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Costume Designer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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Costume Designer information

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How much do costume designer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 21, 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.

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 are hiring for Costume Designer jobs? Cities with the most Costume Designer job openings:
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Infographic showing various Costume Designer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 45% Full Time, 38% Part Time, 7% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 9% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $65,817 per year, or $31.6 per hour.
Theatre Arts, Costume Shop - Student Assistant

Theatre Arts, Costume Shop - Student Assistant

California State University

San Bernardino, CA • On-site

$16.90/hr

Part-time

Posted 28 days ago


California State University rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 44 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

228th of 555 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Theatre Arts, Costume Shop - Student Assistant
Job no: 559492
Work type: Student Assistant
Location: San Bernardino - San Bernardino Campus
Categories: Administrative, Temporary, Part Time, On-site (work in-person at business location), Unit 15 - CSUEU - Student Assistants
Job Summary:
Costume Shop Student Assistants work in the Theatre Arts Department primarily in the Costume Shop. Costume construction, alteration and maintenance for TA Dept productions is the main function of the Shop Assistant. Shop assistants will work with professors, staff and fellow students in creating and actualizing costume designs as well as shop organization. Costume shop assistant duties include: costume construction and alteration for CSUSB Theatre Arts Dept productions, costume shop and storage cleaning, organizing and maintenance, mentoring of students learning to sew and participate in lab activities and various duties pertaining to shows and costume maintenance.
Responsibilities:
Under direct supervision, duties include but not limited to:
  • Maintain the continued organization of the Costume Shop, Craft Room, and Costume Storage.
  • Launder and repair costumes as needed with minimal guidance.
  • Complete sewing, crafting, or organizational tasks relating to TA productions in a timely manner and with competent skills.
  • Be available for Dress Parade and Dress Rehearsals to assist the Costume Shop Manager and Costume Designer.
  • Additional duties as needed to assist Theatre Department events and needs.

Minimum Qualifications:
  • Ability to learn and perform assigned work; follow oral instructions; work cooperatively with faculty, staff, and other students; communicate effectively with all levels; and read and write English at a level appropriate to the position.
  • Special Qualification: Admission or registration as a CSU student.
  • As a Bridge Student Assistant, the student need not be registered as a student but must have been enrolled as a CSU student the previous term and is registered for the following term.

Required Qualifications:
  • Maintain a 2.0 G.P.A. or greater per semester and cumulative.
  • Students must be enrolled in at least halftime units at CSUSB (6 units undergraduate; 3 units graduate)
  • International students must have full-time enrollment at CSUSB. (12 units undergraduate; 6 units graduate)
  • Eligible to work in the United States
  • Payroll Requirement: Social Security Card

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Min 2.5 GPA cumulative
  • Basic Hand sewing skills
  • Machine sewing skills
  • Ability to use measuring tapes and rulers
  • Simple math skills
  • Ability to use irons, washing machines and dryers.
  • Basic computer skills: Word, Excel etc.
  • Previous enrollment in TA 2660, TA 3131 or TA 3132 preferred

Compensation and Benefits:
Student Employment Anticipated Hiring Range: $16.90 per hour.
The compensation offered will consider internal equity and experience among other factors.
Position Information:
Work status: Part-Time, Temporary, Seasonal
Academic year available hours: Monday through Friday (8:00 am - 5:00 pm).
Summer available hours: Monday through Thursday (7:00 am - 5:30 pm).
The application deadline is: July 23, 2026; however, the position may close when an adequate number of qualified applications are received.
This is an 'On-Campus Only' position. Student Employees are not eligible to telecommute at any time.
California State University, San Bernardino, as part of the CSU system, is a State of California Employer. As such, the University requires all employees upon date of hire to reside in the State of California. As of January 1, 2022 the CSU Out-of-State Employment Policy prohibits the hiring of employees to perform CSU-related work outside the state of California.
California State University, San Bernardino in not a sponsoring agency for staff or management positions (i.e. H1-B Visas).
Education Code 89521 Requirements: Applicants will be required to disclose whether they have received a final administrative decision or final judicial decision determining that they have committed sexual harassment within the last 7 years only after a determination is made that they meet the minimum qualifications for the position, and before an offer of employment is extended. Applicants who reach the final stages of the application process must also sign a release form that authorizes the release of information by the applicant's current and/or former employers to the CSU concerning any substantiated allegations of misconduct.
Conditions of Employment
Background Check
Satisfactory completion of a background check (including a criminal records check) may be required for student employment purposes. CSU will make a conditional offer of employment, which may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, and/or it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check when required may affect the continued employment of a current CSU employee who was conditionally offered the position.
Driver's License Check
Possession of a valid Driver's License may be required. Employees in this position will be enrolled in the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Government Employer Pull Notice Program which confirms possession of a valid driver's license and reflects driving record.
I-9
CSUSB hires only individuals lawfully authorized to work in the United States. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire. See Form I-9 Acceptable Documents at https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents.
On Campus Commitment
In our commitment to the furthering of knowledge and fulfilling our educational mission, California State University, San Bernardino seeks a campus climate that welcomes, celebrates, and promotes respect for the entire variety of human experience. We welcome people from all backgrounds, and we seek to include knowledge and values from many cultures in the curriculum and extra-curricular life of the campus community. We will create, promote, and maintain activities and programs that further our understanding of individual and group diversity. We will also develop and communicate policies and promote values that discourage intolerance and discrimination.
California State University, San Bernardino is proud to be an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. We recruit, hire, train, and administer all personnel actions without regard to race, ethnicity, religion, color, caste, national origin, ancestry, age, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, genetic information, medical condition, disability, marital status, protected military or veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law. This position adheres to CSU policies against Sex Discrimination, Sexual Harassment, and Sexual Violence, including Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, and Stalking. This requires completion of Sexual Violence Prevention Training within 6 months of assuming employment and on a two-year basis thereafter. (Executive Order 1096) For more information about Diversity & Inclusion at CSUSB, please visit https://www.csusb.edu/human-resources/diversity-inclusion
Closing Statement:
Reasonable Accommodation
We provide reasonable accommodation to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants with questions about access or requiring reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact CSUSB Benefits at benefits@csusb.edu.
Smoking
CSUSB is a smoke and tobacco-free campus. See policy https://calstate.policystat.com/policy/6591951/latest/.
Clery Act
In compliance with state and federal crime awareness and campus security legislation, including The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act, California Education Code section 67380, and the Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEOA), the Cal State San Bernardino Annual Security and Fire Safety Report is available at: https://www.csusb.edu/clery-act.
Advertised: Jun 23 2026 Pacific Daylight Time
Applications close: Jul 23 2026 Pacific Daylight Time
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About California State University

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California State University, Fresno is one of 23 campuses in the California State University System. The University's mission is to boldly educate and empower students for success through our values of Discovery, Diversity and Distinction. The current student population is more than 25,000, including a large percentage of students with diverse and culturally rich backgrounds. The University serves the San Joaquin Valley while maintaining deep involvement with the state, nation, and across the globe.

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Long Beach, CA, US