Upholsterer

Your Fit

Income

$46K

Preparation

Some

Growth

-2.5%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is an Upholsterer?

Upholsterers are skilled artisans who specialize in covering furniture and other items with fabric, padding, and springs. They blend craftsmanship with design to create comfortable, functional, and aesthetically pleasing pieces.

Sample job titles:

Box Spring Upholsterer, Upholstered Goods Crafter, Upholsterer, Upholstery Cutter

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Upholsterer.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does an Upholsterer earn

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, typical income (in USD) in 2024 was...

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$32K per year	$37K per year	$46K per year	$52K per year	$64K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $3.31K below the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does an Upholsterer do?

Work environment

Upholsterers often work in manufacturing settings, custom upholstery shops, or repair and maintenance firms. The work may involve standing for long periods and handling heavy furniture. Some upholsterers may offer in-home services, requiring travel to clients' locations.

Quick task list

Measures and cuts fabric and other cover materials.
Attaches fabrics to furniture frames with staples, glue, or nails.
Sews fabric pieces and fits them over furniture.
Installs padding and springs for comfort and shape.
Repairs and restores old or damaged upholstery.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Antique Furniture Upholstery: Specializing in restoring and upholstering antique furniture.
Automotive Upholstery: Focusing on the interior of vehicles, including seats and door panels.
Commercial Upholstery: Working with businesses to upholster office furniture or commercial spaces.
Custom Design Upholstery: Creating unique, personalized designs for clients.

Description

Upholstery combines the precision of craft with an eye for design. Upholsterers must have a keen understanding of materials and techniques to properly cover furniture, ensuring durability and comfort. They work with a variety of tools, from sewing machines to staple guns, and materials like leather, cotton, and synthetic fibers.

The job requires both technical skill and creativity, as upholsterers often need to solve complex problems to fit fabrics perfectly onto furniture. They may work with a wide range of furniture styles, from modern pieces to historical antiques, each presenting unique challenges.

Advancements in materials and tools constantly evolve the field, requiring upholsterers to stay updated with new trends and techniques. However, traditional skills and methods remain essential to the profession.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Transforming or restoring furniture to its former glory.
The creativity involved in designing and executing unique upholstery projects.
Visible and tangible results of one's work.
Variety in daily tasks and projects.

You might make a good Upholsterer if you are...

Skilled in working with your hands and using various tools.
Detail-oriented, with an eye for aesthetics.
Creative, with a good sense of design and color.
Patient and precise in your work.
Interested in working with fabrics and materials.

Pros:

Creative and fulfilling work with tangible results.
Opportunity for self-employment and flexible work arrangements.
Varied projects and tasks.

Cons:

Physical demands of handling heavy furniture.
Potential exposure to dust and chemicals.
May require working in clients' homes or businesses.

How to become an Upholsterer

Typical education

Typically, upholsterers do not need formal education beyond a high school diploma. Most skills are learned through on-the-job training, apprenticeships, or vocational courses, which can take several months to a couple of years.

High school preparation

Courses:

Art and design classes to develop a sense of aesthetics.
Home economics or craft classes for basic sewing skills.
Shop classes for experience with tools.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Joining a crafting or DIY club.
Volunteering to help with stage designs in school plays (involves fabric work).
Internships or part-time work in upholstery or furniture repair shops.

Preparation after high school

Vocational or trade school programs in upholstery.
Apprenticeships under experienced upholsterers.
Workshops and courses in specific upholstery techniques.
Building a portfolio showcasing a range of upholstery projects.

More resources

Professional Upholsterers' Association - A resource for professional development and networking.
Upholstery Journal - An online magazine offering industry news and trends.
The Furniture Institute of Massachusetts - Offers courses and workshops in upholstery and furniture making.
YouTube Tutorials - Free online tutorials for various upholstery techniques.

Similar careers

Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.