Back to all jobs
Hospitality, Travel, & FoodGrowingBright Outlook

Costume Attendant

Operational-level

Also known as: Costume Attendant, Costume Cutter, Costume Draper, Costume Dresser

Hospitality, Travel, & FoodBachelor's Degree

Job Description

As a Costume Attendant, you select, fit, and take care of costumes for performers. This involves hands-on work with clothing, accessories, and tools. You'll often work as part of a team in an indoor, climate-controlled setting, discussing costume needs face-to-face with cast members and other crew. During live shows, you might assist with multiple quick changes. This role is great for someone who enjoys hands-on tasks, has strong communication skills, and pays close attention to detail.
Costume DesignWardrobe ManagementTheatre ProductionFashion StylingPerforming ArtsFashionHospitalityCustomer Service

Skills employers are looking for in 2027

Software and technologies flagged by O*NET as Hot or In-Demand for this role.

Hot technologies
Microsoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft Word
In-demand software
Microsoft ExcelMicrosoft Office software

Job Outlook 2025-2035

Bright Outlook

O*NET flags this career as a Bright Outlook occupation: grows rapidly over the next decade.

Projected growth

+5.9%

US average: +3.5%

Job openings

1,700

per year (US)

Jobs today

6,600

in 2025 → 7,000 (2035)

Typical entry education

High school diploma or equivalent

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections; O*NET Bright Outlook.

Work Environment

How this work is typically performed, based on O*NET work context data.

Email & digital communication
High
Working in a team
High
Contact with others
High
Freedom to make decisions
High
Time pressure
High
Time spent sitting
Moderate
Working outdoors
Low
Indoor, climate-controlled
High
Dealing with customers
Moderate
Level of competition
Moderate

Source: O*NET Work Context (v31.0)

Future Perspective

Growing Job Market

The outlook for Costume Attendants is growing rapidly, with about 1,700 job openings expected each year through 2035. The field is projected to grow by 5.9% by 2035, and the median annual wage is about $50,400. You can advance by becoming a Wardrobe Head or specializing as a Costume Designer or Fashion Stylist.

Career ladder

Often before this role

  • Wardrobe Assistant
  • Theatre Intern

Where it can lead

  • Wardrobe Head
  • Costume Designer
  • Fashion Stylist

Impact of AI on this Job

AI will likely streamline inventory management, tracking costumes, and suggesting optimal care routines, reducing manual administrative tasks. While AI won't replace the critical hands-on fitting and rapid changes during live performances, it could assist in predictive maintenance or virtual try-on processes during the design phase. This shift could allow costume attendants to focus more on direct performer support and creative problem-solving.

Similar Jobs

Food Service Manager

Operational-level

Funeral Home Manager

Operational-level

Cook, Short Order

Operational-level

Locker Room, Coatroom, and Dressing Room Attendants

Operational-level

Salary

$50,400

Median annual wage, BLS 2025

Required Education

Bachelor's Degree

Minimum educational requirement for this position

Relevant Studies

Based on job level & field

Costume Design

Bachelor • Creative Arts • 4 years

Theatre and Dance

Bachelor • Creative Arts • 4 years

Fashion Design

Bachelor • Creative Arts • 4 years

Executive Assistant

Vocational • Business & Economics • 1 year

Cooking

Vocational • Creative Arts • 2 years

Healthcare Assistance

Vocational • Healthcare & Life Sciences • 1 year

Current Vacancies

IndeedLinkedIn