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Costume Department Jobs (NOW HIRING)

THE OLD GLOBE

Firsthand/Assistant Cutter

San Diego, CA · On-site

$29.49/hr

... 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 ...

SeaWorld

Costume Specialist - Stitcher

Orlando, FL

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.

Skydance

Costume Designer

Santa Monica, CA

$2.9K - $4.0K/wk

Teach Costume Design Assistants and Visual Development Artists how to prepare detailed costume packets for downstream CG departments by instilling clarity on required information such as pattern ...

Skydance

Costume Designer

Santa Monica, CA · On-site

$2.9K - $4.0K/wk

Teach Costume Design Assistants and Visual Development Artists how to prepare detailed costume packets for downstream CG departments by instilling clarity on required information such as pattern ...

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Costume Department information

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$10

$19

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How much do costume department jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 24, 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.

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.

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 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.

How to get a job in a costume department?

To work in a costume department, gain experience through internships, assistant roles, or costume-related education such as fashion design or costume construction. Skills in sewing, pattern making, and knowledge of costume history are valuable, and building a portfolio can help demonstrate your abilities to employers in film, theater, or television productions.
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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:

Costume Department jobs near you
Infographic showing various Costume Department job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. 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.

Assistant Professor, Costume Design, Tenure-Track, UC College-Conservatory of Music

University of Cincinnati

Cincinnati, OH • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 19 days ago

University Of Cincinnati rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 42 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

338th of 622 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Current UC employees must apply internally via SuccessFactors 

Next Lives at the University of Cincinnati 

Founded in 1819, the University of Cincinnati ranks among the nation’s best urban public research universities. Home to more than 53,600 students, 12,000 faculty and staff, and over 360,000 living alumni, UC, a Carnegie 1 institution, combines research prowess with a physical setting The New York Times has called “the most ambitious campus design program in the country." UC's momentum has never been stronger as the anchor of the Cincinnati Innovation District, the oldest cooperative education (co-op) program in the country with students earning $94 million annually through paid experiences, an academic health system, and as a member of the Big 12 Conference. The university contributes $10.6 billion in economic impact to the city and $22.7 billion to the state of Ohio. At UC, next is all of us. Learn more at uc.edu. 

UC is a mission-driven organization where we are committed to student success and positively transforming the community through scholarship and service.  We thrive on innovation, making an impact, and fostering an environment where staff and faculty are key contributors to UC’s success.   

About The University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (CCM)

The Theatre Arts and Production division produces 8 to 12 productions each school year including plays, musicals, operas, and dance concerts. The CCM Costume Department includes two full-time faculty and three professional costume shop staff. An additional faculty staff member supports Wig, Hair and Makeup design and technology. Design faculty members mentor both graduate and undergraduate students on designs for CCM productions. Graduates of the program have gone on to work as professional designers, drapers, wardrobe heads, and instructors at theaters and live entertainment venues around the world. The ideal candidate for this position will have a diverse portfolio of professional work across theater, opera, and dance.

CCM values excellence in teaching, innovation in curriculum, and the ability to connect with a diverse group of students seeking to explore a range of opportunities and careers in a rapidly changing marketplace. CCM faculty are committed to recruiting, mentorship, career preparation, and student support. CCM encourages an inquisitive, collaborative spirit and expertise in a broad and diverse range of subjects and repertoire.

Job Overview

The University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (CCM), a nationally prominent comprehensive college for the performing and media arts, seeks an experienced teacher and professional designer for a full-time tenure-track appointment in Costume, intended to begin January 1, 2027. Salary will be commensurate with credentials.  Initial appointment is three (3) years, after which the faculty member is eligible for reappointment.

This position is not eligible for H-1B or perm sponsorship.

Essential Functions
  • Teach in-person undergraduate and graduate classes in costume design and wardrobe that reflect current and emerging practices in professional theatre and media.
  • Mentor undergraduate and graduate costume design students on CCM productions, including plays, musicals, operas, and dance productions.
  • Attend and participate in key production meetings and dress rehearsals. 
  • Design up to one CCM production annually, depending on the season.
  • Work with existing faculty to recruit undergraduate and graduate students of exceptional promise.
  • Adjudicate annual Board Reviews of all costume students.
  • Work with existing faculty to represent costume students and the costume department in key division processes, including season planning.
  • Maintain regional, national, and international visibility through outside research, design work, and professional activity. 
  • Participate in departmental activities including recruitment, committee work, and student advising.
  • Serve the college and university community through activities such as committee membership, academic advising, and mentorship of students.
Minimum Requirements

Prior to the effective date of the appointment, the successful candidate must have:

  • An M.F.A. in Costume Design or related field and a minimum of three (3) years of professional experience.
  • Three (3) academic years of teaching experience at the collegiate level.
Physical Requirements/Work Environment
  • Office environment/no specific unusual physical or environmental demands.
Application Process

Review of applications will begin on December 1 and continue until the position is filled. 

Applicants should submit their materials electronically by accessing the University of Cincinnati’s Recruitment site https://jobs.uc.edu and searching for position 100852. Applicants should submit a letter of application, a current CV, a 300 – 500-word statement on Teaching and Pedagogy, Links to portfolio showing examples of produced design work and renderings, and three (3) letters of recommendation that address teaching and performative experience. We will not accept DVDs, tapes, or other forms of non-electronic media. References will be requested later in the search process.

Compensation and Benefits

UC offers an exceptional benefits package designed to support your well-being, financial security, and work-life balance. (UC Benefits Link) Highlights include:

Salary Information: $67,000 - $73,000

Comprehensive Tuition Remission

UC provides tuition remission for you and your eligible dependents, covering tuition costs for nearly all undergraduate and graduate programs offered by the university.

Robust Retirement Plans

As a UC employee, you won’t contribute to Social Security (except Medicare). Instead, you’ll choose between state pension plans (OPERS, STRS) or an Alternative Retirement Plan (ARP), with UC contributing 14–18% of your salary based on position.

Real Work-Life Balance

UC prioritizes work-life balance with a generous time-off policy, including:

Vacation and sick time

11 paid holidays and additional end-of-year paid time off (Winter Season Days)

6 weeks of paid parental leave for new parents

Additional Benefits Include:

  • Competitive salary based on experience
  • Comprehensive health coverage (medical, dental, vision, prescription)
  • Flexible spending accounts & wellness programs
  • Professional development & mentorship opportunities

To learn more about why UC is a great place to work, please visit our careers page at https://www.uc.edu/careers.html

UC is an E-Verify employer.  If hired into this position, you will be required to provide satisfactory proof of employment eligibility by providing acceptable, original forms of identification for employment verification via the Federal I-9 employment verification process. A list of acceptable documents can be seen here: https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents

Important: To apply you must create a profile and submit a complete job application through the UC applicant portal.  We are unable to consider “easy apply” applications submitted via other websites.   For questions about the UC recruiting process or to request accommodations with the application, please contact Human Resources at jobs@uc.edu. 

FOR ALL FACULTY HIRES OFFICIAL ACADEMIC TRANSCRIPTS WILL BE REQUIRED AT THE TIME OF HIRE

Equal Opportunity Employer.  Building a workplace where all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment, including Individuals with Disabilities and Protected Veterans.

REQ: 100852

SF:OMJ SF:RM SF:HEJ, SF:INS SF:HERC SF:DIV SF:LJN SF:IHE

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