Top Pastry Chef Schools in New Jersey: Find the Best Baking Programs
New Jersey is home to several highly regarded pastry chef schools, offering hands-on training and industry connections. The state has a strong culinary tradition, and its proximity to major metropolitan areas like New York City and Philadelphia provides students with additional career opportunities. This guide covers top programs that provide essential education and practical experience for those looking to start a career in pastry arts.
Pastry Chef Programs in New Jersey
New Jersey has several culinary arts programs for aspiring pastry chefs. Many of these programs take two years to complete. They offer hands-on training, externships, and partnerships with industry professionals to ensure real-world experience.
Atlantic Cape Community College
Atlantic Cape Community College offers a two-year public culinary arts program focused on baking and pastry arts. It provides hands-on training and a student-to-faculty ratio of 16:1, allowing personalized instruction.
Bergen Community College
Bergen Community College offers a culinary arts certificate program that can be completed in two semesters. The 30 credits earned can transfer to an associate’s degree. The college has an 18:1 student-to-faculty ratio and provides career services and faculty support.
Hudson County Community College
Hudson County Community College offers a culinary arts program in a city setting. The program covers practical skills and theoretical knowledge, preparing students for the fast-paced culinary industry. The student-to-faculty ratio is 22:1.
Mercer County Community College
Located in a rural setting, Mercer County Community College provides a focused learning environment. The culinary program emphasizes baking and pastry skills, with a student-to-faculty ratio of 16:1.
Passaic County Community College
Passaic County Community College offers a pastry arts program with in-depth practical training. The 16:1 student-to-faculty ratio allows for personalized instruction.
Rowan College at Burlington County
Rowan College at Burlington County has a pastry arts program that caters to suburban students. The student-to-faculty ratio is 21:1, balancing academic support and career preparation.
Eastwick College-Hackensack
Eastwick College-Hackensack is a private institution specializing in pastry arts training. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 25:1, it provides intensive instruction in a small student community.
Average Rent Near Culinary Schools in New Jersey
Rent is often the largest monthly cost aside from tuition. So it is very important to evaluate local housing rates, as that is often what dictates whether you’ll be able to go through with studying at any certain institution. On-campus housing is often very limited, which is why we suggest looking at off-campus options as well.
While specific data for Mount Laurel is limited, Burlington County rents approximate those in nearby metro areas such as Newark or Jersey City, leaning toward higher-end suburban averages:
- Studio: ~$1,600/month (estimate)
- 1‑Bedroom: ~$1,900/month
- 2‑Bedroom: ~$2,300/month
- 3‑Bedroom: ~$2,700/month (suburban family units)
Metro-up comparisons:
Newark, NJ
- Studio ~$1,450/month
- 1‑Bedroom ~$1,685/month
- 2‑Bedroom ~$2,000/month
- 3‑Bedroom ~$2,348/month
Jersey City, NJ
- Studio ~$2,676/month
- 1 ‑Bedroom ~$3,224/month
- 2‑Bedroom ~$4,274/month
- 3‑Bedroom ~$5,056/month
Mount Laurel rents typically fall between Newark and Jersey City averages.
Additional Cost Considerations
Choosing to live in off-campus housing means that you will also need to budget for utilities, transport, and food and supplies. Anticipating these will help you create a realistic monthly spending plan.
Utilities
Staying in off-campus housing means that you will have to budget for utilities such as water, electricity, internet, and trash removal services. Setting aside about $150 per month should cover these expenses, depending on usage and apartment size. It’s important that you confirm any additional expenses before signing a lease.
Transport and Commute
Those who don’t live within walking distance of campus and choose to rely on a personal vehicle can expect monthly expenses of about $300 per month. This will cover fuel, maintenance, and potential parking fees. It’s also worth looking into public transit options, as it is often the most affordable form of commute.
Food and Supplies
Grocery prices in New Jersey are roughly the same as the national average. Based on the average cost of groceries, you should budget at least $450 per month for groceries, ingredients for coursework, toiletries, and essential household supplies. Buying in bulk and cooking at home can also greatly reduce your monthly spending.
Sample Monthly Budget for Culinary Students in New Jersey
Below is a sample monthly budget for a student living alone near RCBC in Mount Laurel, combining rent with common living expenses. This table is based on current average costs across the state.
| Category | Amount (USD/month) |
| Rent (1‑Bedroom, Mount Laurel) | $1,900 |
| Utilities | $140 |
| Internet | $60 |
| Transportation (Fuel, Insurance) | $250 |
| Food & Groceries | $375 |
| School Supplies | $75 |
| Personal Care & Toiletries | $40 |
| Entertainment & Miscellaneous | $75 |
| Total Estimated Expenses | $2,915 |
Online Schools for Pastry Arts
For students looking for flexible learning options, online schools provide an alternative to traditional culinary programs.
