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Assistant Costume Designer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Skydance Media

Costume Designer

Santa Monica, CA · On-site

$131.95 - $182/hr

The Costume Designer will play a pivotal role in mentoring and guiding the broader team, providing ... Oversee Costume Design Assistants; distribute assignments, make corrections, give notes, track ...

Skydance Media

Costume Designer

California, MO · On-site

$131.95 - $182/hr

Oversee Costume Design Assistants; distribute assignments, make corrections, give notes, track ... working on costume designs in visual development, theater, live action, or related field

Skydance Media

Associate Costume Designer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$92.30 - $103.32/hr

Responsibilities * Assist in the development and visual styles of costumes alongside the Head of Costume Design and Production Designer by following the Director's overall vision for story, character ...

Skydance Media

Associate Costume Designer

California, MO · On-site

$92.30 - $103.32/hr

Responsibilities * Assist in the development and visual styles of costumes alongside the Head of Costume Design and Production Designer by following the Director's overall vision for story, character ...

NORAJUNE DESIGNS LLC

Costume Shop Staff

Sunrise, FL · On-site

$400 - $1.0K/wk

Interns will assist in the daily operation of the Costume Department under the direct supervision of shop management and designers. Interns will experience the full spectrum of show production ...

NORAJUNE DESIGNS LLC

Costume Shop Staff

Sunrise, FL · On-site

$400 - $1.0K/wk

Interns will assist in the daily operation of the Costume Department under the direct supervision of shop management and designers. Interns will experience the full spectrum of show production ...

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How much do assistant costume designer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for assistant costume designer in the United States is $24.63, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.23 and $28.61 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an assistant costume designer do?

The job of an assistant costume designer is to help a senior designer design costumes for a show at a theatre or on set. Common duties and responsibilities include making garments for the actors, research, and tracking the budget for the play or show. They may help with costume fittings and the various tasks associated with design. In some cases, an assistant costume designer may provide creative input for the costumes. They also work with the background actors and chorus members to select pieces and give feedback on wardrobe.

What does an assistant costume designer do?

An Assistant Costume Designer supports the Costume Designer in creating and organizing costumes for film, television, theater, or other productions. Their responsibilities include helping with research, sourcing materials, coordinating fittings, maintaining costume continuity, and overseeing wardrobe needs on set. They also assist in managing budgets, supervising costume staff, and ensuring costumes are ready on time for rehearsals and performances. This role requires creativity, attention to detail, and strong organizational skills to keep everything running smoothly.

What are the typical responsibilities of an assistant costume designer during a production?

As an Assistant Costume Designer, your daily tasks often include supporting the lead Costume Designer with research, sourcing materials, organizing fittings, and managing the costume budget. You'll collaborate closely with tailors, wardrobe supervisors, and performers to ensure costumes are accurate, functional, and ready on time. The role can be fast-paced, especially during tech rehearsals and performances, requiring strong organizational skills and adaptability. Your input is also valuable during creative discussions and problem-solving on set or backstage.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an assistant costume designer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Assistant Costume Designer, you need a solid understanding of costume history, garment construction, and fabric knowledge, often supported by a degree in fashion, costume design, or a related field. Familiarity with design software like Adobe Photoshop, sewing machines, and budgeting or inventory management systems is typically required. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and effective communication are essential soft skills for collaborating with designers and production teams. These abilities are crucial for ensuring costumes are delivered on time, meet creative visions, and support the smooth running of theater, film, or television productions.

What is the difference between Assistant Costume Designer vs Costume Designer?

AspectAssistant Costume DesignerCostume Designer
CredentialsRelevant fashion or costume design education, experience assisting in productionsAdvanced experience, portfolio, possibly a degree in costume design or related field
Work EnvironmentAssist in costume planning, sourcing, and fittings under supervisionLead the design process, make creative decisions, oversee costume construction
Industry UsageCommonly employed in film, theater, TV productions as support rolePrimary role responsible for overall costume design and concept

The Assistant Costume Designer supports the Costume Designer by handling tasks like sourcing fabrics, organizing fittings, and assisting with costume construction. The Costume Designer is responsible for creating the overall costume concept, making design decisions, and leading the costume department. Both roles require relevant experience and work in similar environments, but the Assistant Costume Designer typically works under supervision while the Costume Designer leads the creative process.

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Assistant Costume Designer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Assistant Costume Designer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,223 per year, or $24.6 per hour.

Assistant Costume Shop Manager

Villanova University

Villanova, PA • On-site

Part-time

Re-posted 17 days ago

Villanova University rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 11 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

