Upholsterer
SOC 51-6093.00 · ESCO 7534 · OSCA 399438
Role snapshot
Overview
Strips, re-pads, and re-covers furniture and vehicle seats, selecting fabrics, cutting patterns, and using staple guns and hand-sewing techniques to restore or customise soft furnishings. This role requires precision, an eye for detail, and a deep understanding of materials and construction methods to ensure durability and aesthetic appeal.
Preserves the value and extends the life of furniture and vehicle interiors, offering sustainable solutions and custom designs that enhance comfort and aesthetics for clients.
On the job
- Consult with clients to understand their upholstery needs and fabric preferences
- Carefully remove old fabric, padding, and springs from furniture frames
- Measure, cut, and sew new fabric or leather using patterns and specialised equipment
- Install new padding, springs, and webbing, ensuring proper tension and support
- Perform final fitting, stretching, and stapling of fabric to achieve a smooth, professional finish
Tools & technology
Average salary
Job outlook
StableDemand is steady. This is an established role with consistent hiring across sectors.
Education & training
Vocational training, apprenticeship, or significant on-the-job experience in upholstery techniques is typically required.
Career pathways
WHERE YOU COULD GO
CURRENT ROLE
Upholsterer
Skilled Trades
ADJACENT MOVES
STARTING POINTS
Who thrives here
Interest profile
realistic · RAC
Individuals who enjoy hands-on work, have an eye for aesthetics and design, and appreciate precision and systematic tasks often find satisfaction in upholstery.
Personality characteristics
Detail-oriented
Possesses a keen eye for fine details, ensuring every stitch and finish is perfect and precise.
Practical
Enjoys working with tools and materials to create tangible products and solve functional problems.
Patient
Able to perform intricate and repetitive tasks with precision, handling the careful and time-consuming nature of upholstery work.
Aesthetic Sense
Appreciates visual balance, color, and texture to achieve attractive and harmonious designs in finished pieces.
Steady
Remains calm and focused even when facing intricate or challenging restoration projects, maintaining composure under pressure.
Best for
- Individuals who enjoy meticulous craftsmanship and working with textiles and tools.
- Those who find satisfaction in restoring and giving new life to old items.
- People who appreciate a blend of practical skill and aesthetic judgment.
Watch out for
- Can be physically demanding, requiring standing, bending, and lifting of furniture pieces.
- Requires significant patience for intricate details, repetitive tasks, and problem-solving with materials.
- Social interaction is generally lower compared to other roles, focusing more on individual craftsmanship.
A week in the life
A representative working week for a Upholsterer — where the deep work, meetings, and admin actually land.
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