Pastry chef or cake decorator?

Question

which is better? what is each like? how much do they pay? etc

[i wasnt getting any answers in the food service category]

Answer 1

they are in the same field. I am starting Pastry school in 2 weeks and cake decorating is one of me courses.

The pay depends on where you work, how good you are and your experience..... As for a pastry chef being paid more... that is not true in all cases. You can get BIG bucks for a cake, such as wedding cakes, some ppl withh pay thousands for them!

Answer 2

A pastry chef would be paid more, and also need YEARS of schooling and apprenticeship.  The pay would depend where you lived, and what type of establishment you're working for.  A cake decorator could just take a couple of classes, or learn from a bakery.....

Answer 3

both can pay alot if you are good

but if you are more creative, do cake decorating

Answer 4

Pastry chef pretty much says it all as it is a category of chef.  Pastries can get quite involved in the process of making as well as  decorating.  So, you see it is by far a much more of an art which requires learning of technique & skill.  There are different pastries to learn, but most schools tend to emphasize the classical French.  You can check on this, but this was how it was when I was in culinary school.  If you become a pastry chef, you might limit yourself somewhat to bakeries, catering companies, and upscale restaurants.  The pay depends upon the establishment and experience.  The pay will also vary depending upon the area of the country & city you are in.  The exact same job will pay much more in NYC than in Souix City, Iowa.  The bottom line is for you to get on the job and work!  Only after a while will you know what you really love to do.  No one can make that decision for you.  Good luck!

Answer 5

The "pay" is mostly in the reward you get from the enjoyment of your chosen profession. Look at your forte. Are you artistically creative like a cake decorator or do you love to create from the foundation like a pastry chef?

Answer 6

Back around 62 first x and I got into the arts and crafts

I baked the cake and she did the fancy

I was a civil servant so the money went to her

we did a couple of wedding cakes..very good money

Cake decorating is more about your tools

our pans were from Wilton and expensive but add up all the pastry tips the fancy pillars for the tiers etc

then the cake fad went away

.#1X got a job and ran away..

Now she owens the little store (3) and only cooks on the BIG holidays

decorating cakes can be easy

BUT the pastry chef,,, now your cooking real food,, fruit and custards,, working with jam and jelly etc..

as for money the pastry shop would make you more..

you can still make cakes,,.