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Assistant Costume Designer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Chapman University

Costume Studio Technician

Orange, CA · On-site

$21.50/hr

Ability to execute hairstyles as designed * Ability to apply and maintain wigs * Assist actors with ... Costume crafting skills * Theatrical makeup skills * Wig styling and application * Ability to use ...

Chapman University

Costume Studio Technician

Orange, CA · On-site

$21.50/hr

Ability to execute hairstyles as designed * Ability to apply and maintain wigs * Assist actors with ... Costume crafting skills * Theatrical makeup skills * Wig styling and application * Ability to use ...

City Theatre Company

COSTUME MANAGER

Pittsburgh, PA

$22/hr

... assistants; and two resident stage managers. Requirements Principle responsibilities and duties ... Supporting the costume designer and wardrobe crew during technical rehearsals Technical Execution ...

City Theatre Company

COSTUME MANAGER

Pittsburgh, PA · On-site

$22/hr

... assistants; and two resident stage managers. Requirements Principle responsibilities and duties ... Supporting the costume designer and wardrobe crew during technical rehearsals Technical Execution ...

The Pennsylvania State University

Collaborate with Costume Faculty, the Workroom Supervisor, and Costume Designers to plan builds ... Attend dress rehearsals and maintain a hands-on presence backstage as needed. * Assist with ...

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Assistant Costume Designer information

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How much do assistant costume designer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 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 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.

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.
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What cities are hiring for Assistant Costume Designer jobs? Cities with the most Assistant Costume Designer job openings:
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Assistant Costume Designer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Assistant Costume Designer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 18% As Needed, 55% Full Time, and 27% 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.
Costume Studio Technician

Costume Studio Technician

Chapman University

Orange, CA • On-site

$21.50/hr

Part-time

Posted 20 days ago

Chapman University rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 9 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

284th of 535 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Position Information
Position Title Costume Studio Technician Position Type Temporary Job Number SA73024 Full or Part Time part-time 20-29 hours weekly Fair Labor Standard Act Classification Non-Exempt Anticipated Pay Range $21.50 Pay Range Information
Chapman University is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this position. This range takes into account a variety of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions, including experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. Salary offers are determined based on the final candidate's qualifications and experience, as well as internal equity and other internal factors. The anticipated pay range is not a promise of a particular wage.
Position Summary Information
Job Description Summary
Under the supervision of the Costume Studio Manager, Assistant Costume Studio Manager, and the Lead Costume Technician, the Costume Technician will provide technical support for production-related tasks in the College of Performing Arts on an as-needed basis. Skillsets for this role may include stitching, cutting/draping, crafting, wardrobe crew, wardrobe supervision, wig maintenance, theatrical makeup supervision, and/or costume liaison (show-specific costume organization and paperwork).
Responsibilities
General Responsibilities
  • Knowledge and experience in working with domestic sewing machines and hand stitching
  • Manage time to ensure that assigned work is completed accurately and on schedule
  • Work with students, exhibiting good work habits and professional demeanor
  • Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing
  • Communicate with Costume Studio Manager about problems, and possible solutions, concerning equipment and/or workflow as needed
  • Ability to work effectively in a team-based environment and to work independently and follow-through on assignments with minimal direction/instruction
  • Ability to follow and apply safety and work-related policies and procedures

If hired, specific responsibilities may include some or all of the below depending on the needs of the production:
Stitcher/Crafter
  • Ability to alter costumes according to fitting notes
  • Ability to repair or refurbish costumes to make stage ready
  • Ability to support costume crafting, including hand painting, distressing, trimming, and millinery
  • Ability to construct costumes from commercial patterns
  • Cut fabric based on patterns supplied by Cutter/Draper
  • Assist the Cutter/Draper in the creation of patterns for facings and linings based on patterns supplied by the Cutter/Draper
  • Ability to dye fabric (natural and synthetic) including ability to color match
  • Ability to airbrush, distress, and work with various foams and plastics to create avant garde garments as needed
Cutter/Draper
  • Communicate with designer regarding specific build and alteration needs
  • Ability to create patterns
  • Ability to estimate yardage from created patterns
Costume Liaison
  • Ensure clear communication between the designer, production team, and Costume Studio
  • Support designer in pulling costumes from costume stock
  • Organize costumes prior to fittings- track and receive purchases and label any rental items
  • With supervision, support designers during costume fittings by updating dressing lists, labeling costumes and taking complete, concise alteration notes
  • Clean out fitting room post-fittings to ensure that supplies are restored and all costumes are appropriately placed under alterations, character names, or extras racks
  • Support designer with paperwork by completing dressing lists with updated descriptions and laundry codes
  • Communicate with Costume Studio regarding any missed fittings or necessary secondary fittings- with specifics on items that need to be pulled, purchased, or adjusted
  • Work with Wardrobe Supervisor to prepare costumes and show-related paperwork for load-out
  • Ability to support fitting by pinning, marking hems, advising on alterations- or have the judgment to call in advanced support as needed
  • Quality control of completed alteration notes
Wardrobe
  • Create a quick-change plan and appropriate show paperwork for costumes, hair and makeup
  • Load, unload and move costumes from the Costume Studio to various venues and back
  • Assist actors with costume changes as assigned
  • Support costume maintenance for the production, including steaming, pressing, checking for and executing repairs
  • Create a plan for Laundry and Wardrobe maintenance for the specifics of the production, and execute specific laundry needs as assigned
  • Ability to use creative thinking, sound judgment, and remain calm in dealing with a variety of personality types and situations
  • Train and supervise wardrobe crew in above duties
Hair/Makeup
  • Ability to apply theatrical stage makeup
  • Ability to execute hairstyles as designed
  • Ability to apply and maintain wigs
  • Assist actors with hair/makeup changes as assigned
  • Sanitize makeup brushes and supplies
  • Train and supervise hair/makeup crew in above duties

Required Qualifications
  • Good organization, communication, and time-management skills
  • Work well with students
  • Reliable transportation to and from work
  • Hand and domestic sewing machine skills
  • Ability to read a measurement chart and size costumes appropriately
  • Wear closed-toed shoes in all costume venues at all times
  • Must wear "stage blacks" during all dress rehearsals and performances
Desired Qualifications
  • Access to a computer
  • Working knowledge of Google Drive
  • Costume crafting skills
  • Theatrical makeup skills
  • Wig styling and application
  • Ability to use industrial and leather sewing machines, an overlock machine, hemming machine, dye vat
  • Cutting and draping skills
Special Instructions to Applicants
Chapman University is an equal opportunity employer that provides equal employment opportunities to all individuals, regardless of their protected characteristics. All qualified applicants and employees are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, military and veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law.
Applicants for Staff and Administrator positions must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.
The offer of employment is contingent upon satisfactory completion and outcomes of a criminal background screening and returning to the Office of Human Resources a signed original acceptance of the Chapman University Agreement to Arbitrate
Minimum Number of References 0 Maximum Number of References 3

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