Salary Range
Low (10th %)$30,450
Median$42,730
High (90th %)$61,800
AI Prompt Guides for Upholsterers
Unlock expert prompt guides tailored for this Upholsterers. Get strategies to boost your productivity and results with AI.
AI Prompt Tool for Upholsterers
Experiment with and customize AI prompts designed for this occupation. Try, edit, and save prompts for your workflow.
Make, repair, or replace upholstery for household furniture or transportation vehicles.
The occupation of upholsterers has an automation risk of 20.1%, which is relatively low when compared to many other manual labor roles. This baseline risk—closely aligned with the base risk of 20.5%—stems from the intricacy and variability inherent in upholstery tasks. Many aspects of the role require detailed craftsmanship as well as nuanced decision-making that are currently difficult for machines and automated systems to replicate. While certain tasks can be mechanized, much of the core work still relies heavily on human judgment, manual dexterity, and adaptability to a wide range of materials and designs. Among the most automatable tasks in upholstery are those requiring repetitive motion and basic tool use. For example, tasks such as fitting, installing, and securing materials on frames, measuring and cutting new coverings, and building furniture up with fiber, cotton, felt, or foam, are highly susceptible to automation. These activities often follow clear patterns or specifications and involve physical motions that are relatively straightforward for machines or robotic arms to emulate. Modern machine tools and automated measuring devices can handle these predictable, routine elements with increasing efficiency. However, the most resistant tasks highlight why the overall automation risk remains modest. Tasks like making, repairing, or replacing automobile upholstery, collaborating with interior designers, and attaching bindings to prevent raveling all rely on expertise, human judgment, and creative problem-solving. These responsibilities require a deep knowledge of materials and methods, as well as strong communication and collaborative skills. The key bottleneck skills for upholsterers, identified as originality (with a significance level of 3.0%), underscore the importance of unique design and creative adjustments that current AI and automation struggle to duplicate. Thus, despite some aspects being automatable, the occupation retains a substantial human element that limits the near-term risk of full automation.
Filter by Automatable Status
Fit, install, and secure material on frames, using hand tools, power tools, glue, cement, or staples.
Non-Automatable
Build furniture up with loose fiber stuffing, cotton, felt, or foam padding to form smooth, rounded surfaces.
Non-Automatable
Make, restore, or create custom upholstered furniture, using hand tools and knowledge of fabrics and upholstery methods.
Non-Automatable
Read work orders, and apply knowledge and experience with materials to determine types and amounts of materials required to cover workpieces.
Partially Automatable
Examine furniture frames, upholstery, springs, and webbing to locate defects.
Partially Automatable
Adjust or replace webbing, padding, or springs, and secure them in place.
Non-Automatable
Sew rips or tears in material, or create tufting, using needles and thread.
Non-Automatable
Remove covering, webbing, padding, or defective springs from workpieces, using hand tools such as hammers and tack pullers.
Non-Automatable
Attach fasteners, grommets, buttons, buckles, ornamental trim, and other accessories to covers or frames, using hand tools.
Non-Automatable
Repair furniture frames and refinish exposed wood.
Non-Automatable
Interweave and fasten strips of webbing to the backs and undersides of furniture, using small hand tools and fasteners.
Non-Automatable
Stretch webbing and fabric, using webbing stretchers.
Non-Automatable
Operate sewing machines or sew upholstery by hand to seam cushions and join various sections of covering material.
Partially Automatable
Design upholstery cover patterns and cutting plans, based on sketches, customer descriptions, or blueprints.
Partially Automatable
Maintain records of time required to perform each job.
Automatable
Discuss upholstery fabrics, colors, and styles with customers, and provide cost estimates.
Partially Automatable
Pick up and deliver furniture.
Non-Automatable
Attach bindings or apply solutions to edges of cut material to prevent raveling.
Non-Automatable
Collaborate with interior designers to decorate rooms and coordinate furnishing fabrics.
