How do I become a pastry chef
Get qualified to work as a pastry chef with a course recognised across Australia. Speak to a training provider to learn more.
Related career opportunities
Browse occupations related to Pastry Chef.
Common questions
In Australia, a full time Pastry Chef generally earns $1,200 per week ($62,400 annual salary) before tax. This is a median figure for full-time employees and should be considered a guide only. As you gain more experience you can expect a potentially higher salary than people who are new to the industry.
Courses.com.au Team
The number of people working in this field has decreased in recent years. There are currently 6,700 people employed as a Pastry Chef in Australia compared to 9,200 five years ago. Pastry Chefs may find work across all regions of Australia.
Source: Australian Government Labour Market Insights
Courses.com.au Team
If you’re interested in a career as a Pastry Chef, consider enrolling in a Certificate III in Patisserie. This course will give you the skills to prepare a range of cakes, pastries, gateaux, desserts and biscuits, as well as sweet yeast and artisan bread. A Certificate IV in Patisserie or a Certificate IV in Baking may also be appropriate.
Courses.com.au Team
Further reading
How to start a career as a Personal Assistant
2nd December 2021
Choosing a security licence course in Australia: A step-by-step guide for jobseekers
10th November 2023All pastry chef courses
- FBP30317 Certificate III in Cake and Pastry
- FBP30321 Certificate III in Cake and Pastry
- FBP40217 Certificate IV in Baking
- FBP40221 Certificate IV in Baking
- FBPRBK3001 Produce Laminated Pastry Products
- FBPRBK3002 Produce Non-laminated Pastry Products
- FBPRBK3003 Produce Specialist Pastry Products
- FBPRBK3004 Produce Meringue Products
- FBPRBK3005 Produce Basic Bread Products
- FBPRBK3006 Produce Savoury Bread Products
- FBPRBK3008 Produce Sponge Cake Products
- FBPRBK3010 Produce Cake and Pudding Products
- FBPRBK3011 Produce Frozen Dough Products
- FBPRBK3012 Schedule and Produce Bread Production
- FBPRBK3013 Schedule and Produce Cake and Pastry Production
- FBPRBK3014 Produce Sweet Yeast Products
- FBPRBK3015 Schedule and Produce Bakery Production
- FBPRBK3018 Produce Basic Artisan Products
- FBPRBK4001 Produce Artisan Bread Products
- FBPRBK4003 Produce Gateauxs, Tortes and Entremets
- SIT31016 Certificate III in Patisserie
- SIT31021 Certificate III in Patisserie
- SIT40521 Certificate IV in Kitchen Management
- SIT40716 Certificate IV in Patisserie
- SIT40721 Certificate IV in Patisserie
- SIT50416 Diploma of Hospitality Management (Patisserie Stream)
Pastry Chef careers
A Pastry Chef prepares food items such as cakes, pastries, biscuits, tarts and buns. You might work for a restaurant or café or for a specialist bakery or pastry store. Pastry Chefs might also make speciality fillings for their pastries and decorate desserts with elaborate designs. Your role might involve preparing ingredients, checking stock levels and liaising with suppliers.
Pastry Chefs should be highly skilled at their craft and have excellent attention to detail. You’ll need to work as part of a team and have strong communication skills. Pastry Chefs should be organised and be able to attend to several tasks at one time. You may need to prioritise your workload and must be willing to work irregular hours when required.
