- Salary statistics
- Upholsterers, furniture etc.
Upholsterers, furniture etc.
30 800 - 30 900 kr / month
Hantverksyrken
Salary progression Upholsterers, furniture etc.
What does a furniture upholsterer do? – Tasks and work environment
A furniture upholsterer works with reupholstering, renovating, and restoring furniture such as armchairs, chairs, and sofas. Tasks include replacing padding and fabric, repairing wooden frames, and decorating furniture with ribbons, nails, or other details. The work is often carried out in small workshops or studios, but assignments at clients' locations are also common, especially for larger restoration projects. The work environment is characterized by a varied pace and requires craftsmanship skills, a sense of design, and material knowledge. It is common to work in standing, bent, or seated positions for extended periods, which demands good physical condition and endurance.
Salary development over time
Wages for furniture upholsterers have shown a clear increase over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 26,100 kronor per month. In 2023, it rose to 30 000 kronor, representing an increase of approximately 15% compared to the previous year. The positive trend continued into 2024, when the average salary is now 30 900 kronor per month. This strong wage growth can partly be explained by increased demand for skilled craftsmen, especially in furniture restoration and sustainable consumption. A certain shortage of trained upholsterers has also contributed to rising wages, as employers need to compete for skills in the market.
Furniture upholsterers – salary, statistics, and overview
- Average salary: 30 900 SEK/month
- Lowest/highest salary: Data not available
- Hourly wage: 186 SEK/hour
- Gender differences: Data not available
- Regional differences: Data not available
Education and qualifications
To work as a furniture upholsterer, a craft-focused education in upholstery is usually required, often at the upper secondary level or through vocational college. Practical experience is highly valuable, and many supplement their education with internships or apprenticeships. Knowledge of materials, color and form, and various sewing techniques are central to the profession.
- Upper secondary education: Craft program with upholstery specialization (3 years)
- Vocational training/vocational college: Specialized courses, often 1–2 years
- Internship/apprenticeship: Recommended to gain practical skills
- Prerequisites: Interest in crafts and design, some material knowledge
- Certifications: Voluntary, but may exist within industry organizations
Many furniture upholsterers have the opportunity to work with unique and sometimes antique furniture, making the profession especially attractive for those interested in cultural heritage and design history. It is not uncommon to collaborate with interior designers, museums, or private collectors on larger restoration projects.
Common benefits and compensations
The most common benefits for furniture upholsterers include wellness allowances, work clothing, and sometimes flexible working hours. Some employers also offer bonuses for larger projects or commissions on sales. Insurance and occupational pension plans are often included in employment contracts, especially with larger companies or workshops.
Competition and challenges
The upholstery profession within furniture is characterized by a relatively small job market, where competition mainly comes from experienced craftsmen and specialists. A challenge is that demand can fluctuate depending on economic conditions and interior design trends. Automation and cheaper mass-produced furniture have reduced the need for renovation, but at the same time, interest in reuse and sustainability has given the profession new relevance. Establishing oneself as an independent business requires craftsmanship skills and marketing ability. Customers also expect high quality and personalized service, which places high demands on the professional.
Tips for those who want to become furniture upholsterers
To succeed as a furniture upholsterer, patience is key, as careful and detailed work is often required to achieve a professional result. A good sense of color and form facilitates material and design choices, while dexterity and technical skills are essential for sewing and assembly. Creativity is an important trait to suggest solutions and adapt to different customer wishes. Being service-minded and communicative makes collaboration with clients and colleagues easier, especially for custom orders. Finally, being curious about new techniques and materials makes it easier to develop within the profession and meet changing demands.
Key facts about Upholsterers, furniture, etc.
- Education level: Upper secondary or vocational training
- Work environment: Workshop or studio, sometimes client visits
- Work form: Employee or self-employed
- Available jobs: 341 in Sweden (latest data)
Career paths and future prospects
After three to five years in the profession, a furniture upholsterer can advance to more specialized roles, such as furniture restorer or workshop manager. Some choose to start their own business and build a client base in furniture renovation. There are also opportunities to work in education or as a consultant in interior design and antiques. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service’s forecasts, it is not possible to give an exact assessment of future prospects due to limited data. However, the profession is part of a broader craft category where interest in sustainable consumption and reuse is expected to increase demand over time. Currently, there are 341 available jobs in the field, indicating a relatively stable job market.
Frequently asked questions about Upholsterers, furniture, etc.
- What does a furniture upholsterer earn?
- A furniture upholsterer has an average salary of 30 900 kronor per month. - What is the work environment like for upholsterers?
- The work environment is usually workshop-based but can also include client visits and on-site assignments. - What education is required to become an upholsterer?
- A craft-focused education in upholstery or similar is recommended at the upper secondary or vocational college level. - Are there many job openings in the profession?
- Currently, there are 341 available jobs within the upholsterer profession group. - What qualities are important for an upholsterer?
- Patience, dexterity, creativity, and a service-oriented attitude are especially important. - What are the future prospects?
- No exact forecast exists, but sustainability trends may increase demand long-term. - How large are the salary differences between regions and genders?
- Specific information about regional and gender-based salary differences is lacking for the profession.
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 Upholsterers, furniture etc. has the SSYK code 7533, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.
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