Top Pastry Chef Schools in Illinois: A Clear Guide to Your Baking Career
Illinois has several prestigious pastry chef schools, particularly in Chicago, a city known for its diverse culinary scene. With world-class institutions and affordable community colleges, students in Illinois have access to hands-on training, industry certifications, and networking opportunities to build a successful baking career.
Why Choose a Pastry Chef Program?
Pastry chef schools in Illinois offer baking, creativity, and business skills training. These programs prepare students for careers in restaurants, bakeries, and businesses. Many schools also provide certifications like ServSafe® and ACF, which improve job opportunities.
Top Pastry Schools in Illinois
Illinois’s top pastry schools blend time-honored baking techniques with modern flair, set within a dynamic food scene from Chicago to Champaign. Whether you’re crafting artisan croissants or Chicago‑style confections, these programs offer passionate instruction, hands-on labs, and plentiful industry connections to help your pastry career rise.
French Pastry School
Located in Chicago, The French Pastry School specializes in pastry arts. Students learn artisan bread baking, chocolate making, and cake design. The program focuses on French pastry techniques and offers hands-on training under expert chefs.
Kendall College
Kendall College in Chicago offers a baking and pastry program that teaches basic and advanced techniques. Students gain experience in cake decoration, bread making, and modern dessert trends. The college provides industry connections to help graduates find jobs.
Community Colleges Offering Pastry Programs
Several community colleges in Illinois offer affordable pastry chef programs. These include:
- City Colleges of Chicago-Kennedy-King College (Chicago, IL)
- College of DuPage (Glen Ellyn, IL)
- College of Lake County (Grayslake, IL)
- Elgin Community College (Elgin, IL)
- Joliet Junior College (Joliet, IL)
- McHenry County College (Crystal Lake, IL)
- Moraine Valley Community College (Palos Hills, IL)
- National Louis University (Chicago, IL)
- Rend Lake College (Ina, IL)
- Richland Community College (Decatur, IL)
- Southwestern Illinois College (Belleville, IL)
- Triton College (River Grove, IL)
- William Rainey Harper College (Palatine, IL)
These programs cover cake decorating, bread making, nutrition, and business management. Students get hands-on experience in specialized labs and gain insights from experienced instructors.
Average Rent Near Culinary Schools in Illinois
When planning to attend a pastry school in Illinois, it’s important to consider the cost of off-campus housing, as rental prices can vary significantly depending on the city and proximity to campus. We’ve compiled some of the average costs for off-campus housing by area to give you an idea of what you can expect when looking for student housing. Some of the areas include:
- Kendall College (Chicago, IL): The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Chicago is approximately $2,150 per month.
- Illinois Central College (Peoria, IL): In Peoria, the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is around $947 per month.
- Rock Valley College (Rockford, IL): The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Rockford is about $932 per month.
- Lincoln Land Community College (Springfield, IL): In Springfield, one-bedroom apartments average $830 per month.
- Parkland College (Champaign, IL): The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Champaign is approximately $1,020 per month.
These figures are approximate and can vary based on factors such as apartment size, location, and amenities. It’s advisable to check current listings for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Additional Cost Considerations for Students in Illinois
While tuition and rent are major components of your budget, aspiring culinary students should also account for everyday living expenses that can add up quickly. Utilities, transportation, and food are essential categories that influence your monthly spending and should be factored into your financial planning. Here’s what you can expect in these key areas:
Utilities
Off-campus housing in Illinois often does not include utilities such as electricity, water, gas, internet, and trash services. Depending on the city and your housing type, utility bills can range from $150 to $275 per month. Costs may be higher in colder months due to heating, especially in areas like Chicago or Rockford. These costs are not fixed and include amenities that differ depending on the landlord, so be sure to confirm all additional costs before signing a lease.
Transport and Commute
Transportation expenses vary across the state. In urban centers like Chicago, students can take advantage of public transit systems like the CTA, with monthly passes costing around $75. In smaller cities like Peoria or Springfield, public transport may be limited, so many students rely on personal vehicles. Those who choose to rely on a personal vehicle should factor in the cost of gas, insurance, parking, and maintenance, which can cost anywhere from $150 to $300 per month, depending on usage. Please note that parking costs tend to increase based on weather conditions.
Food and Supplies
Culinary students should expect to spend between $300 and $450 per month on food, especially if purchasing specialty items or ingredients for coursework. In addition to groceries, it’s important to budget for basic supplies such as toiletries, cleaning products, and school-related kitchen tools. These costs will vary depending on dietary habits as well as how often you choose to eat out or cook at home. Grocery stores that are located near schools tend to offer student discounts on certain products, so it’s worth looking into that as well.
Sample Monthly Budget for Culinary Students in Illinois
To help you plan your finances while attending pastry school in Illinois, we’ve created a sample monthly budget. This breakdown covers some of the typical costs you can expect when staying in off-campus housing and provides a realistic estimate based on average costs across different cities in the state.
| Expense Category | Estimated Monthly Cost (USD) |
| Rent (1-bedroom apartment) | $900 – $2,150 |
| Utilities (electricity, water, gas, internet) | $150 – $275 |
| Transportation (public transit or personal vehicle) | $75 – $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 | $1,755 – $3,745 |
Online Schools for Pastry Arts
Several online schools offer pastry arts programs for those who prefer flexible learning. These programs provide video tutorials, virtual labs, and instructor feedback to help students develop baking skills from home. Some notable online schools include:
- Escoffier School of Culinary Arts: Offers a fully online baking and pastry program with industry-recognized certification.
