Costume Attendants Salary 2025: $50,400 Median, +5.9% Growth
Costume attendants — the professionals who acquire, maintain, and organize costumes for theater, film, and events — earn a median annual salary of $50,400, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' May 2024 estimates. The mean wage is $63,440, or roughly $24 an hour. The typical pay range runs from $32,150 at the 10th percentile to $109,520 at the 90th, meaning experienced attendants in high-cost markets can make six figures.
How much Costume Attendants earn
The BLS reports 6,510 costume attendants employed nationwide. Half earn less than $50,400, half earn more. The top 10% bring in over $109,520, while the bottom 10% earn under $32,150. A $24/hour mean wage positions the role solidly in the middle of U.S. occupations.
- Median annual: $50,400
- Mean annual: $63,440 ($24/hour)
- 10th percentile: $32,150 – 90th percentile: $109,520
Pay by state
Where you work dramatically affects earnings. New York tops the list at a mean $95,230, followed by Georgia at $94,890 — driven by film and theater hubs like Atlanta. California ($72,030), Washington ($64,650), and Colorado ($57,960) round out the top five. Lower-paying states include South Carolina ($33,510), Michigan ($31,920), and Texas ($28,440).
How to become Costume Attendant
Most costume attendants enter the field with a high school diploma and on-the-job training, though a bachelor's degree in fashion design, theater arts, or costume design is common for those in higher-paying roles. Experience from internships at theaters, film sets, or costume rental houses is the typical entry path. No license is required, but having skills in sewing, fabric identification, and wardrobe management is key.
- Earn a high school diploma (minimum); a degree in fashion or theater is helpful.
- Gain experience through internships or entry-level jobs at theaters, costume shops, or studios.
- Build skills in sewing, hand tools, and costume inventory software.
- No state license needed, but union membership (e.g., IATSE) can improve pay and opportunities.
Job outlook
Employment of costume attendants is projected to grow 5.9% from 2024 to 2034 — faster than the average for all occupations. That'll create about 1,800 openings each year, mostly to replace workers who retire or leave the field. Demand stays strong with entertainment and live events continuing to expand.
Frequently asked questions
What is the salary for a costume attendant in 2025?
The BLS median annual salary is $50,400; the mean is $63,440 (about $24/hour). The typical range is $32,150 to $109,520.
How do I become a costume attendant?
Most jobs require a high school diploma and on-the-job training. A bachelor's degree in fashion or theater arts is common for higher-level roles. Experience through internships at theaters or costume studios is the typical path. No license is needed.
Is costume attendant a growing career?
Yes. The BLS projects a 5.9% growth from 2024 to 2034, faster than average, with about 1,800 job openings annually.
Which states pay costume attendants the most?
New York ($95,230), Georgia ($94,890), California ($72,030), Washington ($64,650), and Colorado ($57,960) are the highest-paying. The lowest include South Carolina ($33,510), Michigan ($31,920), and Texas ($28,440).
Salary figures are U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates (OEWS / Employment Projections). For informational purposes only; not career or financial advice. See the full Costume Attendants data.