Costume Designer salary in South Africa

Average Yearly Salary of Costume Designer in South Africa is approximately 78,239 ZAR (3,904 USD). Data is for 2025 and indicates a pre-tax value. The salary itself depends on multiple factors such as seniority, job performance, certifications, experience or any other bonuses. The value indicated is an average amount based on records we have in database. Real values may vary. The data is for orientational purposes.

What does Costume Designer do?

A costume designer is a creative professional responsible for designing and creating costumes for various forms of entertainment, such as theater productions, films, television shows, and even live events. They collaborate closely with directors, producers, and actors to develop the visual appearance of characters, ensuring that their costumes accurately reflect the time period, setting, and personality of each character. The occupation of a costume designer involves extensive research, sketching, and fabric selection. They must possess a strong understanding of fashion history, textiles, and design principles. Additionally, they are skilled in pattern-making, sewing, and costume construction techniques. Costume designers often work within a budget and must be resourceful in finding or creating the necessary garments and accessories for the production.

Skills: Costume designer, Costume creation, Fashion history, Textile knowledge, Design principles, Pattern-making.
Job industry: Fashion

How much does Costume Designer make?

Difference in salary year over year or average salary increase is approximately 4 %


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Salary comparison to National average

Is Costume Designer a well paid job?

No, our data shows that Costume Designer is typically not a well-paid job. The salary varies based on experience. Meaning that even though Costume Designer might be a low paying job, with experience the salary might increase to satisfactory levels.

What is considered a high salary for Costume Designer?

High salary for Costume Designer would be somewhere between 86,063 ZAR and 113,447 ZAR. However this is an estimation based on Gaussian Distribution.

How much can you save working as Costume Designer in South Africa?

Living in South Africa the approximate monthly expenses are: 271 USD. This amount covers basic needs such as food, housing, clothing, healthcare and education costs for a single person. No luxury expenses such as traveling, leisure, hobbies are included in the estimation.

Estimated Yearly Salary: 78,239 ZAR
Estimated Monthly Salary: 6,520 ZAR
Estimated Weekly Salary: 1,505 ZAR per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 38 ZAR per hour
By working as Costume Designer a person can save up to 54 USD per month or 650 USD yearly. Values are pre-tax.

NOTE: These values are estimates and are averaged for the whole country. Furthermore the value is likely exaggerated as no other expenses are taken into account in the projection. Unessential expenses are very subjective and are difficult to assess. Most likely the previously estimated number is significantly lower for majority of people. Expenses in different cities across the country may vary. Above values accuracy is low and is based on limited set of data obtained.

For more information regarding expenses in South Africa, see costs of living in South Africa.

Salary comparison to region and neighbouring coutries

Country's neighbours are: Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Eswatini, Lesotho.
To make it easier for comparison a conversion from local currency to USD has been made (conversion rates may vary).

Estimated Yearly Salary for Costume Designer

Last revision of data: 2025-01-04

Salary increase per years of experience

Based on data available the salary increase per years of experience is as following

0 years (beginner) equals base salary

1 to 5 years of experience yields +12% salary increase

6 to 10 years of experience yields +25% salary increase

11 to 15 years of experience yields +16% salary increase

16 to 25 years of experience yields +9% salary increase

more than 25 years of experience yields +10% salary increase

NOTE: Details based on limited set of data. Percentages may vary. The salary increase over years of experience can vary widely based on factors such as job industry, job role, location, company size, and individual performance. To gain even larger increase in salary one is advised to switch jobs and / or employer.

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Data as of 2025

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