What is Bäcker/Bäckerin?
Bäcker/Bäckerin typically find employment in artisan bakeries, large industrial bakeries, specialized shops such as organic and diet bakeries, and in the gastronomy and catering sectors. Their workplaces are mostly bakehouses, production, and manufacturing halls; those working in artisan bakeries may also occasionally work in sales areas. For this profession, manual dexterity, an aesthetic sense (especially when decorating pastries), a sense of responsibility (compliance with food regulations), and good physical condition (such as lifting heavy baking trays) are of great importance. Mathematics (converting weight units), German (advising customers and selling products), and Chemistry (understanding chemical processes such as dough fermentation) are useful school subjects for this profession.
In Germany, there is no specific legal school education requirement to become a Bäcker/Bäckerin; however, in practice, candidates typically come from different educational levels such as Hauptschulabschluss (secondary school leaving certificate), mittlerer Bildungsabschluss (intermediate secondary school leaving certificate), or Hochschulreife (university entrance qualification). This profession is pursued through a 3-year program called "Duale Ausbildung" (dual vocational training provided in a company and a vocational school). Monthly salaries during the Ausbildung vary by sector: in the craft sector, it is approximately 1,070 € in the first year, 1,140 € in the second year, and 1,280 € in the third year; in the industrial sector, depending on the state, it can range from 821 € - 1,292 € in the first year, 908 € - 1,411 € in the second year, and 1,031 € - 1,592 € in the third year. For Turkish students, this vocational training path offers an opportunity due to its accessibility with various school diplomas and the potential for finding employment in Germany.
Programs that lead to this profession
Mathematics & Natural Sciences field →The profession Bäcker/Bäckerin in Germany is generally reached through programs in the Mathematics & Natural Sciences field:
- Biodiversity Sciences
Master · Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg
- Bioinformatik
Master · Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg
- Life Science Innovation
Master · Hochschule Albstadt-Sigmaringen
- Medizinische Physik
Master · Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg
- Physik
Master · Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg
- Polymer Materials Science
Master · Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg
Detailed Information
▶ Places of Learning
Bakers are trained in the dual system. Learning locations include training companies (typically artisanal master bakeries, industrial bakeries): bakeries, workshops and production halls, sales rooms. Vocational schools (Berufsschule) provide classrooms. If companies cannot provide all required training content, parts of the training can be moved to inter-company training centers.
▶ Latest
The Ausbildung (vocational training) for bakers and confectioners is to be modernized to adapt it to current developments in professional practice. Advancing technology, digitalization, and sustainability have changed professional requirements. New market demands, as well as production and manufacturing processes, also influence the requirement profile. The modernization of the training will take place in a joint reordering process. The common first vocational school (Berufsschule) year for trainees of both professions will be maintained. Changes are also planned for the examination structure: in the future, the journeyman's examination will be conducted in two separate parts.
▶ Profile
Profession type: Recognized Ausbildung (vocational training) profession. Training type: Dual Ausbildung (dual vocational training) in industry and craft (regulated by training ordinance). Training duration: 3 years. Learning locations: Training company and vocational school (Berufsschule) (dual Ausbildung). What does one do in this profession? Bakers produce bread and rolls, pastries from puff, shortcrust, or yeast dough, cakes and desserts, party pastries, and small dishes. For this, they weigh and measure ingredients such as flour, milk, eggs, yeast, spices, and sugar, and mix them according to recipes. They monitor dough formation and fermentation processes and load the ovens. Finally, they glaze or garnish the goods to refine them and make them look even more appetizing. Where does one work? Bakers find employment in artisanal bakeries, in industrial large bakeries, in specialized shops such as specialty and diet bakeries, in gastronomy and catering. Workplaces: Bakers primarily work in bakeries.
