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Wig Designer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

ALLEY THEATRE

Overhire Wig Crew

Houston, TX · On-site

$17.50/hr

Nationally recognized directors, actors, playwrights, and designers from across the country have ... Wig Construction Crew assist the Wig Supervisor in the construction and styling of wigs for ...

ALLEY THEATRE

Overhire Wig Crew

Houston, TX

$17.50/hr

Nationally recognized directors, actors, playwrights, and designers from across the country have ... Wig Construction Crew assist the Wig Supervisor in the construction and styling of wigs for ...

STEPPENWOLF THEATER CO

Wardrobe Assistant

Chicago, IL

$42K - $45K/yr

... designers, actors, wig designer/makers, barbers/hair stylists, and vendors to realize and maintain designs. * Help ensure that work environments are safe, humane, and respectful. Successful ...

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How much do wig designer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for wig designer in the United States is $23.71, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.71 and $24.04 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much do wig designers make?

Wig designers typically earn between $25,000 and $60,000 annually, depending on experience, skill level, and the complexity of their work. Freelance wig designers or those working in high-end salons or film industries may earn higher wages or additional commissions.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a Wig Designer?

As a Wig Designer, your daily responsibilities often include consulting with clients or production teams to determine wig requirements, designing and constructing custom wigs, styling and coloring hairpieces, and performing maintenance or repairs on existing wigs. You may also be involved in fittings, making adjustments for comfort and appearance, and ensuring wigs are suitable for performance or everyday wear. Collaboration with makeup artists, costume designers, and directors is common, especially in theater, film, or television settings. The role frequently involves both creative design work and hands-on technical tasks, ensuring each wig fulfills both visual and practical expectations.

How much can a wig maker make?

Wig designers or makers typically earn between $25,000 and $60,000 annually, depending on experience, skill level, and whether they work independently or for a company. Skilled artisans with a strong portfolio and certifications can earn higher wages, especially in high-end or custom wig production environments.

What is the highest paying job in the hair industry?

In the hair industry, specialized roles such as celebrity hairstylists, wig designers, or salon owners tend to have the highest earning potential. Advanced skills, reputation, and working with high-profile clients or owning a business can significantly increase income for these professionals.

How to become a wig designer?

To become a wig designer, develop skills in hairstyling, sewing, and wig construction through formal training, apprenticeships, or self-education. Building a portfolio of work and gaining experience in salons or costume departments can help establish a career in wig design, which often requires knowledge of hair types, materials, and styling tools.

What is a Wig Designer job?

A Wig Designer is a professional who creates, styles, and maintains wigs for theater, film, television, fashion, and personal use. They work with different materials, techniques, and hair types to achieve specific looks based on character or client needs. Wig Designers collaborate closely with costume designers, makeup artists, and performers to ensure the wig complements the overall design. Their responsibilities often include designing, constructing, coloring, cutting, and styling wigs, as well as ensuring their proper fit and upkeep.

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

To thrive as a Wig Designer, you need strong expertise in hair styling, color theory, wig construction, and often a background in cosmetology or theatrical design. Familiarity with specialized tools such as ventilating needles, wig blocks, and adhesive systems, as well as professional certifications in cosmetology or theatrical hair and makeup, is highly beneficial. Creativity, attention to detail, and effective communication are key soft skills that help in understanding client needs and collaborating with production teams. These skills and qualities are crucial for delivering high-quality, realistic wigs that meet the aesthetic and functional demands of clients and productions.

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Wig Designer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Wig Designer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $49,320 per year, or $23.7 per hour.
Overhire Wig Crew

