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Wardrobe Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Wardrobe Manager

Villanova, PA · On-site

$11.25/hr

Wardrobe Manager Posting Type Student Hours/week: 12-20 Eligibility: Work study preferred but open to all students Semester 2025-2026 Academic Year Location Mullen Center Detailed Work Schedule ...

Wardrobe Supervisor

Washington, DC · On-site

$70K - $78K/yr

This position manages wardrobe budgets, supervises wardrobe staff, and ensures compliance with production schedules, union requirements, and organizational policies. Responsibilities Fiscal ...

Wardrobe Supervisor

Washington, DC · On-site

$19 - $26/hr

This position manages wardrobe budgets, supervises wardrobe staff, and ensures compliance with production schedules, union requirements, and organizational policies. Responsibilities Fiscal ...

Working closely with the Costume Director, Costume Designers, Hair & Makeup Department, Stage Management, and production leadership, the Wardrobe Supervisor manages wardrobe crews, oversees backstage ...

Wardrobe Supervisor

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$19 - $26.25/hr

The successful candidate will oversee the wardrobe operations, manage staff, maintain a functional and efficient costume shop, all while remaining in compliance with local, state and federal ...

Wardrobe Supervisor

Washington, DC · On-site

$70K - $78K/yr

This position manages wardrobe budgets, supervises wardrobe staff, and ensures compliance with production schedules, union requirements, and organizational policies. Responsibilities Fiscal ...

Wardrobe Attendant

Westlake, LA · On-site

$10.75 - $14.50/hr

The Wardrobe Attendant plays a key role in delivering exceptional service to team members by managing the distribution, collection, and maintenance of uniforms. This position requires a highly ...

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Wardrobe Manager information

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How much do wardrobe manager jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for wardrobe manager in the United States is $21.13, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.59 and $22.84 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Wardrobe Manager vs Costume Designer?

AspectWardrobe ManagerCostume Designer
CredentialsExperience in wardrobe management, fashion knowledgeDesign degree, fashion or costume design certification
Work EnvironmentFilm, theater, TV production, fashion industryFilm, theater, TV, fashion shows
Employer & Industry UsageProduction companies, theaters, fashion housesFilm studios, theater companies, fashion brands
Search & Comparison IntentPeople looking for wardrobe management roles or servicesPeople interested in costume design or creating costumes

The main difference is that a Wardrobe Manager oversees the organization, maintenance, and management of clothing and costumes used in productions, ensuring everything runs smoothly. A Costume Designer, on the other hand, is responsible for designing and creating costumes that fit the character and story. While both roles work closely in production settings, the Wardrobe Manager focuses on logistics and upkeep, whereas the Costume Designer focuses on creative design and creation.

What does a wardrobe manager do?

A wardrobe manager is responsible for organizing, maintaining, and overseeing clothing and costume inventories, often for theaters, film productions, or fashion settings. They track wardrobe items, coordinate fittings, and ensure costumes are in good condition, using organizational skills and inventory management tools. The role may also involve collaborating with designers and costume designers to meet production needs.

What is the 70/30 rule for wardrobe?

The 70/30 rule for wardrobe management suggests that 70% of your clothing should be versatile, neutral pieces that can be mixed and matched easily, while 30% can be statement or trend-focused items. Wardrobe managers often use this rule to create balanced, functional wardrobes that suit various occasions and ensure longevity of clothing items.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Wardrobe Manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Wardrobe Manager, you need expertise in costume design, garment care, and inventory management, typically supported by experience in theater, film, or fashion and sometimes a degree in fashion or costume design. Familiarity with wardrobe management software, sewing machines, and maintenance tools is often required. Strong organizational, problem-solving, and communication skills help you coordinate with cast, crew, and designers while managing tight schedules and quick changes. These abilities ensure smooth costume operations, maintain production quality, and support the creative vision in high-pressure environments.

What's the highest paying job in fashion?