▶ Occupation Update
Job title: Baker. Profession type: Recognized Ausbildung (vocational training) profession. Training duration: 3 years. What does one do in this profession? Bakers produce bread and rolls, pastries from puff, shortcrust, or yeast dough, cakes and desserts, party pastries, and small dishes. For this, they weigh and measure ingredients such as flour, milk, eggs, yeast, spices, and sugar, and mix them according to recipes. They monitor dough formation and fermentation processes and load the ovens. Finally, they glaze or garnish the goods to refine them and make them look even more appetizing. Where does one work? Bakers find employment in artisanal bakeries, in industrial large bakeries, in specialized shops such as specialty and diet bakeries, in gastronomy and catering. Other professions: Professions related to food.
▶ Training Duration
3 years
▶ Training Structure
The Ausbildung (vocational training) is carried out in parallel in the training company and in the vocational school (Berufsschule). Vocational school lessons take place on specific weekdays or in block form. Excerpt from the training framework plan and the framework curriculum: 1st training year: Training in the company (basic vocational training) and, if necessary, in inter-company courses: Implementing hygiene regulations, handling information and communication technologies, preparing work processes, working in a team, implementing quality assurance measures, customer consultation and sales, handling facilities, machines and equipment, storing and controlling food, packaging materials and operating resources, producing wheat bread and small wheat pastries, producing fine baked goods from doughs, producing and processing masses, producing and processing coatings, fillings and creams. Training in the vocational school (Berufsschule) in the learning fields: Instructing a new employee, producing a product.
▶ Training Costs
No costs are charged for the Ausbildung (vocational training). The training company provides the necessary training materials for the practical part of the training and pays the examination fees. Unless otherwise regulated, trainees must cover the costs of learning materials for vocational school (Berufsschule) classes and for work clothing themselves. Additionally, costs may arise if training locations are far from the place of residence. In certain life situations, trainees may receive vocational training allowance (Berufsausbildungsbeihilfe). Further information: Berufsausbildungsbeihilfe (BAB).
▶ Training Content
In the training company, trainees learn, for example, how to select ingredients for wheat breads and rolls, prepare the doughs, and bake them. They learn about the different types of puff pastry, shortcrust pastry, yeast doughs, and Danish pastry and how to use them. They learn how and with which ingredients masses are produced and further processed. They learn how to apricot (i.e., coat with heated apricot jam) and glaze pastries, and how to prepare creams and fillings. They learn what is important for the storage and control of raw materials, semi-finished products, and finished goods. They learn how to prepare pre-doughs and sourdoughs and how to mix and bake different wheat, rye, whole grain, coarse grain, and specialty breads. They learn what to consider when producing tea pastries, gingerbread dough and stollen, nut corners, bee sting and meringue masses, glazes and cream, sweet and savory fillings, and buttercream. They learn how to top baked snacks and prepare small dishes such as strudel, egg dishes, toasts, salads, and vegetable quiches.
▶ Training Situation
One should be prepared for the following conditions and requirements: In the company: Practical participation (under guidance): e.g., weighing ingredients, preparing doughs, baking and decorating pastries. Environment: Heat in the bakery, cold in the cold room, flour dust. Clothing: Profession-specific work clothing (white jacket, apron, and head covering). Working hours: Work usually starts early in the morning, sometimes shift work. Requirements: Dexterity and a sense of aesthetics (e.g., when decorating pastries). Sense of responsibility (e.g., when complying with food law regulations). Good physical constitution (e.g., when lifting heavy baking trays). At the vocational school (Berufsschule): Instruction on one or two days per week or as block instruction.
▶ Vocational Training Abroad
Trainees can complete parts of their Ausbildung (vocational training) abroad, for example, in various European countries. An internship abroad is possible within the framework of the additional qualification "Europaassistent/in." The duration is at least 3 weeks. The prerequisite for access is a secondary school leaving certificate. Further information on the additional qualification Europaassistent/in is available.