These programs allow students to complete coursework remotely while gaining practical experience through assignments and virtual demonstrations. Some online schools partner with local bakeries or culinary institutions to offer hands-on training opportunities. Online pastry arts programs are ideal for those who need a flexible schedule while pursuing a career in baking and pastry.
Hands-On Training and Practical Skills
Practical experience is essential for pastry chefs. New Jersey culinary programs focus on real-world training through baking labs, internships, and industry partnerships.
Baking Labs and Kitchens
New Jersey schools have modern baking labs and professional kitchens. These facilities allow students to practice essential techniques and develop their skills with industry-standard equipment.
Externships and Internships
Many programs include externships in local bakeries and restaurants. These opportunities provide industry exposure and help students gain valuable hands-on experience.
Industry Partnerships
Culinary schools in New Jersey partner with local businesses. These collaborations help students network and secure job placements after graduation.
Certifications and Advanced Training
Earning certifications improves job prospects for pastry chefs. Various professional credentials and continued education programs help chefs advance their careers.
American Culinary Federation (ACF) Certifications
The ACF offers 13 certification levels for pastry chefs. These credentials enhance skills and boost career opportunities.
Continuing Education
Workshops and online courses help pastry chefs refine their techniques and stay current with industry trends.
Professional Associations
Joining professional associations provides networking opportunities and access to industry events and job listings.
Career Outlook and Salary Expectations
The job market for pastry chefs in New Jersey is strong, with competitive salaries and steady job growth.
- 10% job growth expected by 2032
- 7,150 projected pastry chef jobs by 2032
- 1,060 annual job openings anticipated statewide
Employment Opportunities
Pastry chefs in New Jersey work in hotels, restaurants, bakeries, catering companies, and specialty food shops. Internships and externships improve job prospects.
Pastry Chef Salaries in New Jersey 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 |
| New Jersey | $17.62 | $36,650 | $15.13 | $15.82 | $20.34 | $25.48 |
| Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ | $17.44 | $36,280 | $12.49 | $15.13 | $21.54 | $25.11 |
| Atlantic City-Hammonton, NJ | $17.31 | $36,000 | $15.13 | $15.79 | $21.56 | $23.76 |
| New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ | $18.85 | $39,200 | $16.08 | $17.52 | $22.28 | $27.79 |
| Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD | $17.39 | $36,160 | $13.12 | $15.13 | $19.91 | $22.64 |
| Trenton-Princeton, NJ | $17.34 | $36,060 | $15.13 | $15.81 | $21.02 | $23.23 |
| Vineland, NJ | $16.64 | $34,600 | $15.13 | $15.13 | $16.99 | $21.58 |
Current Culinary Job Listings in New Jersey
Below is a list of some of the current job openings available in New Jersey. This list will give you a good idea of what current employers are looking for when hiring for any given role.
| Job Title | Company | Location | Date Posted |
| Cake Decorator | Walmart | Neptune, NJ | 05/08/2025 |
| Baker | Marina Mara Quitutes INC | Newark, NJ | 05/06/2025 |
| Cake Decorator | Walmart | Turnersville, NJ | 05/05/2025 |
| Cake Decorator Associate | Walmart | Pleasantville, NJ | 05/05/2025 |
| Pizza Baker | Stew Leonard’s | Clifton, NJ | 04/15/2025 |
| Bagel Baker | Atlantic Bagel Company | Rumson, NJ | 09/15/2022 |
Disclaimer: These job listings are not permanent and are subject to change based on employer needs and seasonal demand.
Transfer and Further Education Options
Students who want to continue their education can transfer their credits to four-year institutions.
Collaboration with Four-Year Schools
Many community colleges in New Jersey offer transfer programs to bachelor’s degree institutions.
Advising and Support
Advising services help students plan their education and career paths.
NJ Transfer Tool
The NJ Transfer tool helps students find four-year schools that accept their culinary credits.
Choosing the right culinary school is essential for a successful pastry chef career. New Jersey offers various programs with hands-on training, certifications, and industry connections. With strong job prospects and competitive salaries, aspiring pastry chefs have many opportunities to build rewarding careers.