TV Costume Designer Career Profile, Salary & Job Outlook
What does a TV Costume Designer do?
Costume designers design and create the costumes and wardrobes for the cast of a television show. They hire teams, handle the purchasing of materials and clothing, and schedule fittings. Designers collaborate with directors, producers, writers, the production designer, and hair & makeup artists to create the look of the characters and enhance the storytelling.
How much does aTV Costume Designer make?
According to Comparably, Costume Designers make a national average of $64,000 or $30.79 an hour (as of March 2022). Entry-level costume designers make around 36,000 annually, with senior-level costume designers making $86,000 a year. Of course, this wide range also depends on skill, seniority, company, and location.
What impact does this career have towards the television industry?
Costume designers help actors emotionally connect to their characters. They add texture and depth to characters by creating looks that reflect their individual personalities. Designers create the look and feel of the show. They communicate the director’s vision and who the character is through clothing.
What is the job outlook for this career?
Analysts forecast that television revenue will grow to $231 billion by 2024. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), job opportunities in the design field (including Costume Designers) are expected to remain steady during the 2020-2030 decade.
How to kick off your career:
- Study the costume choices for your favorite characters and get a sense of how it displays their personality.
- Explore the NYU x Rolling Stone x IndieWire Film + TV Industry Essentials online course.
- Download Yellowbrick’s Ultimate Television Career Guide.
Learn from:
Maisha Closson, Film & TV Industry Essentials contributor,
Executive Producer of The L Word: Generation Q
Related Careers:
Showrunner | Executive Producer | Staff Writer | Producer | News Writer | Script Editor | Supervising Producer | Casting Director | Line Producer | Casting Assistant | Associate Producer
