Costume Designer
Design and create wardrobes that bring characters and narratives to life
About the profession
Costume Designers research, design, and oversee the creation of costumes for film, television, theater, and live events. They collaborate with directors and production designers to ensure costumes support character development and visual storytelling. The role combines art, history, fashion, and practical construction skills.
How to Get Started
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Jump to Learning Path →Career Path
Your career progression roadmap with salary growth at each level
Career Ladder
Wardrobe Assistant → Costume Designer → Senior Costume Designer → Head of Costume → Costume Design Lead
Where are you on this career path?
Click a level below to set your current position
Salary Growth
5
Levels
0K
Top Salary
10+
Years
Learning Path
Skills you need to develop and courses to get there
🚀
Set your current level first
Go to the Career Path tab and select your current level to see your personalized learning plan.
Go to Career PathCareer levels
Base: $30,000 - $38,000/year Base: $40,000 - $55,000/year Base: $55,000 - $72,000/year Base: $72,000 - $95,000/year Base: $95,000 - $130,000/year
Skills used in this career
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Learning Path 0 → Junior
Step-by-step plan from zero to first job
Earn BFA in Costume Design, Fashion, or Theater Build portfolio through student and community theater productions Develop sewing, pattern-making, and dyeing skills Join IATSE or…
Market 2026–2030
Trends, AI impact, prospects
Growth Rate: Below average through 2030 Remote Trend: Stable — fitting and construction require in-person work Top Industries: Film/TV production, theater, opera, theme parks…
💰 Salary Range
US dataSign up to see salary data
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