Top Pastry Chef Schools in Pennsylvania: Guide to Baking & Pastry Arts Programs
Pennsylvania has a rich culinary tradition, making it an excellent place to study pastry arts. The state is home to renowned bakeries, culinary festivals, and top-tier pastry programs. Whether you want a certificate or an advanced degree, Pennsylvania offers strong options for all skill levels and career goals.
Many schools also provide internship opportunities with local bakeries and restaurants, helping students gain hands-on experience in real-world settings. If you are looking for pastry chef schools in Pennsylvania, you have a variety of reputable options to choose from.
Why Study Pastry Arts in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania has a strong culinary industry and several accredited pastry programs. These schools provide hands-on training, internships, and job placement opportunities. Graduates benefit from industry connections and gain experience in commercial kitchens, bakeries, and restaurants. Pastry chef schools in Pennsylvania offer specialized training to prepare students for successful careers in the baking industry.
Best Pastry Schools in Pennsylvania
Bucks County Community College
- Location: Newtown, PA
- Program: Baking and Pastry Arts (Associate Degree)
- Key Features: Hands-on training, state-of-the-art facilities, Journeyperson Pastry Cook certification
Harrisburg Area Community College (HACC)
- Location: Harrisburg, PA
- Program: Baking & Pastry Arts
- Key Features: 280-hour internship per semester, small class sizes (13:1 student-to-faculty ratio), Certified Pastry Culinarian (CPC) certification
Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP)
- Location: Indiana, PA
- Program: Baking & Pastry Arts (Associate Degree)
- Key Features: Flexible online coursework, certified executive pastry chef instructors
Lackawanna College
- Location: Scranton, PA
- Program: Associate Degree in Baking & Pastry Arts
- Key Features: Comprehensive pastry training, hands-on experience, on-campus housing
Lancaster County Career and Technology Center
- Location: Willow Street, PA
- Program: Pastry Arts Certification
- Key Features: Industry-focused training, commercial kitchen experience
Lebanon County Area Vocational Technical School
- Location: Lebanon, PA
- Program: Baking & Pastry Arts
- Key Features: Practical training in commercial baking, professional certification preparation
Lehigh Career & Technical Institute
- Location: Schnecksville, PA
- Program: Commercial Baking
- Key Features: Entry-level training, hands-on baking experience
Luzerne County Community College
- Location: Nanticoke, PA
- Program: Baking & Pastry Arts
- Key Features: Small class sizes, hands-on instruction
Montgomery County Community College
- Location: Blue Bell, PA
- Program: Associate’s Degree in Baking & Pastry Arts
- Key Features: Flexible scheduling, evening and day courses, hands-on experience
Pennsylvania College of Technology
- Location: Williamsport, PA
- Program: Baking & Pastry Arts (Associate of Applied Science)
- Key Features: Industry partnerships, extensive practical training, modern kitchen facilities
Pennsylvania Highlands Community College
- Location: Johnstown, PA
- Program: Baking & Pastry Arts
- Key Features: Hands-on training, career-oriented curriculum
Pittsburgh Technical College
- Location: Oakdale, PA
- Program: Baking & Pastry Arts
- Key Features: Industry-aligned coursework, practical training
Walnut Hill College
- Location: Philadelphia, PA
- Program: Associate and Bachelor’s Degrees in Pastry Arts
- Key Features: Hands-on training, international study opportunities
Westmoreland County Community College
- Location: Youngwood, PA
- Program: Baking & Pastry Arts
- Key Features: Career-focused education, internship opportunities
YTI Career Institute-York
- Location: York, PA
- Program: Pastry Arts Diploma
- Key Features: Entry-level baking skills, hands-on learning
Average Rent Near Culinary Schools in Pennsylvania
Rent is typically the most significant monthly living cost for pastry chef students in Pennsylvania. Programs are located in varied regions, so having accurate, localized rental information helps students budget smartly and find housing that matches both their financial and commuting needs.
JNA Institute of Culinary Arts – Philadelphia, PA
- Studio: ~$1,430–1,656/month
- 1-Bedroom: ~$2,108–2,116/month
- 2-Bedroom: ~$2,288–2,550/month
- 3-Bedroom: ~$3,886+/month (Citywide avg)
Walnut Hill College (The Restaurant School) – Philadelphia, PA
- Follows Philly averages above due to location proximity
Pennsylvania School of Culinary Arts – Lancaster, PA
- Rent here is significantly lower than in Philly, with 1-bedrooms typically between $900–1,200 (state average ~same)
Pennsylvania College of Technology – Williamsport, PA
- Studio ~$700–900
- 1-Bedroom ~$900–1,100
- 2-Bedroom ~$1,100–1,300
HACC – Harrisburg, PA
- Harrisburg studio ~$1,100; 1-Bedroom ~$1,300; 2-Bedroom ~$1,500
Additional Cost Considerations
Rent is just one part of the picture. To live and study successfully, students must also budget for utilities, internet, transportation, food, culinary tools, and personal expenses. Accounting for these costs early creates a more accurate, stress-free financial plan.
Utilities
Expect $160–230 per month for electricity, heating/cooling, water, internet, and trash removal. Utility bills may fluctuate seasonally, higher in winter and summer months.
Transportation and Commute
You’ll need to consider which transport options best suit you if you don’t live within walking distance from campus. A monthly SEPTA pass costs about $108, while car commuters should budget $200–300 per month for gas, insurance, parking, and maintenance.
Food and Supplies
Grocery costs range from $325–425 per month. Baking ingredients, specialty tools, and cleaning supplies can push toward the higher end. Be sure to adjust this number based on your dietary habits.