Partially Automatable
Measure and cut new covering materials, using patterns and measuring and cutting instruments, following sketches and design specifications.
Non-Automatable
Draw cutting lines on material following patterns, templates, sketches, or blueprints, using chalk, pencils, paint, or other methods.
Partially Automatable
Make, repair, or replace automobile upholstery and convertible and vinyl tops, using knowledge of fabric and upholstery methods.
Non-Automatable
Reading ComprehensionActive ListeningCritical ThinkingComplex Problem SolvingOperations MonitoringQuality Control AnalysisSystems EvaluationManagement of Personnel ResourcesWritingSpeakingMathematicsScienceActive LearningLearning StrategiesMonitoringSocial PerceptivenessCoordinationPersuasionNegotiationInstructingService OrientationOperations AnalysisTechnology DesignEquipment SelectionInstallationProgrammingOperation and ControlEquipment MaintenanceTroubleshootingRepairingJudgment and Decision MakingSystems AnalysisTime ManagementManagement of Financial ResourcesManagement of Material Resources
Arm-Hand SteadinessAuditory AttentionCategory FlexibilityControl PrecisionDeductive ReasoningDepth PerceptionDynamic FlexibilityDynamic StrengthExplosive StrengthExtent FlexibilityFar VisionFinger DexterityFlexibility of ClosureFluency of IdeasGlare SensitivityGross Body CoordinationGross Body EquilibriumHearing SensitivityInductive ReasoningInformation OrderingManual DexterityMathematical ReasoningMemorizationMultilimb CoordinationNear VisionNight VisionNumber FacilityOral ComprehensionOral ExpressionOriginalityPerceptual SpeedPeripheral VisionProblem SensitivityRate ControlReaction TimeResponse OrientationSelective AttentionSound LocalizationSpatial OrientationSpeech ClaritySpeech RecognitionSpeed of ClosureSpeed of Limb MovementStaminaStatic StrengthTime SharingTrunk StrengthVisual Color DiscriminationVisualizationWrist-Finger SpeedWritten ComprehensionWritten Expression
Administration and ManagementAdministrativeEconomics and AccountingSales and MarketingCustomer and Personal ServicePersonnel and Human ResourcesProduction and ProcessingFood ProductionComputers and ElectronicsEngineering and TechnologyFine ArtsDesignBuilding and ConstructionMechanicalMathematicsPhysicsChemistryBiologyPsychologySociology and AnthropologyGeographyMedicine and DentistryForeign LanguageEnglish LanguageEducation and TrainingPhilosophy and TheologyPublic Safety and SecurityLaw and GovernmentTelecommunicationsCommunications and MediaTransportationTherapy and CounselingHistory and Archeology
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsMonitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsEstimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationGetting InformationIdentifying Objects, Actions, and EventsJudging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleProcessing InformationEvaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsAnalyzing Data or InformationUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeDeveloping Objectives and StrategiesScheduling Work and ActivitiesOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkPerforming General Physical ActivitiesHandling and Moving ObjectsControlling Machines and ProcessesOperating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentWorking with ComputersRepairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentDocumenting/Recording InformationDrafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentInterpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesCommunicating with People Outside the OrganizationRepairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentThinking CreativelyEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsAssisting and Caring for OthersSelling or Influencing OthersResolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersPerforming for or Working Directly with the PublicCoordinating the Work and Activities of OthersDeveloping and Building TeamsTraining and Teaching OthersGuiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesCoaching and Developing OthersProviding Consultation and Advice to OthersPerforming Administrative ActivitiesStaffing Organizational UnitsMonitoring and Controlling ResourcesMaking Decisions and Solving Problems
Microsoft WindowsLibreOffice DrawIntuit QuickBooksMicrosoft PowerPointAutodesk AutoCADEnterprise resource planning ERP softwareMicrosoft WindowsLibreOffice DrawIntuit QuickBooksMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft WordAutodesk AutoCADEnterprise resource planning ERP softwareMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft Word
Carpenters
Low17.84%
Construct, erect, install, or repair structures and fixtures made of wood and comparable materials, such as concrete forms; building frameworks, including partitions, joists, studding, and rafters; and wood stairways, window and door frames, and hardwood floors. May also install cabinets, siding, drywall, and batt or roll insulation. Includes brattice builders who build doors or brattices (ventilation walls or partitions) in underground passageways.