▶ Training Pay
The Ausbildungsvergütung (training allowance) for a dual Ausbildung (vocational training) is paid by the training company and, for companies bound by collective agreements, is based on collective bargaining agreements. Trainees must be granted an appropriate remuneration. If the training takes place in a school setting (e.g., at a vocational school or as a vocational basic training year (Berufsgrundbildungsjahr BGJ) in the 1st year of training), no Ausbildungsvergütung is paid. Example for the bakery trade (monthly gross): 1st year of training: €1,070, 2nd year of training: €1,140, 3rd year of training: €1,280. The collective bargaining agreement applies to the entire Bundesgebiet (federal territory). Example for the bread and baked goods industry (monthly gross - depending on the Bundesland (federal state)): 1st year of training: €821 to €1,292, 2nd year of training: €908 to €1,411, 3rd year of training: €1,031 to €1,592. Sources: Collective bargaining information from the federal and state governments (e.g., Federal Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs, WSI-Tarifarchiv, collective bargaining archives of the federal states). Note: These figures are for orientation purposes. No claims can be derived.
▶ Important School Subjects
In-depth knowledge in the following school subjects are good prerequisites for a successful Ausbildung (vocational training): Mathematics: e.g., to convert weight specifications. German: e.g., to advise customers and sell bakery products. Chemistry: e.g., to utilize chemical processes such as the fermentation of sourdough.
▶ Additional Qualifications
The additional qualification "Europe Assistant (Europaassistent/in)" is for apprentices with at least a secondary school leaving certificate. It expands the initial Ausbildung (vocational training) with intercultural competencies and offers apprentices the opportunity to improve foreign language skills. Apprentices attend additional Berufsschule (vocational school) classes, for example, in European Goods and Economic Law, and complete a several-week internship abroad. The responsible chamber provides further information, for example: Europe Assistant.
▶ Training Alternatives
The following Ausbildung (vocational training) alternatives are available for the profession of Baker (Bäcker/in): Food Sector: Confectioner (Konditor/in), Confectionery Technologist (Süßwarentechnologe/technologin), Food Technology Specialist (Fachkraft für Lebensmitteltechnik), Dairy Technologist (Milchtechnologe/technologin), Cook (Koch/Köchin), Kitchen Specialist (Fachkraft Küche), Process Technologist - Mill and Grain Industry - Milling (Verfahrenstechnologe/Verfahrenstechnologin - Mühlen- und Getreidewirtschaft - Müllerei). Commonality: Producing, processing, or preparing baked goods, confectionery, or other food products. Sales Sector: Food Craft Salesperson (Fachverkäufer/Fachverkäuferin im Lebensmittelhandwerk) - Bakery Focus, Food Craft Salesperson (Fachverkäufer/Fachverkäuferin im Lebensmittelhandwerk) - Confectionery Focus. Commonality: Selling bakery or confectionery products.
▶ Development of the Training
1934: First listed in the directory of trades that can be practiced as a craft. 1937: Recognition of the job profile in industry. 1958: Recognition of the job profile for the baking craft. 1983: Training regulations according to the Vocational Training Act (Berufsbildungsgesetz) come into force. 2004: New, modernized training regulations, including consideration of new technical facilities and new content such as the preparation of small dishes from fresh raw materials. 2020: Amendment of the Vocational Training Act (BBiG) and the Crafts Code (HWO): introduction of a minimum Ausbildung (vocational training) remuneration; expansion of the possibility to complete Ausbildung in part-time. 2024: Entry into force of the Vocational Training Validation and Digitalization Act with adjustments to the Vocational Training Act (BBiG) and the Crafts Code (HWO): legal anchoring of the possibility of digital mobile training; introduction of an assessment and certification procedure (vocational validation) for individual professional skills.
▶ The Training at a Glance
Baker (Bäcker/in) is a 3-year recognized Ausbildung (vocational training) profession in industry and craft.
▶ Qualification / Job Titles
Qualification Title: Baker (Bäcker/Bäckerin).
