Pastry Chef Salary in Durham, NC (2026)

Updated 82 days ago · 1 observed active listings

The salary landscape for Pastry Chefs in Durham, NC, reveals a striking disparity between the lower and upper ends of the pay spectrum, with the bottom 10% earning around $20,000 while the top 10% can make as much as $140,000. This broad range can be attributed to various factors, including the level of specialization, years of experience, and the size of the employing establishment. Given that the trimmed average salary is approximately $39,082, new hires can realistically expect to start at around the 25th percentile, typically around $20,000, as entry-level positions dominate the current job openings.

$39,082

Average Salary

$20,000

Low End

$140,000

High End

Open Positions

Salary Distribution

$20,000

$40,000

$60,000

$80,000

$100,000

$120,000

$140,000

Key Insights

The wide P10–P90 spread ($20,000–$140,000) reflects a diverse market where entry-level roles coexist with highly specialized positions, creating significant wage variability.
With only one open position currently available, the demand for Pastry Chefs in Durham may be lower than in larger metropolitan areas, which can limit wage growth and opportunities for new entrants.
The concentration of establishments like Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club influences salary expectations, as larger employers often provide higher compensation to attract and retain skilled chefs.
The gap between the 25th percentile ($20,000) and 75th percentile ($60,000) suggests that there is a substantial range of experience levels needed, with more experienced chefs commanding higher salaries, reflecting a skills scarcity in the higher end of the market.
Cost of living pressures in Durham may also affect employer salary offerings, as they must balance competitive wages with the financial realities of their business operations.

Current Pastry Chef Jobs in Durham

Pastry Assistant

Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club · East Durham, Durham County

$41,600 – $43,680

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average Pastry Chef salary in Durham, NC?

The average Pastry Chef salary in Durham, NC is $39,082 per year, with a range from $20,000 to $140,000.

How many Pastry Chef jobs are available in Durham?

There are currently 1 open Pastry Chef positions in Durham, NC.

What factors affect Pastry Chef salaries in Durham?

Pastry Chef salaries in Durham vary based on experience level, company size, industry sector, certifications, and demand. Cost of living in Durham also plays a significant role in compensation levels.

Other Salaries in Durham

Physician $90,023 avg Account Manager $80,049 avg Server $67,127 avg Cashier $23,703 avg Office Manager $68,493 avg Restaurant Manager $35,522 avg Case Manager $69,289 avg Physical Therapist $87,778 avg

Pastry Chef Salaries in Other Cities

Dallas, TX $39,082 avg Washington, DC $38,854 avg Anaheim, CA $39,082 avg Aurora, CO $39,082 avg Nashville, TN $39,082 avg Orlando, FL $38,854 avg Boston, MA $39,082 avg Charlotte, NC $38,854 avg