Upholsterers Salary 2025: $46,340 Median, Negative Growth Ahead
Upholsterers earn a median of $46,340 per year, according to the latest U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data (May 2023). That works out to roughly $22 an hour. The top 10% make $63,770 or more; the bottom 10% earn $31,690 or less. With just 20,140 jobs nationwide and employment projected to shrink -1.8% through 2034, it's a small trade with modest pay and limited openings—about 2,200 per year.
How much Upholsterers earn
The national mean wage for upholsterers is $47,340, but the median—what a typical worker in the middle of the pack makes—is $46,340. Most earn between $31,690 (10th percentile) and $63,770 (90th percentile).
Pay varies significantly by industry. Upholsterers working in furniture and home furnishings stores average about $44,000. Those in aircraft manufacturing (a smaller slice of the industry) can earn $55,000 or more. The federal government, though tiny in this occupation, pays the highest average: around $60,000.
Pay by state
Rhode Island tops the list at $63,360 average—more than 30% above the national mean. Hawaii ($57,390) and Washington ($55,970) also pay well, followed by North Dakota ($52,420) and Connecticut ($50,870).
The lowest-paying states include Virginia ($31,950), Missouri ($29,990), and Nebraska ($29,960)—roughly $10,000 below the national median. Geography clearly matters. If location is flexible, aiming for the West Coast or Northeast can boost earnings significantly.
How to become Upholsterer
There is no formal degree required. Most upholsterers learn through on-the-job training, often starting as helpers in furniture repair shops, auto upholstery shops, or manufacturing plants. The training period typically lasts one to two years.
Vocational schools and community colleges offer certificate programs in upholstery, covering fabric selection, pattern matching, frame repair, and sewing techniques. These programs last anywhere from a few months to a year. Some states require a contractor's license for independent work, but not for standard employment.
- High school diploma or GED suffices
- On-the-job training (1–2 years) is the most common path
- Certificate programs at trade schools or community colleges can fast-track skills
- No license usually needed for employees; check state rules if self-employed
Job outlook
The BLS projects a -1.8% decline in upholsterer employment from 2024 to 2034, losing roughly 360 jobs over the decade. That's a shrinking field, not a growing one.
Still, about 2,200 openings arise each year, mostly from workers retiring or leaving the trade. Competition for jobs will be strongest in higher-paying states. Those with specialized skills—marine, aviation, or antique upholstery—may have an edge.
Frequently asked questions
What is the starting salary for an upholsterer?
Starting pay is around the 10th percentile: $31,690 per year, or about $15/hour.
Do upholsterers need a license?
In most states, no license is required for employees. If self-employed, check local contractor licensing rules.
Will there be jobs for upholsterers in 10 years?
Yes, but the field is shrinking slightly. About 2,200 openings per year will come from turnover.
Can you make six figures as an upholsterer?
Unlikely. The top 10% earn about $63,770. Extremely specialized work (e.g., high-end custom) can exceed that but six figures is rare.
Salary figures are U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates (OEWS / Employment Projections). For informational purposes only; not career or financial advice. See the full Upholsterers data.