What Does a Costume Attendant Do? Duties, Pay & Outlook

Costume Attendant

Also called: Wardrobe Assistant · Dresser · Costume Technician · Wardrobe Supervisor

What costume attendants do, what they earn, how long training takes and how to get started, with official BLS pay data and practical, job-level detail.

Updated October 18, 2026By the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team

What does a costume attendant do?

Costume attendants select, fit and take care of costumes for cast members and aid entertainers. The median pay is $50,400 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about A few weeks on the job, and employment is projected to grow +5.9% from 2025–35.

Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026

Median pay
$50,400
$24.23/hour · May 2025
Job growth
+5.9%
2025–35, faster than average
Openings per year
1,700
Average, 2025–35
Typical entry education
High school diploma or equivalent
BLS classification
Time to train
A few weeks on the job
Typical program length
U.S. jobs
6,600
Employment, 2025

What costume attendants do

Costume attendants keep performers dressed. They fit costumes, do quick changes backstage, repair and launder costumes, track continuity on film sets and organize wardrobe departments.

A high school diploma and short training are typical. BLS projects faster than average growth.

Typical duties

Fit costumes
Do quick changes
Repair costumes
Launder and press
Track continuity
Organize wardrobe
Pack for tours

Work environment and schedule

Attendants work backstage, on sets and in wardrobe shops.

Schedule: Evenings, weekends and long shoot days.

A day in the life

12:00 PMDo laundry.
2:00 PMRepair torn seams.
4:00 PMPress costumes.
5:30 PMPreset quick-change areas.

See a full day in the life of a costume attendant →

Costume Attendant salary

Half of costume attendants earned more than $50,400 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $32,150 for the lowest 10% to $109,520 for the top 10%.

$32,15010th$50,400Median$109,52090th

Full costume attendant pay scale and hourly rates →

How to become a costume attendant

Learn sewing
Volunteer in theater
Get hired as a dresser
Join the union
Advance

A high school diploma and short-term training are typical.

Step-by-step guide to becoming a costume attendant →

Skills and tools

Technical skills

Sewing
Costume repair
Quick changes
Laundry and pressing
Continuity tracking

People skills

Calm under pressure
Teamwork
Discretion
Speed

All costume attendant skills and tools →

Pros and cons

Pros

Faster-than-average growth
Backstage excitement
Short training
Union jobs

Cons

Late nights
Fast pressure
Irregular work
Standing

Certifications and licenses

IATSE wardrobe union: Local 764 and others.
Sewing course: Helpful.
Costume technology courses: Helpful.
First aid: Helpful.

Career path

Dresser: Entry.
Costume Technician: Repairs.
Wardrobe Supervisor: Lead.
Costume Designer: Design.

Learn the job before day one

Our Costume Attendant training (8 hours, $74.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as run a backstage quick change and track costume continuity on set, safety and how to land your first job.

View Costume Attendant training Is this career right for me?

Hand Sewer

Sew by hand to finish garments, upholstery and specialty products.

$36,480
Months of practice

Set Designer

Design sets for theater, film, TV and events.

$75,240
Degree plus assisting experience

Garment Presser

Press and finish clothing and textiles at dry cleaners and factories.

$35,060
A few weeks on the job

Tailor

Alter, repair and make clothing that fits perfectly.

$41,640
6 months–2 years

Compare: Costume Attendant vs. Hand Sewer · Costume Attendant vs. Set Designer · Costume Attendant vs. Garment Presser · Costume Attendant vs. Tailor

Costume Attendant FAQ

Do I need experience?

Sewing skills help.

Is the job growing?

Yes, BLS projects faster than average growth.

Is there a union?

Yes, IATSE wardrobe locals.

How much does a costume attendant make?

The median annual wage for costume attendants was $50,400 ($24.23 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $32,150 and the highest 10% earned more than $109,520.

How long does it take to become a costume attendant?

Most people need about A few weeks on the job of training. A high school diploma and short-term training are typical.

Do you need a degree to be a costume attendant?

No four-year degree is typically required. BLS lists “high school diploma or equivalent” as the typical entry-level education, plus short-term on-the-job training.

Sources

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 39-3092 (Costume attendants).
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
O*NET OnLine summary for Costume attendants (U.S. Department of Labor).
BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.

Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.