What does an Auctioneer do?

Auctioneers are typically employed by auction houses or by companies hosting one-time events. When you define an Auctioneer, it’s a professional who helps efficiently sell items to ensure a person or company receives the maximum potential profit. Their job is to oversee auction proceedings from start to finish, including keeping attendees entertained and excited to continue spending money. 

An Auctioneer’s day-to-day responsibilities can vary based on where they are in the auction process. Duties may include creating marketing materials, interacting with potential attendees online and gathering items to be sold. Responsibilities may also include running auctions, researching unfamiliar items or doing clerical work. 

Auctioneer skills and qualifications

To be successful in their career, Auctioneers must have a wide range of diverse skills as well as industry-specific ones. Industry-specific prerequisites include understanding the high-speed patter and learning how to pace bids. Bid pacing requires extensive voice and breathing control, along with strong public speaking capabilities. Auctioneers must also have skills related to clerking, record keeping and item appraisals. Marketing and event skills are also highly beneficial.

• Deeply understand high-speed patter

• Exhibit extensive voice and breathing control

• Clerking and record-keeping abilities

• Know how to accurately appraise items

• Marketing and event planning 

Auctioneer salary expectations

According to Indeed Salaries, the average salary for an Auctioneer is $36,415 per year. However, actual salary can vary based on location, education, experience and certification status.

Auctioneer experience requirements

Generally, no experience beyond typical education and training is required. However, some Auctioneers decide to specialize. Depending on the specialization, they may require additional experience or training. For example, an Auctioneer who plans to sell real estate at auction may need a real estate license in their state. An Auctioneer who wishes to specialize in agricultural auctions may need a firm understanding of farming and ranching. Although not required, an agricultural business or animal science business degree may prove useful in this case.

Auctioneer education and training requirements

Auctioneers must meet state licensing requirements if they’re required. Even when they live in a state that doesn’t have licensing requirements, most auctioneers choose to attend a training program. Training programs may last a few weeks or a few months. Although not always required, some Auctioneers also complete an apprenticeship or up to one year. 

Job description samples for similar positions

If the Auctioneer job description isn’t quite what you’re looking for, there are other samples available. Related job titles may include:

• Sales Consultant

• Archivist

Frequently asked questions about Auctioneers

Do Auctioneers work on a commission basis?

Many Auctioneers work on a commission basis, with the percentage per item decided upon before the auction begins. If a company has hired a full-time Auctioneer (such as an auction house), the percentage per item would be outlined in the contract. In this scenario, it’s also possible that a flat-rate fee would be paid instead of or in addition to the assigned commission. 

What is an Auctioneer — a full-time employee or freelancer by definition?

Auctioneers can work as full-time employees or freelancers, depending on the employer’s needs. For example, an auction house could benefit from keeping one or more Auctioneers on staff. However, companies hosting a one-time event may find it more cost-effective to hire a freelancer or work with an auctioneer agency. 

Do Auctioneers have different responsibilities in different industries?

Responsibilities may vary slightly in different industries, based on the auction’s requirements. For example, an Auctioneer specializing in agriculture must ensure the safety of animals while at auction and be comfortable around all forms of livestock. An Auctioneer specializing in fine jewelry will need to ensure effective safety measures are in place to prevent theft of high-ticket items. 

What should you look for in an Auctioneer resume?

You should look for someone who has completed a state licensing program, if required, and has either undergone specialized training or a relevant apprenticeship. If possible, try to find someone who has experience in your specific industry. Ideally, an Auctioneer’s resume will display skills related to public speaking, networking, organization, bookkeeping and clerking. General confidence in front of a crowd, knowledge of various item’s worth and basic mathematics skills are also ideal skills to look for.