# Upholsterers

> Make, repair, or replace upholstery for household furniture or transportation vehicles.
- **Entity Type:** role
- **Schema Version:** role.v1
- **Soc Code:** 51-6093.00
- **Summary:** Make, repair, or replace upholstery for household furniture or transportation vehicles.

## Aliases

- Box Spring Upholsterer
- Upholstered Goods Crafter
- Upholsterer
- Upholstery Cutter
- Furniture Upholsterer
- Inside Upholsterer
- Sofa Back Upholsterer
- Stapler
- Trimmer
- Upholstery Trimmer
- Aircraft Seat Upholsterer
- Arm Maker

## Tasks

| Text | Type | Iwa |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Fit, install, and secure material on frames, using hand tools, power tools, glue, cement, or staples. | Core | 4.A.3.a.2.f |
| Measure and cut new covering materials, using patterns and measuring and cutting instruments, following sketches and design specifications. | Core | 4.A.1.b.3.a |
| Build furniture up with loose fiber stuffing, cotton, felt, or foam padding to form smooth, rounded surfaces. | Core | 4.A.3.a.2.aj |
| Make, restore, or create custom upholstered furniture, using hand tools and knowledge of fabrics and upholstery methods. | Core | 4.A.3.b.4.b |
| Read work orders, and apply knowledge and experience with materials to determine types and amounts of materials required to cover workpieces. | Core | 4.A.1.a.1.b |
| Draw cutting lines on material following patterns, templates, sketches, or blueprints, using chalk, pencils, paint, or other methods. | Supplemental | 4.A.3.a.2.ao |
| Stretch webbing and fabric, using webbing stretchers. | Supplemental | 4.A.3.a.2.f |
| Operate sewing machines or sew upholstery by hand to seam cushions and join various sections of covering material. | Supplemental | 4.A.3.a.2.e |
| Examine furniture frames, upholstery, springs, and webbing to locate defects. | Core | 4.A.1.b.2.j |
| Adjust or replace webbing, padding, or springs, and secure them in place. | Core | 4.A.3.b.4.b |
| Sew rips or tears in material, or create tufting, using needles and thread. | Core | 4.A.3.a.2.e |
| Design upholstery cover patterns and cutting plans, based on sketches, customer descriptions, or blueprints. | Supplemental | 4.A.2.b.2.k |

## Emerging Tasks


## Activities

| Name | Iwa |
| --- | --- |
| Mount materials or workpieces onto production equipment. | 4.A.3.a.2.f |
| Align parts or workpieces to ensure proper assembly. | 4.A.3.a.2.ao |
| Assemble garments or textile products. | 4.A.3.a.2.aj |
| Examine condition of property or products. | 4.A.1.b.2.j |
| Attach decorative or functional accessories to products. | 4.A.3.a.2.ab |
| Repair furniture or upholstery. | 4.A.3.b.4.b |
| Read work orders or other instructions to determine product specifications or materials requirements. | 4.A.1.a.1.b |
| Draw guide lines or markings on materials or workpieces using patterns or other references. | 4.A.3.a.2.ao |
| Measure materials to mark reference points, cutting lines, or other indicators. | 4.A.1.b.3.a |
| Cut fabrics. | 4.A.3.a.2.l |
| Record operational or production data. | 4.A.3.b.6.h |
| Estimate costs of products, services, or materials. | 4.A.2.b.1.a |
| Confer with customers or designers to determine order specifications. | 4.A.4.a.2.j |
| Shape surfaces or edges of wood workpieces. | 4.A.3.a.2.g |
| Sew clothing or other articles. | 4.A.3.a.2.e |
| Operate sewing equipment. | 4.A.3.a.2.e |
| Move furniture. | 4.A.3.a.1.j |
| Repair textiles or apparel. | 4.A.3.a.2.e |
| Prepare fabrics or materials for processing or production. | 4.A.3.a.2.m |
| Adjust fabrics or other materials during garment production. | 4.A.3.a.2.f |
| Design templates or patterns. | 4.A.2.b.2.k |
| Exchange information with colleagues. | 4.A.4.a.2.c |

