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Salesperson
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
2006 NOC-S
2011 NOC
2016 NOC
2021 NOC
2023 OaSIS
Auctioneers sell a wide range of items. This may include livestock, industrial machinery, cars, trucks, antiques, real estate, art, and furniture. In general, they:
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.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2006 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Interest in persuading to promote sales to existing clients; in providing clients with presentations on the benefits and uses of goods and services; and in representing companies that export and import products or services to and from foreign countries
Interest in compiling information to identify and solicit potential clients
Interest in overseeing the preparation of sales and other contracts; may supervise the activities of other sales representatives
To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective, and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes for this NOC group is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.
A Quick Guide
You are born with abilities that help you process certain types of information and turn it into action. These abilities influence which skills you can learn more easily.
The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the General Aptitude Test Battery (GATB). The GATB measures 9 aptitudes. It groups them into 3 categories: mental, visual, and physical.
The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.
Auctioneers need:
They should enjoy:
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.
This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 141 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Mar 15, 2023 and Dec 21, 2024.
Review these skills to learn:
| Tasks: Identify and solicit potential clients | 114 |
|---|---|
| Construction Specialization: Client focus | 104 |
| Construction Specialization: Excellent oral communication | 100 |
| Attention to detail | 94 |
| Construction Specialization: Organized | 93 |
| Construction Specialization: Effective interpersonal skills | 88 |
| Construction Specialization: Team player | 79 |
| Construction Specialization: Initiative | 77 |
| Construction Specialization: Flexibility | 74 |
| Work under pressure | 70 |
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.
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.
Auctioneers arrange and advertise auction sales, assess goods and property, run bidding, and sell items to the highest bidders.
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.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
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.
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.
This section shows the short-term demand forecasted for this occupation in Alberta 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.
Source: 2023-2025 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.
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:
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
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.
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 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
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.
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.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $16.00 | $40.87 | $25.41 | $23.08 |
| Overall | $19.00 | $57.07 | $36.79 | $33.88 |
| Top | $21.79 | $96.15 | $52.07 | $43.83 |
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
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $74,113 |
|---|---|
| Agriculture | $43,903 |
| Construction | $74,295 |
| Manufacturing | $68,846 |
| Wholesale Trade | $77,961 |
| Retail Trade | $62,513 |
| Transportation and Warehousing | $75,921 |
| Information, Culture, Recreation | $57,990 |
| Finance, Insurance, Real Estate, Leasing | $77,623 |
| Business, Building and Other Support Services | $55,183 |
| Accommodation & Food Services | $46,553 |
| Other Services (Repair, Personal Services and Related) | $77,287 |
| Public Administration | $61,504 |
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.
