Upholstery and Upholstering: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Upholstery and Upholstering is a hands-on technical field focused on the precise construction, restoration, and finishing of padded and fabric-covered surfaces across a range of durable goods. This program equips learners with the craftsmanship and technical expertise needed to transform raw materials into functional, aesthetically refined pieces used in residential, commercial, and automotive environments.
- Spring Installation and Support Systems: Mastery of various spring configurations—including web, coil, and zigzag systems—to ensure structural integrity, comfort, and longevity in seating and mattress construction.
- Padding and Fill Material Application: Skill in selecting, layering, and securing foam, fiber, batting, and other resilient materials to achieve optimal cushioning and shape retention.
- Material Selection and Fabrication: Expertise in evaluating and working with diverse coverings such as leather, vinyl, cotton, wool, and synthetic textiles, including cutting, fitting, and seam techniques.
- Frame Preparation and Structural Assembly: Techniques for reinforcing and preparing wooden or metal frames to support upholstery components, ensuring durability and alignment during assembly.
- Finishing and Detailing Processes: Advanced methods for edge stitching, tucking, tufting, and surface finishing to achieve professional-grade appearance and tactile quality.
- Restoration and Repair Techniques: Specialized knowledge in diagnosing wear, replacing damaged components, and returning antique or worn pieces to original condition with period-accurate methods.
Upholstery and Upholstering Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Upholstery and Upholstering Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Upholstery and Upholstering degrees, including Upholsterers. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 20,990 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Upholsterers 51-6093 | $46,190 | $32,190 - $63,600 | 20,990 | $22.21 |
Upholstery and Upholstering Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $33,640 in Hawaii to $56,840 in Minnesota—a 69% difference. The highest-paying states include Minnesota, Colorado, and New Jersey. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 20,990 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Upholstery and Upholstering by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 6 institutions offering Upholstery and Upholstering programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Upholstery and Upholstering is found at Savannah Technical College (11 graduates), Institucion Chaviano de Mayaguez (10 graduates), Clover Park Technical College (CPTC) (2 graduates), Riverside City College (RCC) (1 graduates), and San Bernardino Valley College (SBVC) (1 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 26 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Savannah Technical College |
Other Award
|
11 | Savannah, Georgia | Public | savannahtech.edu |
| Institucion Chaviano de Mayaguez |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
10 | Mayaguez, Puerto Rico | Private | mitpr.edu |
| Clover Park Technical College (CPTC) |
Other Award
|
2 | Lakewood, Washington | Public | cptc.edu |
| Riverside City College (RCC) |
Other Award
|
1 | Riverside, California | Public | rcc.edu |
| San Bernardino Valley College (SBVC) |
Other Award
|
1 | San Bernardino, California | Public | valleycollege.edu |
| Chattahoochee Technical College |
Other Award
|
1 | Marietta, Georgia | Public | chattahoocheetech.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Upholstery and Upholstering programs
How much can I earn with a Upholstery and Upholstering degree?
Salaries for Upholstery and Upholstering graduates vary by role and location. Upholsterers earn a median of $46,190 annually. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in Minnesota average $56,840 compared to $33,640 in Hawaii. Approximately 20,990 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Upholstery and Upholstering programs?
Currently 6 accredited institutions offer Upholstery and Upholstering degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Savannah Technical College (11 graduates), Institucion Chaviano de Mayaguez (10 graduates), and Clover Park Technical College (CPTC) (2 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Upholstery and Upholstering growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have decreased over the past decade, rising from 308 in 2010 to a peak of 104 in 2020, before declining slightly to 26 in 2023-24. This represents a 92% decrease overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with consistent demand, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a Upholstery and Upholstering degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Upholsterers. Related occupations employ approximately 20,990 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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