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Costume Designer Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

Designer

Ontario, CA · On-site

$28/hr

About this Role A Designer at HBK Engineering is a dynamic individual adding their technical expertise to our Ontario, CA Design Team. A successful candidate for this Ontario, CA based role possesses ...

Designer

Ontario, CA · On-site +1

$28 - $35/hr

A Designer at HBK Engineering is a dynamic individual adding their technical expertise to our Ontario, CA Design Team. A successful candidate for this Ontario, CA based role possesses five or more ...

Designer

Ontario, CA · On-site +1

$28 - $35/hr

About this Role A Designer at HBK Engineering is a dynamic individual adding their technical expertise to our Ontario, CA Design Team. A successful candidate for this Ontario, CA based role possesses ...

RealFood Hospitality, Strategy and Design (RFHSD) is excited to be adding another Foodservice Designer to our team. We are looking for someone who takes pride in their well-developed design skill set ...

Designs engaging and visually appealing assets for print collateral, online training videos, social media posts, email templates, and other promotional and/or communication collateral. * Ensures ...

Creative Designer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$26.58 - $30/hr

Designs engaging and visually appealing assets for print collateral, online training videos, social media posts, email templates, and other promotional and/or communication collateral. * Ensures ...

Designer II - Footwear Location: Irvine, CA Reports To: Senior Designer or Design Director Department: Product Design About the Role The Designer II is responsible for designing and developing ...

Designer II - Footwear Location: Irvine, CA Reports To: Senior Designer or Design Director Department: Product Design About the Role The Designer II is responsible for designing and developing ...

DAS / ERRCS Designer

Ontario, CA · On-site

$35 - $45/hr

Designing and/or drafting complete DAS and ERRCS (Emergency Responder Radio Communication Systems) shop drawings for multi-family, high-rise, military, healthcare, and commercial facilities. • ...

Designer II (Footwear)

Irvine, CA · On-site

$75K - $90K/yr

Designer II - Footwear Location: Irvine, CA Reports To: Senior Designer or Design Director Department: Product Design About the Role The Designer II is responsible for designing and developing ...

Senior Designer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$90K - $100K/yr

Designer II provides design and consultative services to clients and internal sales staff. The designer is a valued professional member of the team, bringing knowledge, aesthetics and creative ideas ...

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Costume Designer information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$20

$33

$49

How much do costume designer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for costume designer in Riverside, CA is $33.01, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $30.10 and $37.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much does a Costume Designer get paid?

The average salary for a costume designer varies by experience and location but typically ranges from $40,000 to $80,000 annually. Experienced designers working on major productions or in large markets can earn higher salaries, and freelance work may have variable pay rates based on project scope and budget.

How much do Disney costume designers make?

Disney costume designers typically earn between $40,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and project scope. Senior designers or those working on high-profile productions can earn higher salaries, often supplemented with benefits and opportunities for overtime or freelance work.

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 strong background in fashion design, fabric knowledge, and garment construction, usually supported by a degree in costume or fashion design. Familiarity with design software like Adobe Creative Suite and experience with costume budgeting and management systems are commonly required. Creativity, attention to detail, collaboration, and strong communication skills help Costume Designers effectively translate a director's vision and work with production teams. These skills and qualities are crucial for delivering authentic, functional, and visually compelling costumes that enhance storytelling across theater, film, or television productions.

What is the difference between Costume Designer vs Wardrobe Stylist?

AspectCostume DesignerWardrobe Stylist
CredentialsFashion or costume design degree, portfolioFashion knowledge, styling experience
Work EnvironmentFilm, TV, theater productionsPhotoshoots, celebrity styling, events
Industry UsageCreates costumes for charactersAdvises on wardrobe choices for clients
Search IntentDesigning costumes for productionsStyling outfits for appearances

While both roles involve fashion and clothing, a Costume Designer focuses on creating costumes for characters in entertainment productions, whereas a Wardrobe Stylist selects outfits to enhance a client's appearance for photoshoots, events, or public appearances. The roles differ mainly in their purpose and work environment, but both require a strong understanding of fashion and styling.

How do you get a job as 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 costume construction and design. Building a portfolio, networking within the entertainment industry, and gaining experience through internships or assistant roles are important steps to securing a position in this field.

What does a Costume Designer do?

A Costume Designer is responsible for creating the clothing and outfits worn by actors in film, television, theater, or other productions. They research, design, and select costumes that reflect the story, era, character personalities, and director’s vision. Costume Designers collaborate closely with directors, set designers, and actors to ensure that costumes enhance the storytelling and fit the overall aesthetic of the production. Their work involves sketching designs, sourcing materials, overseeing fittings, and sometimes managing a team of costume makers or stylists.

What Is the Job of a Costume Designer?

As a costume designer, your job is to buy, rent, or make costumes for actors. You discuss design choices with other staff members, sew new outfits from a pattern, decide what makes sense for the physical demands of a performance, and perform fittings to ensure each costume fits. Costume designers can work in a variety of fields, including movies, television, theatre, and other performing arts. In many cases, you spend time researching the fashion trends of the past, manage a costume budget, and interpret the producer's creative vision. You must also confirm when and where costumes need to change during a performance to ensure everyone has enough time to do so.

What are some common challenges costume designers face when collaborating with directors and other departments?

Costume designers often need to balance their creative vision with the expectations and practical needs of directors, producers, and other departments such as lighting and set design. Effective communication is key to ensuring costumes complement the overall aesthetic and function within the limitations of the production's budget and schedule. Navigating last-minute script changes or actor fittings can also be challenging, requiring flexibility and problem-solving skills. Building strong relationships and maintaining open dialogue with the team helps costume designers address these challenges and contribute to a cohesive production.

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 on major film or television productions, with experienced professionals and those in large markets earning higher compensation. Salaries vary based on experience, location, and the scope of projects, with top earners often holding advanced skills in design and sewing, and working for prominent studios or production companies.
What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Costume Designer jobs? Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Costume Designer job openings:
Infographic showing various Costume Designer job openings in Riverside, CA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 95% In-person, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $68,664 per year, or $33 per hour.