316th of 630 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Posting Details
Do you have questions about the application process? If so, please refer to the Applicant FAQ's.
Posting Details (Default Section)
Posting Number:
20260365S
Position Title:
Assistant Costume Shop Manager
Position Type:
Staff
Location:
Villanova, PA
Recruitment Type:
Internal/External Applicants
Work Schedule:
part-time/10-months
Avg Hours Week
20
Department:
146-Theatre
Position Summary:
Under the supervision of Villanova Theatre Department's (VTD) Costume Shop Manager, the Assistant Costume Shop Manager assists with the technical theatre elements related to costumes, hair/makeup, wigs, and all elements of costume design for VTD productions. The primary responsibility of the Assistant Costume Shop Manager is to supervise the day-to-day operations of the costume shop. Responsibilities include leading in the construction and fitting of costumes according to the Costume Design, assisting in the pulling and renting of costume pieces, and assisting in the cleaning, organizing, and storing of all costume pieces. This individual will provide training and guidance to student workers and foster and maintain a safe and healthy work environment. Additionally, the Assistant Costume Shop Manager with serve as costume coordinator for all Villanova Student Theatre (VST) and Villanova Student Musical Theatre (VSMT) performative events, supervising the pulling of costumes, costume fittings and alterations, load-in, and strike of these productions. The Assistant Costume shop Manager is also responsible for the organization of Villanova Theatre's costume stock and any rentals of costume pieces.
The ideal individual will have a strong drive to provide high-quality work, the ability to exercise good judgment in a variety of situations, strong written and verbal communication, organizational skills, and the ability to work as part of the team which includes student populations.
Flexible work schedule required (i.e. occasional evening and weekend work)
Duties and Responsibilities:
Lead the Costume Build Process for Villanova Theatre Productions:
  • Create patterns for all costumes pieces that will be built in the shop.
  • Utilize student work force as first hands and stitchers.
  • Assist Costume Shop Manager and Costume Designer in scheduling and managing fittings including setting up fitting room and taking/distributing fitting notes.
  • Train and schedule work study and graduate student first hands and stitchers.
  • Communicate with student design assistants regarding scheduling of fittings, fabric and shopping orders, yardages and notions needed per project and professional practices.

Lead Technical Coordinator/Costume Shop Supervisor for Student co-curricular groups:
  • Supervise any fittings, alterations, or builds for Villanova Student Theatre (VST) and Villanova Student Musical Theatre (VSMT) productions.
  • Assist costume shop manager in purchasing, tracking budgets, gathering receipts, and handling returns of all purchased costume elements for these groups.
  • Advise student costume designers on design elements, schedules, and budgets for VST and VSMT productions.
  • Arrange trips to Villanova Theatre's costume stock with student designers.
  • Attend student group production meetings, design runs, and technical rehearsals as required

Organization and Oversight of Villanova Theatre Costume Stock:
  • Assist costume shop manager with organization of costume stock.
  • Serve as primary point person for outside rentals from costume stock
  • Serve as primary point person for costume donations.

Attend Villanova Theatre Events when Requested:
  • Events could include show-specific events such as design runs, technical rehearsals, or production meetings.
  • They could also include full department events such as meet and greets, orientations, or other full-staff events.
  • Event attendance will be discussed with the Costume Shop Manager and Production Manager.

Perform other duties and assist with projects as assigned:
  • Duties could include fulfilling rehearsal requests (rehearsal clothing, shoes, etc.), assisting with wig or makeup items, or assisting with the wardrobe team

Minimum Qualifications:
Formal Education
  • Associates Degree. Preferably in theatre design or technology or fashion.

Work Experience
  • 2-3 years of experience in costume construction, shop management, or as a shop technician.

Work Skills (e.g., written and verbal communication skills)
  • Ability to work with individuals of all experience levels.
  • Experience teaching and mentoring students.
  • Strong verbal communication skills.
  • Strong organizational skills and ability to help maintain an inventory of costume shop equipment

Specific Job Knowledge (e.g., knowledge of principles and procedures related to field and area)
  • Proficiency in costume construction and alteration techniques
  • Proficiency in draping and pattern making
  • Knowledge of costume crafts, millinery, fabric dying
  • Basic knowledge of purchasing and accounting

Equipment Knowledge
Operative Knowledge of:
  • All types of home and industrial sewing machines
  • Overlock machines
  • Industrial irons

Preferred Qualifications:
Formal Education
  • BA or BS in Theatre or fashion with an emphasis in costume construction

Work Experience
  • 3-5 years of experience in costume construction, shop management, or working as a shop technician.

Work Skills (e.g., written and verbal communication skills)
  • Teaching experience a plus

Specific Job Knowledge (e.g., knowledge of principles and procedures related to field and area)
  • Costume design experience a plus
  • Wardrobe experience a plus
  • Experience with costume fittings and interacting with actors a plus

Equipment Knowledge
  • Experience with 3D Printers a plus
  • Experience with wigs or hair/makeup a plus

Physical Requirements and/or Unusual Work Hours:
Equipment used:
  • Sewing machines (homemaker and industrial)
  • Overlock machines
  • Steam irons
  • Steamers
  • Fabric scissors

Daytime work hours (primary), nights and weekends as assigned.
Must be able: to lift and physically move up to 30 lbs. bags of clothing, stand for 5-7 hours a day, withstand finger pricks from pinning clothing to be sewn, sit and sew for 5-7 hours a day if needed.
Special Message to Applicants:
Posting Date:
07/20/2026
Closing Date (11:59pm ET):
Salary Posting Information:
This position falls within hourly grade 12 and the range is $22.36-28.22/hr. The final salary will be determined with consideration of several factors including the selected candidate's qualifications, department budget availability, market data, and internal equity.
Salary Grade:
12
Job Classification:
non-exempt

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About Villanova University

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Villanova University, located in Villanova, Pennsylvania, United States, operates within the higher education industry. Its establishment traces back to 1842 by the Augustinians, a Catholic religious order. The university offers a wide range of academic programs in various disciplines, including Liberal Arts and Sciences, Engineering, Nursing, Business, and Law, serving over 10,000 undergraduate, graduate, and law students. Guided by its Augustinian Catholic intellectual tradition, it is committed to community service, and it seeks to cultivate knowledgeable, thoughtful, and ethical leaders. The university’s mission is to empower students to ignite change, with a vision for a just and peaceful world.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Villanova, PA, US

Year founded

1842

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