ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Costume Design Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Columbia College Chicago

Costume Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

Attend and participate in design and production meetings. Lead costume shop meetings. * Supervise actor measurements and fittings sessions. * Mentor and oversee students in the pulling, construction ...

Columbia College Chicago

Costume Manager

Chicago, IL

Attend and participate in design and production meetings. Lead costume shop meetings. * Supervise actor measurements and fittings sessions. * Mentor and oversee students in the pulling, construction ...

Columbia College Chicago

Costume Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

Attend and participate in design and production meetings. Lead costume shop meetings. * Supervise actor measurements and fittings sessions. * Mentor and oversee students in the pulling, construction ...

Columbia College Chicago

Costume Manager

Chicago, IL

Attend and participate in design and production meetings. Lead costume shop meetings. * Supervise actor measurements and fittings sessions. * Mentor and oversee students in the pulling, construction ...

previous page

Showing results 41-60

All JobsCostume Design Jobs

Costume Design information

See salary details

$10

$19

$37

How much do costume design jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 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 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 textiles and sewing, and proficiency with design software; experience through internships or portfolio work is also valuable.

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.

Can you make a living as a costume designer?

Costume designers can make a living by working on film, television, theater, or fashion projects, often earning income through project-based fees, salaries, or freelance work. Success and income levels depend on experience, reputation, and the scale of productions, with many designers supplementing income through related skills like sewing or pattern making. Building a strong portfolio and networking are important for steady work and higher earnings.

How much do costume designers make?

Costume designers' salaries vary based on experience, project scope, and industry. 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 freelance or on a project basis, which can affect income stability.

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.

How can I become a costume designer?

To become a costume designer, you typically need a bachelor's degree in fashion design, theater, or a related field, along with experience in sewing, pattern making, and costume construction. 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 costume history, fabric types, and design software is also beneficial.
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:

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 1% Internship, 88% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 11% 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 9 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

337th of 618 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

What University Of Cincinnati employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply