1

Costume Design Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

Costume design, technical direction, lighting design and sound design are just some of the possible areas of study. Students in the Interdisciplinary Performance major can take courses across the ...

The ideal candidate will be responsible for translating design intent into production-feasible digital models and contributing across the full automotive styling development lifecycle--from early ...

Costume Design information

See Indiana salary details

$9

$18

$36

How much do costume design jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for costume design in Indiana is $18.15, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.79 and $23.12 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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Costume Design jobs in Indiana?

The most popular types of Costume Design jobs in Indiana are:

What are popular job titles related to Costume Design jobs in Indiana?

For Costume Design jobs in Indiana, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in Indiana are hiring for Costume Design jobs?

Cities in Indiana with the most Costume Design job openings:

Infographic showing various Costume Design job openings in Indiana as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,758 per year, or $18.2 per hour.

Lecturer, Dance

Purdue University

West Lafayette, IN • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 28 days ago


Purdue University rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 136 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

313th of 620 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Lecturer, Dance
City: West Lafayette
Job Description:
Job Summary
Purdue University seeks a highly-motivated individual for a full-time, non-tenure-track Lecturer in Dance to begin January 1, 2027.
The primary responsibilities of this position are to teach a full-time load each semester, participate in departmental service, demonstrate a commitment to professional growth, advise students, and contribute original choreography to the program's dance concerts. The successful candidate may be asked to develop curricula in her or his area of specialization for undergraduate dance courses within an evolving Dance program.
Duties and Responsibilities
Candidates should be prepared to teach a variety of movement courses which may include beginning to advanced levels of decolonized jazz technique, beginning to advanced levels of hip-hop/street dance including styles such as House, Popping, and Waackin'. Candidates should be knowledgeable of Afro-Diasporic dance forms, street dance lineage, and culture. They should demonstrate scholarly, creative, or professional contributions to hip hop dance and culture; expertise in culturally responsive pedagogy and interdisciplinary teaching; and evidence of curriculum development in dance studies or hip hop-related courses.
The ideal candidate will also have expertise in at least two additional technique areas including but not limited to African Diasporic forms, somatic movement practices, modern, ballet, tap, and/or musical theatre.
A teaching load may include teaching courses from the program curriculum including history, choreography, and improvisation.
The person in this position:
• Works closely with the Dance program faculty assisting with administrative duties and recruitment activities.
• Evaluates instruction and learning by means of written, verbal, practical, and/or performance tests.
• Creates and executes original choreography for selected department productions.
• Mentors students as performers, choreographers, and designers, in assigned productions.
Qualifications
• Minimum of B.F.A. in Dance, but M.F.A. in Dance preferred.
• Three years of experience teaching students in a collegiate/university setting is preferred.
• Expertise and ability to teach all levels of decolonized jazz technique and hip hop.
• Expertise in at least two other areas including but not limited to African Diasporic forms, somatic movement practices, modern, ballet, tap, and/or musical theatre.
Program/Department/School
Our mission in the Dance Program within the Department of Theatre and Dance is to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the art of dance, develop their individual expressive voice within this form, and be prepared to utilize this training to support their future efforts in the field of dance and beyond after graduation. In collaboration with their students, faculty in this program conduct research in choreography, performance and related interdisciplinary and somatic arts. Opportunities to work within theatre contexts is also readily available. Students can major in Interdisciplinary Performance or minor in Dance.
The Dance Program offers courses in multiple dance techniques, choreography, history, dance film making, intermedia technology, improvisation, performance and production. Classes are taught in two 2400 sq. ft. dance studios with sprung wood floors, and all modern technique classes feature live musical accompaniment. One studio converts into a 100-seat black box theater, which houses a variety of performances, including the student-produced XSeries concerts as well as choreography, intermedia technology, and film final projects each semester. The Dance Program presents numerous exhibits and performances, including the Purdue Contemporary Dance Company biannual concerts, as well as periodic experimental dance concerts featuring our faculty's research. https://www.cla.purdue.edu/academic/rueffschool/theatre-and-dance/dance/index.html
The Department of Theatre and Dance offers courses across the performance and technical aspects of theatre and presents multiple main stage theatre performances each semester. Costume design, technical direction, lighting design and sound design are just some of the possible areas of study. Students in the Interdisciplinary Performance major can take courses across the department. Choreographers collaborate with students and faculty in lighting and sound design to create stunning and unique performances. https://www.cla.purdue.edu/academic/rueffschool/theatre-and-dance/index.html
The Patti and Rusty Rueff School of Design, Art, and Performance, one of ten departments/schools in the College of Liberal Arts, includes the Departments of Art and Design, Theatre and Dance, Music, and Film and Video. To learn more, go to: https://www.cla.purdue.edu/academic/rueffschool
Procedure
Candidates should submit application materials electronically via https://careers.purdue.edu/. The job requisition ID number for this position is 43348.
A complete application includes letter of application, video teaching a full advanced jazz or hip-hop dance technique class, video of three different choreographed group works created in the last three years, resume/CV, and three references including email and contact information.
Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.
Candidates must be able to work in the U.S. without immigration sponsorship from Purdue University.
A background check is required for employment in this position.
Equal Opportunity
Purdue University is an equal opportunity/equal access university.

What Purdue University employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom