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Temporary Costume Designer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Temporary Costume Designer information

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$19

$31

$47

How much do temporary costume designer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for temporary 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 are some common challenges faced by temporary costume designers when joining a new production?

Temporary costume designers often need to quickly adapt to the production’s established style and workflow, which can be challenging when joining a project already in progress. They may need to rapidly familiarize themselves with the director’s vision, coordinate with wardrobe teams, and source materials under tight deadlines. Building effective communication with cast and crew in a short period is crucial for ensuring costumes are ready for fittings and performances. Flexibility, resourcefulness, and strong organizational skills are key to overcoming these challenges and contributing successfully to the team.

What is the difference between Temporary Costume Designer vs Costume Designer?

AspectTemporary Costume DesignerCostume Designer
CredentialsRelevant fashion or costume design certifications, portfolioSame as temporary, often with more experience
Work EnvironmentShort-term projects, film, theater, eventsLong-term projects, film, theater, television
Employer & IndustryProduction companies, theaters, event organizersProduction companies, studios, theaters
Search & Comparison IntentTemporary, short-term costume workFull-time or long-term costume design roles

In summary, a Temporary Costume Designer works on short-term projects, focusing on specific productions or events, while a Costume Designer typically holds a more permanent or long-term role within a production or company. Both roles require similar skills and credentials but differ mainly in duration and scope of work.

What are Temporary Costume Designers?

Temporary Costume Designers are professionals hired on a short-term basis to create, select, and coordinate costumes for theater productions, film, television, or special events. They work closely with directors and production teams to ensure costumes align with the vision and historical accuracy of the project. Their contracts typically last for the duration of a specific production or event, and they may work independently or as part of a larger costume department.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Temporary Costume Designer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Temporary Costume Designer, you need a strong background in fashion design, garment construction, and textile knowledge, often supported by a relevant degree or equivalent experience. Familiarity with design software (such as Adobe Creative Suite), sewing machines, and fabric sourcing platforms is typically required. Creativity, adaptability, and strong communication skills are crucial for interpreting briefs and collaborating with directors and performers on tight timelines. These skills ensure that costumes effectively support the production's vision while meeting practical and scheduling demands.
More about Temporary Costume Designer jobs
What cities are hiring for Temporary Costume Designer jobs? Cities with the most Temporary Costume Designer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Costume Designer jobs? The most popular types of Costume Designer jobs are:
What states have the most Temporary Costume Designer jobs? States with the most job openings for Temporary Costume Designer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Temporary Costume Designer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 13% Full Time, 75% Part Time, and 11% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $65,817 per year, or $31.6 per hour.
Department of Theatre, Television, & Film Costume Design Lecturer Pool 2026-2027

Department of Theatre, Television, & Film Costume Design Lecturer Pool 2026-2027

California State University

San Diego, CA • On-site

$5K - $6K/mo

Other

Posted 7 days ago


California State University rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 44 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

216th of 536 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Department of Theatre, Television, & Film Costume Design Lecturer Pool 2026-2027

Apply now Job no: 556987
Work type: Instructional Faculty - Temporary/Lecturer
Location: San Diego
Categories: Unit 3 - CFA - California Faculty Association, Temporary, Part Time

Description

The School of Theatre, Television, and Film in the College of Professional at San Diego State University is accepting applications for their part-time lecturer pool in Costume Design and Technology for Stage and Screen.  

We welcome applications from prospective temporary faculty with expertise or experience in costume design and/or costume technology.  Courses may include Costume Design, Costume Technology, Rendering, Costume History, and/or mentoring of student designers, depending on the candidates' strengths and specialties.

Temporary appointments may be either full- or part-time. Appointments from the part-time pool are often made just prior to the start of the academic term, so applicants must be available on very short notice. The Fall term begins mid-August and end late-December; the Spring term begins mid-January and ends mid-May.  Opportunities for teaching during the Summer Sessions may also be available. Initial appointments are typically one semester or one academic year, to be renewed contingent on satisfactory evaluations and continuing availability of work. Applications will remain in our applicant pool during the academic year you apply.

