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Costume Department Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Skydance Animation is seeking an Associate Costume Designer to join the studio's Costume Department. Reporting to the Head of Costume Design, the Associate Costume Designer will expand upon and ...

Skydance Animation is seeking an Associate Costume Designer to join the studio's Costume Department. Reporting to the Head of Costume Design, the Associate Costume Designer will expand upon and ...

Participates as an integral contributor to the Entertainment Costuming Department. * Executes Park, Show and Event Laundry Projects as assigned. Including all laundry processes and deliveries.

Participates as an integral contributor to the Entertainment Costuming Department. * Executes Park, Show and Event Laundry Projects as assigned. Including all laundry processes and deliveries.

Responsibilities include assisting the Costume Department with directing work by first hands and other employees as designated or assigned. Essential Functions * Is responsible for the professional ...

Responsibilities include assisting the Costume Department with directing work by first hands and other employees as designated or assigned. Essential Functions * Is responsible for the professional ...

Responsibilities include assisting the Costume Department with directing work by first hands and other employees as designated or assigned. Essential Functions * Is responsible for the professional ...

... Costume Department. This critical role is responsible for pattern making, cutting, and fabrication in one of the finest regional shops. Key Responsibilities include but are not limited to the ...

Participates as an integral contributor to the Entertainment Costuming Department. * Executes Park, Show and Event Laundry Projects as assigned. Including all laundry processes and deliveries.

Participates as an integral contributor to the Entertainment Costuming Department. * Executes Park, Show and Event Laundry Projects as assigned. Including all laundry processes and deliveries.

The Department of Theatre at Saginaw Valley State University invites applications for an administrative professional (non-tenure track) Costume Designer temporary position, and also serves as Costume ...

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Costume Department information

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$10

$19

$37

How much do costume department jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for costume department in the United States is $19.08, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.46 and $24.28 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does the costume department do?

The costume department is responsible for designing, creating, sourcing, and maintaining the clothing and accessories worn by actors in film, television, and theater productions. Their work helps define each character's personality, social status, and background, while also supporting the story’s time period and setting. The department collaborates closely with directors, production designers, and actors to ensure costumes fit the creative vision and practical needs of the production.

How to get a job in a costume department?

To work in a costume department, gain experience through internships, assistant roles, or related positions in fashion, theater, or film. Developing skills in sewing, costume design, and wardrobe management, along with knowledge of costume history and industry tools, can improve your chances. Building a portfolio and networking within the entertainment industry are also important steps.

What is the difference between Costume Department vs Costume Designer?

AspectCostume DepartmentCostume Designer
CredentialsExperience in wardrobe, sewing, costume coordinationDesign degree, fashion or costume design experience
Work EnvironmentCollaborates with costume designers, wardrobe supervisorsCreates original costume concepts, sketches
Industry UsageUsed across film, TV, theater productionsPrimarily responsible for designing costumes

The Costume Department encompasses all roles involved in wardrobe management, including costume supervisors and assistants, focusing on executing the costume design. The Costume Designer is responsible for creating the visual concept and design of costumes. While the department handles the practical aspects, the designer focuses on the creative vision.

What are common costume department job titles?

Common costume department job titles include Costume Designer, Costume Supervisor, Costume Assistant, Wardrobe Supervisor, Costume Standby, and Costume Cutter. These roles involve tasks such as designing, sourcing, fitting, and maintaining costumes, often requiring knowledge of fabrics, sewing skills, and industry standards. The team collaborates closely with directors and production designers to ensure costumes align with the project's vision.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in the costume department, and how can they be managed?

Professionals in the costume department often encounter challenges such as tight deadlines, last-minute design changes, and maintaining continuity across scenes or performances. Managing these challenges requires excellent organizational skills, adaptability, and strong communication with directors, actors, and other departments. Building a detailed costume inventory, regularly updating continuity photos, and maintaining open communication channels help ensure the team can respond quickly to changes and keep production running smoothly.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the costume department?

To thrive in the Costume Department, you need a solid background in fashion design, garment construction, and textile knowledge, often supported by a degree in costume or fashion design. Familiarity with sewing machines, pattern-making software, and fabric dyeing techniques is essential, along with knowledge of wardrobe organization systems. Creativity, attention to detail, and strong collaboration skills help individuals excel when working with directors, actors, and other departments. These abilities ensure costumes are historically accurate, visually impactful, and delivered efficiently to support the overall production.
More about Costume Department jobs
What cities are hiring for Costume Department jobs? Cities with the most Costume Department job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Costume Department jobs? The most popular types of Costume Department jobs are:
What states have the most Costume Department jobs? States with the most job openings for Costume Department jobs include:
Infographic showing various Costume Department job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 13% Locum Tenens, 8% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 68% Nights, and 3% Summer. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,680 per year, or $19.1 per hour.

Associate Costume Designer

Skydance

Santa Monica, CA

$67 - $75/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 29 days ago


Job description

Skydance Animation is seeking an Associate Costume Designer to join the studio’s Costume Department. Reporting to the Head of Costume Design, the Associate Costume Designer will expand upon and support the development of wardrobe concepts established in collaboration with the broader Visual Development team and film leadership.

This role ensures the creative vision is carried through consistently, while identifying opportunities to enhance storytelling and elevate character performance through research and design. Additionally, this position will also bring technical expertise in costume packeting, supported by a solid foundation in garment construction, tailoring, fabrics, and sewing techniques. 

The ideal candidate brings prior experience in animation visual development, has a passion for how costume design enhances storytelling, and is highly detail orientated. 

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 development, and visual tone
  • Drive costume research in support of the films vision
  • Visually explore research by pitching, iterating, adapting, and designing different costumes taking into consideration leaderships notes and feedback 
  • Create costume style guide and apply approved design language to primary, secondary, tertiary, and crowds
  • Resolve design issues with Production Designer, Lead Character Designer, and rest of Visual Development team
  • Provide and share expertise on clothing styles, fabrics, fabrication techniques, and patterns to align with the narratives, character, and show designs
  • Prepare detailed costume packets alongside Costume Design Assistants considering downstream departments by including and advising on information such as textiles, fabric properties, and garment construction including pattern making and draping
  • Partner with Costume Design Assistants by tracking assignments, giving notes, doing draw overs all while keeping in mind quality set by department leads
  • Creative problem solving
  • Implement feedback promptly ensuring deadlines are met
  • Promote a positive, collaborative, and inclusive team culture within the larger Production and Art team
Requirements
  • 5+ years of experience working as a visual development artist on animated projects and 1+ years working on costume designs in visual development, theater, live action, or related field
  • Education in Fashion Design, Costume Design, Toy Design, or Art preferred
  • Self-starter and organizer with the ability to drive all production needs keeping mind production pipeline and deadlines
  • Demonstrated ability to prepare detailed costume packets for downstream animation departments that inform final design execution
  • Knowledge of costume terminology, methods, practices, and techniques
  • Proficiency in drawing (including human and animal anatomy), design, perspective, composition, painting, lighting and color theory
  • Proficiency in Adobe Photoshop
  • Requirement to be, or become, a member in good standing of the Animation Guild (Local 839)
The compensation range for this non-exempt position in Los Angeles, CA is $67.00-75.00/hour.  The rate offered may vary based on the candidate’s location, qualifications, experience and relevant expertise, among other factors.  The range indicated is for base salary only and does not reflect the total compensation package, including bonus, benefits, etc. 
 
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