- Salary statistics
- Cutters, furniture
Cutters, furniture
30 800 - 30 900 kr / month
Hantverksyrken
Salary progression Cutters, furniture
What does a furniture upholsterer do? – Tasks and working environment
A furniture upholsterer specializes in measuring, marking, and cutting textiles, leather, or other materials used in furniture manufacturing and reupholstering. The work requires great precision, attention to detail, and a good understanding of material properties. Both manual tools and machines are used to achieve a perfect fit and high quality. The working environment is often workshop-based, where collaboration with upholsterers and other craftspeople is common. Heavy lifting may be involved, and work is often performed standing for extended periods, demanding physical endurance and a good working environment.
Salary development over time
The salary for furniture upholsterers has shown positive growth over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 26,100 kronor per month, increasing to 30 000 kronor in 2023. In 2024, the average salary reached 30 900 kronor per month, representing an approximately 18% increase over the three-year period. This trend reflects increased demand for skilled craftsmen and some influence from general wage growth within the trades. Additionally, heightened awareness of quality and sustainability in the furniture industry has elevated the profession’s value. Salary levels still vary depending on location, experience, and specialization, with regional differences persisting.
Furniture upholsterer salary – complete overview
- Average salary: 30 900 kr/month
- Lowest/Highest salary: Data unavailable for lowest and highest salaries
- Hourly wage: 186 kr/hour (based on 166 hours/month)
- Gender differences: Salary data not available by gender
- Regional differences: Salaries may vary depending on region, but detailed data is lacking
Education and qualifications
To work as a furniture upholsterer, a high school vocational education in crafts with a focus on textiles or upholstery is usually required. Some choose to supplement with college courses or specialized training in furniture manufacturing and upholstery. Practical experience is highly valuable, and many spend time as apprentices or interns to build necessary skills. Knowledge of materials and pattern construction is advantageous, as well as the ability to work independently and precisely.
- High school vocational education: Crafts program, specialization in textiles or upholstery (3 years)
- College courses: Specialization in furniture manufacturing/upholstery (1–2 years)
- Practical training/apprenticeship: Common to gain hands-on experience
- Courses in materials science and pattern construction: Recommended for further development
- Prerequisites: Interest in craftsmanship and good fine motor skills
Many furniture upholsterers develop a unique sense for materials and design, making them invaluable experts for custom orders and exclusive projects. This specialized expertise can open doors to collaborations with furniture designers and interior architects.
Common benefits and compensations
Furniture upholsterers often work under collective agreements that entitle them to holiday pay, pension contributions, and sometimes additional insurance coverage. Other benefits may include wellness allowances, work clothing, and opportunities for skill development through internal or external courses. Bonuses may also be offered for major deliveries or project completions.
Competition and challenges
Competition for positions as furniture upholsterers varies by region and economic climate. The industry is affected by changes in furniture production, automation, and new materials, which require ongoing skill development. Challenges include maintaining high quality under tight deadlines and adapting to custom orders or unusual materials. The availability of job openings is limited, but those with specialized knowledge and proven experience have good employment prospects. Collaboration skills and communication with colleagues and clients are crucial for success.
Tips for aspiring furniture upholsterers
To succeed as a furniture upholsterer, attention to detail and a genuine interest in craftsmanship are essential. Developing a good feel for different materials and patterns increases the ability to deliver high-quality results, while creativity helps solve unexpected problems in custom projects. Patience and endurance are important, as some tasks are time-consuming and require precision. Being cooperative is also beneficial, as many projects are team-based with upholsterers and designers. Continuing education and staying updated on new techniques and materials make it easier to meet industry demands. Good communication skills, both with colleagues and clients, are valuable for understanding and fulfilling their expectations.
Key facts about furniture upholsterers
- Education level: High school vocational education is most common
- Work environment: Workshop setting with manual and machine work
- Work form: Usually full-time, sometimes project-based
- Demand: 341 job openings within the upholsterer profession
- Special skills: Materials science and pattern construction
Career paths and future outlook
After three to five years as a furniture upholsterer, there are opportunities to advance to more specialized roles, such as supervisor at a furniture workshop or consultant for larger interior projects. Some choose to start their own business, especially if they have developed expertise in niche areas like antique furniture or exclusive materials. According to the Employment Service, there is no precise forecast for furniture upholsterers, but within the upholsterer group, 341 job openings are reported, indicating some demand. No detailed future outlook is provided due to limited data, but individuals with the right skills and experience have good prospects in the job market.
Frequently asked questions about furniture upholsterers
- What does a furniture upholsterer earn?
- The average salary is 30 900 kronor per month, with an hourly wage around 186 kronor. - What education is required?
- Typically, a high school vocational education with a focus on textiles or upholstery. College courses and apprenticeships are advantageous. - What is the working environment like?
- Work mainly takes place in a workshop environment, often standing, with both manual and machine-assisted tasks. - Are there regional salary differences?
- Salary variations occur between regions, but detailed statistics are lacking. - What benefits are common?
- Common benefits include holiday pay, pension contributions, wellness allowances, and sometimes bonuses. - What are the future prospects?
- The Employment Service does not provide an exact forecast, but there are 341 available jobs within the upholsterer 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 Cutters, furniture has the SSYK code 7533, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.
-
Opinion Poll Status Novus: Unchanged Support – Social Democrats Largest
Wed, 19 Nov 2025 - 08:35 -
The National Debt – Level, Development, and Significance for Sweden
Wed, 8 Oct 2025 - 08:00