Costume attendants
SOC Code: 39-3092Also known as:
Costume Attendant, Costume Cutter, Costume Draper, Costume Dresser, Costume Mistress
Median Annual Salary
$54,810
+5.9% growth (2024-2034)
2K
Openings/Year
7K
Current Jobs
What Costume attendants Do
Select, fit, and take care of costumes for cast members, and aid entertainers. May assist with multiple costume changes during performances.
💰 Salary
$54,810
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
+5.9%
Faster than average
🎓 Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
2K
Projected average per year
📚 On-the-Job Training
Short-term on-the-job training
Expected training period
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
6,700
Projected Employment (2034)
7,100
Related Careers
Fashion designers
$80,690 •
+2.0% growth
Set and exhibit designers
$66,280 •
+2.3% growth
Makeup artists, theatrical and performance
$50,280 •
+8.1% growth
Tailors, dressmakers, and custom sewers
$40,860 •
-4.5% growth
Fabric and apparel patternmakers
$67,670 •
-10.2% growth
Top Skills Required
Active Listening
Speaking
Monitoring
Coordination
Social Perceptiveness
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- Create worksheets for dressing lists, show notes, or costume checks.
- Provide dressing assistance to cast members or assign cast dressers to assist specific cast members with costume changes.
- Arrange costumes in order of use to facilitate quick-change procedures for performances.
- Design or construct costumes or send them to tailors for construction, major repairs, or alterations.
- Examine costume fit on cast members and sketch or write notes for alterations.
- Distribute costumes or related equipment and keep records of item status.
- Check the appearance of costumes on stage or under lights to determine whether desired effects are being achieved.
- Clean and press costumes before and after performances and perform any minor repairs.
- Collaborate with production designers, costume designers, or other production staff to discuss and execute costume design details.
- Monitor, maintain, or secure inventories of costumes, wigs, or makeup, providing keys or access to assigned directors, costume designers, or wardrobe mistresses/masters.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
High School Diploma
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Costume attendants
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a costume attendants:
Dramatic/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft, Other
437 degrees awarded •
48 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Costume attendants
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become costume attendants.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do costume attendants make?
The median annual salary for costume attendants is $54,810.
What education do costume attendants need?
Most costume attendants positions require a high school diploma or equivalent.
Common degree programs include Dramatic/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft, Other.
Is becoming costume attendants a good career choice?
Costume attendants is projected to see +5.9% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which is faster than average for all occupations. With approximately 1,800 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for costume attendants?
Top colleges for aspiring costume attendants include
Carnegie Mellon University, University of Southern California, Macalester College, Purdue University-Main Campus, University of California-Davis.
These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to costume attendants?
Costume attendants may also be known as: Costume Attendant, Costume Cutter, Costume Draper, Costume Dresser, Costume Mistress, Costume Seamstress, Costume Shop Coordinator, Costume Specialist, Costume Technician, Costumer, Costumer Assistant, Draper, Dresser, Fashion Assistant, Theatrical Wardrobe Attendant, Theatrical Wardrobe Dresser, Wardrobe Assistant, Wardrobe Attendant, Wardrobe Custodian, Wardrobe Dresser.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.