Costume designers are employed in every city in the United States, Canada and internationally, though production hubs like Los Angeles, New York and Toronto employ a much higher number of designers. Costume designers work on films, television, stage productions, theatre, and even at festivals. The more experience a designer has, the greater his/her chance of being hired for movies.

Most costume designers get their start with university or regional theatres and work their way toward off-Broadway and Broadway productions, then television and film. Whether a novice or experienced costume designer, hours are often long and demanding. From the moment the designer first reads the script until the show begins, the costume designer is always on the go. Once a production begins, the costume designer's job is basically complete, though he/she may assist in the event problems occur with costumes during production.