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Bakery Workers

Work Environment

Bakery workers usually work 40 hours a week, and some work night and evening shifts. Because baked goods can be frozen until they are needed, the number of plants operating around the clock is less than it used to be.

Some bakery plants are air-conditioned. All are clean, since bakeries must meet state and federal standards. Bakery employees wear uniforms and caps or hairnets for sanitary reasons. Machines can be noisy, and working near ovens can be hot. Some jobs are strenuous, requiring heavy lifting.

Those in a small bakery may find they must work early morning hours in order to have freshly baked goods ready for customers when the shop opens. They may spend much of their time on their feet and have a fair amount of interaction with the public.