Auctioneers
Career summary
Auctioneers sell items to the highest bidder at auctions. Common items auctioned include art, machinery, cars and trucks, livestock, real estate, and collectables.Auctioneers are widely known for their skill in using an "auction chant" to create buyer interest in the sale and to sell items quickly. The chant is made of numbers along with filler words or phrases which tie the numbers together. It's crucial that the auctioneer do this with clarity, rhythm, and speed. In some auctions, especially wholesale automobile and livestock auctions, the auctioneer will use a very rapid chant.
During an auction, the auctioneer describes the item to the audience, then opens bidding on the item. Auctioneers watch the audience, sometimes with the help of assistants called bid spotters, as the item is being sold and indicate that an individual has bid on an item. The auctioneer then asks if someone will make a higher bid. Auction attendees may gesture or hold up a colored card or paddle, to indicate a bid.
Depending on what is being auctioned, auctioneers, often with help from assistants, preview and prepare items for auction. They may assess the value of an item, repair items, create catalogs of items for sale, or put items in order according to type and price. Auctioneers may also process the paperwork for sales, although this task is often done by assistants or auction company staff. Auctioneers may also spend time advertising upcoming auctions and marketing to prospective buyers and sellers.
Related careers
This career is part of the Marketing cluster of careers.
Related careers include:
Education and training
Educational programs
Currently, there are no accredited training programs available for this occupation.
Training
To work as an auctioneer you must:
- have a high school diploma or equivalent; and
- attend an auctioneers' school; or
- apprentice under an experienced auctioneer.
Education after high school
Most auctioneers attend an auctioneering school or study as an apprentice under an experienced auctioneer. School programs can last from a few weeks to a few months. Students learn how to speak and breathe correctly. They also practice drills which help to improve their chant. These skills are critical in learning how to chant quickly and effectively. Other topics covered often include courses in public speaking, ethics, and laws that govern auctions and auctioneers. There are a small number of auctioneering schools throughout the country. Contact the National Auctioneers Association listed in the Other Resources section for a list of schools or for more information.
Work experience
Auctioneers are usually familiar with what they sell. So, previous work experience in the field is important especially for antiques, art, and real estate.
Helpful high school courses
You should take a general high school curriculum that meets the state's graduation requirements . You will be required to take both math and science classes to graduate.
Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this career include:
- Principles of Sales
- Public Speaking
Many auctioneers are self-employed. If you want to run your own business some day, you should consider taking these courses as well:
- Accounting
- Computer Applications
- Entrepreneurship
- Introduction to Business
The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.
You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.
Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career. Examples of activities and groups that may be available in your high school or community are here .
Things to know
Some auctioneers are self-employed. Many also work part time. Depending on what is being sold, they may work weekdays, weekends, days, or evenings.
Most auctioneers are paid on commission and wages will vary depending on what is being sold.
Workers may want to join a professional organization, which may have annual dues.
There were about 232 auctioneers actively licensed by Washington State at the time this career was updated. Additionally, there are about 104 auction companies actively licensed by the State.
#updated from email from Sandra Gonzalez, DOL 4/6/15 lh. Sent email to plssunit@dol.wa.gov 2/29/16 for new licensing data: rec'd new data from Sandra (SGONZALES@DOL.WA.GOV) 3/1/16, cj. Sent email to Sandra 2/6/18 & rec'd new data next day cj.
Licensing/certification
Auctioneers must be registered with the State of Washington to sell to the public. Registration requirements include:
- being 18 years of age or older or being sponsored by a registered auctioneer;
- having no record of unprofessional conduct;
- filing an application with the Department of Licensing;
- submitting proof of tax registration with the Department of Revenue; and
- paying a registration fee, and for individual auctioneers, a surety bond.
Auctioneers must pay a $155 licensing fee to the State for registration and a $155 license renewal fee annually. Auctioneers not associated with an auction company must pay a $5,000 surety bond.
For more information, contact:
Washington State Department of Licensing
Auctioneer Program
PO Box 9026
Olympia, WA 98507
360.664.6636
Auctioneers who auction real estate must also have a realtor's license. For more information, contact:
Washington State Department of Licensing
Real Estate Licensing Section
PO Box 9021
Olympia, WA 98507-9021
360.664.6488
#Licensing info still correct 2/29/16 cj. okay 1/25/17 lh & 2/6/18 cj. fine 4/4/19 lh
Other resources
National Auctioneers Association8880 Ballentine Street
Overland Park, KS 66214
913.541.8084
Washington Auctioneers Association
PO Box 5027
Benton City, WA 99320
509.288.4677
References
Career cluster
Career path
- Enterprising (Business Communications)
DOT occupation
Holland occupational cluster
- Enterprising/Realistic/Social
COPSystem
- Business Professional