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Costume Sewing Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Gallaudet University

Costume Designer

Washington, DC · On-site

$18.40/hr

Costume Designer Worker Type: Fixed Term (Fixed Term) Pay Type: Hourly Exempt Status: No ... Experience in hand sewing and using the sewing machine. * Provide feedback and support to the ...

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Costume Sewing information

See Washington salary details

$10

$18

$24

How much do costume sewing jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for costume sewing in Washington is $18.39, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $19.62 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is costume sewing?

Costume sewing involves creating, altering, and repairing garments specifically designed for theater, film, television, or events such as cosplay and parties. Costume sewers work with patterns, fabrics, and embellishments to bring character designs to life, often requiring both technical sewing skills and creativity. They may collaborate with costume designers and other team members to ensure that costumes fit performers comfortably and achieve the desired visual effect. This job can involve working with a wide range of materials, from delicate silks to sturdy leathers, and may also require knowledge of historical garment construction.

What are costume sewing jobs?

There are several jobs in a variety of industries that involve custom sewing. As a tailor, costume designer, or wardrobe assistant, you work in a theater or as part of the crew on a film or tv show. Your duties and responsibilities include costume design and sewing, and you are in charge of fittings, during which you alter or repair costumes so that they are appropriate for your actors. You work with actors, directors, writers, and producers to understand your characters, and you do research to inform your designs. In some roles, you also repair and maintain masks, wigs, and other accessories, so you need to be knowledgeable about different textiles and materials that are used on stage and on the screen.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a costume sewing professional, and why are they important?

To thrive in Costume Sewing, you need strong garment construction skills, attention to detail, and a background in textiles or fashion design, often gained through formal training or apprenticeships. Familiarity with industrial sewing machines, sergers, pattern-making software, and hand-finishing tools is typically required. Creativity, time management, and effective communication with designers and production teams are important soft skills. These abilities ensure high-quality, visually accurate costumes are produced efficiently and collaboratively for theater, film, or events.

What are some common challenges faced by costume sewing professionals when working on large productions?

Costume sewing professionals working on large productions often encounter tight deadlines, frequent last-minute alterations, and the need to collaborate closely with designers, performers, and other costume staff. Managing a high volume of costumes while maintaining consistent quality and adherence to design specifications can be demanding. Flexibility, strong communication skills, and the ability to adapt to changing requirements are essential for success in this dynamic environment.

What is the difference between Costume Sewing vs Dressmaker?

AspectCostume SewingDressmaker
CredentialsOften requires sewing skills, costume design knowledgeRequires sewing skills, fashion design or tailoring experience
Work EnvironmentTheatrical, film, TV productions, themed eventsFashion boutiques, custom clothing shops, personal clients
Industry UsageEntertainment, theater, film, cosplayFashion, personal styling, custom clothing

Costume sewing and dressmaking both involve sewing skills, but costume sewing focuses on creating outfits for entertainment and themed events, often requiring knowledge of theatrical design. Dressmakers primarily craft custom clothing for individual clients, emphasizing fashion and fit. While overlapping in skills, their work environments and industry applications differ significantly.

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What are popular job titles related to Costume Sewing jobs in Washington?

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What job categories do people searching Costume Sewing jobs in Washington look for?

The top searched job categories for Costume Sewing jobs in Washington are:

Costume Sewing jobs near you
Infographic showing various Costume Sewing job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 64% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 12% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 88% Physical, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,260 per year, or $18.4 per hour.

Costume Designer

Washington, DC • On-site

Gallaudet University
Education • 1 - 5K employees
Learn more about Gallaudet Universityexternal

$18.40/hr

Part-time

Posted 26 days ago

Job description

OVERVIEW: Gallaudet University, federally chartered in 1864, is a bilingual, diverse, and multicultural institution of higher education dedicated to the intellectual and professional advancement of Deaf and hard of hearing individuals through American Sign Language and English. Gallaudet maintains a proud tradition of research and scholarly activity and prepares graduates for career opportunities in a highly competitive, technological, and rapidly changing world. As part of the university, the Laurent Clerc National Deaf Education Center is a federally funded center that operates exemplary elementary and secondary education programs for deaf and hard of hearing students as well as national outreach programs which develop and disseminate innovative curricula, instructional techniques, and products nationwide, and provide information, training, and technical assistance to parents and professionals serving children from birth through age 21.
Job Title:
Costume Designer
Worker Type:
Fixed Term (Fixed Term)
Pay Type:
Hourly
Exempt Status:
No
Supervisory Organization (Department):
Student Engagement - JM
Summary:
Costume Designer designs the costume to fit the acting cast members and collaborates with the technical
crew (lighting, set, and stage manager) and School Play Advisor. Costume Designer collects costumes and supervises costumes with the assistance of Performing Arts Specialists.
Job Description:
Qualifications:
  • Experience in design and make costume for the school play(s)/theatre field
  • Experience in hand sewing and using the sewing machine.
  • Provide feedback and support to the Performing Arts Program, the cast, and the crew.
  • Demonstrate strong management skills
  • Knowledge and understanding of high school students (9th grade to 12th grade)
  • Familiarity with performing arts programs and student discipline
  • Commitment to the program
  • Fluency in ASL

Application Information:
  • Up-to-date Resume
  • Employment Information:
  • Starting Date: October 5, 2026 - May 31, 2027
  • All employees hired must undergo and pay for a background investigation if selected for the
  • job and must be cleared before starting the first day on the job. The current fee for the investigation can range from $35 to $135, depending on location.
  • Background Check and SARP must be in good standing.
  • Compensation: $18.40 per hour
  • Deadline: Until Filled

If you have any questions, please contact Clerc Center Human Resources Office at
Clerchr@gallaudet.edu.
Other Important Information:
  • The successful candidate will undergo a background check that must be cleared prior to working at Gallaudet University.

Current Employees (Regular Status and Extended Temporary)
Please use the link below or the "Find Jobs" report directly within Workday.
https://www.myworkday.com/gallaudet/d/inst/1$9925/9925$2547.htmld
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Gallaudet University is an equal opportunity employer/educational institution and does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, national origin, religion, age, hearing status, disability, genetic information, covered veteran status, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, family responsibilities, matriculation, political affiliation, source of income, place of business or residence, pregnancy, childbirth, or any other unlawful basis. This policy is in compliance with Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Rehabilitation Act, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, the District of Columbia Human Rights Act, and other applicable laws and applies to all procedures affecting applicants and employees including, but not necessarily limited to: recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, reassignment, reappointment, tenure, demotion, selection for training, layoff, furlough, and termination, compensation, and all other conditions or privileges of employment.

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