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Costume Designer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

City Theatre Company

COSTUME MANAGER

Pittsburgh, PA · On-site

$22/hr

Supporting the costume designer and wardrobe crew during technical rehearsals Technical Execution & Construction * Costume construction and alteration; costume purchasing/shopping and returns * Wig ...

The Pennsylvania State University

Collaborate with Costume Faculty, the Workroom Supervisor, and Costume Designers to plan builds, rentals, stock pulls, and purchases for each production. * Maintain show and shop budgets; provide ...

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Costume Designer information

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$19

$31

$47

How much do costume designer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for costume designer in the United States is $31.64, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $28.85 and $36.30 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 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.

Do costume designers get paid well?

Costume designers' salaries vary based on experience, industry, and project scope. According to industry reports, entry-level costume designers earn around $40,000 to $60,000 annually, while experienced professionals working on major productions can earn over $100,000 per year. Many costume designers also supplement income through freelance work and building a strong portfolio.

How much do costume designers get paid?

The average salary for costume designers varies by experience and location, but typically ranges from $40,000 to $80,000 annually. Entry-level designers may earn less, while those with extensive experience or working on major productions can earn over $100,000. Many costume designers work freelance or on a project basis, which can affect income stability.

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 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. Gaining experience through internships or assistant roles, developing a strong portfolio, and understanding sewing, fabric selection, and costume construction are essential steps in entering the profession.

How do you get a job as a Costume Designer?

To become a costume designer, you typically need a background in fashion design, theater, or related fields, along with strong sewing, design, and illustration skills. Gaining experience through internships, building a portfolio, and networking within the entertainment or theater industries can help secure employment 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.
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Costume Designer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Costume Designer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 89% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $65,817 per year, or $31.6 per hour.
2026 USF Costume Shop Staff

2026 USF Costume Shop Staff

Southern Utah University

Cedar City, UT • On-site

$15 - $17.50/hr

Part-time

Posted 21 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Oversees all construction of costumes for assigned show as Draper.

  • Works on the run of assigned productions assisting in preparation and maintenance of costumes as Wardrobe.

  • Creates all accessory or special costume projects as designed by the costume designer as Senior Crafts Technician.

Southern Utah University rating

5.5

Company rating: 5.5 out of 10

Based on 13 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

520th of 544 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Salary: $15.00 - $17.50 Hourly
Location : Cedar City, UT
Job Type: Part- Time Hourly
Job Number: 202400220
Division: President's Office
Department: Utah Shakespeare Festival
Opening Date: 11/11/2025
Closing Date: Continuous
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Position Summary
The Tony-award winning UTAH SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL, a professional theater company in residence at Southern Utah University, is accepting applications for Production Staff for the 2026 season. The Utah Shakespeare Festival produces an eight-show repertory season and three Green Shows across four venues in the summer/fall of each year. Position details below.
Position details below.
Contract dates vary by position. Most build contracts in early May and end by the end of June. Wardrobe run contracts Begin in early May and end in September/October.
  • Draper: Contracts May 1-June 30
  • First Hand: Contracts May 1-June 30- Technician: Contracts May 1-June 30
  • Wardrobe: Contracts fall between June 1-September 10 or October 8
  • Assistant Costume Crafts Supervisor: Contract May 1-July 4
    -Senior Crafts Technician: Contracts May 1-June 30

First consideration date: 11/26/2025
Essential Functions
Draper: Oversees all construction of costumes for assigned show. Works in direct relationship with costume designers.
  • First Hand: Works with the Draper to construct and supervise construction of costumes. Supervises costume technicians.
  • Technician: Constructs all costume pieces assigned by First Hand.
  • Wardrobe: Works on the run of assigned productions assisting in preparation and maintenance (laundry and repair) of costumes.
  • Assistant Costume Crafts Supervisor: Assists with the operation of costume crafts including scheduling of fittings, attending fittings, helps interpret costume designer's sketches and ideas and assists with problems solving and engineering of costume crafts items.
  • Senior Crafts Technician: Creates all accessory or special costume projects as designed by the costume designer (Shoes, Armor, Hats, Jewelry, Accessories). May have a specialty in one or more areas.
  • Crafts Technician: Assists Senior Crafts Technician in the construction of all accessories or special costume projects.

Education & Experience
Minimum Qualifications
Experience in a costume shop or related industry is desired for all positions. See each job for specific requirements.
  • Draper: Must have experience in pattern making, draping and garment construction.
  • First Hand: Must be able to multi-task and work under pressure.
  • Technician: Must have machine and hand sewing experience.
  • Wardrobe: Must have previous backstage experience.
  • Assistant Costume Crafts Supervisor: Supervisory experience in costumes preferred.
  • Senior Crafts Technician: May have a specialty in one or more areas.
  • Crafts Technician: Previous costume craft or related skills preferred.

Supplemental Information
Documents needed to apply
  • 3 professional references.
  • Portfolio or other representations of work.

Position is contingent on funding.
Due to recent changes in H1B visa fees, Southern Utah University is no longer able to sponsor international faculty and staff that require an H1B visa and are currently living outside of the United States.
Southern Utah University does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex (including sex discrimination and sexual harassment), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, ancestry, disability status, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, military status, veteran status, or other bases protected by applicable law in employment, treatment, admission, access to educational programs and activities, or other University benefits or services. For more information or contact information, please visit
In accordance with Utah State Code 53A-3-410, appointment to this position is contingent upon the successful passing of a background check.
This position is not eligible for benefits.
01
Are you available to begin in Cedar City by 5/1/26
  • Yes
  • No

02
Are you able to stay working in Cedar City until 10/10/26
  • Yes
  • No

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