Sample Monthly Budget
The table below offers a sample monthly budget for a student attending JNA Institute in Philadelphia, living alone in a 1-bedroom apartment and covering all mainstream expenses.
| Category | Amount (USD/month) |
| Rent (1‑Bedroom, Philadelphia) | $2,108 |
| Utilities (Electric, Water, Trash) | $140 |
| Internet | $65 |
| Mobile Phone | $50 |
| Transportation (SEPTA + carfunds) | $200 |
| Food & Groceries | $375 |
| School Supplies | $75 |
| Personal Care & Toiletries | $40 |
| Entertainment & Miscellaneous | $75 |
| Total Estimated Expenses | $3,128 |
Online Schools for Pastry Arts in Pennsylvania
Online schools offer pastry arts programs for students seeking flexibility that provide foundational training in baking and pastry techniques. Many programs include virtual coursework combined with in-person lab experiences or externships.
These online options allow students to balance their education with work and personal commitments. Institutions like Pennsylvania College of Technology and Indiana University of Pennsylvania offer online pastry arts coursework, helping students gain essential skills while maintaining a flexible schedule.
Career Opportunities for Graduates
Graduates can work as bakers, pastry chefs, cake decorators, and chocolatiers. Job opportunities exist in restaurants, hotels, bakeries, and catering businesses. Certifications like the Certified Pastry Culinarian (CPC) enhance career prospects.
Culinary Opportunities in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania offers a variety of job openings in the baking sector, with roles ranging from cake decorating to deli baking. There are plenty of options to explore across the state, regardless of your experience level.
| Job Title | Company | Location | Date Posted |
| Bakery Assistant | Wegmans | Wilkes-Barre, PA | 05/07/2025 |
| Cake Decorator | Walmart | Erie, PA | 05/07/2025 |
| Baker | Einstein Noah Restaurant Group Inc. (Talx) | Coraopolis, PA | 05/06/2025 |
| Deli Baker | Pilot Company | Bentleyville, PA | 05/06/2025 |
| Cake Decorator Associate | Walmart | Butler, PA | 04/30/2025 |
| BAKER (FULL TIME AND PART TIME) | Compass Group, North America | Kennett Square, PA | 04/19/2025 |
| Sr Baker | Rise Baking Company | York, PA | 04/01/2025 |
Disclaimer: These job listings are not permanent and are subject to change.
Pastry Chef Salaries in Pennsylvania 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 |
| Pennsylvania | $16.69 | $34,710 | $11.50 | $13.66 | $18.17 | $21.98 |
| Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ | $17.44 | $36,280 | $12.49 | $15.13 | $21.54 | $25.11 |
| Altoona, PA | $13.96 | $29,030 | $10.90 | $12.75 | $16.87 | $17.53 |
| Chambersburg, PA | $17.21 | $35,790 | $13.74 | $14.86 | $20.36 | $22.96 |
| Erie, PA | $15.74 | $32,730 | $11.18 | $14.25 | $18.01 | $21.21 |
| Gettysburg, PA | $16.37 | $34,050 | $11.72 | $13.08 | $17.87 | $21.60 |
| Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA | $16.93 | $35,200 | $12.16 | $14.84 | $17.89 | $21.09 |
| Johnstown, PA | $14.21 | $29,550 | $9.96 | $10.90 | $16.69 | $18.40 |
| Lancaster, PA | $16.59 | $34,500 | $11.62 | $13.96 | $18.16 | $23.11 |
| Lebanon, PA | $16.98 | $35,320 | $11.88 | $13.94 | $19.57 | $19.57 |
| 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 |
| Pittsburgh, PA | $15.77 | $32,800 | $10.93 | $13.50 | $17.60 | $21.60 |
| Reading, PA | $16.71 | $34,750 | $12.21 | $13.72 | $17.50 | $19.44 |
| Scranton–Wilkes-Barre, PA | $16.52 | $34,370 | $11.11 | $13.70 | $17.87 | $20.30 |
| State College, PA | $16.23 | $33,770 | $11.36 | $12.84 | $18.60 | $20.51 |
| Williamsport, PA | $15.03 | $31,250 | $10.77 | $12.91 | $17.25 | $20.85 |
| York-Hanover, PA | $16.67 | $34,670 | $10.55 | $12.42 | $17.62 | $21.91 |
| Youngstown-Warren, OH | $13.68 | $28,460 | $10.94 | $12.62 | $15.54 | $18.34 |
Hands-On Training and Externships
Most programs include hands-on training in commercial kitchens. Externships offer specialized experience, helping students gain real-world skills. Programs like Bucks County Community College and HACC emphasize food safety, business management, and pastry techniques.
Tuition and Financial Aid
Tuition varies by school, and financial aid is available. Submitting the FAFSA in December helps students qualify for federal and state aid. Many institutions also offer scholarships for culinary students.
Accreditation and Quality Standards
Accredited programs meet high industry standards. The American Culinary Federation Education Foundation Accrediting Commission (ACFEF) oversees many of these programs, ensuring quality training.
Student Life and Campus Facilities
Schools provide substantial campus facilities, including modern pastry labs and student housing. Montgomery County Community College offers specialized culinary labs, while Lackawanna College provides on-campus housing.
Start Your Pastry Career in Pennsylvania
The demand for pastry chefs in Pennsylvania is growing:
- 4% job growth expected by 2032
- 10,470 projected pastry chef jobs by 2032
- 1,540 annual job openings anticipated statewide
With Pennsylvania’s rich culinary diversity, the state offers ample career opportunities. While growth is modest, the high number of openings driven by turnover ensures consistent hiring.