Cake decorating is a recreational passion for some, but for others it can become a lucrative profession. Cake decorator jobs can be found in grocery stores, bakeries, pastry schools, and even local craft stores for those with an interest in teaching. Decorators with a more independent nature and enough talent may prefer to start a private cake decorating business. Required cake decorating skills range from the simplest task of applying a layer of plain icing, to the complicated and intricate job of creating something bearing more resemblance to a work of art than what will eventually become a slice of cake on a plate.
Television shows like Food Network's Ace of Cakes have upped the bar in cake decorating innovation, but entry level cake decorator jobs can be found with less demanding creative criteria. Grocery store bakeries are a great place for the entry level person to begin a career in the cake decorating business. These jobs require the cake decorator to follow predetermined instructions, with little creative input. Though not as exciting as creating multi-tiered extravaganzas of flour and sugar, the basics must be learned and cake decorating jobs in grocery store bakeries offer a solid foundation in basic cake construction. Jobs in this category require little experience, so the novice decorator has good chance of securing a position.
Independent bakeries are a good fit for those with more experience. Cake decorator jobs at independent bakeries offer a bit more creative freedom. Custom wedding cakes, birthday cakes, and special event confections provide an opportunity for cake decorators to hone their craft while indulging in more artistic expression. Duties at these cake decorator jobs will vary greatly based on the employer, however. Some will specialize in high end wedding cakes, some will do simpler constructions, and some will save the intricate, creative work for the lead decorators who delegate the basic tasks to the newest employees.
Highly skilled cake decorator jobs include instructor positions at pastry schools and colleges. Experience is a definite must for these positions, and those who enjoy teaching but prefer a part-time gig should look into continuing education classes at local community colleges or craft stores that sell cake decorating equipment. These places often offer courses in cake decorating to community residents and customers. One of the most popular series of cake decorating classes are called Wilton. Cake decorators who have mastered this particular series of cake decorating methods should find many opportunities to share this knowledge.