Overhire Wig Crew

ALLEY THEATRE

Houston, TX • On-site

$17.50/hr

Other

Posted 24 days ago

Job description

OVERVIEW
Founded in 1947 by Nina Vance, the Alley Theatre is a pioneer of regional theatre, and one of the leading nonprofit theatre companies in the United States. The Alley has been awarded the prestigious Regional Theatre Tony Award® and the Texas Medal of Arts Award. The Alley has transferred productions to Broadway, Off-Broadway, major European Festivals, and to 40 American cities. Unique among regional theatres, the Alley is committed to maintaining a Resident Acting Company and providing them with work year-round. Nationally recognized directors, actors, playwrights, and designers from across the country have regularly joined the Resident Acting Company.
Rob Melrose, Artistic Director at the Alley, took over as artistic leader of the organization in 2019. His vision for the future of the Alley is both thrilling and ambitious. His strategic goals include upholding the Alley's artistic excellence, keeping longtime Alley Theatre devotees eager to return each season, and creating productions and cultivating new audiences.
Rob Melrose and Incoming Managing Director Jennifer Bielstein along with Alley's leadership team are committed to fostering an environment where everyone is encouraged to bring their authentic selves.
The Alley Theatre seeks local theatre technicians to fill Overhire positions. These positions are hourly and eligible for over time. Wig crew members may be engaged as Overhire Wig Construction Crew or as Wig Run Crew members tied to a specific show. No travel or housing compensation is available for these positions. Ideal candidates will have strong interpersonal skills, the ability to work in team-focused environments, and a desire to immerse themselves in the technical theatre process. The Alley guarantees a minimum of 32 hours per regular eight show week for all run crew positions, with an average of 50 hours during tech week.
JOB STATEMENT
Wig Run Crew is responsible for the run and maintenance of assigned shows and assists the Wig Supervisor in the preparation of the physical facility of the backstage Wig area and all dressing rooms for technical/dress rehearsals and performances of all productions.
Wig Construction Crew assist the Wig Supervisor in the construction and styling of wigs for productions.
JOB DUTIES
Assist the Wig Supervisor in the preparation and construction of all wigs facial hair, and prosthetics as assigned. Run Crew will maintain, re-style, and re-set wigs throughout the run of a production as needed.
  • Assist the Wig Supervisor in the load in and preparation of the physical facility of the backstage Wig area and all dressing rooms for Technical/Dress Rehearsals and Performances of all productions.
  • Assist performers in applying makeup and wigs for all performances and tech/dress rehearsals.
  • Communicate information regarding wigs and make-up to the Wardrobe Supervisor, Wig Supervisor, and the Costume Director.
  • Assist in the efficient strike of the wigs for each production including the cleaning of all wigs and hair, and their return to the Costume Shop/Stock in coordination with the Wig Supervisor and the Wardrobe Supervisor.
  • Related duties as required by the Wig Supervisor and the Costume Director.

In addition to the duties listed above, the Alley Theatre expects the following of each employee: adheres to theatre's policies and procedures; works in a safe manner; performs duties as workload necessitates; maintains a positive and respectful attitude; communicates regularly with supervisor about department issues; demonstrates efficient time management and prioritizes workload; demonstrates regular and consistent attendance and punctuality; meets department productivity standards; participates in Alley Theatre events as needed or required; and completes other duties as assigned.
KNOWLEDGE (SKILLS, and ABILITIES)
  • Knowledge of setting, styling, cleaning, and putting wigs and hairpieces on actors.
  • Experience with building and fronting wigs.
  • Familiar with the diverse range of hairstyles and hair needs.
  • Ability to work in a sometimes fast-paced, energized, and quickly changing environment.
  • Excellent organizational, interpersonal skills with a proven ability to work independently and as a team player.
  • Detail oriented, able to prioritize efficiently and multi-task in situations which may have definite timelines.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
  • Prior experience with ventilating, fronting, setting, styling, cleaning, and applying wigs and hairpieces, with experience and an understanding of the diversity of hair textures, styles, and needs.

PREFERRED REQUIREMENTS
  • Ability to share visual documentation of past experiences with ventilating, fronting, hair setting, hair styling, and applying wigs or hairpieces during the job application process.
  • Prior backstage theatrical experience.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORKING CONDITIONS
  • Prolonged periods of standing during show performances
  • Able to routinely lift 30-50 lbs. either independently or with assistance
  • Hours during assigned productions follow technical rehearsal and performance schedules. The Alley generally works Tuesday through Sunday. The technical rehearsal period may include morning and afternoon hours. Performance hours are largely evening hours with weekend daytime availability following the show schedule.
  • Typical hours are during the day, but the position requires the flexibility to be available for weekend, holidays, and evening work hours as needed.

BENEFITS & PERKS
  • Free and discounted tickets to Alley Theatre performances
  • Bi-weekly $4 discounted parking

Alley Theatre is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at HRdept@alleytheatre.org.
The Alley Theatre is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable local, state, or federal law. We encourage people of all backgrounds to apply.

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