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Auctioneer

Auctioneers arrange auction sales, advertise, assess goods and property, run bidding, and sell items to the highest bidders.

Also Known As

Salesperson

NOC Codes

In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.

The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used.

Here is how this occupation has been classified over time.

2006 NOC

  • 6411: Sales Representatives, Wholesale Trade (Non-Technical)

2006 NOC-S

  • G111: Sales Representatives Wholesale Trade (NonTechnical)

2011 NOC

  • 6411: Sales and account representatives - wholesale trade (non-technical)

2016 NOC

  • 6411: Sales and account representatives - wholesale trade (non-technical)

2021 NOC

  • 64101: Sales and account representatives - wholesale trade (non-technical)

2023 OaSIS

  • 64101.00: Sales and account representatives - wholesale trade (non-technical)
Duties
Updated Mar 21, 2023

Auctioneers sell a wide range of items. This may include livestock, industrial machinery, cars, trucks, antiques, real estate, art, and furniture. In general, they:

  • Assess and market items before a sale
  • Arrange and display goods in groups according to similarity and value
  • List, describe, and photograph items for online auctions
  • Advertise auctions  
  • Sell items by describing goods and asking for bids
  • Encourage higher bids by keeping possible buyers interested
  • Aim to sell goods at fair market value
  • Sell to the highest bidders
  • Wrap up sales by recording the names and addresses of buyers and their bids
Working Conditions
Updated Mar 21, 2023
  • Strength Required Lift up to 10 kg

Auctioneers work indoors and outdoors in all weather conditions. Those who focus on agriculture (such as selling livestock) spend much of their time in auction marts or farmyards. A certain amount of travel is needed. When sales are running, long hours may be required.

Work Personalities

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2023 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.

How This Occupation Compares to Your Work Personalities

Fit
Fit Guide
An occupation can be a great, good, fair, weak, or poor fit for you.
E
Enterprising
This occupation
You
C
Conventional
S
Social
This occupation
You

This Occupation’s Work Personalities

Your Work Personalities

Quick Guide

Alis work personalities are based on Holland’s theory. It identifies 6 personality types: Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional. People with similar personalities and interests will tend to pursue similar careers. They are likely to create work environments that are favourable to their type.

Most people will identify with 2 or 3 dominant personalities. If the occupation’s personalities match your more dominant types, this occupation is more likely to be satisfying and rewarding to you.

This Occupation’s Work Personalities lists the personalities most likely to be found in that occupation. They are listed in order of importance, with 1 as the most important.

Your Work Personalities shows where the occupation’s personalities rank within your test results. Rank 1 is your most dominant type and 6 is your least dominant.

Learn about work personalities

Abilities

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2023 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.

Sales and account representatives - wholesale trade (non-technical)
2023 OaSIS: 64101.00

How This Occupation Compares to Your Abilities

The graph below shows how well your scores match the overall abilities for this occupation.

The closer your ability scores are to the center, the more they match this occupation’s. The further away they are, the less they match this occupation’s.

The lower your ability scores are compared to the occupation’s, the more challenging the occupation will likely be for you. The higher your ability scores are compared to the occupation’s, the less challenging the occupation will likely be for you.

lower
a match
higher
Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities

Abilities Sets

The 49 abilities are grouped into 5 abilities sets: Critical Thinking, Numbers and Patterns, Physical Activity, Mind-Body Coordination, and Senses.

Some abilities are more relevant to an occupation than other abilities. Individual abilities that are not relevant to an occupation are greyed out.

Critical Thinking

Critical Thinking includes 9 abilities related to identifying and solving problems, thinking of ideas, and communication, such as speaking and writing.

This is how well your scores match the set of Critical Thinking abilities for this occupation:

lower
a match
higher
Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities

Numbers and Patterns

Numbers and Patterns includes 10 abilities related to math, memorizing, and multitasking. It also includes how we perceive patterns, shapes, and distances.

