Automotive Upholsterer Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In today’s modern age, the significance of automotive upholsterers in the vehicle industry has never been greater.

As vehicles evolve, so does the demand for skilled craftspeople who can design, revitalize, and maintain our automotive interiors.

But what exactly does an automotive upholsterer do?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core of this role,
• A hiring manager looking to draft the perfect job specification,
• Or simply curious about the intricacies of automotive upholstery,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a customizable automotive upholsterer job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right in.

Automotive Upholsterer Duties and Responsibilities

Automotive Upholsterers are responsible for repairing and replacing upholstery in vehicles.

They work with a variety of materials such as leather, vinyl, fabric, and plastic to create comfortable and aesthetically pleasing interiors for vehicles.

Their main duties and responsibilities include:

• Consult with clients or vehicle owners to understand their upholstery needs and preferences
• Inspect vehicle interiors for wear and damage, and determine the extent of repairs or replacements needed
• Remove old upholstery, including seat covers, carpeting, and interior trim
• Measure, cut and sew new upholstery materials based on the specifications of the vehicle
• Install new upholstery in the vehicle, ensuring a snug and secure fit
• Repair or replace interior components such as seats, headrests, armrests, and door panels
• Use a variety of tools, including hand tools, power tools, sewing machines, and adhesives, in the upholstery process
• Maintain detailed records of all upholstery work performed for future reference or billing purposes
• Ensure that work complies with safety and quality standards
• Keep work area clean and organized to maintain a safe and efficient work environment

 

Automotive Upholsterer Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are looking for a skilled Automotive Upholsterer to join our team.

In this role, you will be responsible for repairing and replacing upholstery in vehicles, as well as designing and creating custom upholstery designs.

The successful candidate should have a deep understanding of upholstery techniques, materials, and tools.

They should be able to work with a variety of materials including leather, fabric, and vinyl, and have a keen eye for detail.

 

Responsibilities

• Inspecting and repairing damaged upholstery in vehicles
• Designing and creating custom upholstery designs
• Using a variety of hand and power tools to complete upholstery tasks
• Estimating costs and time needed for upholstery repairs or replacements
• Communicating with clients to understand their upholstery needs and preferences
• Maintaining a clean and organized work environment
• Keeping up-to-date with the latest trends and techniques in automotive upholstery

 

Qualifications

• Proven experience as an Automotive Upholsterer or similar role
• Knowledge of various upholstery materials and techniques
• Ability to use a variety of hand and power tools
• Strong attention to detail
• Good communication and customer service skills
• Physical strength and stamina to lift and move heavy furniture and materials
• High school diploma or equivalent. Vocational training in upholstery is a plus.

 

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Automotive Upholsterer
• Work Environment: Workshop setting. Physical strength and stamina are necessary as the job often involves lifting and moving heavy furniture and materials.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Workshop Manager or Lead Upholsterer.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $25,000 minimum to $45,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does an Automotive Upholsterer Do?

Automotive Upholsterers, also known as trimmers, coach trimmers, and motor trimmers, specialize in the repair, restoration, and installation of upholstery in vehicles.

They repair and replace upholstery in cars, trucks, and other vehicles, often working with materials such as leather, suede, vinyl, cloth, and plastic.

They may also work with carpeting and other materials used in the interior of vehicles.

Automotive Upholsterers assess the condition of current upholstery, determining whether it can be repaired or if it needs to be replaced.

If replacement is required, they remove the old upholstery and install the new material, ensuring it fits perfectly and enhances the vehicle’s aesthetic appeal.

In addition to the upholstery, they may also handle the repair and installation of other interior components such as door trims, headliners, convertible tops, and more.

They work closely with vehicle owners, understanding their preferences and requirements to provide the best possible service.

Some Automotive Upholsterers may also work on custom projects, creating unique and personalized interior designs for clients’ vehicles.

They also maintain a clean and safe work environment, adhering to safety regulations to prevent accidents.

Automotive Upholsterers may work in dedicated upholstery shops, auto repair facilities, or car dealerships.

 

Automotive Upholsterer Qualifications and Skills

Automotive Upholsterers use a range of practical skills, creativity and technical knowledge to design and craft the interiors of vehicles, including:

• Technical skills and knowledge to understand the design and structure of various types of vehicle interiors, and to work with a wide range of materials including leathers, fabrics, plastics, and more.
• Hand-eye coordination and attention to detail for intricate tasks such as stitching, cutting and fitting upholstery.
• Creativity and design skills to develop unique and appealing designs that meet customer specifications and industry trends.
• Problem-solving abilities to address challenges and issues that may arise during the upholstering process, such as materials not fitting correctly or aesthetic issues.
• Interpersonal and communication skills to interact effectively with clients, understand their needs and preferences, and provide excellent customer service.
• Physical stamina and strength to handle heavy materials and equipment, and to work for extended periods.
• Ability to operate and maintain a variety of tools including sewing machines, staplers, and cutting tools.

