Pastry Cook salary in South Africa

Average Yearly Salary of Pastry Cook in South Africa is approximately 78,252 ZAR (3,906 USD). Data is for 2025 and indicates a pre-tax value. The salary itself depends on multiple factors such as seniority, job performance, certifications, experience or any other bonuses. The value indicated is an average amount based on records we have in database. Real values may vary. The data is for orientational purposes.

What does Pastry Cook do?

A pastry cook is a professional who specializes in creating a variety of baked goods, desserts, and pastries. They work in commercial kitchens, bakeries, hotels, restaurants, or even as independent bakers. Their main responsibilities include preparing and baking doughs, mixing ingredients, creating fillings and toppings, decorating pastries, and ensuring the quality and presentation of the final product. Pastry cooks often follow recipes but also have the creativity to develop their own unique creations. They must have a strong knowledge of different baking techniques, flavor combinations, and a keen eye for detail. Additionally, they need to maintain cleanliness and food safety standards in the kitchen.

Skills: Pastry cook, Baking, Desserts, Pastries, Culinary arts, Creativity
Job industry: Hospitality

How much does Pastry Cook make?

Difference in salary year over year or average salary increase is approximately 4 %


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Salary comparison to National average

Is Pastry Cook a well paid job?

No, our data shows that Pastry Cook is typically not a well-paid job. The salary varies based on experience. Meaning that even though Pastry Cook might be a low paying job, with experience the salary might increase to satisfactory levels.

What is considered a high salary for Pastry Cook?

High salary for Pastry Cook would be somewhere between 86,077 ZAR and 113,465 ZAR. However this is an estimation based on Gaussian Distribution.

How much can you save working as Pastry Cook in South Africa?

Living in South Africa the approximate monthly expenses are: 271 USD. This amount covers basic needs such as food, housing, clothing, healthcare and education costs for a single person. No luxury expenses such as traveling, leisure, hobbies are included in the estimation.

Estimated Yearly Salary: 78,252 ZAR
Estimated Monthly Salary: 6,521 ZAR
Estimated Weekly Salary: 1,505 ZAR per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 38 ZAR per hour
By working as Pastry Cook a person can save up to 54 USD per month or 652 USD yearly. Values are pre-tax.

NOTE: These values are estimates and are averaged for the whole country. Furthermore the value is likely exaggerated as no other expenses are taken into account in the projection. Unessential expenses are very subjective and are difficult to assess. Most likely the previously estimated number is significantly lower for majority of people. Expenses in different cities across the country may vary. Above values accuracy is low and is based on limited set of data obtained.

For more information regarding expenses in South Africa, see costs of living in South Africa.

Salary comparison to region and neighbouring coutries

Country's neighbours are: Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Eswatini, Lesotho.
To make it easier for comparison a conversion from local currency to USD has been made (conversion rates may vary).

Estimated Yearly Salary for Pastry Cook

Last revision of data: 2025-01-04

Salary increase per years of experience

Based on data available the salary increase per years of experience is as following

0 years (beginner) equals base salary

1 to 5 years of experience yields +12% salary increase

6 to 10 years of experience yields +25% salary increase

11 to 15 years of experience yields +16% salary increase

16 to 25 years of experience yields +9% salary increase

more than 25 years of experience yields +10% salary increase

NOTE: Details based on limited set of data. Percentages may vary. The salary increase over years of experience can vary widely based on factors such as job industry, job role, location, company size, and individual performance. To gain even larger increase in salary one is advised to switch jobs and / or employer.

Top 10 highest salaries in South Africa

Data as of 2025

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