Carpet Installers
Low17.00%
Lay and install carpet from rolls or blocks on floors. Install padding and trim flooring materials.
Automotive Body and Related Repairers
Low12.83%
Repair and refinish automotive vehicle bodies and straighten vehicle frames.
Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers
Low28.35%
Assemble, fit, fasten, and install parts of airplanes, space vehicles, or missiles, such as tails, wings, fuselage, bulkheads, stabilizers, landing gear, rigging and control equipment, or heating and ventilating systems.
Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters
Low25.88%
Fabricate, position, align, and fit parts of structural metal products.
Fiberglass Laminators and Fabricators
Low26.26%
Laminate layers of fiberglass on molds to form boat decks and hulls, bodies for golf carts, automobiles, or other products.
Layout Workers, Metal and Plastic
Medium33.53%
Lay out reference points and dimensions on metal or plastic stock or workpieces, such as sheets, plates, tubes, structural shapes, castings, or machine parts, for further processing. Includes shipfitters.
Sewing Machine Operators
Medium33.40%
Operate or tend sewing machines to join, reinforce, decorate, or perform related sewing operations in the manufacture of garment or nongarment products.
Shoe and Leather Workers and Repairers
Low22.86%
Construct, decorate, or repair leather and leather-like products, such as luggage, shoes, and saddles. May use hand tools.
Shoe Machine Operators and Tenders
Medium41.68%
Operate or tend a variety of machines to join, decorate, reinforce, or finish shoes and shoe parts.
Sewers, Hand
Low11.23%
Sew, join, reinforce, or finish, usually with needle and thread, a variety of manufactured items. Includes weavers and stitchers.
Cabinetmakers and Bench Carpenters
Low29.58%
Cut, shape, and assemble wooden articles or set up and operate a variety of woodworking machines, such as power saws, jointers, and mortisers to surface, cut, or shape lumber or to fabricate parts for wood products.
Furniture Finishers
Low24.64%
Shape, finish, and refinish damaged, worn, or used furniture or new high-grade furniture to specified color or finish.
Model Makers, Wood
Medium42.20%
Construct full-size and scale wooden precision models of products. Includes wood jig builders and loft workers.
Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing
Medium44.55%
Set up, operate, or tend woodworking machines, such as drill presses, lathes, shapers, routers, sanders, planers, and wood nailing machines. May operate computer numerically controlled (CNC) equipment.
Grinding and Polishing Workers, Hand
Medium40.69%
Grind, sand, or polish, using hand tools or hand-held power tools, a variety of metal, wood, stone, clay, plastic, or glass objects. Includes chippers, buffers, and finishers.
Cutters and Trimmers, Hand
Medium56.41%
Use hand tools or hand-held power tools to cut and trim a variety of manufactured items, such as carpet, fabric, stone, glass, or rubber.
Painting, Coating, and Decorating Workers
Medium35.73%
Paint, coat, or decorate articles, such as furniture, glass, plateware, pottery, jewelry, toys, books, or leather.
Molders, Shapers, and Casters, Except Metal and Plastic
Medium44.30%
Mold, shape, form, cast, or carve products such as food products, figurines, tile, pipes, and candles consisting of clay, glass, plaster, concrete, stone, or combinations of materials.
Stone Cutters and Carvers, Manufacturing
Low13.87%
Cut or carve stone according to diagrams and patterns.
Costume Attendants
Medium44.55%
Select, fit, and take care of costumes for cast members, and aid entertainers. May assist with multiple costume changes during performances.
Tailors, Dressmakers, and Custom Sewers
Low22.39%
Design, make, alter, repair, or fit garments.