▶ Training Pay (Bavaria)
The Ausbildung (vocational training) remuneration for a dual Ausbildung is paid by the Ausbildung company and, for companies bound by collective agreements, is based on collective bargaining agreements. Apprentices must be granted appropriate remuneration. The appropriateness of an Ausbildung remuneration for Ausbildung starting in 2020 and later is regulated by the Vocational Training Act (Berufsbildungsgesetz) via the minimum remuneration. Example for the baking craft (monthly gross): 1st Ausbildung year: €1,070, 2nd Ausbildung year: €1,140, 3rd Ausbildung year: €1,280. The collective bargaining agreement applies to the entire Bundesland (federal state). Source: Collective Bargaining Register North Rhine-Westphalia, as of March 2026. Example for the bread and baked goods industry (monthly gross): 1st Ausbildung year: €1,263, 2nd Ausbildung year: €1,395, 3rd Ausbildung year: €1,534. Source: Bavarian Collective Bargaining Register (BTR), as of June 2025. Note: This information is for orientation purposes. No claims can be derived from it.
▶ Training Pay (Berlin)
The remuneration for a dual vocational training (Ausbildung) is paid by the training company and, for companies bound by collective agreements, is based on collective bargaining agreements. Trainees must be granted appropriate remuneration. The appropriateness of vocational training remuneration for trainings starting in 2020 and later is regulated by the Vocational Training Act (Berufsbildungsgesetz) via the minimum remuneration. Example for the bakery trade (monthly gross): 1st year of training: 1,070 €, 2nd year of training: 1,140 €, 3rd year of training: 1,280 €. The collective bargaining regulation applies throughout Germany. Source: Tarifregister Nordrhein-Westfalen, as of March 2026. Example for the bread and baked goods industry (monthly gross): 1st year of training: 1,235 €, 2nd year of training: 1,411 €, 3rd year of training: 1,592 €. Source: Gewerkschaft Nahrung Genuss Gaststätten NGG, as of December 2025. Note: This information is for orientation purposes only. No claims can be derived from it.
▶ Training Pay (Bremen)
The remuneration for a dual vocational training (Ausbildung) is paid by the training company and, for companies bound by collective agreements, is based on collective bargaining agreements. Trainees must be granted appropriate remuneration. The appropriateness of vocational training remuneration for trainings starting in 2020 and later is regulated by the Vocational Training Act (Berufsbildungsgesetz) via the minimum remuneration. Example for the bakery trade (monthly gross): 1st year of training: 1,070 €, 2nd year of training: 1,140 €, 3rd year of training: 1,280 €. The collective bargaining regulation applies throughout Germany. Source: Tarifregister Nordrhein-Westfalen, as of March 2026. Example for the bread and baked goods industry (monthly gross): 1st year of training: 1,235 €, 2nd year of training: 1,411 €, 3rd year of training: 1,592 €. Source: Gewerkschaft Nahrung Genuss Gaststätten NGG, as of September 2025. Note: This information is for orientation purposes only. No claims can be derived from it.
▶ Training Pay (Hesse)
The remuneration for a dual vocational training (Ausbildung) is paid by the training company and, for companies bound by collective agreements, is based on collective bargaining agreements. Trainees must be granted appropriate remuneration. The appropriateness of vocational training remuneration for trainings starting in 2020 and later is regulated by the Vocational Training Act (Berufsbildungsgesetz) via the minimum remuneration. Example for the bakery trade (monthly gross): 1st year of training: 1,070 €, 2nd year of training: 1,140 €, 3rd year of training: 1,280 €. The collective bargaining regulation applies throughout Germany. Source: Tarifregister Nordrhein-Westfalen, as of March 2026. Example for the bread and baked goods industry (monthly gross): 1st year of training: 1,273 €, 2nd year of training: 1,346 €, 3rd year of training: 1,471 €. Source: Bundesministerium für Arbeit und Soziales (BMAS), as of April 2025. Note: This information is for orientation purposes only. No claims can be derived from it.
