Vehicle Trimmer
SOC 51-6093.00 · ESCO 7534 · OSCA 351532
Role snapshot
Overview
Cuts, sews, and fits upholstery, headliners, and soft furnishings inside vehicles, selecting materials and patterns to restore or customise car and truck interiors. This role requires precision, craftsmanship, and an eye for detail to ensure high-quality finishes and customer satisfaction.
Ensures vehicle interiors are aesthetically pleasing, comfortable, and durable, contributing to vehicle value, safety, and driver/passenger satisfaction through expert craftsmanship and repair.
On the job
- Measure and cut fabric, leather, or vinyl according to patterns for vehicle interiors.
- Sew materials together using industrial sewing machines to create seat covers, headliners, and door panels.
- Remove old upholstery, prepare surfaces, and install new interior components in cars, trucks, and other vehicles.
- Select appropriate materials, colors, and textures to match customer specifications or original vehicle designs.
- Repair damaged interior components, including rips, tears, and worn sections of upholstery.
Tools & technology
Average salary
Job outlook
StableDemand is steady. This is an established role with consistent hiring across sectors.
Education & training
Vocational training or an apprenticeship in automotive upholstery or trimming is typically required.
Career pathways
WHERE YOU COULD GO
CURRENT ROLE
Vehicle Trimmer
Hospitality & Food Service
ADJACENT MOVES
STARTING POINTS
Who thrives here
Interest profile
realistic · RAC
People who enjoy hands-on, practical work with materials and tools, possess an eye for aesthetic detail, and value precision and quality in their craft tend to thrive in this role.
Personality characteristics
Conscientious
Dedicated to high-quality workmanship, precision, and thoroughness in every detail of vehicle interior trimming.
Practical
Enjoys hands-on tasks, working with tools and materials to create tangible results in a workshop environment.
Detail-oriented
Possesses a keen eye for fine details, ensuring patterns align, stitches are perfect, and finishes are flawless.
Aesthetically-minded
Appreciates visual design and material harmony, contributing to stylish and appealing vehicle interiors.
Steady
Maintains focus and patience during repetitive or intricate tasks, remaining calm under pressure to meet deadlines.
Best for
- Individuals who enjoy transforming materials into finished products with their hands.
- Craftspeople who value precision, quality, and the aesthetic appeal of their work.
- Those who thrive in a workshop environment and enjoy solving practical challenges.
Watch out for
- Can be physically demanding, requiring standing, bending, and repetitive movements.
- Requires meticulous attention to detail, which might be challenging for those preferring less precise work.
A week in the life
A representative working week for a Vehicle Trimmer — where the deep work, meetings, and admin actually land.
FREE ASSESSMENT
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