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Costume Sewing Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

HLC New Look Inc

Seamstress

Irvine, CA · On-site

$17 - $18/hr

Basic sewing. Single needle machine. Full-time or part-time. Flexible hours. Relaxed friendly ... Company Description Dance costume factory

HLC New Look Inc

Seamstress

Irvine, CA · On-site

$17 - $18/hr

Basic sewing. Single needle machine. Full-time or part-time. Flexible hours. Relaxed friendly ... Company Description Dance costume factory

All JobsCostume Sewing JobsCostume Sewing Jobs in Riverside, CA

Costume Sewing information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$9

$16

$22

How much do costume sewing jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for costume sewing in Riverside, CA is $16.94, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.05 and $18.08 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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 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.

More about Costume Sewing jobs
What are popular job titles related to Costume Sewing jobs in Riverside, CA? For Costume Sewing jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Costume Sewing jobs in Riverside, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Costume Sewing jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Costume Sewing jobs? Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Costume Sewing job openings:
Costume Sewing jobs near you
Infographic showing various Costume Sewing job openings in Riverside, CA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 25% Full Time, and 75% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $35,243 per year, or $16.9 per hour.

Costume Assistant

Orange Lutheran High School

Orange, CA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 18 days ago

Job description

POSITION SUMMARY
Working alongside the Costume Coordinator, the Costume Assistant ensures that all aspects of costuming are in place for school theatrical productions on an as-needed basis. This includes costume construction, alterations, fittings, dress rehearsals, makeup and hair application, and the maintenance and care of costumes.
Reports to: Director of the Arts
Supervises: No supervisory duties
ESSENTIAL DUTIES
  • Make alterations and emergency repairs
  • Assist with all quick changes
  • Assist with all sewing
  • Assist with the making of accessories if needed; crafting experience
  • Laundering of costumes on-site
  • Makeup application
  • Hair and wig styling

ADDITIONAL DUTIES
  • Additional duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The qualifications and competencies listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, abilities, and physical demands required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position
Education
High School
Experience
Any satisfactory combination of education, experience, and training that demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties listed
LICENSES, CERTIFICATES, AND CLEARANCES
  • Cleared Background/Fingerprint check
  • Valid CPR certifications
  • Cleared TB assessment
  • Completion of Ministry Safe Training

KEY COMPETENCIES
Knowledge
  • Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in stage productions

Skills and Abilities
  • Skilled in fabric construction and alteration
  • Ability to use a sewing machine, scissors, steamers, and other common costuming items
  • Intermediate to advanced sewing skills
  • Ability to follow a sewing pattern
  • Ability to teach students theatrical makeup application
  • Wig styling with synthetic and human hair
  • Ability to work nights, weekends, and irregular hours
  • Establish and work within a budget
  • Skilled at organizing, planning, and prioritizing work
  • Computer Skills including PowerPoint and Excel
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills

PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS
  • Exhibits the highest level of Christian integrity his/her life reflects Christ-like morals, behavior, attitude, and leadership
  • Integrates faith and prayer in the performance of job duties
  • Foster a Christ-centered environment focused on Grateful Servanthood, Accountability, Compassion, and Collaboration, in alignment with our Guiding Principles
  • A lifelong learner who models intellectual curiosity, self-reflection, and stewardship of talents
  • An active member of a Christian church; the LCMS congregation preferred

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
  • The employee is regularly required to sit, speak clearly, and hear accurately, use hands to finger, handle, grasp, push, pull, or feel objects or controls, walk, and stand
  • This position occasionally stands, moves about the campus; reaches with hands and arms above and below the waist; lifts, pushes, pulls, or carries up to 50 pounds for 5-10 feet views a computer monitor, bends, squats, climbs, kneels, or twists
  • Requires the manual dexterity to use a sewing machine, scissors, and steamer, and have the stability and mobility to maneuver electrical cords and cables backstage and infrequently climb a ladder or drive a car locally

WORK ENVIRONMENT
  • The typical work environment is climate office or theatre
  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts; risk of electrical shock; risk of radiation; and vibration
  • The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate

This job description intends to provide a representative summary of the essential functions that will be required of positions given this title and should not be construed as a declaration of specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position. Employees will be assigned specific job-related duties through their hiring departments to address the needs of the school and changing business practices. Specific job-related duties assigned by hiring departments shall be consistent with the representative essential functions listed above and shall not be construed as expanding a particular position's role, scope, and FLSA status, or grade.

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