission, credit or certification. Credits may reduce the period of apprenticeship.
Baker apprentices may take the interprovincial exam in the final period of their apprenticeship training to earn a Red Seal (certification recognized in most parts of Canada).
Classroom instruction is arranged by Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training. For more information, see the Apprenticeship Training Catalogue.
The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.
To expand or narrow your search for programs related to this occupation, visit Post-Secondary Programs.
Completing a program does not guarantee entrance into an occupation. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should look into various sources for education options and employment possibilities. For example, contact associations and employers in this field.
Certain professional titles or duties within this occupation are protected by provincial legislation. Requirements vary if you use these titles or perform these duties.
The related legislation is shown below. If there are multiple related legislations, select a certification heading to learn about each one.
Bakers prepare and bake breads, cakes, cookies, pastries, pies and other baked goods. For more information, see the Designated Trades Profile on Alberta’s Tradesecrets website.
Under Alberta’s Skilled Trades and Apprenticeship Education Act [pdf], bakers who are self-employed or work for an employer who validates you have the skills and knowledge expected of a journeyperson certified by Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training, do not require certification. To learn the trade, you must become a registered apprentice.
For information on what you need and other details, visit the certification profile Baker.
Certified tradespeople who want to build their business skills may obtain an Achievement in Business Competencies (Blue Seal) Certificate from Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training.
Source: 2019-2023 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Bakers are employed in retail and wholesale bakeries, supermarkets, hospitals, institutions, hotels, catering companies, restaurants and camps.
Experienced bakers may advance to supervisory positions or start their own businesses. To broaden their skills, bakers may expand into related occupations such as cook (for more information, see the Cook occupation profile), pastry cook, cake decorator, baking instructor or supply company salesperson.
This section shows the industries where the majority of people in this occupation work. The data is based on the 2016 Census.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
In the 6332: Bakers occupational group, 96.8% of people work in:
Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, the 6332: Bakers occupational group is expected to have an average annual growth of 1.9% from 2019 to 2023. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 58 new positions are forecasted to be created within this occupational group each year.
Note
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For example, only some of the new positions to be created will be for this occupation. It also applies to other data for the NOC group such as number of people employed.
Source: 2019-2023 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
Journeyperson bakers wage rates vary, but generally range from $20 to $25 an hour plus benefits (2019 estimates). Apprentices earn at least 65% of the journeyperson rate in their place of employment in the first year, 75% in the second and 85% in the third.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Unless otherwise noted, the data shown here is for all industries and all regions in Alberta.
All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production), and other forms of compensation.
To see the full survey data for this NOC group, visit the wage profile.
Other wage sources
To make an informed wage and salary decision, research other wage sources [pdf] to supplement this data.
High Reliability, represents a CV of less than or equal to 6.00% and 30 survey observations and/or represents 50% or more of all estimated employment for the occupation.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $15.00 | $20.00 | $16.34 | $15.00 |
| Overall | $15.61 | $22.80 | $18.01 | $17.00 |
| Top | $16.30 | $28.00 | $20.59 | $19.71 |
Swipe left and right to view all data. Scroll left and right to view all data.
* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.
Pay brackets for hourly wages
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $34,443 |
|---|---|
| Manufacturing | $33,608 |
| Retail Trade | $34,078 |
| Accommodation & Food Services | $35,292 |
Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training website: tradesecrets.alberta.ca
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
Updated Mar 31, 2020. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.
