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Costume Supervisor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Costume Supervisor

Bronxville, NY · On-site

$44K - $48K/yr

The Costume Supervisor oversees all aspects of costume design, production, wardrobe operations, and costume facilities. Responsibilities include mentoring undergraduate and graduate student designers ...

Supervisor, Costume Shop

Boston, MA · On-site

$58K - $72K/yr

The Supervisor, Costume Shop reports to the Production Manager. This position will lead, coordinate, and plan all day-to-day operations of the Costume Shop, with an emphasis on its safe and effective ...

Costume Designer

Center, TX · On-site

$18.40/hr

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 ...

Costume Designer

Washington, DC · On-site

$18.40/hr

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 ...

... SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: • n/a WORK ENVIRONMENT: • Indoor environments, some with low light: costume shop, stages, backstage areas, dressing rooms. • May work closely with student workers ...

... SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: n/a WORK ENVIRONMENT: Indoor environments, some with low light: costume shop, stages, backstage areas, dressing rooms. May work closely with student workers SPECIAL ...

Professional experience with planning, engineering, scheduling, supervising, and executing construction of theatrical costumes * Strong written, verbal and presentational skills * Ability to work ...

This is an in-person role with limited flexible work arrangements subject to departmental needs and supervisory approval. DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES * Review and interpret costume plots, vision boards ...

This is an in-person role with limited flexible work arrangements subject to departmental needs and supervisory approval. DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES * Review and interpret costume plots, vision boards ...

This is an in-person role with limited flexible work arrangements subject to departmental needs and supervisory approval. DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES * Review and interpret costume plots, vision boards ...

This is an in-person role with limited flexible work arrangements subject to departmental needs and supervisory approval. DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES * Review and interpret costume plots, vision boards ...

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Costume Supervisor information

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How much do costume supervisor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for costume supervisor in the United States is $30.65, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.63 and $36.54 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a costume supervisor?

Costume Supervisors are professionals responsible for overseeing the creation, organization, and maintenance of costumes for theatrical productions, film, television, or other performances. They work closely with costume designers to ensure that costumes are accurately made, fitted, and maintained according to the production’s vision. Their duties include managing budgets, supervising costume staff, handling costume logistics, and ensuring continuity throughout the production. Costume Supervisors play a crucial role in making sure that actors are dressed appropriately and that costumes are ready for each performance or shoot.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a costume supervisor?

To thrive as a Costume Supervisor, you need a solid background in costume design, garment construction, fabric knowledge, and organization, often supported by a degree in costume or fashion design and relevant theatre experience. Familiarity with wardrobe management software, sewing machines, and maintenance of costume inventories is typically required. Strong leadership, attention to detail, problem-solving, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for managing teams and collaborating with directors and designers. These skills ensure seamless costume operations, creative vision alignment, and smooth production workflows.

What are some common challenges faced by costume supervisors during a production, and how can they effectively manage them?

Costume Supervisors often face challenges such as last-minute costume alterations, maintaining the quality and continuity of costumes throughout a production, and coordinating between design, wardrobe, and production teams. Effective management involves strong organizational skills, clear communication, and the ability to troubleshoot on the fly. Staying adaptable and building strong relationships with costume designers, performers, and backstage crew are essential for ensuring that costume needs are met smoothly throughout rehearsals and performances.

What is the difference between Costume Supervisor vs Costume Designer?

AspectCostume SupervisorCostume Designer
CredentialsExperience in costume management, sewing, and wardrobe coordinationDesign degree or background in fashion or costume design
Work EnvironmentOversees costume departments, manages wardrobe for productionsCreates costume concepts, sketches, and designs for characters
Industry UsageCommonly employed in film, TV, theater, and live performancesPrimarily involved in designing costumes for productions

The main difference is that a Costume Supervisor manages and oversees the wardrobe and costume departments, ensuring costumes are maintained and fitted, while a Costume Designer focuses on creating and designing the costumes from scratch. Both roles are essential in production, but they serve different functions within the costume department.

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What job categories do people searching Costume Supervisor jobs look for?

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Infographic showing various Costume Supervisor job openings in the United States as of August 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 $63,748 per year, or $30.6 per hour.

