Seamstress, upholstery

What does a seamstress in furniture upholstery do? – Tasks and work environment

A seamstress in furniture upholstery works with repairing, reupholstering, and manufacturing furniture covers, as well as performing padding work on sofas, armchairs, and chairs. Tasks include measuring and cutting fabric, sewing parts together, assembling covers and fillings, and sometimes renovating the furniture’s frame. The work is often done in small workshops or specialized furniture companies, involving both manual craftsmanship and machine use. The environment can vary from traditional carpentry settings to modern, design-oriented ateliers, requiring good ergonomics and precision in detailed work.

Salary development over time

The salary for seamstresses in furniture upholstery has steadily increased over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 27,700 SEK per month, rising to 29 600 SEK in 2023. During 2024, the average monthly salary has increased further to 30 400 SEK. This represents a total salary increase of about 10% over the period, partly explained by increased demand for specialized craftsmanship and general industry wage adjustments. Despite a relatively slow growth compared to some other professions, the trend shows a stable interest in the skill set, especially in restoration and sustainable design. Gender pay gaps remain, with women earning on average 95% of men's salaries.

Seamstress in furniture upholstery salary – complete overview

• Average salary: 30 400 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 29,400 SEK/month (female, private employee, high school education 3 years)
• Highest salary: 32,200 SEK/month (male, regional sector, high school education up to 2 years)
• Hourly wage (average): 183 SEK/hour
• Gender differences: Men 31 200 SEK, women 29 700 SEK (women earn 95% of men's salary)
• Regional differences: Highest salary in the regional sector, lowest in the private sector

Education and qualifications

To work as a seamstress specializing in furniture upholstery, a high school education in textiles, sewing, or crafts is usually required, often supplemented with specific courses in furniture upholstery and reupholstering. Practical experience is highly valued, and many acquire their skills through apprenticeships or internships at established companies. Specialization within the field can also be achieved through further training or certifications, and many professionals continually develop their skills through self-study or short courses.

• High school education: Textile or craft programs, 3 years
• Specialized courses: Furniture reupholstering and restoration (1–2 years)
• Internships: Apprenticeships at reupholstering firms or furniture workshops
• Further training: Short courses or certifications in textiles and furniture upholstery
• Prerequisites: Good sense of color, form, and materials; accuracy and patience

Common benefits and compensations

The profession often offers collective agreement benefits such as occupational pensions, insurance, and wellness allowances. In some cases, work clothing, tools, and subsidized travel expenses are included. Opportunities for skills development through courses or further training are common among employers in the industry.

Competition and challenges

Competition within furniture upholstery is relatively limited but can vary depending on region and the number of established workshops. A challenge is that many employers require specialized experience, making it difficult for recent graduates to establish themselves. The profession is also affected by changes in consumption patterns, where sustainability and reuse have increased demand for furniture renovation, but there is also competition from cheaper mass-produced furniture. Niche knowledge in antique restoration or design can provide competitive advantages but often requires additional training or internships.

Tips for those wanting to become a seamstress in furniture upholstery

To succeed as a seamstress in furniture upholstery, it’s good to have an eye for detail and be precise in every task. Developing patience and endurance is valuable, as some projects can be time-consuming and require high accuracy. A creative mindset helps to find innovative solutions to unusual problems, while good teamwork skills facilitate contact with colleagues and clients. Actively seeking internships and being open to learning new techniques increases the chances of building strong professional skills. Flexibility and willingness to adapt to different materials and work environments are also important traits. Finally, it’s wise to stay updated on industry developments and participate in continuing education.

Key facts about seamstresses in furniture upholstery

• Salary range: 29,400–32,200 SEK/month
• Average salary: 30 400 SEK/month
• Education level: High school + specialized courses
• Work environment: Workshops, ateliers, and industrial settings
• Number of job openings: 1,437 within the profession

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years in the profession, a seamstress in furniture upholstery can advance to more specialized roles such as furniture reupholsterer, workshop supervisor, or self-employed with a focus on exclusive furniture restoration. There are also opportunities to work in education or consulting within textiles and interior design. According to the Employment Service’s job forecast, it is difficult to give an exact assessment of future prospects, as the profession is part of a broader occupational group, but there are a stable number of vacancies and increasing demand for skilled craftsmanship within sustainable consumption and reuse. Continued skills development and niche specialization are recommended to strengthen one's position in the job market.

Common questions about seamstresses in furniture upholstery

• What does a seamstress in furniture upholstery earn?
  - The average salary is 30 400 SEK per month, with a range between 29,400 and 32,200 SEK.
• What education is required to work as a seamstress in furniture upholstery?
  - A high school education in textiles or crafts, supplemented with specialized courses in furniture upholstery, is recommended.
• Are there regional differences in salary?
  - Yes, the highest salaries are found within the regional sector, while the lowest are often seen in the private sector.
• What are the future prospects for the profession?
  - The outlook is uncertain, but there are over 1,400 job openings in the field and increasing demand for craft skills.
• What personal qualities are important?
  - Attention to detail, patience, creativity, and teamwork skills are central to success in the profession.
• What is the highest and lowest salary for the profession?
  - The highest known salary is 32,200 SEK (male, regional sector), and the lowest is 29,400 SEK (female, private sector).
• What are the gender differences?
  - Men earn on average 31 200 SEK, women 29 700 SEK, which means women earn 95% of men's salaries.