Top Pastry Chef Schools in Florida: Find the Best Program for You
Florida is home to a thriving culinary industry fuelled by its bustling tourism sector and diverse cultural influences. The state’s top pastry chef schools provide hands-on training and academic courses to prepare students for careers in pastry arts. With world-class restaurants, luxury resorts, and a demand for skilled bakers, Florida offers excellent career opportunities for aspiring pastry chefs.
Why Become a Pastry Chef in Florida?
Florida’s strong food service industry creates a high demand for skilled pastry chefs. Tourists from around the world visit, increasing job opportunities in hotels, restaurants, and bakeries. Becoming a pastry chef in Florida is an excellent career path, not only because of the growing market but also because of the clear job security that it provides.
Best Pastry Chef Schools in Florida
Florida offers some of the best pastry chef schools in the country, combining expert instruction, hands-on training, and a vibrant culinary scene perfect for aspiring bakers.
Keiser University
Keiser University offers hands-on training in baking and pastry arts. Students will learn essential skills such as chocolate sculpting, pastry design, and food safety. The program prepares graduates for careers as pastry chefs, bakers, and cake decorators. With hands-on experience being a key part of the training, helping students develop technical and creative skills that can be applied in the real world of baking.
Florida Education Institute
This program blends traditional pastry techniques with Latin American influences. Students are given the opportunity to train in a professional bakery setting, learning theoretical and practical skills with industry-standard equipment. The program emphasizes teamwork, guest satisfaction, and strong work habits.
Johnson & Wales University
Johnson & Wales offers a four-year degree in Baking & Pastry Arts. The program includes 1,440 hours of hands-on training in specialized labs. This program also offers students internships and study abroad programs. On campus, the Walt Disney World Center for Culinary Arts and Hospitality provides additional learning opportunities. Courses cover advanced pastry techniques, chocolate artistry, food safety, and menu costing.
The Art Institute of Tampa
This program covers both classic and modern pastry techniques. Over six months, students complete 600 hours of intensive training. The curriculum includes preparing and presenting pastries, problem-solving in a kitchen environment, and practical communication skills.
Valencia College
Valencia College offers a program focused on employability skills in the food service industry. Located in Orlando, it provides access to a large hospitality market. Students learn safe and efficient kitchen practices, gaining transferable skills for various culinary roles. The school’s location also enhances job placement opportunities through industry connections.
Additional Baking and Pastry Chef Schools in Florida
In addition to the major institutions listed above, the following colleges also offer baking and pastry chef programs in Florida:
- Charlotte Technical College (Port Charlotte, FL)
- Daytona State College (Daytona Beach, FL)
- Florida Education Institute (Miami, FL)
- George Stone Technical College (Pensacola, FL)
- Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale (Fort Lauderdale, FL)
- Lake Technical College (Eustis, FL)
- Lively Technical College (Tallahassee, FL)
- Manatee Technical College (Bradenton, FL)
- Mariano Moreno Culinary Institute (Miami, FL)
- Marion Technical College (Ocala, FL)
- Pensacola State College (Pensacola, FL)
- Pinellas Technical College-Clearwater (Clearwater, FL)
- Robert Morgan Educational Center and Technical College (Miami, FL)
- William T McFatter Technical College (Davie, FL)
Average Rent Near Culinary Schools in Florida
When exploring pastry schools across Florida, it’s important to factor in the cost of off-campus housing, as rental prices can vary widely depending on the city. We’ve compiled a list of the average monthly rent near culinary schools by area to give you a better idea of how to budget effectively.
| Institution | Location | Average 1-Bedroom Rent (USD) |
| Keiser University | Fort Lauderdale | $2,100 – $2,243 |
| Florida Education Institute | Miami | $2,100 – $2,174 |
| Johnson & Wales University – North Miami Campus | North Miami | $2,100 – $2,174 |
| The Art Institute of Tampa | Tampa | $1,595 – $1,663 |
| Valencia College | Orlando | $1,602 – $1,631 |
| George Stone Technical College | Pensacola | $1,256 – $1,332 |
| Lively Technical College | Tallahassee | $1,000 – $1,192 |
| Manatee Technical College | Bradenton | $1,600 – $1,640 |
| Marion Technical College | Ocala | $1,199 – $1,279 |
Additional Cost Considerations for Culinary Students in Florida
Every day living expenses are also an important factor when it comes to financial planning. Understanding the average costs of utilities, transportation, and food will help ensure a more accurate and realistic monthly budget. Here’s a breakdown of these key categories:
Utilities
Utilities such as water, electricity, gas, internet, and trash removal are often billed separately in off-campus housing. In Florida, monthly utility bills can range from $150 to $250, depending on apartment size, usage habits, time of year, and whether it’s shared housing or a one-bedroom unit. So be sure to confirm which utilities are included in the rent before signing a lease.