## Capabilities

| Name | Family | Value |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Arm-Hand Steadiness | ability | 4 |
| Manual Dexterity | ability | 4 |
| Finger Dexterity | ability | 4 |
| Near Vision | ability | 3.88 |
| Control Precision | ability | 3.75 |
| Multilimb Coordination | ability | 3.75 |
| Visual Color Discrimination | ability | 3.75 |
| Visualization | ability | 3.62 |
| Critical Thinking | essential_skill | 3.5 |
| Written Comprehension | ability | 3.25 |
| Problem Sensitivity | ability | 3.25 |
| Reading Comprehension | essential_skill | 3.12 |
| Information Ordering | ability | 3.12 |
| Trunk Strength | ability | 3.12 |
| Extent Flexibility | ability | 3.12 |
| Production and Processing | knowledge | 3.07 |
| Design | knowledge | 3.02 |
| Active Listening | essential_skill | 3 |
| Speaking | essential_skill | 3 |
| Active Learning | essential_skill | 3 |
| Monitoring | essential_skill | 3 |
| Complex Problem Solving | transferable_skill | 3 |
| Judgment and Decision Making | transferable_skill | 3 |
| Time Management | transferable_skill | 3 |
| Oral Comprehension | ability | 3 |
| Oral Expression | ability | 3 |
| Originality | ability | 3 |
| Deductive Reasoning | ability | 3 |
| Category Flexibility | ability | 3 |
| Flexibility of Closure | ability | 3 |
| Selective Attention | ability | 3 |
| Static Strength | ability | 3 |
| Depth Perception | ability | 3 |
| Speech Clarity | ability | 3 |
| Social Perceptiveness | transferable_skill | 2.88 |
| Service Orientation | transferable_skill | 2.88 |
| Operations Monitoring | transferable_skill | 2.88 |
| Fluency of Ideas | ability | 2.88 |
| Inductive Reasoning | ability | 2.88 |
| Perceptual Speed | ability | 2.88 |

## Skills

| Name | Type |
| --- | --- |
| Finger Dexterity | Common Skill |
| Visualization | Specialized Skill |
| Critical Thinking | Common Skill |
| Reading Comprehension | Common Skill |
| Information Ordering | Specialized Skill |
| Time Management | Common Skill |
| Microsoft Word | Common Skill |
| Microsoft Windows | Common Skill |
| Microsoft PowerPoint | Common Skill |
| Microsoft Excel | Common Skill |
| Depth Perception | Common Skill |
| Deductive Reasoning | Common Skill |
| Complex Problem Solving | Common Skill |
| Active Listening | Common Skill |
| Active Learning | Common Skill |
| Speech Recognition | Specialized Skill |
| Social Perceptiveness | Common Skill |
| Inductive Reasoning | Common Skill |
| Learning Strategies | Specialized Skill |
| Mathematics | Common Skill |
| Writing | Common Skill |
| Equipment Selection | Specialized Skill |
| Instructing | Specialized Skill |
| Negotiation | Common Skill |
| Equipment Maintenance | Specialized Skill |
| Systems Analysis | Specialized Skill |
| English Language | Common Skill |
| Telecommunications | Specialized Skill |
| Chemistry | Specialized Skill |
| Foreign Language | Common Skill |
| Physics | Specialized Skill |
| Biology | Specialized Skill |
| Psychology | Specialized Skill |
| Installation | Specialized Skill |
| Geography | Specialized Skill |
| Presentation Software | Specialized Skill |
| Accounting Software | Specialized Skill |

## Tools

| Example | Category | Hot | In Demand |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Autodesk AutoCAD | Computer aided design CAD software | yes | no |
| Intuit QuickBooks | Accounting software | yes | no |
| Microsoft Excel | Spreadsheet software | yes | no |
| Microsoft Office software | Office suite software | yes | no |
| Microsoft PowerPoint | Presentation software | yes | no |
| Microsoft Windows | Operating system software | yes | no |
| Microsoft Word | Word processing software | yes | no |
| LibreOffice Draw | Process mapping and design software | no | no |

## Work Context

| Name | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls | 4.89 |
| Spend Time Standing | 4.63 |
| Importance of Being Exact or Accurate | 4.33 |
| Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions | 4.14 |
| Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets | 3.93 |
| Time Pressure | 3.86 |
| Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body | 3.8 |
| Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams | 3.79 |
| Level of Competition | 3.71 |
| Contact With Others | 3.65 |
| Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals | 3.65 |
| Indoors, Environmentally Controlled | 3.59 |
| Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings | 3.54 |
| Physical Proximity | 3.46 |
| Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results | 3.46 |
| Spend Time Walking or Running | 3.44 |
| Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable | 3.25 |
| Freedom to Make Decisions | 3.21 |
| Frequency of Decision Making | 3.18 |
| Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers | 3.17 |
| Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities | 3.15 |
| Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team | 3.08 |
| Exposed to Contaminants | 3.04 |
| Exposed to Hazardous Equipment | 2.93 |
| Health and Safety of Other Workers | 2.84 |
| Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People | 2.78 |
| Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling | 2.64 |
| Deal With External Customers or the Public in General | 2.59 |
| Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled | 2.56 |
| Conflict Situations | 2.38 |
| Exposed to Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions | 2.34 |
| Consequence of Error | 2.3 |
| Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment | 2.3 |
| Importance of Repeating Same Tasks | 2.21 |
| Exposed to Hazardous Conditions | 2.18 |
| Telephone Conversations | 2.12 |
| Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance | 1.96 |
| Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions | 1.85 |
| Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures | 1.75 |
| Spend Time Sitting | 1.61 |

## Preparation

- **Job Zone:** 2
- **Job Zone Name:** Job Zone 1-2: Very Little to Some Preparation Needed
- **Education:** Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.
- **Experience:** Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.
- **Svp Range:** (Below 6.0)

### Education Distribution

| Label | Percentage |
| --- | --- |
| High School Diploma | 56.18 |
| Less than a High School Diploma | 43.82 |

## Person Fit

| Name | Family | Value |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Realistic | career_interest_type | 6.81 |
| Physical/Manual Labor | specific_interest_area | 4.84 |
| Construction/Woodwork | specific_interest_area | 3.53 |
| Visual Arts | specific_interest_area | 3.4 |
| Applied Arts and Design | specific_interest_area | 3.06 |
| Artistic | career_interest_type | 2.92 |
| Conventional | career_interest_type | 2.92 |
| Attention to Detail | work_style | 2.22 |
| Dependability | work_style | 1.98 |
| Investigative | career_interest_type | 1.84 |
| Mechanics/Electronics | specific_interest_area | 1.59 |
| Engineering | specific_interest_area | 1.5 |
| Social | career_interest_type | 1.38 |
| Transportation/Machine Operation | specific_interest_area | 1.29 |
| Performing Arts | specific_interest_area | 1.19 |
| Personal Service | specific_interest_area | 1.18 |

## Related Roles

| Soc Code | Slug | Title | Tier |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 51-7021.00 | role-51-7021-00 | Furniture Finishers | Primary-Short |
| 51-7011.00 | role-51-7011-00 | Cabinetmakers and Bench Carpenters | Primary-Short |
| 51-6051.00 | role-51-6051-00 | Sewers, Hand | Primary-Short |
| 51-6041.00 | role-51-6041-00 | Shoe and Leather Workers and Repairers | Primary-Short |
| 51-6031.00 | role-51-6031-00 | Sewing Machine Operators | Primary-Short |
| 47-2041.00 | role-47-2041-00 | Carpet Installers | Primary-Long |
| 51-9022.00 | role-51-9022-00 | Grinding and Polishing Workers, Hand | Primary-Long |
| 51-9195.00 | role-51-9195-00 | Molders, Shapers, and Casters, Except Metal and Plastic | Primary-Long |
| 51-2041.00 | role-51-2041-00 | Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters | Primary-Long |
| 51-9123.00 | role-51-9123-00 | Painting, Coating, and Decorating Workers | Primary-Long |
| 51-2011.00 | role-51-2011-00 | Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers | Supplemental |
| 51-7042.00 | role-51-7042-00 | Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing | Supplemental |

## Career Clusters

| Cluster | Slug |
| --- | --- |
| Advanced Manufacturing | advanced-manufacturing |

## Education Level

- **Category:** High school diploma or equivalent

## Study Programs

| Title | Slug |
| --- | --- |
| Precision Production | precision-production |

## Market

- **Median Wage:** 46190
- **Mean Wage:** 46960
- **Pct10Wage:** 32190
- **Pct25Wage:** 37200
- **Pct75Wage:** 51740
- **Pct90Wage:** 63600
- **Employment:** 20990
- **Area Title:** U.S.

## Industries


### Top

| Naics | Slug | Title | Level | Employment | Median Wage | Lq |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 31-33 | 31-33 | Manufacturing | Sector | 12150 | 46190 | 6.99 |
| 81 | 81 | Other Services (except Public Administration) | Sector | 5770 | 45900 | 9.58 |
| 56 | 56 | Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services | Sector | 850 | 46970 | 0.69 |
| 561320 | 561320 | Temporary Help Services | National industry | 720 | 46040 | 2 |
| 44-45 | 44-45 | Retail Trade | Sector | 650 | 46890 | 0.31 |
| 42 | 42 | Wholesale Trade | Sector | 430 | 39970 | 0.52 |
| 48-49 | 48-49 | Transportation and Warehousing | Sector | 410 | 55440 | 0.41 |
| 72 | 72 | Accommodation and Food Services | Sector | 170 | 53600 | 0.09 |
| 721120 | 721120 | Casino Hotels | National industry | 170 | 52720 | 3.71 |
| 53 | 53 | Real Estate and Rental and Leasing | Sector | 130 | 49220 | 0.4 |
| 71 | 71 | Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation | Sector | 70 | 53760 |  |
| 23 | 23 | Construction | Sector | 60 | 49790 |  |

