They roll, cut, and shape dough for breads and cookies. Bakers set oven temperatures and monitor items while they bake. For items such as cakes, bakers apply frostings or fillings. Wholesale production bakers usually focus on one phase of baking, such as mixing dough. In restaurants, institutions, and retail bakery shops, pastry chefs bake smaller quantities of bread, rolls, pies, and cakes.
Some bakers specialize in baking a single product.
In small bakeries, the baker is often assisted by helpers and usually works through all the steps to finish the baked goods. In larger bakeries, the baker may work with several other bakers and may supervise helpers. As supervisors, bakers direct work and coordinate with other departments to meet production schedules. Bakers is in the Personal and Commercial Services Career Cluster.