Qualifications

Criteria 

  • Graduate degree in any relevant areas of Theatre, Television, Film and New Media Production
  • Bachelor's degree with equivalent professional experience in costume design and/or technology
  • Minimum of 3 years of professional experience in costume design related fields   
  • Teaching experience at the undergraduate and/or graduate level
  • Expertise in costume design for state and/or screen
  • Knowledge of Period Styles and the History of Dress, from Ancient history to the Present Day
  • Demonstrated currency in subject matter
Application Instructions

Prospective temporary faculty who would like their applications on file are invited to send the following items:

  • Curriculum Vitae
  • Contact information for three (3) professional references (new employees only)
  • Cover letter (new employees only)
  • Unofficial transcripts (new employees only)
  • Active links, portfolios and websites demonstrating professional work and experience

Initial rank and salary for lecturer faculty are based on professional experience and educational background and are determined by the hiring department. Most new appointees are hired at the Lecturer A or B rank and placed at the beginning of the range.

As of July 2024, the classification salary ranges for the respective ranks are:

Lecturer A: $5,507 - $6,677

Lecturer B: $6,221 - $13,224

Lecturer C: $6,825 - $14,523

Lecturer D: $8,593 - $15,211

Inquiries: For application inquiries, please email the Director of the School of Theatre, Television, & Film (TTF)  Stephen Brotebeck at sbrotebeck@sdsu.edu or the Head of Design and Technology for TTF Denitsa Bliznakova at Dbliznak@sdsu.

Pursuant to Education Code 89521, the California State University requires that employment applicants disclose any final administrative decision or final judicial decision issued within the last seven years determining that the applicant committed sexual harassment.  This requirement applies specifically to applicants who meet the minimum qualifications for the Academic or Administrative position they are applying to.  Disclosures shall be provided to the San Diego State University Center for the Prevention of Harassment and Discrimination for further adjudication. Please contact cphd@sdsu.edu.

As part of its commitment to a safe and equitable "OneSDSU" community, SDSU requires that individuals seeking faculty employment provide at the time of application authorization to conduct background checks if they become a finalist for the position; applications without this authorization will be considered incomplete and not considered.

The person holding this position is considered a "mandated reporter" under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.

A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily before any candidate can be offered a position with the CSU. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the application status of applicants or continued employment of current CSU employees who apply for the position.

Equal Opportunity and Excellence in Education and Employment

All university programs and activities are open and available to all regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, San Diego State University (SDSU) provides equal opportunity in education and employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin. Our commitment to equal opportunity means ensuring that every student and employee has access to the resources and support they need to thrive and succeed in a university environment and in their communities. SDSU complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the California Equity in Higher Education Act, California's Proposition 209 (Art. I, Section 31 of the California Constitution), other applicable state and federal anti-discrimination laws, and CSU's Nondiscrimination Policy. We prohibit discriminatory preferential treatment, segregation based on race or any other protected status, and all forms of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all university programs, policies, and practices. 

SDSU is a diverse community of individuals who represent many perspectives, beliefs and identities, committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and intellectually vibrant environment. We cultivate a culture of open dialogue, mutual respect, and belonging to support educational excellence and student success. Through academic programs, student organizations and activities, faculty initiatives, and community partnerships, we encourage meaningful engagement with diverse perspectives. As a higher education institution, we are dedicated to advancing knowledge and empowering individuals to reach their full potential by prioritizing inclusive curriculum development, faculty and staff training, student mentorship, and comprehensive support programs. At SDSU, excellence is built on merit, talent, diversity, accessibility, and equal opportunity for all.

Advertised: Apr 07 2026 Pacific Daylight Time
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California State University, Fresno is one of 23 campuses in the California State University System. The University's mission is to boldly educate and empower students for success through our values of Discovery, Diversity and Distinction. The current student population is more than 25,000, including a large percentage of students with diverse and culturally rich backgrounds. The University serves the San Joaquin Valley while maintaining deep involvement with the state, nation, and across the globe.

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