South Carolina's Baking and Pastry pathway develops skilled bakers and pastry chefs for the hospitality and food service industry. The state's tourism industry and expanding culinary scene create opportunities for specialty baking professionals.
Students master baking science, pastry techniques, dough formulation, and decoration methods. They work in school kitchens and partnering bakeries, creating products for real customers.
Graduates work as bakers, pastry chefs, bakery managers, or own bakeries and specialty shops. Employment opportunities exist with hotels, restaurants, bakeries, and catering companies throughout South Carolina. Many advance to head chef positions or establish specialty baking businesses.
Baking and Pastry at a Glance
4
Courses
8
Credentials
4
Career Paths
State Standards & Framework
South Carolina baking and pastry standards cover baking science, ingredient knowledge, food safety, and professional baking techniques. Standards include specialty techniques like tempering chocolate and sugar work.
Students complete competency assessments in formula calculation, product consistency, and food safety. State standards require ServSafe certification.
Typical Course Sequence
| Course |
|---|
| Baking and Pastry 1 |
| Advanced Baking and Pastry |
| Baking and Pastry Management |
| Specialty Baking Techniques |
Industry Certifications & Credentials
- ✓ServSafe Food Handler
- ✓ServSafe Manager
- ✓ProStart Certificate of Achievement - Year 1
- ✓ProStart Certificate of Achievement - Year 2
- ✓Hospitality Tourism Specialist (HTS)
- ✓Guest Service Gold - Tourism
- ✓First Aid/CPR/AED
- ✓National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC)
Career Opportunities
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Growth projections from BLS Employment Projections (2023-2033). Cost-of-living adjustment uses BEA Regional Price Parities (2023). Entry-level salaries reflect the 25th percentile; experienced salaries reflect the median.
Baker
Entry LevelSalary range: $27,600 - $39,130
Adjusted for cost of living: $29,620
Pastry Chef
Entry LevelSalary range: $51,990 - $73,040
Adjusted for cost of living: $55,795
Bakery Manager
ExperiencedSalary range: $27,600 - $39,130
Adjusted for cost of living: $37,122
Head Pastry Chef
ExperiencedSalary range: $51,990 - $73,040
Adjusted for cost of living: $65,776
Work-Based Learning Opportunities
Students work in hotel bakeries, specialty bakeries, restaurants, and catering companies throughout South Carolina.
Career & Technical Student Organization
Students in this pathway can participate in Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA), gaining leadership experience and competing in career-related events.
How Sage Helps South Carolina CTE Programs
AI-Powered Curriculum
Generate standards-aligned lesson plans in minutes, not months
South Carolina Standards Built In
Pre-loaded with South Carolina's CTE standards and frameworks
Teacher Customization
Teachers personalize content while maintaining standards alignment
Ongoing Updates
Curriculum stays current as South Carolina standards and industry needs evolve
Related Pathways in South Carolina
Business Management and Administration
South Carolina's Business Management and Administration pathway, part of the modernized Management & Entrepreneurship cluster, prepares students for careers in business operations, management, human resources, and entrepreneurship. This comprehensive program develops essential business competencies including financial literacy, business communication, project management, marketing principles, and organizational leadership. As businesses throughout South Carolina seek employees with strong foundational business skills, this pathway provides critical workforce preparation. The program emphasizes both traditional business management concepts and contemporary skills including digital marketing, data analytics, global business operations, and innovation management. Students develop professional skills through hands-on projects, business simulations, and interactions with local business leaders. The curriculum prepares students for business careers across all industries while also supporting those interested in launching their own entrepreneurial ventures. South Carolina's Business Management pathway integrates academic rigor with practical application, ensuring students develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities essential for business success. Graduates are prepared for entry-level business positions, advanced business certifications, or continuation to four-year business degree programs.
Management & EntrepreneurshipCulinary Arts and Hospitality
South Carolina's Culinary Arts and Hospitality pathway prepares students for careers in the state's vibrant tourism and hospitality industry. This comprehensive program covers culinary techniques, restaurant operations, food safety, hospitality management, and customer service excellence. With South Carolina's coastal tourism destinations, historic cities like Charleston and Greenville, and growing culinary scene, the hospitality industry provides substantial employment opportunities. The pathway emphasizes both classical culinary fundamentals and contemporary food service trends including farm-to-table concepts, dietary accommodations, and sustainable food practices. Students gain hands-on experience in professional-grade culinary laboratories and often operate student-run restaurants or catering services that provide authentic hospitality experiences. The curriculum integrates business management, nutrition science, and professional communication skills essential for hospitality careers. South Carolina's Culinary Arts programs maintain partnerships with restaurants, hotels, resorts, and catering companies throughout the state, providing students with industry mentorship and employment pathways. Graduates are prepared for entry-level culinary positions, management training programs, or continuation to culinary arts or hospitality management degree programs.
Hospitality, Events, & TourismHospitality and Tourism Management
South Carolina's Hospitality and Tourism Management pathway develops professionals for the state's significant tourism and hospitality industry. Charleston, Hilton Head, and myrtle beach draw millions of visitors annually, creating robust hospitality employment. Students develop customer service excellence, event planning, front office management, and tour operations knowledge. They gain experience through internships in hotels, resorts, restaurants, and tourism organizations. Graduates work as event planners, hotel managers, concierges, or tourism coordinators. Many advance to general manager positions or operate independent hospitality businesses. Employment opportunities span hotels, resorts, restaurants, tour operators, and convention centers throughout South Carolina.
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