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Theater Costume Design Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Liberty

Costume Manager

Lynchburg, VA

This position will oversee design, construction, and maintenance of costumes for all theatrical productions. Maintain the costume shop, equipment, and storage area for the Costume Shop. Supervise ...

Liberty University

Costume Manager

Lynchburg, VA · On-site

This position will oversee design, construction, and maintenance of costumes for all theatrical productions. Maintain the costume shop, equipment, and storage area for the Costume Shop. Supervise ...

Norajune Designs LLC DBA Noraverse

Be Seen First

Entertainment Sales & Marketing

Fort Lauderdale, FL · On-site

$40.10K - $52.60K/yr

Promote costume rentals and custom costume design services for theaters, productions, events, and corporate clients * Build relationships with event planners, venues, corporations, schools, theaters ...

Norajune Designs LLC DBA Noraverse

Be Seen First

Entertainment Sales & Marketing

Fort Lauderdale, FL · On-site

$40.10K - $52.60K/yr

Promote costume rentals and custom costume design services for theaters, productions, events, and corporate clients * Build relationships with event planners, venues, corporations, schools, theaters ...

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How much do theater costume design jobs pay per hour?

As of May 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for theater costume design in the United States is $25.10, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.90 and $30.29 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Theater Costume Design job?

A Theater Costume Design job involves creating costumes that enhance a production's storytelling, character development, and historical accuracy. Costume designers collaborate with directors, set designers, and actors to ensure costumes align with the show's vision. They research fabrics, sketches designs, oversee fittings, and work within a budget to bring costumes to life. Their role is crucial in setting the visual tone and authenticity of a performance.

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

To thrive in Theater Costume Design, you need strong skills in garment construction, textile knowledge, historical research, and a background in fashion or costume design, often supported by a relevant degree or portfolio. Familiarity with tools such as sewing machines, pattern-making software, and sometimes certification in costume design or theatrical wardrobe management is valuable. Exceptional creativity, attention to detail, collaboration, and communication skills are important soft skills. These competencies are vital for bringing a director’s vision to life, ensuring authenticity, and collaborating effectively with cast and production teams.

What does a typical day look like for someone in theater costume design?

A typical day for a theater costume designer involves a mix of hands-on costume creation, fittings with actors, and meetings with directors and other design team members to discuss the visual direction of a production. Designers spend time researching historical or conceptual inspirations, sourcing fabrics and accessories, and making adjustments based on rehearsal notes. Collaboration is key, as costume designers coordinate closely with set, lighting, and makeup departments to ensure a cohesive look on stage. The work environment is dynamic and often deadline-driven, especially as opening night approaches. It’s a creative role that combines technical skills with people-oriented teamwork.
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Theater Costume Design jobs near you
Infographic showing various Theater Costume Design job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $52,202 per year, or $25.1 per hour.
Assistant Professor, Costume Design, Tenure-Track, UC College-Conservatory of Music

Assistant Professor, Costume Design, Tenure-Track, UC College-Conservatory of Music

University of Cincinnati

Cincinnati, OH

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 21 days ago

University Of Cincinnati rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 42 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

281st of 528 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Current UC employees must apply internally via SuccessFactors 

Next Lives at the University of Cincinnati 

Founded in 1819, the University of Cincinnati ranks among the nation’s best urban public research universities. Home to more than 53,600 students, 12,000 faculty and staff, and over 360,000 living alumni, UC, a Carnegie 1 institution, combines research prowess with a physical setting The New York Times has called “the most ambitious campus design program in the country." UC's momentum has never been stronger as the anchor of the Cincinnati Innovation District, the oldest cooperative education (co-op) program in the country with students earning $94 million annually through paid experiences, an academic health system, and as a member of the Big 12 Conference. The university contributes $10.6 billion in economic impact to the city and $22.7 billion to the state of Ohio. At UC, next is all of us. Learn more at uc.edu. 

UC is a mission-driven organization where we are committed to student success and positively transforming the community through scholarship and service.  We thrive on innovation, making an impact, and fostering an environment where staff and faculty are key contributors to UC’s success.   

About The University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (CCM)

The Theatre Arts and Production division produces 8 to 12 productions each school year including plays, musicals, operas, and dance concerts. The CCM Costume Department includes two full-time faculty and three professional costume shop staff. An additional faculty staff member supports Wig, Hair and Makeup design and technology. Design faculty members mentor both graduate and undergraduate students on designs for CCM productions. Graduates of the program have gone on to work as professional designers, drapers, wardrobe heads, and instructors at theaters and live entertainment venues around the world. The ideal candidate for this position will have a diverse portfolio of professional work across theater, opera, and dance.

CCM values excellence in teaching, innovation in curriculum, and the ability to connect with a diverse group of students seeking to explore a range of opportunities and careers in a rapidly changing marketplace. CCM faculty are committed to recruiting, mentorship, career preparation, and student support. CCM encourages an inquisitive, collaborative spirit and expertise in a broad and diverse range of subjects and repertoire.

Job Overview

The University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (CCM), a nationally prominent comprehensive college for the performing and media arts, seeks an experienced teacher and professional designer for a full-time tenure-track appointment in Costume, intended to begin August 15, 2026. Salary will be commensurate with credentials.  Initial appointment is three (3) years, after which the faculty member is eligible for reappointment.

This position is not eligible for H-1B or perm sponsorship.

Essential Functions
  • Teach in-person undergraduate and graduate classes in costume design and wardrobe that reflect current and emerging practices in professional theatre and media.
  • Mentor undergraduate and graduate costume design students on CCM productions, including plays, musicals, operas, and dance productions.
  • Attend and participate in key production meetings and dress rehearsals. 
  • Design up to one CCM production annually, depending on the season.
  • Work with existing faculty to recruit undergraduate and graduate students of exceptional promise.
  • Adjudicate annual Board Reviews of all costume students.
  • Work with existing faculty to represent costume students and the costume department in key division processes, including season planning.
  • Maintain regional, national, and international visibility through outside research, design work, and professional activity. 
  • Participate in departmental activities including recruitment, committee work, and student advising.
  • Serve the college and university community through activities such as committee membership, academic advising, and mentorship of students.
Minimum Requirements

Prior to the effective date of the appointment, the successful candidate must have:

  • An M.F.A. in Costume Design or related field and a minimum of three (3) years of professional experience.
  • Three (3) academic years of teaching experience at the collegiate level.
Physical Requirements/Work Environment
  • Office environment/no specific unusual physical or environmental demands.
Application Process

Review of applications will begin on February 9 and continue until the position is filled. 

Applicants should submit their materials electronically by accessing the University of Cincinnati’s Recruitment site https://jobs.uc.edu and searching for position 100852. Applicants should submit a letter of application, a current CV, a 300 – 500-word statement on Teaching and Pedagogy, Links to portfolio showing examples of produced design work and renderings, and three (3) letters of recommendation that address teaching and performative experience. We will not accept DVDs, tapes, or other forms of non-electronic media. References will be requested later in the search process.

Compensation and Benefits

UC offers an exceptional benefits package designed to support your well-being, financial security, and work-life balance. (UC Benefits Link) Highlights include:

Salary Information: $67,000 - $73,000

Comprehensive Tuition Remission

UC provides tuition remission for you and your eligible dependents, covering tuition costs for nearly all undergraduate and graduate programs offered by the university.

Robust Retirement Plans

As a UC employee, you won’t contribute to Social Security (except Medicare). Instead, you’ll choose between state pension plans (OPERS, STRS) or an Alternative Retirement Plan (ARP), with UC contributing 14–18% of your salary based on position.

Real Work-Life Balance

UC prioritizes work-life balance with a generous time-off policy, including:

Vacation and sick time

11 paid holidays and additional end-of-year paid time off (Winter Season Days)

6 weeks of paid parental leave for new parents

Additional Benefits Include:

  • Competitive salary based on experience
  • Comprehensive health coverage (medical, dental, vision, prescription)
  • Flexible spending accounts & wellness programs
  • Professional development & mentorship opportunities

To learn more about why UC is a great place to work, please visit our careers page at https://www.uc.edu/careers.html

UC is an E-Verify employer.  If hired into this position, you will be required to provide satisfactory proof of employment eligibility by providing acceptable, original forms of identification for employment verification via the Federal I-9 employment verification process. A list of acceptable documents can be seen here: https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents

Important: To apply you must create a profile and submit a complete job application through the UC applicant portal.  We are unable to consider “easy apply” applications submitted via other websites.   For questions about the UC recruiting process or to request accommodations with the application, please contact Human Resources at jobs@uc.edu. 

FOR ALL FACULTY HIRES OFFICIAL ACADEMIC TRANSCRIPTS WILL BE REQUIRED AT THE TIME OF HIRE

Equal Opportunity Employer.  Building a workplace where all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment, including Individuals with Disabilities and Protected Veterans.

REQ: 100852

SF:OMJ SF:RM SF:HEJ, SF:INS SF:HERC SF:DIV SF:LJN SF:IHE

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