This is how well your scores match the set of Numbers and Patterns abilities for this occupation:

lower
a match
higher
Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities

Physical Activity

Physical Activity includes 9 abilities related to strength, balance, flexibility, coordination, and endurance. 

This is how well your scores match the set of Physical Activity abilities for this occupation:

lower
a match
higher
Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities

Mind-Body Coordination

Mind-Body Coordination includes 9 abilities related to movement control and how we react to signals. It also includes fine motor skills, such finger and hand dexterity and hand-eye coordination.

This is how well your scores match the set of Mind-Body Coordination abilities for this occupation:

lower
a match
higher
Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities

Senses

Senses includes 12 abilities related to seeing, hearing, and speaking. 

This is how well your scores match the set of Senses abilities for this occupation:

lower
a match
higher
Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities

Quick Guide

The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the Occupational and Skills Information System (OaSIS).

The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.

Occupations use different combinations and levels of these abilities. The Abilities Quiz helps you learn more about your ability levels and which occupations match your strengths.

If you have completed the Abilities Quiz, you can compare the occupation’s ability expectations to your own ability scores. Your scores may be lower than, a match to, or higher than the occupation’s expected abilities.

Learn about abilities

Traits & Skills
Updated Mar 21, 2023

Auctioneers need:

  • A strong, clear voice
  • Fluent speech and bid calling skill
  • A patient but firm manner
  • Business, appraisal, and marketing skills
  • Problem-solving abilities
  • Listening and social skills
  • The stamina to prepare for auctions and keep up a brisk pace

They should enjoy:

  • Working with people
  • Compiling information
  • Supervising others

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.

Top 10 Skills Employers Are Looking For

Sales and account representatives - wholesale trade (non-technical)

2016 NOC: 6411

This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 101 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Mar 12, 2024 and Oct 07, 2025.

Review these skills to learn:

  • Whether or not this occupation matches your skill set
  • What training you may need to get these skills
  • What skills to highlight in your resumé, cover letter, and interview.
Client focus
Tasks: Identify and solicit potential clients
Excellent oral communication
Effective interpersonal skills
Organized
Attention to detail
Team player
Flexibility
Tasks: Consult with clients after sale or signed contracts
Excellent written communication
Educational Requirements
Updated Mar 21, 2023
  • Minimum Education Varies

Auctioneers must be familiar with the usefulness and current market value of the goods they sell. It is possible to learn these things by working as an auction employee. But training positions can be hard to obtain.

Training or experience in business administration is a definite asset in setting up and running a successful auction business.

To expand or narrow your program options, visit Post-Secondary Programs and start your search with:

Completing a program does not guarantee entrance into an occupation. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should look into various sources for education options and employment possibilities. For example, contact associations and employers in this field.

Certification Requirements
Updated Mar 21, 2023
  • Certification Provincially regulated

Certain professional titles or duties within this occupation are protected by provincial legislation. Requirements vary if you use these titles or perform these duties.

The related legislation is shown below. If there are multiple related legislations, select a certification heading to learn about each one.

Auctioneer

Auctioneers arrange and advertise auction sales, assess goods and property, run bidding, and sell items to the highest bidders.

Legislation

Under Alberta’s Consumer Protection Act [pdf] and Public Auctions Regulation [pdf], anyone who conducts the bidding at a sale by public auction in the province must meet the qualifications set by the Government of Alberta.

For information on what you need and other details, visit the certification profile Auctioneer.

Employment & Advancement
Updated Mar 21, 2023

Auctioneers may work at auction marts and auction rooms. They may also be self-employed. Many auction businesses are family-owned. Openings for new employees may be limited.

In Alberta, auction sales businesses must be licensed and bonded. A trust account and $25,000 bond are needed.

For auctioneers, success depends on the reputations they build.

Industry Concentration

This section shows the industries where the majority of people in this occupation work. The data is based on the 2016 Census.

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.

Sales and account representatives - wholesale trade (non-technical)
2016 NOC: 6411

79.0% of people in this occupational group work in:

NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.

3-Year Job Market Forecast

This section shows the Alberta job market condition, or short-term demand forecast, for this occupation over a 3-year period. It also shows the number of people employed in the occupation.

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2021 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.

Sales and account representatives - wholesale trade (non-technical)
2021 NOC: 64101
Hot
Job Market
30,700
Employed in AB

Source: 2024-2026 Alberta Short-Term Employment Forecast

NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.

To see data for all occupations, visit Occupations in Demand.

5-Year Job Market Forecast

This section shows the employment outlook for this occupation in Alberta over a 5-year period.

Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:

  • Time of year (for seasonal jobs)
  • Location in Alberta
  • Employment turnover (when people leave existing positions)
  • Occupational growth (when new positions are created)
  • Size of the occupation
  • Trends and events that affect overall employment, especially in the industry or industries from the previous list

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.

Sales and account representatives - wholesale trade (non-technical)
2016 NOC: 6411
2.1%
Annual Growth
(Below average)
577
New Positions

Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook

Annual growth is from 2021 to 2025. New positions created each year are in addition to job openings created by employment turnover.

NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.

Related Alberta Job Postings
Wage & Salary
Updated Mar 21, 2023

Auctioneers may be paid a regular wage or work on a commission basis. Their earnings vary tremendously depending on the type of auction, the current economic situation, and the reputation of the auctioneer. Those setting up their own businesses may work in other occupations to provide an additional source of income until they have established a good reputation in the auction sales industry.

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2021 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.

Sales and account representatives - wholesale trade (non-technical)

2021 NOC: 64101
Average Wage
$35.55
Per Hour
Average Salary
$73,118.00
Per Year
Average Hours
39.7
Per Week
Average Months on Payroll
11.9
Survey Methodology Survey Analysis

Source
2023 Alberta Wage and Salary Survey

NOC 64101 Wage Profile

Unless otherwise noted, the data shown here is for all industries and all regions in Alberta.

All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production), and other forms of compensation.

To see the full survey data for this NOC group, visit the wage profile.

Other wage sources
To make an informed wage and salary decision, research other wage sources [pdf] to supplement this data.

A: High Reliability
Data Reliability Code Definition

High Reliability, represents a CV of less than or equal to 6.00% and 30 survey observations and/or represents 50% or more of all estimated employment for the occupation.


Hourly Wage

For full-time and part-time employees
  • Low
  • High
  • Average
  • Median
Starting
Overall
Top

Hourly Wage

For full-time and part-time employees
Wages* Low (5th percentile) High (95th percentile) Average Median
Starting $16.83 $43.59 $27.11 $25.00
Overall $21.52 $72.12 $35.55 $31.13
Top $25.00 $108.17 $49.75 $40.96

Swipe left and right to view all data. Scroll left and right to view all data.

* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.

Pay brackets for hourly wages

  • Starting pay: average pay offered for entry-level positions
  • Overall pay: average pay across all employees in this occupation
  • Top pay: average pay offered to top-paid employees

Industry Information

ALL INDUSTRIES
Construction
Manufacturing
Wholesale Trade
Retail Trade
Transportation and Warehousing
Information, Culture, Recreation
Finance, Insurance, Real Estate, Leasing
Professional, Scientific & Technical Services
Business, Building and Other Support Services
Accommodation & Food Services
Other Services (Repair, Personal Services and Related)
Public Administration

Skills Shortage

Employers that Recruited in the Last 2 Years
43%
43%)
Recruiting Employers that Experienced Hiring Difficulties
39%
39%
Employers with Unfilled Vacancies of over 4 Months
6%
6%
Vacancy Rate
2%
Related Post-Secondary Field of Study
  • Business, Management and Administrative Studies
Other Sources of Information
Updated Mar 21, 2023

Auctioneers’ Association of Alberta website: www.abauctioneer.ca

Service Alberta website’s auctions tipsheet: open.alberta.ca/publications/auctions-buying-and-selling

Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.

Updated Mar 21, 2023. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.

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