What is the hourly salary range of costume design?

As of August 01, 2026, the average hourly pay of costume design in the United States is $34. While Salary.com is seeing that costume design salary in the US can go up to $40 or down to $28, but most earn between $30 and $37. Salary.com shows the average base salary (core compensation), as well as the average total cash compensation for the job of costume design in the United States.

Based on HR-reported data: a national average with a geographic differential
costume design Salaries by Percentile
Percentile Hourly Pay Rate Location Last Updated
10th Percentile costume design Salary $28 US August 01, 2026
25th Percentile costume design Salary $30 US August 01, 2026
50th Percentile costume design Salary $34 US August 01, 2026
75th Percentile costume design Salary $37 US August 01, 2026
90th Percentile costume design Salary $40 US August 01, 2026
25% $30 10% $28 90% $40 75% $37 $34 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click
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What is a costume design ?

Costume designers play a crucial role in the visual storytelling of film, television, theater, and other performance arts. They are responsible for creating the overall look of characters through clothing and accessories, ensuring that costumes align with the narrative, setting, and character development. The salary for costume designers can vary widely based on factors such as experience, location, and the scale of the production. Entry-level positions may start at a lower salary, while experienced designers working on major productions can earn significantly more. Freelance costume designe...

Source: (as of 06/04/2025). Read more from

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Job Openings for costume design

Career Path for this job

  1. This Job:

    costume design

    0 - 2 years experience
    Bachelor's Degree

  2. Up a level:

    Industrial Designer II

    2 - 4 years experience
    Bachelor's Degree

Understand the total hourly compensation opportunity for a costume design, hourly wage plus other pay elements

Average Hourly Wage

Core compensation

 
 
 
30
37
34

Average Total Hourly Cash Compensation

Includes base and short-term incentives

 
 
 
34
40
37
These charts show the average hourly wage (core compensation), as well as the average total hourly cash compensation for the job of costume design in the United States. The average hourly rate for costume design ranges from $30 to $37 with the average hourly pay of $34. The total hourly cash compensation, which includes base and short-term incentives, can vary anywhere from $34 to $40 with the average total hourly cash compensation of $37.

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For a real-time salary target, tell us more about your role in the four categories below.

30
37

 

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