### Concentrated

| Naics | Slug | Title | Level | Employment | Lq |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 81 | 81 | Other Services (except Public Administration) | Sector | 5770 | 9.58 |
| 31-33 | 31-33 | Manufacturing | Sector | 12150 | 6.99 |
| 721120 | 721120 | Casino Hotels | National industry | 170 | 3.71 |
| 561320 | 561320 | Temporary Help Services | National industry | 720 | 2 |
| 56 | 56 | Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services | Sector | 850 | 0.69 |
| 42 | 42 | Wholesale Trade | Sector | 430 | 0.52 |
| 48-49 | 48-49 | Transportation and Warehousing | Sector | 410 | 0.41 |
| 53 | 53 | Real Estate and Rental and Leasing | Sector | 130 | 0.4 |
- **Count:** 14

## Ai Signals

| Source | Label | Score | Scale | Release |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| frey_osborne | Computerization probability | 0.39 | 0-1 probability | 2013-baseline-2016-employment-snapshot |
| felten_aioe | AI occupational exposure | -1.313735 | relative exposure score | 2021-plus-generative-ai-workbooks |
| felten_image_generation_aioe | Image generation occupational exposure | -0.5489876 | relative exposure score | 2021-plus-generative-ai-workbooks |
| felten_language_modeling_aioe | Language modeling occupational exposure | -1.405178 | relative exposure score | 2021-plus-generative-ai-workbooks |

## Ai Outlook


### Index

- **Value:** 20
- **Percentile:** 17
- **Band:** Low
- **Version:** ai-exposure-index-v1

#### Components

| Percentile | Source |
| --- | --- |
| 8 | felten_aioe |
| 30 | openai_gpts_are_gpts |
| 23 | microsoft_working_with_ai |
- **Component Count:** 3

### Exposure

| Source | Label | Value | Percentile | Band | Note |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| felten_aioe | Overall AI exposure (Felten et al.) | -1.313735 | 8 | Low | How much this job's abilities overlap with what AI systems can do, across many AI capabilities. A relative research score, not a forecast of job loss. |
| eloundou_gamma | LLM task exposure, γ (OpenAI / Eloundou) | 0.2647058823529412 | 30 | Low | Share of this job's tasks where a large language model plus simple tools could cut the time to do them by at least half. γ is capped at 1.0 and many jobs reach that ceiling, so treat a top score as 'in the top group', not a precise rank. |
| microsoft_applicability | AI assistant applicability (Microsoft) | 0.08219784637820152 | 23 | Low | How applicable today's AI assistants are to this job's activities, measured from real Microsoft Copilot conversations. Applicability is not the same as replacement. |

### Frey Historical

- **Source:** frey
- **Label:** Computerization probability (Frey & Osborne, 2013)
- **Value:** 0.39
- **Percentile:** 43
- **Band:** Moderate
- **Note:** A pre-LLM (2013) estimate of how automatable this job is by computerization and robotics. Shown for historical context only — it is not part of any current AI ranking.
- **Teleworkable:** no

### Eloundou

- **Alpha:** 0.11764705882352941
- **Beta:** 0.19117647058823528
- **Gamma:** 0.2647058823529412

### Usage Tasks

| Task | Usage Percent | Importance |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Draw cutting lines on material following patterns, templates, sketches, or blueprints, using chalk, pencils, paint, or other methods. | 0.002156863550649319 | 4.27 |
- **Usage Release:** 2026-01-15-v4-plus-2025-03-27-v2

### Bls

- **Growth Percent:** -1.8
- **Growth Percentile:** 19
- **Direction:** Declining
- **Annual Openings Thousands:** 2.2
- **Annual Openings Percentile:** 30
- **Employment2024Thousands:** 22.7
- **Employment2034Thousands:** 22.3

### Sources

| Source | Version |
| --- | --- |
| bls_employment_projections | 2024-2034 |
| dingel_neiman | dingel-neiman-workathome |
| felten_aioe | felten-raj-seamans-aioe |
| frey_osborne | frey-osborne-automation |
| microsoft_working_with_ai | working-with-ai |
| openai_gpts_are_gpts | gpts-are-gpts |

## Counts

- **Tasks:** 22
- **Skills:** 37
- **Capabilities:** 120
- **Tools:** 8
- **Related Roles:** 20

## Source

- **Dataset:** gold.onet_role_starter_surface
- **Version:** 30.3
- **Generated At:** 2026-06-02T21:00:32.945303+00:00
- **Content Hash:** 30428f141afef9a2