Costume assistant salary

Costume Assistant Role and Responsibilities

Working as a costume assistant means being a crucial part of the machinery in film, theater, and TV production. A costume assistant helps create and maintain costumes, ensuring they are ready for use during recordings or performances. This profession requires a keen eye for detail and an interest in fashion and textiles. Costume assistants often work closely with costume designers and other creative professionals to ensure that the costumes align with the production's vision.

Salary for a Costume Assistant

When it comes to the salary for costume assistants, the average salary is 36 200 SEK per month. However, there is a gender pay gap: men earn an average of 37 100 SEK, while women have an average salary of 35 700 SEK. This means that women earn 96 percent of what men do in this profession. For those working as hourly employees, the average is 218 SEK per hour, based on 166 working hours per month.

Salary Development

Over the past year, the average salary for costume assistants has increased from 34 200 SEK to 36 200 SEK, indicating a positive trend in salary levels within the profession.

Highest and Lowest Salaries

The highest salary for a costume assistant is 37 100 SEK, belonging to a male working as a private sector employee. On the female side, the highest salary is 35 700 SEK. On the other hand, the lowest salary for a costume assistant, 33000 SEK, was recorded for a woman with a post-secondary education shorter than three years.

Education and Qualifications

To work as a costume assistant, no specific formal education is required, but a background in textiles and fashion can be advantageous. Many costume assistants have studied at art and design schools or have experience working in theater and film production. Practical experience and a strong portfolio often carry more weight than formal education in this creative field.

Future Outlook and Job Market

The profession of costume assistant is classified under the group "Inspectors and scriptors" according to the SSYK code 3433. However, it is difficult to make an exact assessment of the future outlook due to limited data. Generally, demand in the culture, media, and design sectors varies depending on economic factors and production trends.

Working Conditions and Challenges

Working conditions for costume assistants can vary significantly depending on the project and employer. It is common to work long hours during intense production periods. Flexibility and the ability to work under time pressure are therefore important qualities. Creativity and problem-solving skills are also central in this profession.

Career Development

For those looking to advance in the field, a career as a costume designer or stylist may be a natural progression. Experience and networking within the industry are crucial for moving forward and gaining new opportunities.

Benefits and Additional Support

Benefits can vary depending on the employer and project. Sometimes, opportunities for further education or workshops are offered to help develop skills further. Other benefits, such as a company-paid mobile phone or the ability to work from home, are less common in this field due to its practical and location-dependent nature.

Considerations for Future Costume Assistants

For those considering a career as a costume assistant, it is important to have a genuine interest in clothing and design, as well as a willingness to learn and adapt to the requirements of different productions. Building a strong network within the film and theater industry can also be crucial for finding job opportunities and advancing in the career.