▶ Training Pay (Hamburg)
The remuneration for a dual vocational training (Ausbildung) is paid by the training company and, for companies bound by collective agreements, is based on collective bargaining agreements. Trainees must be granted appropriate remuneration. The appropriateness of vocational training remuneration for trainings starting in 2020 and later is regulated by the Vocational Training Act (Berufsbildungsgesetz) via the minimum remuneration. Example for the bakery trade (monthly gross): 1st year of training: 1,070 €, 2nd year of training: 1,140 €, 3rd year of training: 1,280 €. The collective bargaining regulation applies throughout Germany. Source: Tarifregister Nordrhein-Westfalen, as of March 2026. Example for the bread and baked goods industry (monthly gross): 1st year of training: 1,222 €, 2nd year of training: 1,383 €, 3rd year of training: 1,524 €. Source: Gewerkschaft Nahrung Genuss Gaststätten NGG, as of September 2025. Note: This information is for orientation purposes only. No claims can be derived from it.
▶ Training Pay (Saxony)
The remuneration for a dual vocational training (Ausbildung) is paid by the training company and, for companies bound by collective agreements, is based on collective bargaining agreements. Trainees must be granted appropriate remuneration. The appropriateness of vocational training remuneration for trainings starting in 2020 and later is regulated by the Vocational Training Act (Berufsbildungsgesetz) via the minimum remuneration. Example for the bakery trade (monthly gross): 1st year of training: 1,070 €, 2nd year of training: 1,140 €, 3rd year of training: 1,280 €. The collective bargaining regulation applies throughout Germany. Source: Tarifregister Nordrhein-Westfalen, as of March 2026. Example for the bread and baked goods industry (monthly gross): 1st year of training: 1,292 €, 2nd year of training: 1,380 €, 3rd year of training: 1,511 €. Source: Tarifregister Sachsen, as of December 2025. Note: This information is for orientation purposes only. No claims can be derived from it.
▶ Training Pay (Saarland)
The remuneration for a dual vocational training (Ausbildung) is paid by the training company and, for companies bound by collective agreements, is based on collective bargaining agreements. Trainees must be granted appropriate remuneration. The appropriateness of vocational training remuneration for trainings starting in 2020 and later is regulated by the Vocational Training Act (Berufsbildungsgesetz) via the minimum remuneration. Example for the bakery trade (monthly gross): 1st year of training: 1,070 €, 2nd year of training: 1,140 €, 3rd year of training: 1,280 €. The collective bargaining regulation applies throughout Germany. Source: Tarifregister Nordrhein-Westfalen, as of March 2026. Example for the bread and baked goods industry (monthly gross): 1st year of training: 821 €, 2nd year of training: 908 €, 3rd year of training: 1,031 €. Source: Bundesministerium für Arbeit und Soziales (BMAS), as of December 2022. Note: This information is for orientation purposes only. No claims can be derived from it.
▶ Prospects After Training
You can improve your career opportunities with additional qualifications. For example, aspiring bakers can gain an advantage by acquiring additional qualifications during their Ausbildung (vocational training), such as in European goods and commercial law through the 'Europaassistent/in' (European Assistant) qualification. After their Ausbildung, bakers work in food craft businesses as well as in the food industry, for example, in large bakeries. You can maintain, update, and expand your professional knowledge through Anpassungsweiterbildung (adaptive continuing education). The topics range from bakery to food law. To advance professionally and reach leadership positions, an Aufstiegsweiterbildung (advanced training) is helpful. It is a natural step to take the Bäckermeister/in (Master Baker) exam. With a university entrance qualification, you can also pursue a Studium (university degree), for instance, a Bachelor's degree.
▶ Training Pay (Thuringia)
The Ausbildung (vocational training) salary for a dual Ausbildung is paid by the training company and, for companies bound by collective agreements, is based on those agreements. Trainees must be granted an appropriate remuneration. The appropriateness of an Ausbildung salary for training starting in 2020 and later is regulated by the Vocational Training Act (Berufsbildungsgesetz) regarding minimum remuneration. Example for the baking craft (monthly gross): 1st year: €1,070, 2nd year: €1,140, 3rd year: €1,280. The collective bargaining agreement applies throughout Germany. Source: Tarifregister Nordrhein-Westfalen, March 2026. Example for the bread and baked goods industry (monthly gross): 1st year: €1,292, 2nd year: €1,380, 3rd year: €1,511. Source: Tarifregister Thüringen, December 2025. Please note: These figures are for orientation only. No claims can be derived from them.
