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Costume Designer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Drury University

Costume Shop Manager

Springfield, MO · On-site

Works with the designer to create costumes based on sketches as provided. Stitches cloth into finished garments; performs a variety of hand and machine stitches. Cuts and prepares various costume ...

Sarah Lawrence College

Costume Supervisor

Bronxville, NY · On-site

$44K - $48K/yr

Responsibilities include mentoring undergraduate and graduate student designers, supervising costume shop employees and production crews, managing budgets and inventories, coordinating rentals and ...

Columbia College Chicago

Costume Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

Collaborate with Designers and Directors to determine appropriate materials and construction ... Lead costume shop meetings. * Supervise actor measurements and fittings sessions. * Mentor and ...

Netflix

Character Designer- Ink

Los Gatos, CA · On-site

$69.71/hr

Through research, design exploration, conversations, and collaboration, the Character Designer will work with the creative leads to develop characters' attitudes, personalities, costumes, and poses.

Columbia College Chicago

Costume Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

Collaborate with Designers and Directors to determine appropriate materials and construction ... Lead costume shop meetings. * Supervise actor measurements and fittings sessions. * Mentor and ...

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Costume Designer information

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How much do costume designer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 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?

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 essential steps to securing a position in this field.

What can I do with a costume designer degree?

A costume designer degree prepares individuals to create costumes for theater, film, television, and other performance arts. Graduates can work as costume designers, wardrobe supervisors, costume assistants, or in related roles such as costume illustrators or fabricators, often collaborating with directors and production teams. Skills in sewing, pattern making, and knowledge of textiles are essential, and experience with costume software can enhance job prospects.

What is 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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $65,817 per year, or $31.6 per hour.

Assistant Costume Shop Manager

Villanova University

Villanova, PA • On-site

Part-time

Posted 22 days ago

Villanova University rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 11 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

310th of 617 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Posting Details
Do you have questions about the application process? If so, please refer to the Applicant FAQ's.
Posting Details (Default Section)
Posting Number:
20260365S
Position Title:
Assistant Costume Shop Manager
Position Type:
Staff
Location:
Villanova, PA
Recruitment Type:
Internal/External Applicants
Work Schedule:
part-time/10-months
Avg Hours Week
20
Department:
146-Theatre
Position Summary:
Under the supervision of Villanova Theatre Department's (VTD) Costume Shop Manager, the Assistant Costume Shop Manager assists with the technical theatre elements related to costumes, hair/makeup, wigs, and all elements of costume design for VTD productions. The primary responsibility of the Assistant Costume Shop Manager is to supervise the day-to-day operations of the costume shop. Responsibilities include leading in the construction and fitting of costumes according to the Costume Design, assisting in the pulling and renting of costume pieces, and assisting in the cleaning, organizing, and storing of all costume pieces. This individual will provide training and guidance to student workers and foster and maintain a safe and healthy work environment. Additionally, the Assistant Costume Shop Manager with serve as costume coordinator for all Villanova Student Theatre (VST) and Villanova Student Musical Theatre (VSMT) performative events, supervising the pulling of costumes, costume fittings and alterations, load-in, and strike of these productions. The Assistant Costume shop Manager is also responsible for the organization of Villanova Theatre's costume stock and any rentals of costume pieces.
The ideal individual will have a strong drive to provide high-quality work, the ability to exercise good judgment in a variety of situations, strong written and verbal communication, organizational skills, and the ability to work as part of the team which includes student populations.
Flexible work schedule required (i.e. occasional evening and weekend work)
Duties and Responsibilities:
Lead the Costume Build Process for Villanova Theatre Productions:
  • Create patterns for all costumes pieces that will be built in the shop.
  • Utilize student work force as first hands and stitchers.
  • Assist Costume Shop Manager and Costume Designer in scheduling and managing fittings including setting up fitting room and taking/distributing fitting notes.
  • Train and schedule work study and graduate student first hands and stitchers.
  • Communicate with student design assistants regarding scheduling of fittings, fabric and shopping orders, yardages and notions needed per project and professional practices.

