SOC 51-6093
Upholsterers
Risk Score
โ ๏ธ43/100
Elevated
US Employment
๐ฅ20,990
Total workers
Median Wage
๐ฐ$46K
$32K โ $64K
Projected Growth
๐-1.8%
2023-2033 (BLS)
GenAI Exposure
๐ค44/100
Moderate exposure
๐ก Upholsterers face a risk score of 43/100 โ 1 points below the national average of 44. With only 44/100 GenAI exposure, most core tasks remain resistant to current AI capabilities. See our methodology โ
๐ก Workers in this field earn $46K. The 3 recommended career transitions all maintain competitive wages while reducing automation exposure. Explore transition paths โ
๐ AI Impact Analysis
With a risk score of 43/100, Upholsterers faces moderate automation pressure. While tasks like smart factory scheduling and production optimization are increasingly handled by AI, the role retains significant human elements. The 20,990 workers in this occupation should focus on strengthening skills in setup and calibration of custom production runs and quality judgment requiring tactile and visual inspection to stay ahead. The role will likely evolve rather than disappear.
Will AI Replace Upholsterers?
Read our full analysis with verdict, risk factors, safe tasks, and career transition paths โ
โ ๏ธ Top Risk Factors
Smart factory scheduling and production optimization
Predictive maintenance reducing manual inspection roles
Cobots handling repetitive material handling tasks
Automated CNC programming and machine operation
๐ก๏ธ Tasks Safe from Automation
Setup and calibration of custom production runs
Quality judgment requiring tactile and visual inspection
Troubleshooting complex equipment malfunctions
Coordinating workflow across diverse production teams
๐ Task Automation Breakdown
Based on O*NET task analysis and GenAI exposure scoring. Shows the estimated proportion of this occupation's core tasks that are automatable by current AI, augmented by AI tools, or require essential human skills.
๐ O*NET Task Profile
Fit, install, and secure material on frames, using hand tools, power tools, glue, cement, or staples.
Measure and cut new covering materials, using patterns and measuring and cutting instruments, following sketches and design specifications.
Build furniture up with loose fiber stuffing, cotton, felt, or foam padding to form smooth, rounded surfaces.
Make, restore, or create custom upholstered furniture, using hand tools and knowledge of fabrics and upholstery methods.
Read work orders, and apply knowledge and experience with materials to determine types and amounts of materials required to cover workpieces.
๐ป Technology Skills
Computer aided design CAD software
Enterprise resource planning ERP software
Accounting software
Process mapping and design software
Spreadsheet software
๐ Key Knowledge Areas
Production and Processing
Design
Customer and Personal Service
Mechanical
Education and Training
๐ vs National Average
National avg: $46K
National avg: 44/100
National avg: 38/100
National avg: 3.7%
๐ Career Transition Paths
| Occupation | Risk | Wage | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engineers | 20 | $106K | 51% |
| First-Line Supervisors of Transportation and Material Moving Workers, Except Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors | 25 | $62K | 61% |
| Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers | 33 | $68K | 80% |