▶ Training Pay (Brandenburg)
The Ausbildung (vocational training) salary for a dual Ausbildung is paid by the training company and, for companies bound by collective agreements, is based on those agreements. Trainees must be granted an appropriate remuneration. The appropriateness of an Ausbildung salary for training starting in 2020 and later is regulated by the Vocational Training Act (Berufsbildungsgesetz) regarding minimum remuneration. Example for the baking craft (monthly gross): 1st year: €1,070, 2nd year: €1,140, 3rd year: €1,280. The collective bargaining agreement applies throughout Germany. Source: Tarifregister Nordrhein-Westfalen, March 2026. Example for the bread and baked goods industry (monthly gross): 1st year: €1,235, 2nd year: €1,411, 3rd year: €1,592. Source: Gewerkschaft Nahrung Genuss Gaststätten NGG, December 2025. Please note: These figures are for orientation only. No claims can be derived from them.
▶ Prior Schooling in Practice
In 2024, there were a total of 1,899 new trainees in the craft, industry, and trade Ausbildung (vocational training) sectors. 33 percent had a Hauptschulabschluss (basic secondary school certificate), 26 percent had a mittlerer Bildungsabschluss (intermediate secondary school certificate). 14 percent had Hochschulreife (university entrance qualification), and 9 percent did not have a Hauptschulabschluss. Source: The information is based on data from the Datensystem Auszubildende (DAZUBI) of the Bundesinstitut für Berufsbildung (BIBB).
▶ Training Pay (Lower Saxony)
The Ausbildung (vocational training) salary for a dual Ausbildung is paid by the training company and, for companies bound by collective agreements, is based on those agreements. Trainees must be granted an appropriate remuneration. The appropriateness of an Ausbildung salary for training starting in 2020 and later is regulated by the Vocational Training Act (Berufsbildungsgesetz) regarding minimum remuneration. Example for the baking craft (monthly gross): 1st year: €1,070, 2nd year: €1,140, 3rd year: €1,280. The collective bargaining agreement applies throughout Germany. Source: Tarifregister Nordrhein-Westfalen, March 2026. Example for the bread and baked goods industry (monthly gross): 1st year: €1,235, 2nd year: €1,411, 3rd year: €1,592. Source: Gewerkschaft Nahrung Genuss Gaststätten NGG, September 2025. Please note: These figures are for orientation only. No claims can be derived from them.
▶ Training Pay (Saxony-Anhalt)
The Ausbildung (vocational training) salary for a dual Ausbildung is paid by the training company and, for companies bound by collective agreements, is based on those agreements. Trainees must be granted an appropriate remuneration. The appropriateness of an Ausbildung salary for training starting in 2020 and later is regulated by the Vocational Training Act (Berufsbildungsgesetz) regarding minimum remuneration. Example for the baking craft (monthly gross): 1st year: €1,070, 2nd year: €1,140, 3rd year: €1,280. The collective bargaining agreement applies throughout Germany. Source: Tarifregister Nordrhein-Westfalen, March 2026. Example for the bread and baked goods industry (monthly gross): 1st year: €1,235, 2nd year: €1,411, 3rd year: €1,592. Source: Gewerkschaft Nahrung Genuss Gaststätten NGG, December 2025. Please note: These figures are for orientation only. No claims can be derived from them.
▶ Training Pay (Rhineland-Palatinate)
The training allowance for a dual vocational training (Ausbildung) is paid by the training company and, for companies bound by collective agreements, is based on collective bargaining agreements. Trainees must be granted an appropriate remuneration. The appropriateness of a training allowance for trainings starting in 2020 and later is regulated by the Vocational Training Act (Berufsbildungsgesetz) via the minimum remuneration. Example for the baking trade (monthly gross): 1st year: 1,070 €, 2nd year: 1,140 €, 3rd year: 1,280 €. The collective bargaining agreement applies to the entire federal territory (Bundesgebiet). Source: Collective Bargaining Register North Rhine-Westphalia, as of March 2026. Example for the bread and baked goods industry (monthly gross): 1st year: 821 €, 2nd year: 908 €, 3rd year: 1,031 €. Source: Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs (BMAS), as of December 2022. This information is for orientation purposes only. No claims can be derived from it.
