Freelance Costume Tech
Houston, TX · On-site
... design, and deliver enriching experiences. Key Responsibilities * Work closely with the Costume ... Shop Supervisor and Draper in all aspects of building and altering of costumes for productions ...
Freelance Costume Tech
Houston, TX · On-site
... design, and deliver enriching experiences. Key Responsibilities * Work closely with the Costume ... Shop Supervisor and Draper in all aspects of building and altering of costumes for productions ...
... design, and deliver enriching experiences. Compensation and Benefits We offer robust benefits to ... Oversees costume shop staff, freelance crew, and artisans during all phases of production. * Tracks ...
... design, and deliver enriching experiences. Compensation and Benefits We offer robust benefits to ... Oversees costume shop staff, freelance crew, and artisans during all phases of production. * Tracks ...
Freelance Digitech
Saint Louis, MO · On-site
$61 - $69/hr
... costumes and dancewear. From digital sketch to delivered product, we handle every step in-house ... We've cultivated a talent base skilled in merchandising, marketing, design, and more, constantly ...
Freelance Digitech
Saint Louis, MO · On-site
$61 - $69/hr
... costumes and dancewear. From digital sketch to delivered product, we handle every step in-house ... We've cultivated a talent base skilled in merchandising, marketing, design, and more, constantly ...
Freelance Photo Assistant
Saint Louis, MO · On-site
$61 - $69/hr
... costumes and dancewear. From digital sketch to delivered product, we handle every step in-house ... We've cultivated a talent base skilled in merchandising, marketing, design, and more, constantly ...
Freelance Photo Assistant
Saint Louis, MO · On-site
$61 - $69/hr
... costumes and dancewear. From digital sketch to delivered product, we handle every step in-house ... We've cultivated a talent base skilled in merchandising, marketing, design, and more, constantly ...
... costumes and dancewear. From digital sketch to delivered product, we handle every step in-house ... We've cultivated a talent base skilled in merchandising, marketing, design, and more, constantly ...
... costumes and dancewear. From digital sketch to delivered product, we handle every step in-house ... We've cultivated a talent base skilled in merchandising, marketing, design, and more, constantly ...
Freelance Package Engineer
Egg Harbor, NJ · On-site
Whether it's developing new and exclusive costumes, quality testing products, or implementing ... Work closely with Design team to develop packaging solutions for a range of consumer goods * Work ...
Freelance Package Engineer
Egg Harbor, NJ · On-site
Whether it's developing new and exclusive costumes, quality testing products, or implementing ... Work closely with Design team to develop packaging solutions for a range of consumer goods * Work ...
Freelance Junior Draper
$64K - $83K/yr
... design, and deliver enriching experiences. Key Responsibilities * Work closely with the Costume Shop Supervisor, Head of Costumes, and Designers to create patterns accurately for all builds. * Work ...
Freelance Junior Draper
$64K - $83K/yr
... design, and deliver enriching experiences. Key Responsibilities * Work closely with the Costume Shop Supervisor, Head of Costumes, and Designers to create patterns accurately for all builds. * Work ...
Production Designer
Los Angeles, CA · On-site
Design and set-dress locations for challenge and narrative-driven productions. * Work closely with ... Props & Costumes * Pull, source, purchase, rent, or build props needed for upcoming videos.
Production Designer
Los Angeles, CA · On-site
Design and set-dress locations for challenge and narrative-driven productions. * Work closely with ... Props & Costumes * Pull, source, purchase, rent, or build props needed for upcoming videos.
Freelance Costume Design information
See salary details
$23.52 is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$14.90 - $25.57
31% of jobs
The median wage is $32.14 / hr.
$25.57 - $36.23
31% of jobs
$36.23 - $46.90
4% of jobs
$56.23 is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$46.90 - $57.56
10% of jobs
$57.56 - $68.23
9% of jobs
$68.23 - $78.89
5% of jobs
$78.89 - $89.55
0% of jobs
$89.55 - $100.22
8% of jobs
$100.22 - $110.88
0% of jobs
$110.88 - $121.55
0% of jobs
$121.55 - $132.21
1% of jobs
$14
$47
$132
How much do freelance costume design jobs pay per hour?
As of Aug 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance costume design in the United States is $47.71, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.28 and $61.78 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.
What is freelance costume design?
Freelance costume design involves creating and assembling costumes for theatrical productions, films, television, events, or private clients on a project-by-project basis, rather than as a full-time staff member. Freelance costume designers are responsible for conceptualizing costume ideas, sourcing or making garments, and ensuring costumes fit the creative vision and practical needs of the production. They often work closely with directors, actors, and other designers, managing budgets and timelines while maintaining creative flexibility. This role requires a mix of artistic talent, technical skills, and business acumen to succeed independently.
What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a freelance costume designer, and why are they important?
To thrive as a Freelance Costume Designer, you need strong skills in fashion design, garment construction, and fabric knowledge, often supported by a degree in costume or fashion design. Familiarity with digital design tools like Adobe Creative Suite, sewing machines, and pattern-making software is essential. Creativity, excellent communication, and time management set standout designers apart when collaborating with directors and clients. These skills ensure visually impactful costumes delivered on deadline, enabling successful storytelling in theater, film, or events.
What are some common challenges freelance costume designers face when managing multiple projects simultaneously?
Freelance costume designers often juggle several projects at once, which can present challenges in time management, communication, and resource allocation. Balancing deadlines for different clients, ensuring clear communication about creative direction, and sourcing materials within tight budgets are all typical hurdles. Staying organized with project timelines and maintaining strong relationships with suppliers and collaborators can help alleviate these challenges. Many freelance designers use project management tools and maintain detailed schedules to keep everything on track.
