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Costume Designer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Manager

College Park, MD · On-site

$78K - $84K/yr

The Costume Shop Manager works collaboratively with designers and costume faculty to ensure that students learn to construct costumes to meet the highest quality standards possible and to ...

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 ...

Stitcher

New York, NY · On-site

$25/hr

Understanding of the period, style, and techniques necessary to complete the costume within the costume designer's guidelines. * Maintain the integrity of the costume design. * Comfortable using ...

Wardrobe Supervisor

Manhattan, NY

$19 - $26.25/hr

... Costume Designer. - Oversee and supervise all wardrobe, hair, and makeup staff and external overhire staff for all events and productions within the McKittrick Hotel - Coordinate with Punchdrunk ...

The AR/VR Development Designer is a hands-on creative promoting how storytelling shows up in real time. This role is about designing immersive environments that add value across CBS News & Stations ...

Designer

New York, NY · Hybrid

$60K - $65K/yr

Landor is looking for a Designer to join our New York studio. Could this be you? We are Landor, part of WPP. World-leading brand experts, underpinned by the most expansive strategic & creative ...

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Costume Designer information

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$19

$31

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How much do costume designer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 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.

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.

What qualifications are needed to be a Costume Designer?

A costume designer typically needs a bachelor's degree in fashion design, theater, or a related field, along with strong skills in sewing, illustration, and understanding of fabrics. Experience in costume construction and familiarity with design software like Adobe Photoshop or CAD are also valuable. Building a portfolio and gaining practical experience through internships or assistant roles are important for career advancement.

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 cities are hiring for Costume Designer jobs? Cities with the most Costume Designer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Costume Designer jobs? The most popular types of Costume Designer jobs are:
What states have the most Costume Designer jobs? States with the most job openings for Costume Designer jobs include:
What are popular job titles related to Costume Designer jobs? For Costume Designer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Costume Designer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 5% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $65,817 per year, or $31.6 per hour.

$45K - $50K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement, PTO

Posted 15 days ago


Job description

PositionTitle:Wardrobe Supervisor

Location:TheRuthandNathanHaleTheaterinPleasantGrove,Utah

Reportsto:Costume Director

DirectReports:Assistant Wardrobe Supervisor,
Lead Dressers, Dressers, Child Guardians

TimeCommitment:40+hoursperweek

Compensation:$45,000-$50,000Yearly

PositionType:Full-Time,Exempt,At-WillEmployee

HaleCenter Foundation for the Arts and Education (aka The Ruth and Nathan Hale Theater / The Ruth) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing high-quality, family-friendly theater experiences. We are passionate about arts education and its positive impact on our community. Join our team and be part of a mission-driven organization that brings joy and culture to Utah Valley!


PositionSummary:


The Wardrobe Supervisor oversees the execution, maintenance, and daily operation of all backstage costume and wardrobe processes during the rehearsal and performance process at The Ruth and Nathan Hale Theater. This roleis responsible forpreserving the integrity of the Costume Designer's vision throughout the run of each production while ensuring performers are supported, quick changes are safely and efficiently executed, and wardrobe operations run smoothly backstage.

Working closely with the Costume Director, Costume Designers, Hair & Makeup Department, Stage Management, and production leadership, the Wardrobe Supervisor manages wardrobe crews, oversees backstage costume operations, coordinates quick change execution, andmaintainswardrobe tracking and documentation for all assigned productions. This position plays a key role in creating a calm, organized, performer-focused backstage environment whilemaintaininghigh artistic and operational standards.

Duties & Responsibilities

Wardrobe Operations & Show Execution

  • Oversee all backstage wardrobe operations during technical rehearsals and performances.
  • Ensure the Costume Designer's vision and costume presentation standards are consistentlymaintainedthroughout the run of the production.
  • Supervise costume presetting, tracking, maintenance, and post-show reset procedures.
  • Maintain costume and accessory organization in dressing rooms, quick change areas, laundry spaces, and backstage work areas.
  • Monitor costumeconditionthroughout the run and communicate repair, cleaning, maintenance, or replacement needs to the Costume Director and laundry/repair team as needed.
  • Participate in designer runs, rack walks, technical rehearsals, dress rehearsals, and production notes sessions.
  • Implement and communicate costume-related notes and adjustments from designers, directors, and stage management teams.

Quick Changes & Performer Support

  • Choreograph, organize, and rehearse all quick changes with performers and wardrobe crews.
  • Time and documentquick-changesto ensure safe and efficient execution.
  • Create andmaintainwardrobe tracks, quickchangepaperwork, costume check-in sheets, and backstage costume documentation in coordination with the Hair & Makeup and wig teams as needed.
  • Ensure performers are properly supported backstage during rehearsals and performances.
  • Foster a calm, respectful, and solutions-oriented backstage environment for performers and crew members.

Leadership & Team Management

  • Hire, train, schedule, supervise, and support wardrobe crews and head dressers.
  • Create crew schedules and staffing plans based on production needs.
  • Provide orientation and training for wardrobe team members prior to performances and technical rehearsals.
  • Learn andmaintainfamiliarity with all wardrobe tracks to provide coverage and support as needed.
  • Coordinate backstage operational needs with the wig crew and laundry/repair team throughout rehearsals and performances.
  • Address crew concerns, performance issues, scheduling conflicts, and backstage operational challenges in a professional andtimelymanner.
  • Promote clear communication, accountability, teamwork, and professionalism within the wardrobe department.

Collaboration & Production Coordination

  • Work collaboratively with Costume Designers, Hair & Makeup, Stage Management, and production leadership to support production needs and artistic goals.
  • Coordinate with Stage Managementregardingbackstage traffic flow, quick change timing, actor tracking, and production adjustments.
  • Attend production meetings andparticipatein cross-department communicationregardingwardrobe operations and performer support.
  • Support production planning related to wardrobelogistics, backstage organization, and staffing needs.

Administrative & Operational Responsibilities

  • Maintainaccuratewardrobe paperwork, crew documentation, quick change tracking, and backstage operational records.
  • Assistwith inventory organization, costume storage, and show close procedures as assigned.
  • Ensure wardrobe spaces aremaintainedin a safe, organized, and efficient manner.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Skills & Qualifications

Required Skills & Experience

  • Previouswardrobe, dressing, or theatrical costume run experiencerequired.
  • Strong organizational and time management skills.
  • Ability to remain calm and effective in high-pressure backstage environments.
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
  • Ability to lead teams with professionalism, patience, and accountability.
  • Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
  • Ability to work collaboratively across departments and support performers with professionalism and discretion.
  • Ability to lift, carry, push, or move up to 50 pounds and work in physically active backstage environments including stairs, crouching, bending, and extended periods of standing.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Basic sewing and costume repair skills preferred.
  • Experience collaborating with backstage wig operations preferred.
  • Experience supervising backstage crews or wardrobe teams preferred.
  • Experience in musical theater wardrobe operations andquick-changechoreography preferred.


Benefits:Health Insurance, dental plans, 401k, paid time off, and other company-specific benefits.