In fashion, high-paying roles include fashion executives such as Creative Directors and Chief Fashion Officers, who oversee brand vision and strategy. These positions often require extensive experience, strong leadership skills, and a deep understanding of market trends, with salaries reaching into the high six or seven figures annually.

What are some common challenges faced by a Wardrobe Manager during a theatrical production, and how can they be effectively addressed?

Wardrobe Managers often face challenges such as last-minute costume changes, managing a large inventory of garments, and ensuring quick repairs or alterations during live performances. To address these issues, it's essential to develop strong organizational systems, maintain clear communication with the costume and production teams, and keep a well-stocked kit for emergency fixes. Building good rapport with performers and anticipating potential wardrobe malfunctions can also help ensure smooth backstage operations.

What are Wardrobe Managers?

Wardrobe Managers are professionals responsible for overseeing all aspects of costumes and clothing for theatrical productions, film sets, or television shows. They coordinate the acquisition, organization, maintenance, and repair of garments and accessories, ensuring that performers have the correct outfits for each scene. Wardrobe Managers also supervise wardrobe staff, manage budgets, and work closely with costume designers and directors to achieve the desired visual style. Their role is essential for maintaining continuity and supporting the creative vision of a production.

How to become a wardrobe assistant?

To become a wardrobe assistant, individuals typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and should gain experience in costume or wardrobe departments through internships or entry-level positions. Skills in organization, attention to detail, and familiarity with clothing and costume maintenance are important, and some roles may require knowledge of sewing or costume design tools.
More about Wardrobe Manager jobs
What cities are hiring for Wardrobe Manager jobs? Cities with the most Wardrobe Manager job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Wardrobe jobs? The most popular types of Wardrobe jobs are:
What states have the most Wardrobe Manager jobs? States with the most job openings for Wardrobe Manager jobs include:
Infographic showing various Wardrobe Manager job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 70% Full Time, 25% Part Time, and 5% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $43,959 per year, or $21.1 per hour.
Wardrobe Manager

Wardrobe Manager

Villanova University

Villanova, PA • On-site

$11.25/hr

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago


Villanova University rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 11 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

263rd of 536 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Posting Details
Do you have questions about the application process? If so, please refer to the Applicant FAQ's.
Position Information
Posting Number:
20255690V
Position Title:
Wardrobe Manager
Posting Type
Student
Hours/week:
12-20
Eligibility:
Work study preferred but open to all students
Semester
2025-2026 Academic Year
Location
Mullen Center
Detailed Work Schedule
Number of positions:
4
Department:
176-Theatre - Winter
Contact Name:
Rosemarie McKelvey
Contact Phone/Extension:
94394
Position Summary Information
Job Description Summary:
Wardrobe Managers oversee and participate in the care and usage of costumes during production. They create and implement costume charts, plot all changes and rehearse changes with actors, and implement this planning while working on all departmental shows.
Requirements:
Able to work tech weekends (Fri. Sat. and Sun.) and performances on a rotating basis (4 shows a year).Very strong organizational skills, able to work independently, dependability, and sewing abilities. Must be able to use Microsoft Excel
Additional Information:
  • Wig and hair experience is a plus.
  • Interest in theatre a plus.

Physical Demands Summary:
Wage Rate:
11.25/hour
Posting Detail Information
Closing Date (11:59pm ET):
Open Until Filled
Yes

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About Villanova University

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Villanova University, located in Villanova, Pennsylvania, United States, operates within the higher education industry. Its establishment traces back to 1842 by the Augustinians, a Catholic religious order. The university offers a wide range of academic programs in various disciplines, including Liberal Arts and Sciences, Engineering, Nursing, Business, and Law, serving over 10,000 undergraduate, graduate, and law students. Guided by its Augustinian Catholic intellectual tradition, it is committed to community service, and it seeks to cultivate knowledgeable, thoughtful, and ethical leaders. The university’s mission is to empower students to ignite change, with a vision for a just and peaceful world.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Villanova, PA, US

Year founded

1842

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