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Costume Design Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Costume Shop Manager

Charleston, SC ยท On-site

$39K - $66K/yr

Essential or Marginal Essential Percent of Time 25 Activity 3. Meets with the costume design faculty to determine optimal solutions to execute designs. Authorizes and initiates the procurement of ...

Costume Shop Manager

Charleston, SC ยท On-site

$39K - $66K/yr

Essential or Marginal Essential Percent of Time 25 Activity 3. Meets with the costume design faculty to determine optimal solutions to execute designs. Authorizes and initiates the procurement of ...

Costume Shop Manager

Charleston, SC ยท On-site

$39K - $47K/yr

Plan, oversee, and implement the construction of costume design work for a large Theatre and Dance Department with a significant season of 8(+/-) main productions per year. Serve as a team leader in ...

THEATRE3511, "Introduction to Costume Design" students study the elements and principles of visual design and the processes of the costume and makeup designer. There will be hands-on projects ...

Costume Lead

Goshen, NY ยท On-site

$22/hr

Costume design * Live entertainment realms ...shall greatly strengthen your application. The Hero We Seek You are: * Creative with an eye sharper than an elf archer's aim * Dependable enough to guard ...

Arts and Sciences | Theatre, Film, and Media Arts Position Overview Introductory Costume Design instructors will lead one or more sections of THEATRE 3511, "Introduction to Costume Design," a ...

Costume Lead

Goshen, NY ยท On-site

$22/hr

Costume design * Live entertainment realms ...shall greatly strengthen your application. The Hero We Seek You are: * Creative with an eye sharper than an elf archer's aim * Dependable enough to guard ...

Costume design * Live entertainment realms ...shall greatly strengthen your application. The Hero We Seek You are: * Creative with an eye sharper than an elf archer's aim * Dependable enough to guard ...

... costume design abilities preferred Ability to follow specific instructions, and teach others to assist based on needs of item Experience with or be willing to learn airbrush techniques and designs ...

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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 Jul 4, 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 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.

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.

How much do you make as a Costume Designer?

The average salary for a costume designer varies depending on experience, location, and project scope, typically ranging from $40,000 to $100,000 annually. Entry-level designers may earn less, while those working on major productions or with advanced skills can earn higher wages, often supplemented by freelance work or union memberships.

What is the highest salary for a Costume Designer?

The highest salary for a costume designer can exceed $100,000 annually, especially for those working in film, television, or high-profile theater productions. Experienced costume designers with a strong portfolio and industry reputation may earn higher salaries, often supplemented by freelance work or additional benefits.

What qualifications does a Costume Designer need?

A costume designer typically needs a bachelor's degree in costume design, fashion, theater, or a related field. Strong skills in sewing, illustration, and understanding of fabrics are essential, along with experience in costume construction and collaboration with production teams. Proficiency with design software and a portfolio of previous work are also important for securing jobs in the field.

What jobs can you get with a costume design degree?

A costume design degree can lead to careers such as costume designer for theater, film, or television, as well as roles in wardrobe supervision, costume construction, and wardrobe styling. These jobs often require skills in sewing, pattern making, and knowledge of fabrics and historical clothing, with work environments including studios, theaters, and production sets.

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.

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.
More about Costume Design jobs
What cities are hiring for Costume Design jobs? Cities with the most Costume Design job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Costume Design jobs? The most popular types of Costume Design jobs are:
What states have the most Costume Design jobs? States with the most job openings for Costume Design jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Costume Design jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Costume Design jobs are:
Infographic showing various Costume Design job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $39,680 per year, or $19.1 per hour.
Assistant or Associate Professor - Costume Design (Theatre)

Assistant or Associate Professor - Costume Design (Theatre)

Stephen F. Austin State University

Nacogdoches, TX โ€ข On-site

$55K - $64K/yr

Full-time

Retirement

Posted 11 days ago


Job description

Salary: $55,000.00 - $64,000.00 Annually
Location : Main Campus
Job Type: Full-Time Faculty
Job Number: 202600539
Org: Theatre
Opening Date: 06/23/2026
Closing Date: 10/1/2026 11:59 PM Central
FLSA: Exempt
Primary Contact: Cleo House-Keller
Department Phone #: (936) 468-4003
Department Email: housec1@sfasu.edu
Salary Grade: 99
Projected Start Date: 01/11/2027
SUMMARY
The Denard Haden School of Theatre & Dance at Stephen F. Austin State University invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant or Associate Professor of Costume Design, beginning Spring 2026.
Responsibilities
  • Teaches undergraduate courses in costume design, costume technology, stage makeup, and related areas based on expertise.
  • Serves as costume designer for departmental theatre and dance productions.
  • Provides artistic leadership and oversight for costume production and long-term planning of costume shop operations.
  • Collaborates closely with the Costume Shop Manager/Lecturer in supporting all departmental productions, including those designed by either faculty member.
  • Reviews, develops, and maintains protocols, operational procedures, production paperwork, and organizational systems related to the costume shop, costume production process, and associated student laboratory areas.
  • Assists in ensuring safe, efficient, and educationally effective practices within costume and related production spaces.
  • Fosters a collegial and collaborative production environment grounded in shared responsibility, communication, mentorship, and student-centered learning.
  • Participates in recruitment, advising, assessment, and service activities within the Denard Haden School of Theatre & Dance.

