Costume attendants
SOC Code: 39-3092
Costume attendants carries a 36% AI exposure score (Medium automation risk), with a median annual wage of $54,810 and +5.9% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 6,700 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
At 36% AI exposure, Costume attendants sits 1 points below the 37.2% average across 832 U.S. occupations - more exposed than 56% of them. Most of its core tasks still require human judgment.
Where Costume attendants sits among all occupations
AI-exposure score distribution across 832 U.S. occupations (O*NET task analysis). This occupation is marked in rose.
Costume attendants has ai exposure of 36%. Distribution: 1 occupations at 0-10%; 43 occupations at 10-20%; 184 occupations at 20-30%; 332 occupations at 30-40%; 158 occupations at 40-50%; 64 occupations at 50-60%; 29 occupations at 60-70%; 15 occupations at 70-80%; 5 occupations at 80-90%; 1 occupations at 90-100%.
Source: O*NET task data (U.S. Department of Labor); AI-exposure scores are PlainWorkforce's analysis. As of BLS 2024–2034.
Costume attendants vs. its occupational neighbors
AI exposure (horizontal) vs projected 2024–2034 growth (vertical) for occupations in the same SOC group. Costume attendants is marked in rose; the top-left corner is the most future-proof.
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034 (growth) and O*NET (AI-exposure analysis by PlainWorkforce).
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Costume attendants (SOC 39-3092) carries an AI exposure score of 36%, placing it in the Medium automation-risk tier. This score is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each task an occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score below 40% reflects tasks anchored in physical dexterity, unstructured environments, or high-touch human interaction that current AI cannot reliably replicate.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 6,700 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a +5.9% change through 2034 - modest growth that keeps the occupation viable even as tasks evolve. Median annual compensation stands at $54,810, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires High school diploma or equivalent, plus None of related experience.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes Costume attendants. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure. Pair the AI exposure score with the BLS employment projection and wage percentiles above for a complete career assessment.
Education & Entry Requirements
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 1. Create worksheets for dressing lists, show notes, or costume checks.
- 2. Provide dressing assistance to cast members or assign cast dressers to assist specific cast members with costume changes.
- 3. Arrange costumes in order of use to facilitate quick-change procedures for performances.
- 4. Design or construct costumes or send them to tailors for construction, major repairs, or alterations.
- 5. Examine costume fit on cast members and sketch or write notes for alterations.
- 6. Distribute costumes or related equipment and keep records of item status.
- 7. Check the appearance of costumes on stage or under lights to determine whether desired effects are being achieved.
- 8. Clean and press costumes before and after performances and perform any minor repairs.
- 9. Collaborate with production designers, costume designers, or other production staff to discuss and execute costume design details.
- 10. Monitor, maintain, or secure inventories of costumes, wigs, or makeup, providing keys or access to assigned directors, costume designers, or wardrobe mistresses/masters.
Key Skills Required
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Monitoring
- Coordination
- Social Perceptiveness
- Reading Comprehension
- Critical Thinking
- Service Orientation
- Persuasion
- Negotiation
Knowledge Areas
- Fine Arts
- Design
- Production and Processing
- Customer and Personal Service
- English Language
- Psychology
- Administration and Management
- Mechanical
- Mathematics
- Education and Training
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Costume attendants?
Costume attendants has an AI exposure score of 36%, indicating a medium level of automation risk. The majority of tasks in this role require human judgment, creativity, or physical presence that AI cannot easily replicate.
What is the job outlook for Costume attendants?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Costume attendants is projected to grow by 5.9% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 6,700 workers.
What skills are needed for Costume attendants?
Key skills for Costume attendants include Active Listening, Speaking, Monitoring, and others. Typical entry-level education is High school diploma or equivalent.
How much do Costume attendants earn?
The median annual wage for Costume attendants is $54,810, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Actual earnings vary by location, experience, industry, and employer. The BLS publishes detailed wage percentiles by region in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Costume attendants?
The typical entry-level education for Costume attendants is High school diploma or equivalent. Employers generally expect None of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves Short-term on-the-job training. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Costume attendants?
Costume attendants roles exist across many industries and employers. Workforce composition is estimated from BLS industry-occupation employment distributions matched to SEC-registered public companies.
AI Exposure Rating
Medium automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. Most tasks require human judgment and are resistant to automation.
Related Occupations
Career Guides
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Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).