- Salary statistics
- Upholstered furniture worker
Upholstered furniture worker
30 800 - 30 900 kr / month
Hantverksyrken
Salary progression Upholstered furniture worker
What does an upholstery worker do? – Tasks and work environment
An upholstery worker primarily works with manufacturing, repairing, and reupholstering upholstered furniture such as sofas, armchairs, and chairs. The tasks include measuring and cutting fabric, installing padding and springs, as well as sewing and attaching furniture coverings. The profession requires precision, a feel for materials, and a good understanding of both traditional and modern techniques. The work environment often consists of workshops or small upholstery studios where both hand tools and machines are used. Working positions can vary, and heavy lifting or repetitive motions are common, requiring good physical condition and ergonomic work practices.
Salary development over time
Salaries for upholstery workers have shown a clear increase over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 26,100 kronor per month. In 2023, this increased to 30 000 kronor, corresponding to an increase of just over 14.9%. A further rise has occurred to 30 900 kronor in 2024, indicating continued positive salary growth, albeit at a slightly slower pace (around 3% compared to the previous year). This trend can be linked to increased demand for craftsmanship in specialized furniture work, as well as a generally higher valuation of vocational skills within the craft sector. The industry's need for qualified labor and a growing awareness of sustainability and reuse have also contributed to this positive trend.
Upholstery worker salary – comprehensive overview
- Average salary: 30 900 SEK/month
- Lowest/Highest salary: Information not available
- Hourly wage: 186 SEK/hour
- Gender differences: Information not available
- Regional differences: Information not available
Education and qualifications
To work as an upholstery worker, a vocational education in upholstery or furniture craftsmanship is usually required, often at the high school level or through adult education. Practical experience is highly valuable, and many supplement their education with apprenticeships or internships to deepen their skills. Specialized courses and certifications in furniture upholstery can also be advantageous, especially for those working with antique or exclusive furniture.
- Vocational training: High school craft program, upholstery specialization (3 years)
- Adult education: Adult education or YH (vocational college) in furniture craftsmanship/upholstery
- Internships: Apprenticeship with established upholsterers recommended
- Courses/certifications: Specialized courses in furniture restoration and textile knowledge
- Prerequisites: Interest in craftsmanship and material knowledge
Innovations in sustainability have led many upholstery workers today to work with reusing and restoring older furniture, giving the profession an increasingly important role in the circular economy.
Common benefits and compensations
Upholstery workers are often covered by collective agreements, which include pension schemes, insurance, and holiday pay. Other common benefits may include wellness allowances, work clothing, and opportunities for skill development through courses or site visits. Flexible working hours are available in some workshops, especially within smaller companies.
Competition and challenges
The competition in the profession of upholstery workers is affected by the relatively limited demand and the fact that many in the field run their own businesses. Automation and mass production of furniture have reduced the need for traditional craftsmanship, but a niche market for exclusive, custom-made, or restored furniture has grown. Challenges also include ergonomic risks and the need for ongoing training to keep up with new materials and techniques. The future of the profession may be influenced by changes in consumption patterns and increased awareness of sustainability.
Tips for those who want to become upholstery workers
To succeed as an upholstery worker, it is beneficial to combine a strong interest in craftsmanship with a careful and patient personality. Developing fine motor skills and having a sense for details is crucial, especially when working with exclusive materials. It is also important to be curious and willing to learn new techniques, as the industry evolves quickly with new trends and materials. The ability to work independently and take initiative is appreciated by employers, especially in smaller workshops. Good teamwork skills facilitate larger projects that require team effort. Finally, being service-oriented and communicative is an advantage, as customer contact is often part of the work during custom orders or restorations.
Key facts about upholstery workers
- Education level: High school education or equivalent adult education
- Work environment: Workshop setting with both machine and manual work
- Work form: Commonly self-employment or small workplaces
- Demand: 341 job vacancies within the upholsterers' profession
- Special skills: Material knowledge and restoration of antique furniture
Career paths and future prospects
After three to five years in the profession, an upholstery worker can advance to more senior roles such as responsible for larger projects, mentoring apprentices, or owning a business specializing in antique or designer furniture. The future outlook for the profession is difficult to predict precisely, as the Swedish Public Employment Service does not provide a separate forecast for upholstery workers, but there is steady demand within the upholsterers' sector with 341 job vacancies noted. The market is influenced by economic cycles and changing consumption patterns, but the growing interest in reuse and sustainability may strengthen the profession's position in the future.
Frequently asked questions about upholstery workers
- What does an upholstery worker earn?
- An upholstery worker has an average salary of 30 900 kronor per month. - How to become an upholstery worker?
- The most common pathway is vocational training via the high school craft program or adult education in upholstery. - Are there many job openings for upholstery workers?
- Currently, there are 341 job vacancies within the upholsterers' profession. - What are the workplace risks in this profession?
- Strain injuries and work-related injuries caused by heavy lifting or repetitive movements are common risks. - Does an upholstery worker usually work in a team or independently?
- Independent work is common, but collaboration in smaller teams can occur during larger projects. - Do you need to be good at sewing to work as an upholstery worker?
- Yes, basic sewing skills are an advantage since the work often involves sewing and attaching textiles.
Salary distributed by age and sector
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 30800 kr | 30900 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 30800 kr | 30900 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 30800 kr | 30900 kr |
About the data
All information displayed on this page is based on data from the Swedish Central Bureau of Statistics (SCB), the Swedish Tax Agency and the Swedish employment agency. Learn more about our data and data sources here.
All figures are gross salaries, meaning salaries before tax. The average salary, or mean salary, is calculated by adding up the total salary for all individuals within the profession and dividing it by the number of individuals. For specific job categories, we have also considered various criteria such as experience and education.
Profession Upholstered furniture worker has the SSYK code 7533, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.
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