- Rouxbe Online Culinary School: Provides pastry courses with chef mentorship and professional guidance.
- Penn Foster Career School: Features self-paced pastry arts courses for students balancing other commitments.
These online schools allow students to study independently while gaining valuable pastry skills aligned with industry standards.
Essential Skills for Pastry Chefs
Hands-On Training
Students practice baking in real kitchens and gain experience through internships and bakery work. Practical training builds confidence and precision in measuring, mixing, and decorating.
Creativity in Baking
Pastry chefs experiment with flavors, textures, and presentation. Schools encourage students to develop unique styles and signature desserts.
Business and Management
Many programs teach financial management, marketing, and menu development. These skills help students run their bakeries or manage pastry departments in restaurants.
Explore Job listings for Pastry Chefs and Bakers in Illinois
Employers in the state all have their requirements when it comes to hiring new employees. We’ve compiled a list of some of the current job openings in the state to provide some insight into the real-world job market as well as possibly assisting those who are currently looking for work.
| Job Title | Company | Location | Date Posted |
| Cake Decorator | Walmart | Peoria, IL | 05/06/2025 |
| Deli Baker | Pilot Company | Alorton, IL | 05/06/2025 |
| Baker | Hy-Vee Food Stores | Springfield, IL | 04/26/2025 |
| Cake Decorator | Meijer | Sycamore, IL | 04/26/2025 |
| baker, Reserve Cafe – Store #53313 Starbucks Reserve & Roastery – Chicago, IL | Starbucks | Chicago, IL | 03/21/2025 |
| Food Safety Coordinator | Mondelez International | Chicago, IL | 02/18/2025 |
| Restaurant Team Member | Golden Corral | Joliet, IL | 05/02/2021 |
Please note that these job listings are not permanent and are subject to change based on employee needs and seasonal demand.
Pastry Chef Salaries in Illinois 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 |
| Illinois | $17.68 | $36,770 | $14.62 | $16.02 | $18.94 | $22.34 |
| Bloomington, IL | $16.05 | $33,380 | $14.04 | $14.23 | $17.87 | $19.97 |
| Champaign-Urbana, IL | $16.58 | $34,480 | $14.00 | $14.37 | $18.08 | $20.99 |
| Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN | $17.78 | $36,970 | $14.90 | $16.49 | $19.41 | $22.60 |
| Davenport-Moline-Rock Island, IA-IL | $15.98 | $33,230 | $10.14 | $14.00 | $19.28 | $22.65 |
| Peoria, IL | $14.94 | $31,070 | $14.00 | $14.00 | $18.03 | $24.21 |
| Rockford, IL | $16.36 | $34,040 | $14.00 | $14.74 | $18.09 | $21.34 |
| Springfield, IL | $16.38 | $34,060 | $14.00 | $14.29 | $17.90 | $20.04 |
| St. Louis, MO-IL | $16.87 | $35,080 | $14.00 | $14.60 | $18.35 | $22.36 |
Certifications for Pastry Chefs
ServSafe® Certification
This certification ensures pastry chefs follow food safety and sanitation standards. Many schools include ServSafe® training in their programs.
ACF Certifications
The American Culinary Federation (ACF) offers industry-recognized certifications. Schools like McHenry County College align their programs with ACF standards to help students meet industry expectations.
Career Paths for Pastry Chef Graduates
Restaurant and Bakery Jobs
Graduates often work as pastry chefs, head bakers, or bakery managers. These roles involve creating desserts, managing kitchen operations, and ensuring food quality.
Owning a Bakery
Many pastry chefs start businesses, from small bakeries to large-scale production kitchens. Some focus on specialty desserts, while others offer a wide range of baked goods.
Advanced Education
Some students continue their education with bachelor’s degrees in culinary arts. Schools offer transfer programs to help graduates advance their skills and career opportunities.
Financial Considerations
Tuition and Fees
Pastry chef program costs vary. Students can expect tuition fees between $5,000 and $20,000 per year depending on the school.
Scholarships and Financial Aid
Many schools offer scholarships and federal financial aid to help cover tuition costs.
Supplies and Uniforms
Students must purchase baking tools and uniforms, which can cost between $300 and $600. Some schools require students to buy specific equipment directly from the institution.
Success Stories
Notable Graduates
- Sarah Levy Imberman: Owner of Sarah’s Pastries & Candies in Chicago.
- Meg Galus: Executive pastry chef at Park Hyatt Chicago.
Student Testimonials
- Meghan Fiene (College of DuPage): Credits hands-on training for her career success.
- Evelyn Kourliouros: Found her passion for pastry after completing her studies at the College of DuPage.
Illinois offers excellent pastry chef programs, from specialized schools to community colleges. Hands-on training, creativity, business knowledge, and certifications prepare students for successful careers in the pastry industry. Whether you want to work in a bakery, open your shop, or continue your education, these programs provide the skills and experience needed to thrive.
Job Outlook for Pastry Chefs in Illinois
The demand for pastry chefs in Illinois is growing:
- 5% job growth expected by 2032
- 12,650 projected pastry chef jobs by 2032
- 1,860 annual job openings anticipated statewide
With a large and dynamic culinary landscape ranging from Chicago’s world-class bakeries to smaller city and suburban establishments, Illinois offers pastry chefs strong job security. Even moderate growth will sustain a steady flow of opportunities across diverse settings, making it a smart career choice for pastry professionals.