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Costume Design Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Skydance Media

Associate Costume Designer

California, MO · On-site

$92.30 - $103.32/hr

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 ...

New

Skydance Media

Associate Costume Designer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$92.30 - $103.32/hr

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 ...

New

Skydance Media

Costume Designer

Santa Monica, CA · On-site

$131.95 - $182/hr

Design and develop the visual style for all costumes on a film by understanding the Director's overall vision for the story, character development, and visual tone * Partner with other art leadership ...

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Skydance Media

Costume Designer

California, MO · On-site

$131.95 - $182/hr

Skydance Animation is seeking a Costume Designer to lead the design and execution of wardrobe across all characters, from leads to crowds, ensuring visual consistency throughout our film. As a key ...

New

NORAJUNE DESIGNS LLC

Costume Shop Staff

Sunrise, FL · On-site

$400 - $1.0K/wk

Bachelor's degree in Costume Design and Technology, Costume Design, Fashion Design, or equivalent work experience in Costuming. * 3+ years of relevant work experience in costume production. * Must ...

Hasana, Inc.

Stylist/Costume Design

Chicago, IL · On-site

As a Stylist/ Costume director you will be in charge of dressing up models for their photoshoots and will be working with different models for the company * Distribute costumes or related equipment ...

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Costume Design information

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$10

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How much do costume design jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for costume design 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 is costume design?

Costume design is the art of creating clothing and outfits for characters in theater, film, television, and other performance arts. Costume designers work closely with directors and other creative team members to develop looks that help convey the story, era, personality, and setting of each character. Their responsibilities include researching historical periods, selecting fabrics, sketching designs, collaborating with costume makers, and fitting actors. The ultimate goal is to enhance storytelling through visually appropriate and expressive costumes.

How does a costume designer typically collaborate with directors and other creative departments during a production?

Costume designers work closely with directors to understand the overall vision and mood of a production, ensuring that costumes accurately reflect the characters and setting. They also regularly coordinate with set and lighting designers to maintain visual harmony and consider practical aspects like movement and quick changes. Effective communication and flexibility are essential, as adjustments often need to be made throughout rehearsals based on feedback from the creative team and performers. This collaborative process is key to delivering cohesive and impactful storytelling through costume.

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

To thrive as a Costume Designer, you need a solid background in fashion design, garment construction, and costume history, usually supported by a degree in costume or fashion design. Proficiency in design software like Adobe Creative Suite, pattern-making tools, and fabric sourcing systems is typically expected. Creativity, attention to detail, collaboration, and strong communication skills help Costume Designers excel in interpreting scripts and working with directors and cast. These skills are vital for bringing characters to life, ensuring visual consistency, and contributing to the overall storytelling of a production.

What is the difference between Costume Design vs Wardrobe Supervisor?

AspectCostume DesignWardrobe Supervisor
CredentialsFashion or costume design degree, portfolioExperience in wardrobe management, sometimes fashion background
Work EnvironmentDesign studios, film, theater, TV setsOn-set, backstage, costume departments
Employer & Industry UsageFilm, TV, theater productions, fashion showsFilm, TV, theater, live performances

Costume Designers create original costumes based on character needs and director vision, focusing on design and aesthetics. Wardrobe Supervisors manage existing costumes, oversee fittings, and ensure continuity during production. While both roles work closely in costume departments, Costume Design emphasizes creative design, whereas Wardrobe Supervision centers on management and logistics.

How can I become a costume designer?

To become a costume designer, you typically need a bachelor's degree in fashion design, costume design, or a related field, along with experience in sewing, pattern making, and understanding of fabrics. Building a portfolio of your work and gaining experience through internships or entry-level positions in theater, film, or television can help establish your career. Knowledge of industry tools like CAD software and strong collaboration skills are also important.

How much do costume designers get paid?

Costume designers' salaries vary based on experience, location, and project scope. According to industry data, the median annual salary for costume designers is around $60,000, with entry-level positions starting lower and experienced designers earning over $100,000. Many work on a freelance basis or per project, and skills in sewing, fabric selection, and costume construction are essential.

How to get into a costume design job?

To pursue a costume design job, develop a strong portfolio showcasing your work, gain experience through internships or assistant roles, and build skills in sewing, illustration, and fabric selection. A background in fashion, theater, or fine arts can be beneficial, and familiarity with costume construction tools and software is often required.

What qualifications do you need to be a costume designer?

To become a costume designer, a bachelor's degree in fashion design, theater, or a related field is often required. Relevant skills include creativity, knowledge of fabrics and sewing, and experience with design software; internships or portfolio work can also enhance job prospects.
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Costume Design jobs near you
Infographic showing various Costume Design job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 55% Full Time, 40% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $39,680 per year, or $19.1 per hour.

Associate Costume Designer

Skydance Media

California, MO • On-site

$92.30 - $103.32/hr

Other

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

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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