1

Historical Costume Jobs (NOW HIRING)

$89.24 - $121.64/hr

Identify costumes from various historical periods and employ historical research methods in creating a costume design. * Identify equipment used in costume design and construction, and components of ...

Costumer

Carson City, NV · On-site

$15 - $17/hr

... of costume. Duties and Responsibilities: Duties range from altering costumes as requested to ... history to be administered by the Western Nevada College Human Resources office.

Showing results 21-40

Historical Costume information

See salary details

$7

$19

$39

How much do historical costume jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for historical costume in the United States is $19.71, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.70 and $19.95 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a historical costume?

A Historical Costume job involves designing, creating, or curating period-accurate clothing for theater, film, museums, or reenactments. Professionals in this field research historical fashion, source authentic materials, and use traditional sewing techniques to replicate garments from specific time periods. They may work as costume designers, textile conservators, or wardrobe specialists to ensure historical accuracy in productions or exhibitions.

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

To thrive in historical costume design, you need strong skills in fashion design, garment construction, period research, and an understanding of textile history, often supported by a relevant degree or certification in costume or fashion design. Familiarity with sewing machines, pattern-making software, and historical reference databases is essential for accuracy and efficiency. Attention to detail, creativity, strong communication, and teamwork are crucial soft skills for collaborating with directors, performers, and other designers. These combined abilities ensure historically accurate, visually impactful costumes that enhance productions and meet rigorous professional standards.

What are some common challenges faced by historical costume professionals, and how are they addressed?

One of the main challenges in historical costume work is balancing historical accuracy with practicality and budget constraints. Designers must frequently adapt authentic styles to suit modern materials, the needs of performers, and the demands of the production schedule. Effective collaboration with directors, set designers, and wardrobe supervisors is essential to ensure costumes function well on stage or screen while maintaining the desired aesthetic. Professionals often address these challenges through thorough research, creative problem-solving, and strong project management skills, leading to successful and authentic visual storytelling.

More about Historical Costume jobs

What cities are hiring for Historical Costume jobs?

Cities with the most Historical Costume job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Historical Costume jobs?

The most popular types of Historical Costume jobs are:

What states have the most Historical Costume jobs?

States with the most job openings for Historical Costume jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Historical Costume jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Historical Costume jobs are:

Infographic showing various Historical Costume job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,987 per year, or $19.7 per hour.

OCSAC - Costume Assistant

Oldham County Schools

Crestwood, KY • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 21 days ago


Job description

Position Type:
OC Arts Center/Theater Instructor
Date Posted:
8/28/2025
Location:
Oldham County Arts Center
OLDHAM COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION
ADMINISTRATIVE REGULATION - 1021.03
JOB DESCRIPTION: COSTUME ASSISTANT
QUALIFICATIONS:
  1. Prior sewing experience, in either a theatre or fashion-related setting, evidence by a portfolio of work.
  2. Experience in costume construction, including tailoring, ranging from the Victorian period to modern day.
  3. Proficient in various costume construction skills and techniques, completed by machine or by hand.
  4. Proficient in the operation of all costume shop equipment and tools, including industrial and/or home sewing machines, industrial irons, steamers etc.
  5. Knowledge of costume equipment maintenance.
  6. Demonstrated success working with a wide range of fabrics, including stretch fabrics, heavy wools, or delicate materials including silk and polyester blends.
  7. Ability to follow specific verbal and written directions.
  8. Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills.
  9. Must be a highly motivated, proactive self-starter, with the ability to work in a team-focused environment.
  10. Ability to maintain a professional demeanor in a fast-paced environment, with a variety of personalities.
  11. Ability to stand, squat, crouch, kneel, and lift and carry up to 30 pounds, independently or with assistance.
  12. Experience or interest in theatre and youth arts education is a plus.
  13. Availability to work Mondays through Saturdays, between the hours of 1:00 pm and 9:00 p.m.

REPORTS TO: Wardrobe Manager
JOB GOAL: The Costume Assistant will coordinate all facets of costume selection and care to ensure a visually appealing production that accurately portrays the historical period or descriptive narrative of the production.
PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES:
  1. Select articles and accessories to meet wardrobe needs for all performances.
  2. Launder and maintain articles of show clothing, wigs, and costume accessories.
  3. Participate in costume fittings as appropriate.
  4. Collaborate and communicate with Artistic Program Director on costume looks, choices, quick-rigging, construction, and sourcing of materials, to maintain integrity of costume design and production standards throughout each show run.
  5. Work directly with costume staff and crew on load-in, tech and strike of all costume elements.
  6. Maintain cleanliness and orderliness of wardrobe storage areas.
  7. Maintain wardrobe, laundry and show expendable supplies - consulting with Artistic Program Director on budgets.
  8. Maintain inventory of wardrobe pieces noting condition of costumes; note condition prior to and after return of costume rentals, and where modifications may be done, and where alterations must be made.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT: Compensation will be based on the board-approved Oldham County Schools Arts Center Theatre salary schedule.
Adopted: July 23, 2018