Lead Technical Coordinator/Costume Shop Supervisor for Student co-curricular groups:
  • Supervise any fittings, alterations, or builds for Villanova Student Theatre (VST) and Villanova Student Musical Theatre (VSMT) productions.
  • Assist costume shop manager in purchasing, tracking budgets, gathering receipts, and handling returns of all purchased costume elements for these groups.
  • Advise student costume designers on design elements, schedules, and budgets for VST and VSMT productions.
  • Arrange trips to Villanova Theatre's costume stock with student designers.
  • Attend student group production meetings, design runs, and technical rehearsals as required

Organization and Oversight of Villanova Theatre Costume Stock:
  • Assist costume shop manager with organization of costume stock.
  • Serve as primary point person for outside rentals from costume stock
  • Serve as primary point person for costume donations.

Attend Villanova Theatre Events when Requested:
  • Events could include show-specific events such as design runs, technical rehearsals, or production meetings.
  • They could also include full department events such as meet and greets, orientations, or other full-staff events.
  • Event attendance will be discussed with the Costume Shop Manager and Production Manager.

Perform other duties and assist with projects as assigned:
  • Duties could include fulfilling rehearsal requests (rehearsal clothing, shoes, etc.), assisting with wig or makeup items, or assisting with the wardrobe team

Minimum Qualifications:
Formal Education
  • Associates Degree. Preferably in theatre design or technology or fashion.

Work Experience
  • 2-3 years of experience in costume construction, shop management, or as a shop technician.

Work Skills (e.g., written and verbal communication skills)
  • Ability to work with individuals of all experience levels.
  • Experience teaching and mentoring students.
  • Strong verbal communication skills.
  • Strong organizational skills and ability to help maintain an inventory of costume shop equipment

Specific Job Knowledge (e.g., knowledge of principles and procedures related to field and area)
  • Proficiency in costume construction and alteration techniques
  • Proficiency in draping and pattern making
  • Knowledge of costume crafts, millinery, fabric dying
  • Basic knowledge of purchasing and accounting

Equipment Knowledge
Operative Knowledge of:
  • All types of home and industrial sewing machines
  • Overlock machines
  • Industrial irons

Preferred Qualifications:
Formal Education
  • BA or BS in Theatre or fashion with an emphasis in costume construction

Work Experience
  • 3-5 years of experience in costume construction, shop management, or working as a shop technician.

Work Skills (e.g., written and verbal communication skills)
  • Teaching experience a plus

Specific Job Knowledge (e.g., knowledge of principles and procedures related to field and area)
  • Costume design experience a plus
  • Wardrobe experience a plus
  • Experience with costume fittings and interacting with actors a plus

Equipment Knowledge
  • Experience with 3D Printers a plus
  • Experience with wigs or hair/makeup a plus

Physical Requirements and/or Unusual Work Hours:
Equipment used:
  • Sewing machines (homemaker and industrial)
  • Overlock machines
  • Steam irons
  • Steamers
  • Fabric scissors

Daytime work hours (primary), nights and weekends as assigned.
Must be able: to lift and physically move up to 30 lbs. bags of clothing, stand for 5-7 hours a day, withstand finger pricks from pinning clothing to be sewn, sit and sew for 5-7 hours a day if needed.
Special Message to Applicants:
Posting Date:
07/20/2026
Closing Date (11:59pm ET):
Salary Posting Information:
This position falls within hourly grade 12 and the range is $22.36-28.22/hr. The final salary will be determined with consideration of several factors including the selected candidate's qualifications, department budget availability, market data, and internal equity.
Salary Grade:
12
Job Classification:
non-exempt

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About Villanova University

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Villanova University, located in Villanova, Pennsylvania, United States, operates within the higher education industry. Its establishment traces back to 1842 by the Augustinians, a Catholic religious order. The university offers a wide range of academic programs in various disciplines, including Liberal Arts and Sciences, Engineering, Nursing, Business, and Law, serving over 10,000 undergraduate, graduate, and law students. Guided by its Augustinian Catholic intellectual tradition, it is committed to community service, and it seeks to cultivate knowledgeable, thoughtful, and ethical leaders. The university’s mission is to empower students to ignite change, with a vision for a just and peaceful world.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Villanova, PA, US

Year founded

1842

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