JOB DESCRIPTION
This is a full-time, nine-month, tenure-track faculty position responsible for contributing significantly to Stephen F. Austin State University's undergraduate and/or graduate programs through teaching, scholarship/creative accomplishment, and service. Works under minimal supervision, with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Reports to the chair.
QUALIFICATIONS
Assistant Professor:
Terminal degree in the field in which the individual will be teaching is required.
The rank of Assistant Professor is held by an individual who demonstrates the capability to produce research/scholarly/creative accomplishments, teach effectively, and provide service to the academic and general communities.
Associate Professor:
Terminal degree in the field in which the individual will be teaching is required.
The rank of Associate Professor is held by an individual with a proven record of research/scholarly/creative accomplishments, effective teaching, and service to the academic and general communities. The individual must demonstrate excellence in teaching and excellence in either research/scholarly/creative accomplishments or in service. An individual should have held the rank of Assistant Professor for at least three years.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
  1. Performs an equivalent of twenty-four teaching load credits (TLC) for the combined fall and spring semesters; reduction of teaching load through reassignment of duties is possible under certain circumstances.
  2. Engages in research/scholarly/creative and service activities at levels that are appropriate to faculty rank and departmental tenure/merit criteria.
  3. Provides services to the university and the profession.
  4. Participates in promotion review of lower-ranked faculty members within the department.
  5. When tenured, participates in tenure review of candidates for tenure.
  6. May conduct supplemental instructional activities such as independent studies, internships, advising, and thesis/dissertation supervision.

NON-ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
  1. May receive course load reassignment when assigned administrative duties in support of the department/college/university.
  2. May receive course load reassignment when assigned to prepare course material during the first semester/year when included as part of initial contract.
  3. May receive course load reassignment when approved to conduct research/scholarly/creative accomplishment and service which exceed normal expectations.
  4. May supervise the work of student and/or graduate assistants.
  5. May serve on departmental, college, and university committees.
  6. Performs other related duties as assigned.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
The individual must possess the following knowledge, skills, and abilities or be able to explain and demonstrate that the individual can perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation.
Assistant Professor:
  1. Extensive knowledge in the field in which the individual will be teaching.
  2. Ability to effectively teach undergraduate and/or graduate students.
  3. Ability and commitment to conduct research and/or scholarly/creative accomplishments and service.
  4. Ability to work within a collaborative faculty environment.
  5. Ability to communicate effectively in both oral and written form.
  6. Ability to work effectively and patiently with students.
Associate Professor:
  1. Extensive knowledge in the field in which the individual will be teaching.
  2. Skill in effectively teaching undergraduate and/or graduate students.
  3. Skill in conducting recognized research and/or scholarly/creative accomplishments and service.
  4. Ability and commitment to conduct research and/or scholarly/creative accomplishments and service.
  5. Ability to work within a collaborative faculty environment.
  6. Ability to communicate effectively in both oral and written form.
  7. Ability to work effectively and patiently with students.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT
Safety Statement
Stephen F. Austin State University recognizes the potential for accidents in performing job-related tasks. SFA promotes a safe working environment. Employees will be responsible for completing assigned tasks safely and efficiently. Employee evaluations will include safe job performance.
This is a security-sensitive position subject to criminal record check.
This is an IT-sensitive position subject to Computer and Network Security policy.
SFA's breathtaking campus is located in the heart of East Texas in Did you know that if you live in the Houston or Dallas areas, Nacogdoches may actually be closer than Austin? It's true!
SFA's salary grade table can be found in the pay grade structure section on the
Stephen F. Austin State University, an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer and Educator, is committed to excellence. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, creed, color, age, national origin, religion or physical or mental disability as required by law. If, because of an impairment or disability, you need accommodation during any part of the employment process, please contact Human Resources at
Stephen F. Austin State University (SFA) is committed to providing a safe environment for its students and the broader campus community. SFA's police department actively works to prevent and respond to criminal activity through various measures, including comprehensive reporting practices and emergency alert systems.The university's details on-campus crime statistics, including incidents of forcible sex offenses, burglary, motor vehicle theft, and aggravated assault.
This position is eligible for participation in the Optional Retirement Program (ORP), subject to the position being full-time and at least 4 1/2 months in length, or the Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS) retirement plan, subject to the position being at least 20 hours per week and at least 135 days in length.
For resources regarding retirement and benefits, navigate to the page.
Additional benefits for SFA employees are detailed on the page.
01
Please select the highest level of education you have completed.
  • Did not complete High School
  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • Some College
  • Associate degree
  • Bachelor's degree
  • Master's degree
  • Doctorate degree or ABD

02
If you indicated that you have a degree, please list your field(s) of study. If you indicated ABD, please provide the expected date of degree completion. Enter N/A if this question does not apply.
Required Question