Costume assistant

What does a costume assistant do? – Tasks and work environment

A costume assistant works closely with the costume designer and other production team members in film, theater, TV, and advertising. Tasks include developing, customizing, and maintaining costumes, assisting with fittings, quick changes, and transportation. The role requires attention to detail, a sense of aesthetics, and the ability to collaborate with both creative and technical professionals. The work environment is often varied and can involve work on filming locations, in studios, and in costume storage. The pace can be high, especially during peak production times and premieres, and irregular working hours are common.

Salary development over time

In recent years, salary development for costume assistants has been clearly positive. In 2022, the average salary was 34,200 SEK per month, rising to 36 200 SEK in 2023. In 2024, the average salary reached 39 300 SEK, representing an increase of about 15% over two years. This increase can partly be explained by increased demand for qualified personnel in the culture and media sectors, as well as the industry's rising requirements for specialized skills and flexibility. At the same time, general salary adjustments within creative professions have helped raise the levels. The trend indicates that professional skill and experience are rewarded more highly, although salary levels can vary between different productions and employers.

Costume assistant salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 39 300 SEK/month
• Lowest/highest salary: Varies depending on production and experience
• Hourly wage: 236 SEK/hour
• Gender differences: Women earn 38 800 SEK/month; specific data on men is unavailable
• Regional differences: May occur, especially between large cities and smaller towns

Education and qualifications

The path to becoming a costume assistant often involves education in textiles, fashion, theater, or film, complemented by practical experience from productions. Formal requirements vary, but employers often seek both technical skills and creative ability. The industry also values experience from internships, volunteer work, or traineeships, as these provide insight into production workflows and networking opportunities.

• Bachelor's programs in textiles, fashion, or stage costume (3 years)
• Short courses in sewing, costume history, or theater techniques
• Internships, traineeships, or volunteer work at theater, film, or TV productions
• Knowledge of sewing and materials is recommended
• Industry-specific networks and references are often crucial for employment

Common benefits and compensations

Costume assistants are often offered benefits such as overtime pay for evening and weekend work, per diems for travel, and access to work clothing and tools. For longer productions, expense reimbursements for transportation and accommodation may also be included. Union agreements often entitle employees to holiday pay and insurance, although conditions can vary between different employment types and employers.

Competition and challenges

The competition for positions as a costume assistant is intense, especially in larger cities where many seek work in film, TV, and theater productions. The number of advertised positions is limited, and temporary project-based employment is common. Challenges can also include irregular working hours, short lead times, and quick transitions between different productions. Success requires flexibility, stress tolerance, and the ability to quickly adapt to new work environments. Industry networks play a central role in securing new assignments, and the job market can fluctuate depending on the season and project volume.

Tips for aspiring costume assistants

To succeed as a costume assistant, it’s good to combine creativity with a structured working style, as the profession demands both artistic sense and meticulous organization. Good communication facilitates collaboration with designers, actors, and other team members, while a solution-oriented approach helps handle unexpected challenges during busy days. Building a broad portfolio through internships, volunteer work, or personal projects is highly valued by employers. Flexibility and the ability to work under pressure are key qualities, especially in environments with high tempo and rapidly changing conditions. Engage in industry-specific networks and participate in training or workshops to expand your knowledge and contacts. Finally, a genuine interest in clothing, materials, and stage art is essential for thriving and developing within the profession.

Key facts about the costume assistant

• Educational level: Post-secondary education, often in textiles or stage costume
• Work environment: Varied – studio, filming location, theater
• Common employment type: Project-based or freelance
• Demand: 620 job openings within the profession (2024)
• Special skills: Sewing, materials knowledge, costume history

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years in the profession, a costume assistant can advance to roles such as costume designer, wardrobe supervisor, or responsible for larger productions. There are also opportunities to specialize within film, theater, or TV, depending on interests and experience. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service’s forecast, it is difficult to give an exact assessment of future prospects for costume assistants, as the profession is part of a broader occupational group with varying demand. However, there are indications that the need for qualified personnel will remain, especially in larger productions and in metropolitan areas. The industry is characterized by project employment and network-based recruitment, making flexibility and engagement crucial for long-term career development.

Frequently asked questions about the costume assistant

• What does a costume assistant earn?
  - A costume assistant has an average monthly salary of 39 300 SEK, with variations depending on production and experience.
• Is education required to become a costume assistant?
  - Post-secondary education in textiles, fashion, or stage costume is common, but practical experience and references are equally important.
• What personal qualities are important as a costume assistant?
  - Attention to detail, flexibility, stress tolerance, and good teamwork skills are central qualities in the profession.
• What is the job market like for costume assistants?
  - There are approximately 620 job openings, but competition for positions is high and temporary employment is common.
• Where can a costume assistant work?
  - Mainly in film, TV, theater, and advertising productions, but also at events or museums.
• Are there opportunities for advancement within the profession?
  - Yes, after some years of experience, you can advance to roles such as costume designer or wardrobe supervisor.