▶ Legal Regulations for the Training
Legal regulations and recommendations for vocational training (Ausbildung): Ordinance on vocational training for bakers (BäAusbV) of April 21, 2004 (BGBl. I S. 632), amended by Article 1 of the Ordinance of February 8, 2016 (BGBl. I S. 179). Framework curriculum for the vocational training occupation of baker (Resolution of the Conference of Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs (Kultusministerkonferenz) of January 29, 2004). Overarching legal regulation (training/activity): Act on the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases in Humans (Infektionsschutzgesetz - IfSG), last amended by Article 3 Para. 1 of the Act of March 4, 2026 (BGBl. 2026 I No. 60).
▶ Training Pay (Baden-Württemberg)
The training allowance for a dual vocational training (Ausbildung) is paid by the training company and, for companies bound by collective agreements, is based on collective bargaining agreements. Trainees must be granted an appropriate remuneration. The appropriateness of a training allowance for trainings starting in 2020 and later is regulated by the Vocational Training Act (Berufsbildungsgesetz) via the minimum remuneration. Example for the baking trade (monthly gross): 1st year: 1,070 €, 2nd year: 1,140 €, 3rd year: 1,280 €. The collective bargaining agreement applies to the entire federal territory (Bundesgebiet). Source: Collective Bargaining Register North Rhine-Westphalia, as of March 2026. Example for the bread and baked goods industry (monthly gross): 1st year: 1,187 €, 2nd year: 1,293 €, 3rd year: 1,422 €. Source: Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs (BMAS), as of April 2025. This information is for orientation purposes only. No claims can be derived from it.
▶ Training Pay (Schleswig-Holstein)
The training allowance for a dual vocational training (Ausbildung) is paid by the training company and, for companies bound by collective agreements, is based on collective bargaining agreements. Trainees must be granted an appropriate remuneration. The appropriateness of a training allowance for trainings starting in 2020 and later is regulated by the Vocational Training Act (Berufsbildungsgesetz) via the minimum remuneration. Example for the baking trade (monthly gross): 1st year: 1,070 €, 2nd year: 1,140 €, 3rd year: 1,280 €. The collective bargaining agreement applies to the entire federal territory (Bundesgebiet). Source: Collective Bargaining Register North Rhine-Westphalia, as of March 2026. Example for the bread and baked goods industry (monthly gross): 1st year: 1,222 €, 2nd year: 1,383 €, 3rd year: 1,524 €. Source: Food, Beverages and Catering Union NGG, as of September 2025. This information is for orientation purposes only. No claims can be derived from it.
▶ Entry Requirements for the Training
Legally, no specific prior education is required. Handling food requires instruction and a certificate from the health department (Gesundheitsamt).
▶ Training Pay (North Rhine-Westphalia)
The training allowance for a dual vocational training (Ausbildung) is paid by the training company and, for companies bound by collective agreements, is based on collective bargaining agreements. Trainees must be granted an appropriate remuneration. The appropriateness of a training allowance for trainings starting in 2020 and later is regulated by the Vocational Training Act (Berufsbildungsgesetz) via the minimum remuneration. Example for the baking trade (monthly gross): 1st year: 1,070 €, 2nd year: 1,140 €, 3rd year: 1,280 €. The collective bargaining agreement applies to the entire federal territory (Bundesgebiet). Source: Collective Bargaining Register North Rhine-Westphalia, as of March 2026. Example for the bread and baked goods industry (monthly gross): 1st year: 1,235 €, 2nd year: 1,411 €, 3rd year: 1,592 €. Source: Collective Bargaining Register North Rhine-Westphalia, as of September 2025. This information is for orientation purposes only. No claims can be derived from it.
