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Costume Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Works with the designer to create costumes based on sketches as provided. Stitches cloth into finished garments; performs a variety of hand and machine stitches. Cuts and prepares various costume ...

Costume Shop Lab Manager

Orem, UT ยท On-site

$25.39 - $29.87/hr

This role oversees the safe and effective use of costume shop equipment and materials, including sewing machines, cutting tools, and dye areas, mentors and manages students engaged in production ...

Costume Shop Staff

Sunrise, FL ยท On-site

$400 - $1.0K/wk

  • Retirement

We are building Costumes for a show on Virgin Cruise Lines titled Another Rose. This show is high fashion in an intimate interactive dinner show. Positions will be contracted through the summer, and ...

Filoli's Costume Interactors Location: Woodside, CA (Our historic 654-acre estate) Pay Rate: $26.00 / hour Status: Seasonal (Flexible scheduling; notice provided at least 2 weeks in advance) Timeline:

New

Costume Shop Staff

Sunrise, FL ยท On-site

$400 - $1.0K/wk

  • Retirement

We are building Costumes for a show on Virgin Cruise Lines titled Another Rose. This show is high fashion in an intimate interactive dinner show. Positions will be contracted through the summer, and ...

Costume Supervisor

Bronxville, NY ยท 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 ...

Costume Manager

Chicago, IL

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

The Costume Manager is a skilled theater professional who is highly knowledgeable in all aspects of costume construction and operation, effectively navigating the complexities of a multifaceted ...

Costume Manager

Chicago, IL

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

The Costume Manager is a skilled theater professional who is highly knowledgeable in all aspects of costume construction and operation, effectively navigating the complexities of a multifaceted ...

Costume Character

Danbury, CT ยท On-site

$17.25 - $20/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Costume Character Part Time Hourly - Estimated pay range $17.25/hr to $20.00/hr depending on qualifications and experience Stew Leonard's, a family-owned and operated fresh food store founded in 1969 ...

Showing results 21-40

Costume information

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$10

$19

$37

How much do costume jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for costume in the United States is $19.08, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.46 and $24.28 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are common costume job titles?

Common costume job titles include Costume Designer, Costume Maker, Costume Assistant, Wardrobe Supervisor, and Costume Technician. These roles involve designing, creating, fitting, and maintaining costumes for theater, film, television, or events, often requiring skills in sewing, fabric selection, and costume construction.

What does a costume designer do?

Costume designers are professionals responsible for creating the clothing and outfits worn by actors in theater, film, television, and other performances. They work closely with directors, set designers, and actors to develop costumes that reflect the characters, setting, and time period of the production. Their role often involves researching historical styles, selecting fabrics, overseeing fittings, and managing budgets to ensure that the costumes help bring the story and characters to life.

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

To thrive as a Costume Designer, you need a solid background in fashion design, garment construction, and textile knowledge, often supported by a degree in costume or fashion design. Familiarity with design software like Adobe Creative Suite, sewing machines, and fabric dyeing techniques is typically required. Creativity, attention to detail, strong communication, and collaboration make someone stand out in this position. These skills ensure costumes effectively convey character, support storytelling, and meet production demands within tight deadlines.

What is a costume job?

A costume job involves designing, creating, or fitting costumes for performances, events, or productions such as theater, film, or cosplay. Workers in this field may need skills in sewing, pattern making, or costume maintenance and often work in studios, theaters, or on set schedules.

What is the difference between Costume vs Makeup Artist?

AspectCostumeMakeup Artist
Required CredentialsNone specific, often self-taught or basic sewing skillsCosmetology license, certifications in makeup artistry
Work EnvironmentTheatrical, film, events, retail storesSalons, film sets, theater, special events
Industry UsageDesigning and providing clothing and accessories for performances or eventsApplying makeup to enhance or transform appearance for performances or photoshoots

While both costumes and makeup artists work in entertainment and event settings, costumes focus on clothing and accessories, whereas makeup artists specialize in facial and body makeup. They often collaborate but require different skills and certifications. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or service provider.

