A costume attendant helps performers look their best by managing, fitting, and maintaining costumes for theater, film, television, and live events. You work behind the scenes in a fast-paced creative environment. You can start with a high school diploma and on-the-job training.
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Costume attendants prepare, repair, and care for costumes worn by performers. You handle fitting garments to actors, making quick adjustments during rehearsals and performances, and keeping costumes clean and in good condition. You work closely with costume designers and performers to solve problems on the fly. You monitor costume inventory, identify what needs repair or alteration, and communicate with supervisors and crew members to keep everything running smoothly. Your attention to detail and ability to think creatively help you handle last-minute changes and unexpected challenges.
Core work activities
Costume Attendants earn a median of $50,400 a year, based on 2025 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and location.
The outlook is strong. Employment is projected to grow 6 percent from 2024 to 2034, faster than average for all occupations, with about 1,800 openings a year.
Top skills
Knowledge areas
Most costume attendant positions require a high school diploma or equivalent. You typically learn on the job while working in theater, film, television, or event production. Some people start as volunteers or interns in costume departments to build experience and make connections. Taking classes in costume design, theater production, or fashion can give you a head start. Look for entry-level positions with local theaters, production companies, or performing arts organizations. Your willingness to learn and attention to detail matter more than formal credentials.
Paths into costume work include starting as a volunteer, pursuing an internship, or applying directly to entry-level positions in theaters and production companies. If you are exploring which route fits your timeline and goals, Pathly can map the costume attendant path that fits you and work through it with your counselor to build a clear plan.
You are drawn to artistic work and enjoy the creative side of performance. You like working with your hands, solving problems in real time, and collaborating with performers and designers to bring a vision to life.
Reading about a career is the easy part. Turning it into a plan is where most students get stuck. Pathly takes you from curious to a clear next step, and gives your counselor the insight to champion you along the way.
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Last updated July 1, 2026.
Data sources. Career details from the O*NET 30.3 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under CC BY 4.0. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Salary and outlook figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2025 wages; 2024–2034 projections), delivered via the CareerOneStop API. Certification, licensing, wage, and outlook data from CareerOneStop, sponsored by USDOL/ETA and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED).