Upholsterer salaries in the UK for 2026/27 range from around GBP 18,000 for an apprentice to GBP 55,000 or more for an established self-employed antique restoration specialist. The gap between gross and net pay depends on income tax, National Insurance, and whether you are employed by a workshop or working self-employed on your own commissions. This guide sets out exactly how much upholsterers take home at each career stage in 2026/27.
Figures assume 2026/27 income tax and National Insurance rates and the standard personal allowance of GBP 12,570. Employed figures use Class 1 NI; self-employed figures use Class 4 NI. No pension contribution or student loan deduction is assumed.
| Career Level | Typical Gross / Year | Est. Take-Home / Year | Est. Take-Home / Month |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apprentice | ~GBP 18,000 | ~GBP 16,480 | ~GBP 1,373 |
| Qualified Employed | ~GBP 26,000 | ~GBP 22,240 | ~GBP 1,853 |
| Senior / Workshop Lead | ~GBP 34,000 | ~GBP 28,000 | ~GBP 2,333 |
| Self-Employed Established (Class 4 NI) | ~GBP 42,000 profit | ~GBP 34,348 | ~GBP 2,862 |
| Self-Employed Antique Restoration Specialist | ~GBP 55,000 profit | ~GBP 43,211 | ~GBP 3,601 |
Self-employed figures are net profit after deducting materials, workshop, and vehicle costs, before income tax and Class 4 NI. Actual take-home depends on your specific expenses and business structure. Seek professional advice.
Employed upholsterers pay income tax and National Insurance through PAYE on their gross salary. The 2026/27 rates are:
Taxable income above personal allowance: GBP 21,430. Income tax: 20% on the full GBP 21,430 = GBP 4,286. Employee NI: 8% on GBP 21,430 = GBP 1,714. Net take-home: GBP 34,000 - GBP 4,286 - GBP 1,714 = approximately GBP 28,000 per year or GBP 2,333 per month.
Most upholsterers train through a 2-4 year apprenticeship, either via a City & Guilds course or by working directly under an experienced upholsterer. Traditional techniques (coil-sprung, deep-buttoned, horsehair stuffing) take longer to master than modern foam-based methods, and apprentices who commit to the full traditional skillset are more employable at the qualified stage.
Qualified upholsterers working for furniture makers, restoration workshops, theatre and film set-building companies, or interior design firms typically earn GBP 24,000-28,000, with higher pay in London, the South East, and for specialists in heritage or automotive upholstery.
Senior upholsterers who manage a small team, take on complex bespoke commissions, or liaise directly with high-value clients earn GBP 30,000-38,000 as an employee.
Many experienced upholsterers move into self-employment, running their own workshop and taking direct commissions. Established self-employed upholsterers can earn GBP 35,000-45,000 in net profit, while those who build a reputation for antique restoration and museum-quality period work, with referrals from auction houses and dealers, can reach GBP 55,000-65,000 or more.
Self-employed upholsterers can deduct fabric, foam, webbing, springs, and tool costs as business expenses, along with workshop rent, business insurance, and van costs for collecting and delivering furniture. Class 4 NI applies at 6% on profits between GBP 12,570 and GBP 50,270, and 2% above, in addition to income tax. Keeping detailed records of materials purchased for each commission makes Self Assessment straightforward and ensures the correct profit figure is taxed.
Use the CalcHub self-employed take-home pay calculator to model your exact net income after deducting your specific business expenses.