What are some common challenges a costume designer faces when working on a fast-paced production?

Costume designers often encounter tight deadlines and frequent last-minute changes, especially in fast-paced productions like television or live theater. Balancing creative vision with budget constraints can also be challenging, as designers must source or create costumes that fit both the director's concept and the production's financial limits. Effective communication and flexibility are essential, as designers frequently collaborate with directors, actors, and other departments to ensure costumes are functional, comfortable, and visually cohesive.
More about Costume jobs

What cities are hiring for Costume jobs?

Cities with the most Costume job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Costume jobs?

The most popular types of Costume jobs are:

What states have the most Costume jobs?

States with the most job openings for Costume jobs include:

Infographic showing various Costume job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 62% Full Time, 27% Part Time, 10% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,680 per year, or $19.1 per hour.

Costume Shop Manager

Drury University

Springfield, MO โ€ข On-site

Part-time

Posted 16 days ago


Job description

Job Summary:

Combines creative ingenuity and creativity with a technical knowledge of and practical experience in costume design, construction, maintenance, and a knowledge of historical period designs in the construction, modification, alteration, and maintenance of appropriate costumes for use in locally produced plays. Provides supervision and instruction to THTR 200 students working on costumes.

Duties/Responsibilities:

This job description is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties or responsibility requirements. Employees may be required to perform other job-related instructions as requested by the supervisor, subject to reasonable accommodation.

  • Works with the designer to create costumes based on sketches as provided. Stitches cloth into finished garments; performs a variety of hand and machine stitches. Cuts and prepares various costume patterns for fitting.
  • Shops and sources costume materials (both local and online).
  • Cuts cloth from patterns and constructs the cut cloth into fitted costumes; fits patterns and cloth to actors and dancers.
  • Performs both hand and machine finishing to costumes, as appropriate.
  • Assists with costume enhancements, modifications, and alterations, as necessary.
  • Ensures proper care in the use and maintenance of equipment and the inventory of equipment and supplies.
  • May be required to direct the routine maintenance of equipment and the inventory of equipment and supplies.
  • May coordinate with the Theatre Director and supervise subordinate positions in the construction of costumes.
  • Provides oversight, supervision and instruction to students enrolled in Practicum, works closely with instructor of record on evaluating student work.
  • Keeps close track of expenditures and costume budget.
  • Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

Required Skills/Abilities:

To perform this job successfully an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. All job requirements listed indicate the minimum knowledge, skills, and/or ability deemed necessary to perform the job proficiently. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

  • Ability to safely and efficiently utilize costume construction equipment and facilities.
  • Knowledge of clothing and costume construction techniques and procedures.
  • General knowledge of historical period costume designs and patterns and the methods, materials and equipment utilized in the construction and reconstruction of costumes and related accessories.
  • Ability to operate both domestic and industrial sewing machines and sergers.
  • Knowledge of professional drapery, first hand, and stitching.
  • Ability to perform costume modifications and alterations.
  • Ability to understand, follow, and enforce safety procedures.
  • Ability to lead and functionally supervise staff.
  • Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with students, faculty, and staff.


Education and Experience

  • High school diploma and at least one year of experience working for a theatre, repertory, or stock company constructing costumes for stage productions; and one year training in costume design and construction; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.


Supervisory Responsibilities:

Supervises all student workers. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.



Physical Requirements:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to sit. The employee is occasionally required to stand and walk; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, or crouch. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 40 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and distance vision, and the ability to distinguish colors. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.


WORKING AT DU HAS ITS BENEFITS:

  • Free tuition for your whole family
  • Free tickets to Drury home sporting events
  • Wellness benefits at extremely competitive rates
  • Free use of onsite fitness center on Springfield campus
  • Discounted meals and Drury merchandise on campus