 

Automotive Upholsterer Experience Requirements

Automotive Upholsterers often start their careers by attending a technical or vocational school, where they gain foundational knowledge and basic skills in automotive upholstery.

These programs usually include both theoretical instruction and hands-on practice.

Many automotive upholsterers also undertake apprenticeships or internships in automotive repair shops or upholstery firms, allowing them to gain practical experience in the field.

These entry-level roles often last for a few years, allowing the upholsterer to learn and become proficient in a variety of upholstery techniques.

For more complex and demanding tasks, such as creating custom upholstery designs or working with luxury vehicles, employers often require several years of experience in the automotive upholstery field.

This experience can be gained in roles such as Upholstery Technician, Automotive Upholstery Repair Specialist, or Custom Upholstery Designer.

Candidates with more than 5 years of experience often possess a deep understanding of different types of upholstery materials and techniques, and may be qualified for supervisory or managerial roles within automotive upholstery shops.

These individuals may have additional experience in customer service, project management, and team leadership.

 

Automotive Upholsterer Education and Training Requirements

To become an Automotive Upholsterer, one typically needs a high school diploma or its equivalent.

Many Automotive Upholsterers learn the necessary skills through on-the-job training or apprenticeships, which may last from several months to a few years.

These programs provide practical, hands-on experience with vehicle interiors, and guidance in mastering the use of various tools and techniques.

In addition to on-the-job training, there are vocational and technical schools that offer programs in upholstery.

These programs usually include coursework in fabric and color matching, sewing, cutting and fitting upholstery, and using hand and power tools.

Certification is not mandatory, but some Automotive Upholsterers may choose to become certified for professional development and to improve job prospects.

The Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) offers a certification in Automotive and Light Truck: Painting and Refinishing that covers vehicle upholstery.

Just like any other field, staying updated with the latest trends and technologies in automotive upholstery is essential.

This may involve attending workshops, seminars or additional training courses.

Skills such as attention to detail, creativity, good hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity are also essential for success in this role.

 

Automotive Upholsterer Salary Expectations

An Automotive Upholsterer can expect to earn an average salary of $39,000 (USD) per year.

However, the actual earnings can vary significantly based on factors such as experience, the complexity of the projects they undertake, their location, and the company they work for.

 

Automotive Upholsterer Job Description FAQs

What skills does an Automotive Upholsterer need?

Automotive Upholsterers need to have a keen eye for detail and good manual dexterity.

They should be able to work with different types of fabrics and materials, and possess skills in cutting, sewing, and installing upholstery.

They should also have good problem-solving skills to identify and repair any issues with the upholstery.

 

Do Automotive Upholsterers need a degree?

No, Automotive Upholsterers do not typically need a degree.

However, vocational training in upholstery or a related field can be beneficial.

Some Automotive Upholsterers learn their trade through on-the-job training or apprenticeships.

 

What should you look for in an Automotive Upholsterer resume?

When reviewing an Automotive Upholsterer resume, look for experience in automotive upholstery or a related field.

Check for skills in sewing, cutting, fitting, and installing upholstery.

It can be beneficial if the candidate has experience with different types of materials, including leather and fabric.

Also, look for any vocational training or apprenticeship in upholstery.

 

What qualities make a good Automotive Upholsterer?

A good Automotive Upholsterer should be detail-oriented, ensuring every piece of upholstery fits perfectly and looks good.

They should be patient and meticulous, as upholstery work can be time-consuming and requires precision.

Good problem-solving skills are important to identify and fix any issues with the upholstery.

They should also have good communication skills to understand the client’s needs and expectations.

 

Is it difficult to hire Automotive Upholsterers?

The difficulty in hiring Automotive Upholsterers can vary based on the location and the specific requirements of the job.

There might be fewer candidates in areas with a lesser focus on automotive industries.

Offering competitive wages, good working conditions and opportunities for skill development can attract more qualified candidates.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve given you an inside look into the world of an automotive upholsterer.

Surprise, surprise?

It’s not just about replacing seat covers.

It’s about shaping the interior beauty of vehicles, one stitch at a time.

With our easy-to-use automotive upholsterer job description template and real-world examples, you’re fully equipped to take the next step.

But why hold back?

Dig deeper with our job description generator. It’s your ultimate tool for creating meticulous job listings or refining your resume to a tee.

Keep in mind:

Every stitch is a part of the grand design.

Let’s craft that beauty. Together.

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