Hello CC friends!
I'm curious to know what a Cake Decorator hourly rate could or should be. I used to work at a DQ, and am able to make all the cake bases/blanks, and I decorated some.

I teach a beginner cake decorating class, and I can make royal icing flowers, etc. I live in Western PA, which is known for lower wages. I would like to apply at a nice bakery in an upper-scale part of town at a well-known bakery to gain more experience and take my skills up to the next level. If I'm granted an interview I would like to take photos of my cakes as well as some dried Royal Icing flowers.

Would you have any other suggestions that would start me at more than just minimum wage? Or do all new people start at rock bottom wages and work their way up the totem pole?

Any suggestions, advise and constructive criticism are welcomed.
Thanks in advance.

Neecerator