Costume Supervisor

Sarah Lawrence College

Bronxville, NY • On-site

$44K - $48K/yr

Part-time

Re-posted 5 days ago


Job description

Posting Details
Position Information
Job Title
Costume Supervisor
Job Description
Position Overview
Sarah Lawrence College seeks a Costume Supervisor to support the Theatre Program's academic curriculum, production season, and costume facilities. This combined position includes a part-time staff appointment and an Affiliate Faculty role teaching Costume Design I, II, and Costume Conference. The Theatre Program is a collaborative, interdisciplinary community that values rigorous research, creative experimentation, and inclusive artistic practice, preparing students for professional work in the field.
The Costume Supervisor oversees all aspects of costume design, production, wardrobe operations, and costume facilities. Responsibilities include mentoring undergraduate and graduate student designers, supervising costume shop employees and production crews, managing budgets and inventories, coordinating rentals and purchases, and maintaining costume spaces and equipment. The role also involves close collaboration with directors, designers, faculty, and production staff, and regular coordination with the Director of the Theatre Program and Production Manager.
This position emphasizes student learning, safety, organization, and sustainable production practices. Supported by student employees, the Costume Supervisor fosters an educational costume shop environment grounded in mentorship and collaboration. The role includes attending production meetings and technical rehearsals and supporting interdisciplinary projects across the College.
Appointment Structure
This position consists of:
  • A part-time, 10-month staff appointment supporting the Theatre Program's productions, costume shop, wardrobe facilities, and student employees
  • An Affiliate Faculty 10-month appointment teaching Costume Design I, Costume Design II, and Costumer Conference

Review of applications will begin on August 15, 2026, and continue until the position is filled.
Essential Duties Summary
Responsibilities
  • Teach Costume Design I, Costume Design II, and Costume Conference
  • Develop course materials, assignments, assessments, and learning outcomes in accordance with Theatre Program and College expectations
  • Mentor undergraduate and graduate student costume designers throughout the research, design, fitting, technical rehearsal, and production processes
  • Supervise costume shop student employees, wardrobe crews, and production assignments
  • Manage the operations of the costume shop, costume storage, dressing rooms, laundry facilities, and wardrobe spaces
  • Develop and manage production costume budgets in collaboration with faculty, directors, designers, and the Production Manager
  • Purchase, rent, borrow, document, and track costumes, fabrics, supplies, and costume materials
  • Maintain the costume inventory and related databases or tracking systems
  • Coordinate costume fittings, alterations, construction schedules, wardrobe preparation, and production deadlines
  • Attend required production meetings, fittings, technical rehearsals, dress rehearsals, and performances as assigned
  • Supervise costume load-ins, wardrobe preparation, work calls, maintenance, and strikes
  • Establish and communicate production timelines, costume deadlines, and expectations
  • Oversee student employee schedules, timekeeping, training, and payroll documentation
  • Develop, communicate, and enforce costume shop and wardrobe safety procedures
  • Maintain costume equipment and facilities and recommend repairs, replacements, and capital improvements
  • Coordinate the maintenance, cleaning, repair, and proper storage of costumes following productions
  • Facilitate approved costume checkouts for Theatre classes, Film projects, independent student work, and student organizations
  • Collaborate with Theatre faculty and production staff to support classroom instruction and curricular projects
  • Attend Theatre Program faculty, staff, and production meetings as required
  • Foster an inclusive, collaborative, process-oriented learning environment grounded in mentorship, care, experimentation, and creative exploration
  • Perform other related duties consistent with the scope of the position

Required Qualifications
Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree required; MFA or equivalent professional experience preferred
  • Professional experience in costume design, costume technology, wardrobe supervision, or costume shop management
  • College-level teaching experience preferred
  • Strong knowledge of costume construction, tailoring, draping, patternmaking, alterations, dyeing, wardrobe maintenance, and costume crafts
  • Experience supervising student employees, wardrobe crews, or production teams
  • Demonstrated ability to mentor students with varied levels of design and technical experience
  • Ability to manage multiple productions, budgets, schedules, and deadlines
  • Strong organizational, communication, and collaborative skills
  • Ability to work effectively with faculty, staff, students, directors, designers, and guest artists
  • Experience with Google Workspace and/or Microsoft Office
  • Self-directed, with strong leadership, judgment, and creative problem-solving abilities
  • Commitment to creating an inclusive and educational working environment

Preferred Qualifications
EEO Statement
Sarah Lawrence seeks to recruit and retain a diverse administration, staff, and faculty. Every job opening is seen as an opportunity to increase diversity, and every effort will be made to expand the applicant pool in accordance with these goals. (Please see our Nondiscrimination Policy.) For information on Sarah Lawrence College, our curriculum, teaching methods, and philosophy of education, please see our website at: https://www.sarahlawrence.edu/.
Salary
$44k-$48k
Position Type
Part Time
Posting Detail Information
Posting Number
S00455P
Open Date
Close Date
Open Until Filled
Yes
Special Instructions to Applicants