Upholsterers
Job Zone 2 - Some preparation needed
Make, repair, or replace upholstery for household furniture or transportation vehicles.
Median pay: $46,340/yr (U.S. national, May 2025)
Typical range nationwide (10th–90th percentile). This is a population snapshot, not a personal prediction - actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience.
Job outlook: -1.8% projected growth, 2024–2034 — declining.
About 2,200 openings per year, on average, over the decade.
Typical entry-level education: High school diploma or equivalent.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS and Employment Projections.
• 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.
What's the median pay for Upholsterers?
The median pay for Upholsterers is $46,340 per year, per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
What's the job outlook for Upholsterers?
Employment for Upholsterers is projected to change -1.8% from 2024 to 2034 - declining.
What education is typically required for Upholsterers?
Typical entry-level education: High school diploma or equivalent.
How many job openings are there each year for Upholsterers?
About 2,200 openings per year, on average, over the decade.