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Costume Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

SeaWorld

Costume Specialist, Senior

Busch, AR · On-site

... Managers, Dresser Team, Costuming Staff, and Management to ensure all costume characters are in working order and in top quality condition and appearance; including but not limited to costume ...

LEGOLAND Parks

Costume Lead

Goshen, NY · On-site

$22/hr

Independent quest management with minimal supervision Experience in: * Theme parks * Theatre * Fashion * Costume design * Live entertainment realms ...shall greatly strengthen your application. The ...

ALLEY THEATRE

Overhire Costume Technician

Houston, TX · On-site

$17.50/hr

Rob Melrose and Incoming Managing Director Jennifer Bielstein along with Alley's leadership team ... Costume Construction Experience - ideally with skills in one or more of the following areas:

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How much do costume manager jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for costume manager in the United States is $21.48, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.90 and $23.08 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Costume Manager vs Costume Designer?

AspectCostume ManagerCostume Designer
CredentialsExperience in costume coordination, sometimes certifications in costume or wardrobe managementFormal education in fashion, costume design, or related fields; portfolio of design work
Work EnvironmentFilm, theater, TV productions; overseeing costume departments and logisticsCreative process; designing costumes for characters and productions
Employer & Industry UsageProduction companies, theaters, TV studiosFilm, theater, fashion industry, TV
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles related to costume coordination and managementLooking for costume design work or creative costume development

The main difference is that a Costume Manager focuses on coordinating, organizing, and managing costume departments and logistics, while a Costume Designer is responsible for creating and designing costumes for productions. Both roles are essential in the costume department but serve different functions within the production process.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Costume Manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Costume Manager, you need expertise in costume design, garment construction, and wardrobe management, often supported by a degree in fashion, costume design, or related experience. Familiarity with costume inventory software, sewing machines, and textile care tools is typically required. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and effective communication help manage teams and collaborate with directors and performers. These skills ensure costumes are delivered on time, maintained properly, and contribute seamlessly to the overall production quality.

What are some common challenges a Costume Manager faces during a theatrical production, and how can they be addressed?

Costume Managers often encounter challenges such as tight deadlines, last-minute costume changes, and maintaining costume quality throughout a production run. Effective organization and clear communication with designers, actors, and stage management are key to addressing these issues. Building a flexible timeline, maintaining a well-organized costume inventory, and developing quick repair skills help ensure costumes are performance-ready. Additionally, collaborating closely with the production team allows Costume Managers to anticipate and resolve potential issues before they impact the show.

What are Costume Managers?

Costume Managers are professionals responsible for overseeing the design, creation, organization, and maintenance of costumes for theatrical productions, films, television, and other performances. They work closely with directors, costume designers, and performers to ensure costumes fit the creative vision and practical needs of a production. Their duties often include managing budgets, scheduling fittings, supervising staff, and handling costume inventory and repairs throughout a show's run.
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What cities are hiring for Costume Manager jobs? Cities with the most Costume Manager job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Costume jobs? The most popular types of Costume jobs are:
What states have the most Costume Manager jobs? States with the most job openings for Costume Manager jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Costume Manager jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Costume Manager jobs are:
Costume Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Costume Manager job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 99% Full Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,675 per year, or $21.5 per hour.
Costume Studio Technician

Costume Studio Technician

Chapman University

Orange, CA • On-site

$21.50/hr

Temporary

Posted 19 days ago

Chapman University rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 9 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

284th of 535 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Posting Details
Position Information
Position Title
Costume Studio Technician
Position Type
Temporary
Job Number
SA73024
Full or Part Time
part-time 20-29 hours weekly
Fair Labor Standard Act Classification
Non-Exempt
Anticipated Pay Range
$21.50
Pay Range Information
Chapman University is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this position. This range takes into account a variety of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions, including experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. Salary offers are determined based on the final candidate's qualifications and experience, as well as internal equity and other internal factors. The anticipated pay range is not a promise of a particular wage.
Position Summary Information
Job Description Summary
Under the supervision of the Costume Studio Manager, Assistant Costume Studio Manager, and the Lead Costume Technician, the Costume Technician will provide technical support for production-related tasks in the College of Performing Arts on an as-needed basis. Skillsets for this role may include stitching, cutting/draping, crafting, wardrobe crew, wardrobe supervision, wig maintenance, theatrical makeup supervision, and/or costume liaison (show-specific costume organization and paperwork).
Responsibilities
General Responsibilities
  • Knowledge and experience in working with domestic sewing machines and hand stitching
  • Manage time to ensure that assigned work is completed accurately and on schedule
  • Work with students, exhibiting good work habits and professional demeanor
  • Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing
  • Communicate with Costume Studio Manager about problems, and possible solutions, concerning equipment and/or workflow as needed
  • Ability to work effectively in a team-based environment and to work independently and follow-through on assignments with minimal direction/instruction
  • Ability to follow and apply safety and work-related policies and procedures

