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Costume Sewing Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Sewing skills * Strong organizational and project management skills. * Proficient in utilizing ... VPA Costumer * Pay Grid Range: $6,000 / year * The amounts listed above represent the pay for the ...

This is a great opportunity for someone with personal or professional sewing experience - such as home sewing, costume making, alterations, quilting, or similar work - who wants to grow their skills ...

Costume Lead

Goshen, NY ยท On-site

$22/hr

Sewing, tailoring, stitching, and costume creation * Hand stitching and industrial sewing machines * Textile knowledge and fabric care * Reading and altering patterns like ancient maps * Organization ...

... sewing skills Construction and/or costume design abilities preferred Ability to follow specific instructions, and teach others to assist based on needs of item Experience with or be willing to learn ...

Experience with domestic and/or industrial sewing machines, and other applicable equipment common to costume workrooms. * Knowledge of clothing materials, fabrics, notions and proven ability to work ...

Experience with domestic and/or industrial sewing machines, and other applicable equipment common to costume workrooms. * Knowledge of clothing materials, fabrics, notions and proven ability to work ...

Costume Shop Manager

Charleston, SC ยท On-site

$39K - $66K/yr

Preferred Qualifications Knowledge of the performing arts and specific knowledge of costume construction with advanced sewing skills required. Ability to determine fiscal needs, evaluate projects ...

Sewing Technician

Auburn Hills, MI ยท On-site

$14.25 - $17/hr

Background in costume design, upholstering, or fashion design, preferred. Experience with sewing for 3d displays and/or metal frames, preferred. Physical Demands * Requires standing, walking or ...

Costume Lead

Goshen, NY ยท On-site

$22/hr

Sewing, tailoring, stitching, and costume creation * Hand stitching and industrial sewing machines * Textile knowledge and fabric care * Reading and altering patterns like ancient maps * Organization ...

Costume Lead

Goshen, NY ยท On-site

$22/hr

Sewing, tailoring, stitching, and costume creation * Hand stitching and industrial sewing machines * Textile knowledge and fabric care * Reading and altering patterns like ancient maps * Organization ...

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Costume Sewing information

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How much do costume sewing jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for costume sewing in the United States is $16.24, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $17.31 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.

How to become a costume seamstress?

To become a costume seamstress, gain sewing skills through formal education, apprenticeships, or self-study, and develop a portfolio of costume work. Experience with pattern making, fabric selection, and sewing techniques is essential, and familiarity with costume design software can be beneficial. Entry often requires a high school diploma or equivalent, and working in theatrical or film costume departments provides practical experience.

Where can I find costume jobs?

Costume sewing jobs can be found through theater companies, costume rental shops, film and television production companies, and online job boards. Skills in pattern making, sewing, and familiarity with costume design software are often required, and some positions may require a portfolio or certification in costume construction.

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.

How much do costume artists make?

Costume artists typically earn between $30,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the complexity of projects. Salaries can be higher for those working on major productions or with specialized skills in sewing, pattern-making, and fabric selection.

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 jobs can you get if you know how to sew?

With sewing skills, you can pursue jobs such as costume designer, tailor, dressmaker, seamstress, or alterations specialist. These roles often require knowledge of different fabrics, pattern making, and sewing techniques, and may involve working in fashion, theater, or retail environments.

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.

What cities are hiring for Costume Sewing jobs? Cities with the most Costume Sewing job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Costume Sewing jobs? The most popular types of Costume Sewing jobs are:
What states have the most Costume Sewing jobs? States with the most job openings for Costume Sewing jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Costume Sewing jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Costume Sewing jobs are:
Infographic showing various Costume Sewing job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 46% Full Time, 33% Part Time, 6% Temporary, 13% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,781 per year, or $16.2 per hour.
Theatre Costume Designer

Theatre Costume Designer

The King's Academy

Sunnyvale, CA โ€ข On-site

$6.0K/yr

Full-time, Part-time

Posted 21 days ago


Job description

Description:

Job Title: Theatre Costume Designer

Job Status: Part-Time, Seasonal

Exempt Status: Non-Exempt, Piece Rate

Department: Visual and Performing Arts

Reports to: VPA Specialist


Job Summary

TKA is a Christ-Centered school grounded in a Biblical worldview, and we are looking for a Theatre Costume Designer who is a follower of Jesus Christ and is dedicated to the schoolโ€™s Christ-Centered mission. The Costume Designer is responsible for the artistic design, coordination, and implementation of costumes for all four theatrical productions. This individual will collaborate closely with directors, choreographers, technical staff, students, and volunteers to create costumes that support the storytelling, period, style, and vision of each production.

Requirements:

Essential Job Functions

Regular Activities

  • Attend production meetings, design meetings, and rehearsals as needed
  • Research historical periods, styles, and character needs within the script
  • Develop costume concepts and design presentations that align with the directorโ€™s vision
  • Create and/or assemble costumes to fit the production's design concept and budget
  • Coordinate costume fittings for cast members
  • Manage the Costume Parade for designer review
  • Manage a team of volunteers (fittings, Tech Week, and performances)
  • Instruct students in the care and maintenance of their costume piece
  • Oversee costume strike, cleaning, and proper storage post performances

Qualifications

Education and Experience

  • Familiarity with musical theatre productions
  • Prior experience preferred

Skills and Abilities

  • Strong communication skills with students and adults
  • Sewing skills
  • Strong organizational and project management skills.
  • Proficient in utilizing Google Suite
  • Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with a production team.
  • Ability to work evenings and weekends during production periods

Core Characteristics

  • Commitment to loving and serving Jesus Christ
  • Ability to work under pressure and in a fast paced environment
  • Strong leadership qualities and mentoring skills
  • Positive, flexible, resourceful and solution-oriented
  • Able to understand, love and relate to students
  • Must be active (or pursuing) community in a local Christian body of believers
  • Must have compatible theology in line with TKA's Statement of Faith and Lifestyle Agreement

Working Conditions & Physical Requirements

  • Work will be performed on and off campus
  • Will move throughout the campus during the day
  • May occasionally have to lift up to 30-pounds
  • Work is generally performed intermittently, August - April
  • Days/hours vary based on production (includes nights and weekends).
  • The months listed are approximate, and the annual start and end date will be dictated by the school calendar and the departmentโ€™s needs.

Salary & Benefits

  • Pay Grid: VPA Costumer
  • Pay Grid Range: $6,000 / year
    • The amounts listed above represent the pay for the entire production based on the routine hours that are expected to be worked. The actual pay will be determined by (1) applicable years of experience, (2) type of production being produced and (3) level of the production being produced. The starting pay listed reflects this position's minimum pay . The top pay range represents the top of the pay grid for this position. It is rare for a candidate to enter this position at the top of the pay grid. Most candidates can expect to enter in the lower to middle section of the pay grid, depending on experience and education.

Please Note:

Nothing in this job description restricts managementโ€™s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time; therefore, this job description is subject to change.