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Costumed Interpreter Jobs (NOW HIRING)

UC San Diego

Draper/ Shop Foreman - 140428

San Diego, CA · On-site

$32.79 - $39.38/hr

Excellent skills in interpreting designs, drawings and styles of costume design and an understanding of a variety of designer's methods, both students and professionals. * Thorough knowledge and ...

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Costumed Interpreter information

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How much do costumed interpreter jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for costumed interpreter in the United States is $64,020.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50,000.00 and $69,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How do costumed interpreters balance historical accuracy with engaging visitor interactions?

Costumed interpreters strive to maintain historical authenticity by thoroughly researching the time period and adopting accurate speech, mannerisms, and attire. At the same time, they adapt their communication style to ensure visitors feel welcomed, informed, and entertained. This often means simplifying complex historical details, answering modern questions, and sometimes stepping slightly out of character to clarify information, all while preserving the educational goals of the site. Balancing these aspects requires strong communication skills, adaptability, and a passion for both history and public engagement.

What is a costumed interpreter?

Costumed interpreters are professionals who dress in period-appropriate clothing to portray historical figures or everyday people from a specific era. They work in museums, historic sites, or reenactment events to educate visitors about history by demonstrating activities, sharing stories, and answering questions as if they were living in that time period. Their goal is to create an immersive and engaging experience that helps people better understand the past.

What is the difference between Costumed Interpreter vs Museum Educator?

AspectCostumed InterpreterMuseum Educator
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may prefer history or theater backgroundBachelor's degree in education, history, or related field
Work EnvironmentMuseums, historical sites, living history eventsMuseums, educational programs, outreach events
Employer & Industry UsageHistorical sites, living history museums, cultural festivalsMuseums, science centers, cultural institutions
Common Search & Comparison IntentYesYes

Costumed Interpreters focus on engaging visitors through historical reenactments and wearing period costumes, often emphasizing entertainment and immersive experiences. Museum Educators develop educational programs, lead tours, and facilitate learning activities. While both roles work in museums and cultural settings, Costumed Interpreters are more involved in live demonstrations and costume-based storytelling, whereas Museum Educators concentrate on educational content and visitor engagement through structured programs.

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

To thrive as a Costumed Interpreter, you need a solid understanding of historical periods, strong storytelling abilities, and often a background in history or performing arts. Familiarity with museum interpretation techniques, historical research tools, and sometimes basic sewing or costume maintenance skills are advantageous. Exceptional communication, adaptability, and audience engagement skills help create memorable and educational experiences for visitors. These competencies are vital for authentically portraying historical figures, fostering public interest in history, and ensuring accurate, impactful visitor interactions.
More about Costumed Interpreter jobs
What states have the most Costumed Interpreter jobs? States with the most job openings for Costumed Interpreter jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Costumed Interpreter jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Costumed Interpreter jobs are:
Costumed Interpreter jobs near you
Infographic showing various Costumed Interpreter job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 78% Full Time, and 22% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $64,020 per year, or $30.8 per hour.

Costumed Interpreter Wage

Virginia Department of Human Resource Management

Staunton, VA • On-site

$15/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 27 days ago

Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority rating

5.2

Company rating: 5.2 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

821st of 844 rated public administrative organizations

Job description

Costumed Interpreter Wage
Job no: 5103158
Work type: Wage (Hourly)
Location: Staunton, Virginia
Categories: Educational and Media Services
Title: Costumed Interpreter Wage
State Role Title: Education, Training, and Library Wkrs, All Other
Hiring Range: $15/hour
Pay Band: UG
Agency: Frontier Culture Museum of VA
Location: Frontier Culture Museum of Va
Agency Website: www.frontiermuseum.org
Recruitment Type: General Public - G
Job Duties
Costumed Interpreter on historic sites at living history museum. Wear period clothing, share historical knowledge, carry out daily farm and household tasks, teach schoolchildren and groups about history and various other tasks.
Minimum Qualifications
Experience required in either direct work with the public or relevant hand skills such as woodworking, horticulture, foodways or fiber arts. Must be dependable, mature with strong interpersonal and customer service skills. Be able to work outside in all sorts of weather, walk up to 2 miles daily, lift up to 30 pounds unassisted, and participate in active farm work on a daily basis. Ability to wear full historic period costume as directed.
Additional Considerations
Costumed living history work experience preferred. Ability to demonstrate historical handcrafts and/or the ability to perform period vocal or instrumental music a strong hiring factor. A Bachelors degree in history, education, anthropology, the arts, social sciences or related field is preferred.
Special Instructions
You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to "Your Application" in your account to check the status of your application for this position.
Complete state application on state jobsline, give three names of references with full contact information - telephone and email.
Contact Information
Name: Lydia Volskis
Phone: 540-332-7850
Email: Lydia.Volskis@fcmv.virginia.gov
In support of the Commonwealth's commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.
Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.
Advertised: 15 Jul 2026 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: 16 Aug 2026 Eastern Daylight Time
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