Transport and Commute
Transport costs in Florida vary by city and distance to campus. While cities like Miami and Orlando offer public transit options, many students choose to rely on personal vehicles. Those who own their own vehicle can expect monthly costs of up to $300 – this includes fuel, parking, and routine maintenance. If you’re planning on making use of public transport, be sure to research local bus or rail passes to find the cost-effective option for you.
Food and Supplies
Food expenses are another important aspect of your budget. Your expenses will vary greatly depending on eating habits and how often to dine out or cook at home. Students spend an average of $300 to $450 per month on groceries and meals. Keep in mind that you may also need to budget for specialty ingredients, baking tools, and kitchen supplies, which are often required for your coursework as a culinary student, while additional essentials like toiletries, cleaning products, and personal items should also be included in your monthly budget.
Sample Monthly Budget for Culinary Students in Florida
We’ve created a sample monthly budget based on common living expenses for students living off-campus. This table is meant to help you better financially prepare for your life as a culinary student staying off-campus and offers a realistic estimate of what you might spend each month based off of current average costs in the state.
| Expense Category | Estimated Monthly Cost (USD) |
| Rent (1-bedroom apartment) | $1,600 – $2,200 |
| Utilities (electricity, water, gas, internet) | $150 – $250 |
| Transportation (fuel, insurance, maintenance) | $150 – $300 |
| Groceries and Food | $300 – $450 |
| Kitchen Supplies | $50 – $100 |
| Phone and Internet | $80 – $120 |
| Personal Supplies | $100 – $150 |
| Miscellaneous | $100 – $200 |
| Total Estimated Cost | $2,530 – $3,770 |
Online Schools for Pastry Arts
For those seeking flexibility, online schools for pastry arts provide an alternative to traditional programs. Many accredited institutions offer virtual courses covering essential baking techniques, food safety, and pastry presentation.
Online programs allow students to learn independently while gaining industry-relevant skills. These courses often include interactive lessons, video demonstrations, and opportunities for hands-on practice at home. Online pastry education is ideal for individuals balancing work, family, or other commitments while pursuing a baking and pastry arts career.
How to Choose the Right Pastry Chef School
When selecting a pastry school, consider these factors:
- Curriculum: Ensure the program covers essential baking techniques and management skills.
- Accreditation: Choose a school that meets industry standards.
- Instructors: Experienced chefs provide valuable insights and mentorship.
- Facilities: Modern kitchens and equipment improve learning experiences.
- Career Services: Schools with substantial job placement assistance help graduates transition into the workforce.
Career Opportunities for Pastry Chef Graduates
Graduates can work in restaurants and hotels or open their own bakeries. Career options include pastry chef, cake decorator, and dessert shop owner. Practical training and internships improve job readiness, making graduates more competitive, while networking opportunities pave the way for further career advancements.
Pastry Chef and Baker Job Openings in Florida
Florida’s food industry stretches from coastal kitchens to city bakeries, with new opportunities popping up daily. This list features a combination of baking, pastry, and food service roles in various locations across the state.
| Job Title | Company | Location | Date Posted |
| (USA) Cake Decorator | Walmart | Cocoa, FL | 05/08/2025 |
| Baker | Marriott | Clearwater Beach, FL | 05/08/2025 |
| Deli Baker | Pilot Company | Jasper, FL | 05/08/2025 |
| Production Baker | Nothing Bundt Cakes | Orlando, FL | 04/30/2025 |
| cake decorator | Walmart | Vero Beach, FL | 04/29/2025 |
| Pastry Cook I – Signia by Hilton Orlando and Waldorf Astoria Orlando | Hilton | Orlando, FL | 04/26/2025 |
| BAKER (FULL TIME) | Compass Group, North America | Pensacola, FL | 04/22/2025 |
| Baker: NEW BAKERY OPENING! | Nothing Bundt Cakes | Altamonte Springs, FL | 04/17/2025 |
Please note that job listings are not permanent and are subject to change. This table is purely meant to aid those looking to start a career in the industry by providing them with a greater insight as to what employers typically look for during the hiring process.
