Auctioneer
Auctioneers arrange auction sales, advertise, assess goods and property, run bidding, and sell items to the highest bidders.
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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 2023 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
To find out how well this occupation fits your work personality types, complete the Work Personalities Quiz in Find Your Fit.
Click or tap a personality type for its description.
Find other alis occupations that match this occupation’s work personalities.
To identify or change your work personalities, complete the Work Personalities Quiz in Find Your Fit.
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
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.
To find out how well this occupation fits your abilities, complete the Abilities Quiz in Find Your Fit.
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.
To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Quiz in Find Your Fit.
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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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 101 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Mar 12, 2024 and Oct 07, 2025.
Review these skills to learn:
Construction Specialization: Client focus | 75 |
---|---|
Tasks: Identify and solicit potential clients | 75 |
Construction Specialization: Excellent oral communication | 73 |
Construction Specialization: Effective interpersonal skills | 67 |
Construction Specialization: Organized | 66 |
Attention to detail | 61 |
Construction Specialization: Team player | 59 |
Construction Specialization: Flexibility | 57 |
Tasks: Consult with clients after sale or signed contracts | 56 |
Construction Specialization: Excellent written communication | 56 |
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 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.
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.
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 2021 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 | $16.83 | $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
ALL INDUSTRIES | $73,118 |
---|---|
Construction | $67,434 |
Manufacturing | $77,561 |
Wholesale Trade | $75,647 |
Retail Trade | $72,909 |
Transportation and Warehousing | $85,507 |
Information, Culture, Recreation | $61,138 |
Finance, Insurance, Real Estate, Leasing | $69,877 |
Professional, Scientific & Technical Services | $65,015 |
Business, Building and Other Support Services | $68,918 |
Accommodation & Food Services | $60,101 |
Other Services (Repair, Personal Services and Related) | $69,018 |
Public Administration | $61,240 |
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.