▶ Training Pay (Mecklenburg-Vorpommern)
The training allowance for a dual Ausbildung (vocational training) is paid by the training company. For companies bound by collective agreements, the amount is determined by these agreements. Trainees must be granted an appropriate remuneration. For training programs starting in 2020 and later, the appropriateness of the training allowance is regulated by the Berufsbildungsgesetz (Vocational Training Act) through minimum remuneration rules. For example, in the bakery craft (monthly gross): 1st year of training: 1,070 €, 2nd year of training: 1,140 €, 3rd year of training: 1,280 €. This collective agreement applies to the entire federal territory (Source: Tarifregister Nordrhein-Westfalen, March 2026). In the bread and baked goods industry (monthly gross): 1st year of training: 1,292 €, 2nd year of training: 1,380 €, 3rd year of training: 1,511 € (Source: Tarifregister Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, December 2025). Please note: This information is for orientation purposes only. No claims can be derived from it.
Source: BERUFENET · Bundesagentur für Arbeit
Frequently Asked Questions about Bäcker/Bäckerin
Education path, salary, recognition, and entry routes for foreigners
What does a Bäcker/Bäckerin do in Germany? ▼
In Germany, Bäcker/Bäckerin are important craftspeople who prepare various types of bread and rolls, as well as pastries made from puff pastry, cookies, or yeast dough, cakes, desserts, party snacks, and small dishes. Professionals in this field carefully measure and mix ingredients such as flour, milk, eggs, yeast, spices, and sugar according to recipes, meticulously monitor the dough's formation and fermentation processes, and control the ovens. Finally, they glaze or decorate products to make them more appealing and delicious.
Bäcker/Bäckerin typically find employment in artisan bakeries, large industrial bakeries, specialized shops such as organic and diet bakeries, and in the gastronomy and catering sectors. Their workplaces are mostly bakehouses, production, and manufacturing halls; those working in artisan bakeries may also occasionally work in sales areas. For this profession, manual dexterity, an aesthetic sense (especially when decorating pastries), a sense of responsibility (compliance with food regulations), and good physical condition (such as lifting heavy baking trays) are of great importance. Mathematics (converting weight units), German (advising customers and selling products), and Chemistry (understanding chemical processes such as dough fermentation) are useful school subjects for this profession.
In Germany, there is no specific legal school education requirement to become a Bäcker/Bäckerin; however, in practice, candidates typically come from different educational levels such as Hauptschulabschluss (secondary school leaving certificate), mittlerer Bildungsabschluss (intermediate secondary school leaving certificate), or Hochschulreife (university entrance qualification). This profession is pursued through a 3-year program called "Duale Ausbildung" (dual vocational training provided in a company and a vocational school). Monthly salaries during the Ausbildung vary by sector: in the craft sector, it is approximately 1,070 € in the first year, 1,140 € in the second year, and 1,280 € in the third year; in the industrial sector, depending on the state, it can range from 821 € - 1,292 € in the first year, 908 € - 1,411 € in the second year, and 1,031 € - 1,592 € in the third year. For Turkish students, this vocational training path offers an opportunity due to its accessibility with various school diplomas and the potential for finding employment in Germany.
Is Bäcker/Bäckerin an Ausbildung or a degree path? ▼
In Germany, "Bäcker/Bäckerin" follows a 3-year dual Ausbildung — combining a vocational school (Berufsschule) with paid on-the-job training at a company. No university degree required.
How can I qualify as Bäcker/Bäckerin in Germany? ▼
In Germany, "Bäcker/Bäckerin" follows a 3-year dual Ausbildung — combining a vocational school (Berufsschule) with paid on-the-job training at a company. No university degree required. Foreign applicants should additionally verify diploma recognition via anabin.kmk.org before applying.
Where do Bäcker/Bäckerin typically work in Germany? ▼
Workplace varies by employer. Check the official BERUFENET listing for the current breakdown of typical work environments for Bäcker/Bäckerin.
What is the typical salary for Bäcker/Bäckerin in Germany? ▼
Salaries vary by region, employer size, and experience. Consult BERUFENET for current figures, or salary aggregators like gehalt.de and stepstone.de Gehaltsreport.