Upholsterers
SOC Code: 51-6093Also known as:
Aircraft Seat Upholsterer, Arm Maker, Arm Rest Builder, Automobile Upholsterer (Auto Upholsterer), Automotive Upholsterer
Median Annual Salary
$46,190
-1.8% growth (2024-2034)
2K
Openings/Year
23K
Current Jobs
What Upholsterers Do
Make, repair, or replace upholstery for household furniture or transportation vehicles.
💰 Salary
$46,190
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
-1.8%
Decline
🎓 Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
2K
Projected average per year
📚 On-the-Job Training
Moderate-term on-the-job training
Expected training period
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
22,700
Projected Employment (2034)
22,300
Related Careers
Sewing machine operators
$36,000 •
-10.8% growth
Shoe and leather workers and repairers
$35,950 •
-3.8% growth
Sewers, hand
$33,760 •
-7.0% growth
Cabinetmakers and bench carpenters
$46,020 •
-1.6% growth
Furniture finishers
$42,530 •
-3.3% growth
Top Skills Required
Critical Thinking
Reading Comprehension
Active Listening
Speaking
Active Learning
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- Fit, install, and secure material on frames, using hand tools, power tools, glue, cement, or staples.
- Measure and cut new covering materials, using patterns and measuring and cutting instruments, following sketches and design specifications.
- Build furniture up with loose fiber stuffing, cotton, felt, or foam padding to form smooth, rounded surfaces.
- Make, restore, or create custom upholstered furniture, using hand tools and knowledge of fabrics and upholstery methods.
- Read work orders, and apply knowledge and experience with materials to determine types and amounts of materials required to cover workpieces.
- Examine furniture frames, upholstery, springs, and webbing to locate defects.
- Adjust or replace webbing, padding, or springs, and secure them in place.
- Sew rips or tears in material, or create tufting, using needles and thread.
- Remove covering, webbing, padding, or defective springs from workpieces, using hand tools such as hammers and tack pullers.
- Attach fasteners, grommets, buttons, buckles, ornamental trim, and other accessories to covers or frames, using hand tools.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
High School Diploma
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Upholsterers
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a upholsterers:
Upholstery/Upholsterer
26 degrees awarded •
6 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Upholsterers
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become upholsterers.
| # | College | Location | Related Degrees | Repit Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Savannah Technical College | Savannah, GA | 11 | C |
| 2 | Clover Park Technical College | Lakewood, WA | 2 | C |
| 3 | San Bernardino Valley College | San Bernardino, CA | 1 | C |
| 4 | Chattahoochee Technical College | Marietta, GA | 1 | C |
| 5 | Riverside City College | Riverside, CA | 1 | C |
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do upholsterers make?
The median annual salary for upholsterers is $46,190.
What education do upholsterers need?
Most upholsterers positions require a high school diploma or equivalent.
Common degree programs include Upholstery/Upholsterer.
Is becoming upholsterers a good career choice?
Upholsterers is projected to see -1.8% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which reflects some decline in the field. With approximately 2,200 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for upholsterers?
Top colleges for aspiring upholsterers include
Savannah Technical College, Clover Park Technical College, San Bernardino Valley College, Chattahoochee Technical College, Riverside City College.
These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to upholsterers?
Upholsterers may also be known as: Aircraft Seat Upholsterer, Arm Maker, Arm Rest Builder, Automobile Upholsterer (Auto Upholsterer), Automotive Upholsterer, Body Trimmer Upholsterer, Box Spring Upholsterer, Car Seat Coverer, Car Seat Maker, Car Seat Upholsterer, Casket Coverer, Casket Trimmer, Chair Pad Maker, Chair Upholsterer, Convertible Top Installer, Dining Chair Seat Cushion Trimmer, Furniture Upholsterer, Furniture Upholsterer Apprentice, Furniture Upholstery Mechanic, Gimp Tacker.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.