If hired, specific responsibilities may include some or all of the below depending on the needs of the production:
Stitcher/Crafter
  • Ability to alter costumes according to fitting notes
  • Ability to repair or refurbish costumes to make stage ready
  • Ability to support costume crafting, including hand painting, distressing, trimming, and millinery
  • Ability to construct costumes from commercial patterns
  • Cut fabric based on patterns supplied by Cutter/Draper
  • Assist the Cutter/Draper in the creation of patterns for facings and linings based on patterns supplied by the Cutter/Draper
  • Ability to dye fabric (natural and synthetic) including ability to color match
  • Ability to airbrush, distress, and work with various foams and plastics to create avant garde garments as needed

Cutter/Draper
  • Communicate with designer regarding specific build and alteration needs
  • Ability to create patterns
  • Ability to estimate yardage from created patterns

Costume Liaison
  • Ensure clear communication between the designer, production team, and Costume Studio
  • Support designer in pulling costumes from costume stock
  • Organize costumes prior to fittings- track and receive purchases and label any rental items
  • With supervision, support designers during costume fittings by updating dressing lists, labeling costumes and taking complete, concise alteration notes
  • Clean out fitting room post-fittings to ensure that supplies are restored and all costumes are appropriately placed under alterations, character names, or extras racks
  • Support designer with paperwork by completing dressing lists with updated descriptions and laundry codes
  • Communicate with Costume Studio regarding any missed fittings or necessary secondary fittings- with specifics on items that need to be pulled, purchased, or adjusted
  • Work with Wardrobe Supervisor to prepare costumes and show-related paperwork for load-out
  • Ability to support fitting by pinning, marking hems, advising on alterations- or have the judgment to call in advanced support as needed
  • Quality control of completed alteration notes

Wardrobe
  • Create a quick-change plan and appropriate show paperwork for costumes, hair and makeup
  • Load, unload and move costumes from the Costume Studio to various venues and back
  • Assist actors with costume changes as assigned
  • Support costume maintenance for the production, including steaming, pressing, checking for and executing repairs
  • Create a plan for Laundry and Wardrobe maintenance for the specifics of the production, and execute specific laundry needs as assigned
  • Ability to use creative thinking, sound judgment, and remain calm in dealing with a variety of personality types and situations
  • Train and supervise wardrobe crew in above duties

Hair/Makeup
  • Ability to apply theatrical stage makeup
  • Ability to execute hairstyles as designed
  • Ability to apply and maintain wigs
  • Assist actors with hair/makeup changes as assigned
  • Sanitize makeup brushes and supplies
  • Train and supervise hair/makeup crew in above duties

Required Qualifications
  • Good organization, communication, and time-management skills
  • Work well with students
  • Reliable transportation to and from work
  • Hand and domestic sewing machine skills
  • Ability to read a measurement chart and size costumes appropriately
  • Wear closed-toed shoes in all costume venues at all times
  • Must wear "stage blacks" during all dress rehearsals and performances

Desired Qualifications
  • Access to a computer
  • Working knowledge of Google Drive
  • Costume crafting skills
  • Theatrical makeup skills
  • Wig styling and application
  • Ability to use industrial and leather sewing machines, an overlock machine, hemming machine, dye vat
  • Cutting and draping skills

Special Instructions to Applicants
Chapman University is an equal opportunity employer that provides equal employment opportunities to all individuals, regardless of their protected characteristics. All qualified applicants and employees are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, military and veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law.
Applicants for Staff and Administrator positions must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.
The offer of employment is contingent upon satisfactory completion and outcomes of a criminal background screening and returning to the Office of Human Resources a signed original acceptance of the Chapman University Agreement to Arbitrate
Minimum Number of References
0
Maximum Number of References
3

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