Cake Decorator: Inside Jobs

Creating the Washington Monument or a slot machine out of only sugar and flour might sound like an impossible task, but really, they’re just two examples of the incredible cake creations made by the Cake Decorators on the TV show “Ace of Cakes.” As a Cake Decorator, you make whatever your client desires using nothing more than baked goods and frosting.

Though “Ace of Cakes” gives a pretty good look at how cakes are made, it’s probably not going to be the site of your first (or even last) cake-decorating gig. Most Cake Decorators work in restaurants or bakeries, whether they are found in grocery stores or independent storefronts.

You can make pretty basic cakes (think white sheet cakes with flowers in the corner) or large creations that let you go crazy with your creativity. The cakes you make end up at everything from birthday parties to weddings to retirement parties. After all, cake goes with pretty much any occasion you can imagine.

This job combines serious art skills with equally serious baking abilities. Though you’re able to create something that looks really cool, if it doesn’t taste good, your client won’t be impressed. In order to walk the fine line between beautiful and edible, you first need to know what your client wants. Some customers will request a specific flavor and look, while others will just give a general idea.

Team Player: You're able to listen, communicate, and work with tons of different people.

Trustworthy: You are known for your personal integrity and honesty.

Detail Oriented: You pay close attention to all the little details.

How much does a Cake Decorator make?

Nationally: $17,000 – $37,000

Main education level: Certificate

source: US Dept of Labor

Become a Cake Decorator

Cake Decorator schools closest to Los Angeles, CA 90051 change location

Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts

Pasadena, CA — 9 miles — Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Art is an institution of higher learning for students who share a passion for the culinary and hospitality arts. We are dedicated to providing quality career education that integrates the classic culinary curriculum of Le Cordon Bleu with modern American technology...

The Art Institute of California—Los Angeles

Santa Monica, CA — 12 miles — The Art Institute of California — Los Angeles prepares students for entry-level positions in creative, challenging careers. Their students are creative, competitive, and open to new ideas. They place great value on an education that prepares them for a challenging career and a lifetime of personal...

The Art Institute of California—Orange County, a branch of The Art Institute of California—Los Angeles

Santa Ana, CA — 31 miles — Congratulations for considering an education in the creative arts with The Art Institute of California—Orange County, a branch of The Art Institute of California—Los Angeles. More than ever, it's an exciting time to be a designer, animator, chef, or media artist; and many will tell you that it's a...

The Art Institute of California—Inland Empire, a branch of The Art Institute of California—San Diego

San Bernardino, CA — 56 miles — The primary mission, focus, and ultimate goal of The Art Institute of California—Inland Empire, a branch of The Art Institute of California—San Diego, is to assist students toward the successful achievement of a satisfying career in their chosen field. To this end, they have brought together a dedicated...

The Art Institute of California—San Diego

San Diego, CA — 108 miles — With industry mentors, like-minded peers and a unique artistic spirit, The Art Institute of California — San Diego offers a nurturing environment where creative students can thrive. Located in the heart of San Diego's Mission Valley, The Art Institute of California - San Diego is ideally situated...

Institute of Technology Inc

Clovis, CA — 210 miles — To produce employable graduates in their chosen fields of study by providing them with quality education- expert instruction- consistent communication- support- and discipline in a professional environment which will help them not only become employable upon graduation but will instill self-esteem...

See all schools offering Cake Decorator training programs

Other Careers You May Like

Line Cook

Take charge of one area of a kitchen during prime time rushes.

Corporate Executive Chef

Prepare food from start to finish for corporate events.

Spin Casting Machine Operator

Run machines that spin liquid pewter and plastic into molds to cool.

Cake Baker

Create impressive and tasty cakes for birthdays, weddings and graduations.

Relief Operator

Fill in for absent Operators and ensure safety guidelines are followed.

Jobs Similar to Cake Decorator

Pastry Finisher

Use icing to literally put the finishing touches on cakes and pastries.

Bench Hand

Form dough for bread, buns, and other bakery products.

Pie Maker

Mix ingredients and bake pies, tarts, and cobblers.

Second Baker

Prepare breads, rolls, muffins, and biscuits.

Cupcake Baker

Make tiny, tasty cupcakes for parties and weddings.

Cake Decorator

Add tasty flourishes to birthday, wedding, or party cakes with icing.

Personality Traits

Salary and Education