How much does a costume attendant make?
a year · about $24 an hour
A typical costume attendant in the United States makes $50,400 a year, about $24 an hour, about the same as a typical US worker (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
What do they do?
Before the show, they check costume fit, press or mend outfits, and line each one up in change order. During the performance, they help actors change backstage; afterward, they collect and care for the costumes.
Did you know? On the touring musical Suffs, one backstage costume change was choreographed to happen in just 10 seconds!
Is that a lot?
Compared with jobs you knowIf 100 people had this job
Most earn between $32,150 and $109,520How do you become one?
In the U.S., a high school diploma or equivalent is typical; related experience usually isn’t needed, and short on-the-job training teaches the job. Practice sewing and costume care in school or community shows, then apply for wardrobe-assistant work.
School needed: High school plus some training
Good for people who like creating and keeping things organized
Why does pay differ?
In the U.S., pay can differ with experience, sewing and quick-change skills, and how much responsibility the job carries. The kind of production or employer, the city, and how many or what hours you work can also matter.
Where does it pay most?
Highest in New York ($95,230), lowest in Texas ($28,440).
See every state
Top 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
Jobs like this
Data table and sources
| Lower earner (10th from bottom) | Typical person (median) | Higher earner (10th from top) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|---|
| $32,150 | $50,400 | $109,520 | about 7,000 |
| State | Typical person (median) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| New York | $95,230 | about 950 |
| Georgia | $94,890 | about 100 |
| California | $72,030 | about 2,000 |
| Washington | $64,650 | about 120 |
| Colorado | $57,960 | about 40 |
Official definition: Select, fit, and take care of costumes for cast members, and aid entertainers. May assist with multiple costume changes during performances.
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025 (bls.gov); descriptions and related jobs from O*NET 31.0. Figures as of May 2025, full-time yearly pay (hourly × 2,080 hours). bls.gov/oes · O*NET OnLine
Pages used for the text
- www.bls.gov/emp/tables/education-and-training-by-occupation.htm
- www.onetonline.org/link/details/39-3092.00
- www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2015/article/wage-differences.htm
- hennepinarts.org/news/quick-changes-big-history-inside-the-wardrobe-world-of-suf
- www.encyclopedia.com/economics/news-and-education-magazines/costume-attendant
Data: US BLS OEWS, May 2025 · 1 USD = 150 JPY