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How much do dance costume designer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for dance costume designer in the United States is $31.64, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $28.85 and $36.30 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a Dance Costume Designer do?

A Dance Costume Designer creates costumes that enhance a dancer’s movement while reflecting the theme, style, and era of a performance. They collaborate with choreographers, directors, and performers to design costumes that are visually striking and functional. Using various fabrics and embellishments, they balance aesthetics with practicality to ensure durability and flexibility for dance routines. Their work often involves sketching designs, selecting materials, sewing, and making alterations to meet performance needs.

How much do dance costume designers make?

Dance costume designers typically earn between $30,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the scope of projects. Freelance designers may have variable income based on the number of productions they work on and their reputation in the industry.

How much does a Costume Designer get paid?

The average salary for a dance costume designer varies depending on experience, location, and project scope, typically ranging from $40,000 to $80,000 annually. Freelance designers may charge hourly rates between $25 and $75, and those working on large productions or for established companies tend to earn higher wages. Skills in sewing, design software, and understanding of dance performance are important for this role.

What are the main challenges Dance Costume Designers face when working with dance productions?

Dance Costume Designers often encounter the unique challenge of creating costumes that are both visually striking and allow for a full range of dancer movement. Balancing aesthetic vision with the practical needs of durability, quick changes, and comfort is essential, especially for high-energy or physically demanding performances. Designers frequently collaborate with choreographers and dancers to adapt costumes based on feedback from rehearsals, sometimes having to make rapid alterations as routines evolve. Successfully navigating these challenges ensures the costumes enhance rather than hinder the performance experience.

What does a dance costume designer do?

A dance costume designer creates costumes for dancers and performances, selecting fabrics, colors, and styles that enhance movement and fit the artistic vision. They collaborate with choreographers and performers, often using design software and sewing skills to produce costumes that are functional and visually appealing.

How to become a dance costume designer?

To become a dance costume designer, develop skills in fashion design, illustration, and sewing, often through a degree in fashion design, costume design, or a related field. Gaining experience by working on theater, dance productions, or internships helps build a portfolio and industry connections. Familiarity with fabric types, costume construction, and collaboration with choreographers and performers is essential for success in this role.

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

To thrive as a Dance Costume Designer, you need strong skills in fashion design, garment construction, and fabric selection, often backed by a degree in fashion, costume, or textile design. Familiarity with design software like Adobe Illustrator and CAD tools, as well as experience with sewing machines and patternmaking, is highly beneficial. Creativity, attention to detail, and excellent communication skills are key soft qualities for collaborating with dancers, choreographers, and production teams. These abilities are essential for creating costumes that are both visually impactful and functional for performance requirements.

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What cities are hiring for Dance Costume Designer jobs? Cities with the most Dance Costume Designer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Dance Costume Designer jobs? The most popular types of Dance Costume Designer jobs are:
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Dance Costume Designer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Dance Costume Designer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 48% Full Time, 24% Part Time, 15% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 12% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $65,817 per year, or $31.6 per hour.

Costume Designer

Loyola Marymount University

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$23.51 - $29.90/hr

Part-time

Posted 19 days ago

Loyola Marymount University rating

9.3

Company rating: 9.3 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

10th of 614 rated colleges and universities

Job description

The part-time Costume Design position will work 20 hours per week with the Dance Program within the LMU Theatre and Dance Department, part of the LMU College of Communication and Fine Arts, in the creation and execution of costumes for four annual productions. The Costume Designer will work primarily within Dance though there will be coordination and collaboration as needed with the Costume Shop Manager and Supervisor in the Theatre Program. Duties will include sewing, pattern making, alterations, working with professional and student choreographers, costume crafts, assisting in costume storage, costume purchasing rentals and returns. Attending tech/dress rehearsals (either evening or weekend) is also required. Other duties as assigned.
Position Specific Responsibilities/Accountabilities
  • Costume Design and sewing including, but not limited to, making and altering costumes for Dance Program productions (4 annually). 70%
  • Work with choreographers (student and professional) to understand their vision and support their work 10%
  • Assist with costume purchases, rentals and returns 10%
  • Assist with costume storage and organization for the dance department 5%
  • Attend weekly faculty meeting and production meetings; other duties as assigned or requested 5%
  • Perform other related duties.

Loyola Marymount University Expectations
Exhibit behavior that supports the mission, vision, and values of the university. Communicate and employ interpersonal actions that model high standards of professional, responsible, accountable, and ethical conduct. Demonstrate a commitment to outstanding customer service.
Requisite Qualifications
  • Typically a Bachelor's degree in theatre or equivalent professional experience. Incumbent will be expected to continue upgrading knowledge, skills, and abilities and to keep abreast of regulation/policy changes.
  • Minimum 2 years in a professional costume shop.
  • Demonstrated knowledge in the areas of: sewing, pattern-making, costume crafts, etc.
  • Exemplary communication skills (both written and oral)
  • Highly developed organizational and leadership skills
  • Demonstrated computer competency and adherence to university purchasing guidelines and timelines.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of this position.
#HERC# #HEJ#
Hiring Salary Range
$23.51 - $29.90
Staff Regular
Salary range
$23.51 - $29.38 Salary commensurate with education and experience.
Please note that this position may not be eligible for visa sponsorship now or in the future.
Loyola Marymount University, a Carnegie classified R2 institution in the mainstream of American Catholic higher education, seeks outstanding applicants who value its mission and share its commitment to inclusive excellence, the education of the whole person, and the building of a just society. LMU is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing an environment free from discrimination and harassment as defined by federal, state and local law. We invite all persons in the full diversity of their being, life experience, and beliefs to apply. (Visit www.lmu.edu for more information.)
LMU is committed to providing equal access to employment opportunities and ensuring a comprehensive recruitment and selection process for all applicants.
Individuals who require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any stage of the application, interview, or selection process may contact Human Resources at hr@lmu.edu or by phone at (310) 338-2723. Applicants who use relay services or other assistive communication technologies are welcome to utilize those services when contacting Human Resources.
When contacting Human Resources, please include the job posting number, title of the position and department for which you are applying. Applicants are not required to disclose the nature of a disability or provide medical information when requesting an accommodation during the recruitment process.
LMU will work with applicants in a timely and interactive process to identify and provide reasonable accommodations consistent with applicable federal and state law.

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