1

Costume Specialist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Responsible for maintaining costuming integrity of assigned shows and productions Maintain cleanliness, safety, and quality standards through all assigned tasks Construct new costumes Responsible for ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Costume Specialist information

See salary details

$7

$17

$31

How much do costume specialist jobs pay per hour?

As of May 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for costume specialist in the United States is $17.12, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.46 and $17.31 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Costume Specialist, you need expertise in garment construction, fabric selection, and costume history, often supported by a degree in costume design, fashion, or theater arts. Familiarity with sewing machines, pattern-making software, and textile care systems is typically required. Strong attention to detail, creativity, and effective communication are essential soft skills for collaborating with production teams and meeting design requirements. These skills ensure costumes are historically accurate, visually impactful, and functional for performers, supporting the overall success of theatrical or film productions.

What are some common challenges Costume Specialists face when managing costumes for large-scale productions?

Costume Specialists often encounter challenges such as handling a large inventory of costumes, ensuring timely repairs and alterations, and keeping detailed records for each piece. Coordinating fittings and maintaining communication with performers and production teams is crucial, especially when multiple shows run simultaneously. Additionally, Costume Specialists must be adept at troubleshooting last-minute issues, such as unexpected damages or sizing problems, to ensure a seamless performance.

What are Costume Specialists?

Costume Specialists are professionals who design, create, maintain, and manage costumes for theatrical productions, film, television, and other performances. They are skilled in costume construction, textile care, alterations, and historical research to ensure accuracy and quality. Costume Specialists often collaborate closely with directors, designers, and performers to ensure that costumes meet the creative vision and practical needs of a production.

What is the highest salary for a Costume Designer?

The highest salaries for costume designers can exceed $100,000 annually, especially for those working in film, television, or high-profile theater productions. Experienced costume designers with a strong portfolio and industry reputation tend to earn the most, often supplemented by freelance work or union memberships.

What is the difference between Costume Specialist vs Costume Designer?

AspectCostume SpecialistCostume Designer
CredentialsRelevant training, certifications in costume construction or wardrobe managementFormal education in fashion, costume design, or related fields; portfolio required
Work EnvironmentTheatrical productions, film sets, television, live eventsFilm, television, theater, fashion shows
Employer & IndustryProduction companies, theaters, TV studiosFilm studios, theater companies, fashion industry
Search & Comparison IntentRoles focused on wardrobe management, costume maintenance, and fittingCreative design, concept development, and costume creation

While both roles work with costumes, a Costume Specialist primarily manages wardrobe, fittings, and maintenance, ensuring costumes fit and are in good condition. A Costume Designer focuses on creating and designing costumes from scratch, bringing artistic vision to life. Both roles are essential in production but differ in scope and responsibilities.

More about Costume Specialist jobs
What states have the most Costume Specialist jobs? States with the most job openings for Costume Specialist jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Costume Specialist jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Costume Specialist jobs are:
Infographic showing various Costume Specialist job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 1% Full Time, 92% Part Time, 5% Temporary, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 84% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,616 per year, or $17.1 per hour.
Costume Specialist, Senior

Costume Specialist, Senior

SeaWorld

Busch, AR

Full-time

Posted 29 days ago


Job description

SEASONAL POSITION

Busch Gardens is a place of thrills, fun and positive, lasting memories. And that's just what its like to work here! As a key member of our team, you'll play a major role in bringing happiness and excitement to people from around the world. If you're dedicated, dependable and driven to deliver exceptional guest service, this is a place for you!

What you get to do:


Responsible for maintaining costuming integrity of assigned shows and productions
Maintain cleanliness, safety, and quality standards through all assigned tasks
Construct new costumes
Responsible for the coordination and instruction of cleaning, care, and maintenance of costumes. This includes making needed repairs to costumes, costume characters, costume overlays, wigs, headpieces, footwear, and the laundering and storage of costumes
Responsible for the install and strike of assigned festivals and shows
Responsible for the cleanliness and organization of costuming areas, and stocking adequate inventory and costuming repair materials
As needed, assist performers with dressing needs including dressing performers, and insuring costumes are properly pre-set and post-set during shows and events
Assist with pre-setting costumes for special events/functions
Attend and assist with dress rehearsals and onstage approvals when required
Maintain frequent open communication of costume character costuming needs and updates with Stage 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 characters and festival specific costumes
Assist with Opening and Closing duties in the Costume Shop
Assist with Entertainment activities and special events in other facilities as needed.
Perform other duties as assigned based on business need
What it takes to succeed:


At least 18 years old
Have a High School Diploma or the equivalent
Minimum 2 years experience with costume construction, repair, or maintenance of costumes and/or wardrobe items
Ability to work a flexible schedule including days, evenings, weekends/holidays
Working knowledge of basic computer programs such as Microsoft Word, Office, and Excel
Good oral and written communication skills
Able to handle multiple tasks under high pressure
Be team-oriented with a kid-siderate attitude
Have excellent organizational skills; experience with project management a plus
Ability to trouble shoot mechanical problems
Excellent hand and industrial machine 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 airbrush techniques and designs
Experience with or be willing to learn wig care and maintenance
Sewing skills needed to perform costume alterations, costume construction, replace zippers and snaps
Theme Park experience a plus
What else is important:
Able to lift, push, and pull a maximum of 25 lbs. several times throughout a scheduled shift
Able to stand, sit, lie down, squat, and bend repeatedly throughout the day
Able to climb two flights of stairs multiple times a day
If offered an interview, you will be required to bring a sample portfolio of your work to the interview

The perks of the position: Ambassadors will enjoy a fun, fast-paced environment, and great teammates, as well as:

  • FREE park admission
  • Discounts on park admission tickets and passes for family and friends
  • Park discounts on food, merchandise, etc.
  • Scholarship opportunities
  • Exclusive employee events and giveaways

EEO Employer:

SEAWORLD PARKS & ENTERTAINMENT IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. ALL APPLICANTS WILL BE CONSIDERED WITHOUT REGARD TO AGE, RACE, COLOR, RELIGION, SEX, NATIONAL ORIGIN, SEXUAL ORIENTATION, PREGNANCY, GENDER IDENTITY OR EXPRESSION, DISABILITY OR COVERED VETERAN STATUS.