How to become an Upholsterer
Makes, rebuilds and repairs upholstered articles such as chairs, sofas, beds and mattresses.
Main tasks
- Assesses items to determine the nature of upholstery required
- Consults clients regarding upholstery preferences and provides estimates of costs
- Repairs or replaces damaged upholstery
- Fits upholstery to new items of furniture
- Operates tools and equipment for upholstery work
Ways in
- Apprenticeship: Certificate III in Upholstery. Trade occupations are usually entered through an apprenticeship: paid work plus this qualification, typically 3 to 4 years.
- TAFE and VET: Certificate III in Upholstery (MSF30722); Certificate II in Furniture Making Pathways (MSF20522)
Pay · Outlook · AI and this job
- Typical full-time pay: $79,404 a year
- About 2,100 people work in this job group now, and about 2,200 are projected by 2035. (+6%)
- AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.
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Questions people ask
How do I become an Upholsterer?
Ways in include: Certificate III in Upholstery; Certificate II in Furniture Making Pathways; Certificate III in Upholstery.
How much does an Upholsterer earn in Australia?
Median full-time pay is $79,404 a year (Jobs and Skills Australia).
Is an Upholsterer a growing career in Australia?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 6% by 2035, from about 2,100 to about 2,200 people (Jobs and Skills Australia).
Do you need a degree to become an Upholsterer?
Usually not. Only 5% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: Certificate III in Upholstery; Certificate II in Furniture Making Pathways; Certificate III in Upholstery.
Will AI change the work of an Upholsterer?
AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.
Sources
- Jobs and Skills Australia: Occupation data (ANZSCO), from ABS Labour Force and Census (February 2026), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
- Jobs and Skills Australia: Generative AI Capacity Study, interactive table data (September 2025), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
- Jobs and Skills Australia: Employment Projections (Victoria University) (May 2025 to May 2035), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
- Australian Taxation Office: Taxation Statistics, Individuals Table 15A (2023-24), CC BY 2.5 AU, retrieved 2026-10-04
Updated 2026-10-04