Pastry Chef Salaries in Florida by Region
| AREA | Mean Hourly Wage | Mean annual wage | Hourly wage 10th percentile | Hourly wage 25th percentile | Hourly wage 75th percentile | Hourly wage 90th percentile |
| Florida | $17.59 | $36,580 | $13.55 | $15.00 | $18.51 | $21.99 |
| Cape Coral-Fort Myers, FL | $17.64 | $36,680 | $13.90 | $15.41 | $20.09 | $21.76 |
| Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL | $18.04 | $37,530 | $14.47 | $15.76 | $18.51 | $21.96 |
| Deltona-Daytona Beach-Ormond Beach, FL | $17.21 | $35,810 | $13.31 | $14.63 | $18.01 | $21.31 |
| Gainesville, FL | $15.76 | $32,790 | $13.66 | $14.54 | $18.11 | $21.20 |
| Homosassa Springs, FL | $17.05 | $35,470 | $12.19 | $13.98 | $18.41 | $20.70 |
| Jacksonville, FL | $16.71 | $34,760 | $13.75 | $14.44 | $18.11 | $21.15 |
| Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL | $16.39 | $34,100 | $14.16 | $14.74 | $18.95 | $20.75 |
| Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach, FL | $17.54 | $36,470 | $13.53 | $15.00 | $18.51 | $22.10 |
| Naples-Marco Island, FL | $17.51 | $36,420 | $14.12 | $16.17 | $20.93 | $22.72 |
| North Port-Bradenton-Sarasota, FL | $17.65 | $36,720 | $14.16 | $15.46 | $18.68 | $21.32 |
| Ocala, FL | $17.17 | $35,710 | $13.09 | $14.33 | $17.56 | $21.31 |
| Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford, FL | $16.69 | $34,720 | $13.38 | $14.93 | $18.00 | $21.43 |
| Palm Bay-Melbourne-Titusville, FL | $17.31 | $36,010 | $12.88 | $14.74 | $20.67 | $24.85 |
| Panama City-Panama City Beach, FL | $16.59 | $34,510 | $13.46 | $14.34 | $18.22 | $20.55 |
| Pensacola-Ferry Pass-Brent, FL | $15.40 | $32,040 | $12.00 | $13.93 | $17.83 | $20.44 |
| Port St. Lucie, FL | $16.39 | $34,100 | $13.59 | $14.20 | $18.09 | $22.37 |
| Punta Gorda, FL | $17.51 | $36,420 | $13.98 | $15.29 | $19.86 | $21.63 |
| Sebastian-Vero Beach-West Vero Corridor, FL | $17.68 | $36,770 | $13.61 | $14.70 | $19.56 | $21.30 |
| Sebring, FL | $16.70 | $34,740 | $12.42 | $13.20 | $18.69 | $21.23 |
| Tallahassee, FL | $16.59 | $34,510 | $13.34 | $13.96 | $18.26 | $20.66 |
| Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL | $17.46 | $36,320 | $13.64 | $15.03 | $18.50 | $21.53 |
| Wildwood-The Villages, FL | $17.16 | $35,690 | $13.89 | $14.81 | $17.79 | $21.29 |
Start Your Pastry Career in Florida
Florida’s pastry industry is expanding steadily, with 11,230 pastry chefs employed in 2022 and projected growth to 12,610 by 2032, a 12% increase. The state expects about 1,880 annual job openings, making Florida one of the top states for pastry chef opportunities.
Choosing the right pastry chef school is essential to building a successful career. Programs at Keiser University, Florida Education Institute, Johnson & Wales University, The Art Institute of Tampa, and Valencia College offer excellent training and career support.
A career in pastry arts requires skill, creativity, and dedication. With the proper education, you can turn your passion into a rewarding profession. Begin your journey today and explore Florida’s exciting world of baking and pastry arts.