Upholsterer
Upholsterers cover furniture, such as sofas and chairs, with fabric, leather, and other upholstery materials.
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Custom Upholsterer, Production Upholsterer, Re-upholsterer
In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.
The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used. Here is how this occupation has been classified over time:
Interest in precision working to lay out, cut, fabricate and install upholstery in aircraft, motor vehicles, railway cars, boats and ships; may install, fabricate, maintain and repair interior components of aircraft, such as seats, coverings, drapes, cargo nets, flooring, closets, bins and panels
Interest in compiling information to install padding and underlays and to fasten covering materials to furniture frames
Interest in speaking with customers to discuss upholstery fabric, colour and style; may repair furniture frames and refinish wood surfaces
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
Custom upholsterers usually work in small shops where they make new furniture from standard patterns. They make, or sometimes rebuild, an entire piece of furniture. They may help customers choose fabrics and styles. Some highly skilled custom upholsterers design and produce furniture according to customer specifications.
Production upholsterers work in factories. They most often specialize in one area of new furniture production. They work on an assembly line performing one function. They then pass the furniture on to others to finish.
Re-upholsterers recondition old furniture. In general, they:
Re-upholsterers also fix furniture by repairing split seams, replacing broken springs, and replacing foam in seat cushions.
Upholstery work requires considerable standing, bending, and stooping. It may involve handling heavy pieces of furniture.
Upholsterers use a variety of hand tools. These include measuring tapes, pneumatic staplers, hammers, scissors, and pliers. They must be careful to avoid injury. They work indoors in shops or factories. These are usually well lit and clean, although sometimes dusty.
Hours of work vary. Production upholsterers most often work shifts. Custom upholsterers and re-upholsterers who own their own shops may work long, irregular hours to meet customer demands.
Upholsterers need:
A flair for colour and the creative use of fabrics is an asset.
Upholsterers should enjoy using tools and machinery to perform precision tasks. They should like having clear guidelines and methods for their work. They should feel at ease dealing with customers.
This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 17 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Nov 17, 2020 and Apr 17, 2021.
Review these skills to learn:
Lay out, cut, fabricate and install upholstery | 17 |
---|---|
Tack, glue or sew ornamental trim, braids or buttons | 16 |
Replace worn-out webbing, springs and other furniture parts | 15 |
Repair furniture frames and refinish wood surfaces | 15 |
Operate sewing machines or sew by hand | 12 |
Type of Industry Experience: Furniture and fixtures manufacturing company | 12 |
Discuss upholstery fabric, colour, and style with customers and provide cost estimate | 11 |
Specialization or Experience: Furniture | 10 |
Type of Industry Experience: Furniture upholstery and repair shop | 8 |
Specialization or Experience: Antique furniture and furnishings | 7 |
Most upholsterers are trained on the job. Mastering all the skills necessary to work on their own takes up to 5 years.
Production upholsterers begin on the simpler functions in an assembly line and progress to more complex tasks. Custom upholsterers start with routine tasks such as removing old fabric, padding, or springs. They move on to more difficult tasks as they gain experience.
For a broad list of programs and courses that may be related to this occupation try searching using keywords.
There is currently no provincial legislation regulating this occupation in Alberta.
Most production upholsterers work in furniture factories. Some work at home and are paid by the amount of fabric used. Most custom upholsterers are self-employed. However, some work in small shops that employ fewer than 5 people. Some upholsterers work for furniture stores and businesses, such as:
Experienced production upholsterers may advance to supervisory positions depending on their experience, management ability, and the size of the business. Experienced custom upholsterers may open their own shops.
In Alberta, 84% of people employed as upholsterers work in the following industries:
The employment outlook (pdf) in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
In Alberta, the 6345: Upholsterers occupational group is expected to have a below-average annual growth of 0% from 2019 to 2023. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 0 new positions are forecasted to be created within this occupational group each year.
Inexperienced upholsterers may start at minimum wage. (As of October 1, 2018, the minimum wage in Alberta is $15.00 per hour. For more information, see Alberta Employment Standards.) Experienced upholsterers may be paid by the hour, the yard, or the metre, or on a piecework basis. This depends on the employer and the kind of work.
The upholstery business is highly competitive. Profits made by self-employed custom upholsterers depend largely on a combination of market conditions and their:
Upholsterers are part of the larger 2016 National Occupational Classification 6345: Upholsterers.
According to the 2019 Alberta Wage and Salary Survey, Albertans in the Upholsterers occupational group earned on average from $18.57 to $24.58 an hour. The overall average was $20.65 an hour. For more information, see the Upholsterers wage profile.
Updated Mar 31, 2019. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.