An upholsterer restores and creates fabric coverings for furniture and other items. It is hands-on, in demand, and you can start with a high school education. Here is what the work involves, what it takes, and how to get in.
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Upholsterers handle fabric, foam, springs, and other materials to cover furniture frames and structures. You inspect pieces for damage, measure and cut materials to fit, and sew or staple coverings in place. The work requires reading design specifications, making decisions about material choices and techniques, and estimating how much fabric and supplies each job will need. You handle and move heavy furniture regularly and perform detailed physical work that demands precision and attention to detail.
Core work activities
Career video courtesy of CareerOneStop.
Upholsterers earn a median of $46,340 a year, based on 2025 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and location.
The outlook is softer here. Employment is projected to fall 2 percent from 2024 to 2034, though there are still about 2,200 openings a year from turnover.
Top skills
Knowledge areas
Most upholsterers start with a high school diploma or equivalent and learn through on-the-job training. You will develop skills in reading comprehension, critical thinking, and active learning as you work alongside experienced upholsterers. The role draws on knowledge of design, production processes, and mechanical principles. Some upholsterers pursue formal apprenticeships or vocational training programs that combine classroom instruction with hands-on experience, giving you a structured path to build expertise faster.
Most upholsterers enter the field through apprenticeships or on-the-job training after high school. If you are deciding between a direct apprenticeship and a formal training program, Pathly can map the upholsterer path that fits you and work through the options with your counselor to find the path that fits your timeline and goals.
You do not need a license to work as an upholsterer, but professional certifications can strengthen your resume.
Common certifications
You are drawn to hands-on work with tangible results. You like solving practical problems, working with tools and materials, and seeing your craftsmanship come together in finished pieces.
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Last updated July 1, 2026.
Data sources. Career details from the O*NET 30.3 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under CC BY 4.0. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Salary and outlook figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2025 wages; 2024–2034 projections), delivered via the CareerOneStop API. Certification, licensing, wage, and outlook data from CareerOneStop, sponsored by USDOL/ETA and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED).