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Costume Trainee Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Boston Ballet

Draper

Boston, MA · On-site

$65K - $70K/yr

... trainee, friend and newcomer, one's outer and inner self. We believe that the community of ... The Costume Shop is a fast-paced, multi-program environment requiring strong technical skills ...

Boston Ballet

Draper

Boston, MA · On-site

$65K - $70K/yr

... trainee, friend and newcomer, one's outer and inner self. We believe that the community of ... The Costume Shop is a fast-paced, multi-program environment requiring strong technical skills ...

Stew Leonard's

Farm Fresh Management Trainee

Newington, CT · On-site

$19.30 - $25.50/hr

Stew's earned its nickname, the "Disneyland of Dairy Stores" because of its country-fair atmosphere, with costumed characters and animated entertainment throughout the store that keep children ...

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How much do costume trainee jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for costume trainee in the United States is $21.15, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.38 and $24.28 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What types of projects and teams do Costume Trainees typically work with on a day-to-day basis?

As a Costume Trainee, you will often work closely with experienced costume designers, supervisors, dressers, and makers on a variety of projects, ranging from theater productions and film shoots to television and commercial work. Your daily tasks may include assisting with fittings, preparing and maintaining costumes, organizing wardrobe stock, and supporting costume changes during rehearsals or live performances. This collaborative environment gives you exposure to multiple stages of the costume process and allows you to learn industry best practices hands-on. Working in these dynamic teams helps you build valuable connections and gain practical experience that can support career advancement to roles like Costume Assistant or Wardrobe Supervisor.

How to become a costume trainee?

To become a costume trainee, individuals typically need a background in fashion, costume design, or related fields, along with experience in sewing, fabric selection, and costume construction. Gaining hands-on experience through internships or assisting experienced costume designers is essential, and familiarity with costume history and relevant tools like sewing machines is beneficial.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Costume Trainee position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Costume Trainee, you need a basic understanding of garment construction, fabric handling, and sewing techniques, often supported by a relevant diploma or coursework in costume or fashion design. Familiarity with sewing machines, pressing equipment, hand tools, and sometimes costume management software is highly beneficial. Strong attention to detail, teamwork, and effective communication are standout soft skills for this role. These skills and qualities are essential to ensure the successful creation, maintenance, and organization of costumes in busy production environments.

What does a Costume Trainee do?

A Costume Trainee assists the costume department in preparing, maintaining, and organizing costumes for a production. They help with fittings, alterations, and continuity, ensuring outfits match scenes correctly. Trainees may also source fabrics, handle laundry, and support dressers during filming or performances. This role provides hands-on experience and insight into the costume design process. It’s an entry-level position ideal for those interested in working in costume design or wardrobe supervision.

How much do costume assistants make?

Costume assistants typically earn between $12 and $20 per hour, depending on experience, location, and the production size. Entry-level positions may pay closer to minimum wage, while experienced assistants working on larger productions can earn higher wages and overtime pay.

How to get into costume design with no experience?

To become a costume trainee, gaining relevant skills such as sewing, pattern making, and knowledge of fabrics is essential. Building a portfolio of your work, volunteering on local theater or film projects, and seeking internships or entry-level positions can help you gain practical experience and industry connections.

What is a costume trainee?

A costume trainee is an entry-level position in costume departments, often found in theater, film, or television productions. They assist with costume preparation, maintenance, and organization, gaining hands-on experience under supervision. The role may require knowledge of sewing, costume history, or costume construction tools.
What cities are hiring for Costume Trainee jobs? Cities with the most Costume Trainee job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Costume jobs? The most popular types of Costume jobs are:
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What job categories do people searching Costume Trainee jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Costume Trainee jobs are:
Costume Trainee jobs near you
Infographic showing various Costume Trainee job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% Internship, 46% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 14% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 12% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,990 per year, or $21.1 per hour.
Draper

Draper

Boston Ballet

Boston, MA • On-site

$65K - $70K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 22 days ago

Job description

Job Type
Full-time
Description
The heart of Boston Ballet is the human experience. Through our living and breathing art, we forge human connections-between artist and attendee, teacher and trainee, friend and newcomer, one's outer and inner self. We believe that the community of employees that makes dance possible is better together when talented individuals with varied life experiences, identities, races, cultures and ideas are welcomed, encouraged, and heard.
Boston Ballet seeks a full-time Draper to start work in mid-September to lead a team of three in constructing, fitting, and refurbishing costumes for professional ballet productions.
This is an advanced level, hands-on production role requiring demonstrated professional experience in a theatrical costume shop environment. Candidates must be able to work independently, manage complex builds and fittings, and contribute immediately within a fast-paced production schedule. This is not an entry-level or apprentice position.
The ideal candidate has a minimum of 4-6 years of professional draping experience in professional dance, theater, opera, or a comparable professional performance environment. Experience must extend beyond academic or student productions. In consultation with the Director of Costumes, the Draper will lead a team on projects in collaboration with other costume shop teams and production staff.
Work includes new builds as well as remounts and refurbishments of existing and rented productions. The Costume Shop is a fast-paced, multi-program environment requiring strong technical skills, efficiency, collaboration, and professional-level costume production experience. Along with technical skills, the Draper must be an excellent team leader and be able to guide, delegate, and manage the workflow of their team, which includes one First Hand and one Stitcher, plus occasional Over Hire staff.
Interested candidates must include links to view examples of previous draping work to be considered.
Responsibilities
  • Interpreting design sketches and creating a plan to execute the construction of the designs
  • Draping, pattern making, and sewing for assigned designs
  • Performing fittings of new and existing costumes on dancers of all genders
  • Supervising alterations and assigned costumes
  • Supervising team's work, monitoring safety and quality of work
  • Calculating yardage and supplies needed for assigned projects
  • Training personnel as necessary
  • Attending dress rehearsals, taking notes, and trouble-shooting backstage
  • Other duties as assigned

Requirements
  • Minimum MFA in costume technology or comparable professional experience
  • Minimum 4-6 years draping in a costume shop at a professional level
  • High skill level in working with a variety of fabrics, particularly stretch fabrics
  • In depth knowledge of ballet costumes, costume history, construction, and historic patterns
  • The willingness and desire to learn and teach new methods
  • Knowledge of machinery used in costume construction
  • Demonstrated supervisory experience and leadership in a professional theater setting.
  • Ability to work effectively under pressure.
  • Strong problem solving, organizational, and interpersonal skills

Work Conditions and Physical Requirements
  • Ability to stand for extended periods and move between sewing, cutting, and fitting areas
  • Frequent bending, stooping, and reaching while working with garments and materials
  • Ability to lift and transport materials up to 40 lbs.
  • Close visual acuity to assess fit, construct patterns, and inspect detailed work
  • Ability to operate sewing machines, cutting tools, and other costume shop equipment
  • Ability to work in a workroom environment with fabrics, machinery, and occasional exposure to shop materials (i.e. dyes, adhesives)
  • Physical stamina to sustain repetitive tasks and meet production deadlines

Benefits
  • BCBS HMO health insurance plan with zero deductible
  • BCBS dental insurance with employer providing 100% annual premium for individual coverage
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) - health and dependent care
  • Employer-paid life and disability plans
  • Immediate access to 403(b) retirement savings plan featuring both pre-tax and Roth options
  • Ability to purchase MBTA passes on a pre-tax, payroll deduction basis up to IRS monthly limit
  • Paid time off - holidays, vacation, personal, and sick days
  • Free adult dance classes
  • Complimentary tickets to select Boston Ballet performances (based on availability)

Salary Pay Range: 65,000 to 70,000 annually. This range is a reasonable, good faith estimate of the expected salary range for this position at this time, based on a wide range of factors including qualifications, experience and training, operational and business needs, and other considerations permitted by law. At Boston Ballet, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range for the role.
Boston Ballet is an equal employment opportunity employer
Salary Description
$65,000 - $70,000 per year

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