What is the difference between Freelance Costume Design vs Costume Designer?
| Aspect | Freelance Costume Design | Costume Designer |
|---|---|---|
| Credentials | Portfolio, experience, sometimes formal training | Portfolio, experience, formal education often preferred |
| Work Environment | Self-employed, project-based, flexible schedule | Employed by production companies, studios, or theaters |
| Industry Usage | Used across film, theater, TV, fashion | Primarily in film, theater, TV productions |
| Search & Comparison Intent | Looking for freelance opportunities or independent work | Seeking full-time or contract employment in productions |
Freelance Costume Designers work independently on various projects, offering flexibility and diverse opportunities. Costume Designers are typically employed by production companies or studios, focusing on specific projects with a team. Both roles require similar skills and experience, but differ mainly in employment structure and work environment.
Are freelance costume designers in demand?
Freelance costume designers are in demand for film, theater, television, and events, especially as productions resume post-pandemic. Success often depends on a strong portfolio, networking, and proficiency with design software like Adobe Photoshop or CAD. The gig economy and project-based work make freelance costume design a viable option for creative professionals seeking flexible schedules.
How much do freelance costume designers get paid?
Freelance costume designers typically earn between $20 and $100 per hour, depending on experience, project complexity, and location. Rates can vary widely, with some charging flat fees for specific projects such as costumes for theater, film, or events, and may include additional costs for materials and revisions.
How to get into freelance costume design with no experience?
Freelance costume design is accessible to beginners by building a portfolio of your work, gaining experience through volunteering or assisting on projects, and developing skills in sewing, pattern making, and fabric selection. Creating an online presence and networking with local theater groups or costume shops can help attract clients and opportunities.
More about Freelance Costume Design jobs
What cities are hiring for Freelance Costume Design jobs?
Cities with the most Freelance Costume Design job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Costume Design jobs?
The most popular types of Costume Design jobs are:
What states have the most Freelance Costume Design jobs?
States with the most job openings for Freelance Costume Design jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Freelance Costume Design jobs look for?
The top searched job categories for Freelance Costume Design jobs are:
Full-time
Posted 5 days ago
Job description
Job Highlights
To work with the Houston Grand Opera Costume Shop Department with all aspects that are involved in the realization and production of costumes with an emphasis on stitching.
Join Us!
We are looking for talented, passionate, and dedicated people who are eager to make contributions to ourcommunity and our mission. If you are excited about this position but your experience does not align perfectly, we encourage you to apply!You may bejustthe right candidate for this position or another role at HGO.
About the Houston Grand Opera
The mission of HGO is to enrich our diverse community through the art of opera. We do so by creating, curating, exploring, and producing outstanding experiences centered around the human voice. HGO has received a Tony Award, three Grammy Awards, and three Emmy Awards – we are the only opera company in the world to win all three honors.
Our strategic focus is two-fold: creating profoundly enriching experiences for our diverse audiences and clearly defining and positively promoting the HGO brand. We believeevery team member enriches our organization by exposing a broad range of ways to understand and engage our community and discover, design, and deliver enriching experiences.
Key Responsibilities
Work closely with the Costume Shop Supervisor and Draper in all aspects of building and altering of costumes for productions which include but are not limited to: sewing, prepping fabrics for new builds, and cutting.
Accurately stitch alterations and new builds in a wide variety of fabrics according to specifications.
Prepare costumes for fittings by pre-altering costumes according to performer’s measurements.
Assist in the prepping of fabrics for new builds: washing and ironing, or pre-steaming.
Assist from time to time to prepare shows by unpacking costume, measuring/ rehanging/ and steaming.
Assist from time to time in the Houston Grand Opera Warehouse in the restocking/packing / organizing of costume stock, rental shows, and fabric restock organization.
Assist with occasional crafts, and millinery work.
Other Duties
Assist the Costume Shop Supervisor and Head of Costumes on department projects from time to time as needed and assigned.
Qualifications
At least 3 years of professional experience in clothing sewing construction, and alterations in a costume shop or fashion related industry.
Excellent sewing skills: ability to accurately sew in a wide variety of fabrics.
Proficient in operating industrial sewing machines as well as hand sewing in a fast-paced environment.
Experience in production stitching, garment construction techniques, and finishing.
Basic knowledge of cutting, patterning, and tailoring (dying and craftwork a plus).
Ability to lift 30 lbs. to waist level.
Ability to hang costumes on 6’6” clothes racks.
A degree in Costume Technology/Production or related field a plus.
At times schedule may fluctuate depending on fittings and rehearsal schedule and overtime may be required.
Special Job Characteristics
Ability to organize, prioritize and maintain several projects at once and sustain productivity under pressure in a fast-paced environment.
Ability to interact effectively and professionally with staff, management, vendors, and artists.
Ability to meet deadlines.
Attention to detail.
Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those we consider important for an employee to successfully perform essential functions of this job: extended periods of sitting and performing tasks such as typing and using a computer mouse, with strong visual and auditory focus, occasional lifting (not exceeding 30 pounds), reaching for items, effective communication skills, and fine motor abilities, being mobile within the office for activities like attending performances, events, and meetings. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
Equal Opportunity
Houston Grand Opera is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees and to providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions at HGO are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion or belief, national, social or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, HIV Status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, past or present military service, family medical history or genetic information, family or parental status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local laws or regulations. HGO will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics. HGO encourages applicants of all ages.