Auctioneering: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Designed for aspiring professionals in the dynamic world of commercial sales, this program equips learners with the specialized expertise needed to excel as licensed auctioneers and auction managers. It emphasizes both the practical mechanics of live auctions and the legal, financial, and strategic foundations required for success in diverse market environments.
- Bid calling: Mastering the rhythmic, precise verbal techniques essential for conducting fast-paced, high-energy auction sessions with clarity and authority.
- Public speaking: Developing confidence and vocal control to engage audiences, communicate value, and maintain momentum during live events.
- Ringworking: Learning the physical and psychological dynamics of moving through the auction ring with precision, presence, and effective crowd management.
- Auction techniques: Studying proven methodologies for pricing, timing, and structuring auctions to maximize buyer participation and sale outcomes.
- Salesmanship skills: Cultivating persuasive communication, negotiation, and customer engagement strategies tailored to the auction environment.
- Auction clerking and cashiering: Gaining proficiency in transaction documentation, payment processing, and post-sale administrative duties.
- Auction advertising: Creating compelling promotional content across digital and traditional platforms to attract qualified bidders and drive interest.
- Independent and agency-based operations: Understanding the responsibilities and business models associated with self-employed auctioneers versus those working within established auction firms.
- Contracts and agency law: Studying legal frameworks governing consignment agreements, fiduciary duties, and professional accountability.
- Sales law compliance: Ensuring adherence to state and federal regulations related to consumer protection, disclosure, and transaction integrity.
- Specialized auction management: Acquiring expertise in organizing and executing auctions for niche markets, including antiques, real estate, livestock, farm and industrial equipment, vehicles, and consignment goods.
Auctioneering Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Auctioneering Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Auctioneering degrees, including Sales and Related Workers, All Other. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 99,070 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sales and Related Workers, All Other 41-9099 | $46,370 | $28,060 - $95,850 | 99,070 | $22.29 |
Auctioneering Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $28,680 in Mississippi to $72,840 in Alaska—a 154% difference. The highest-paying states include Alaska, Washington, and New Jersey. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 99,070 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Auctioneering by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 1 institutions offering Auctioneering programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Auctioneering is found at Harrisburg Area Community College (HACC) (15 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 15 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Harrisburg Area Community College (HACC) |
Other Award
|
15 | Harrisburg, Pennsylvania | Public | hacc.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Auctioneering programs
How much can I earn with a Auctioneering degree?
Salaries for Auctioneering graduates vary by role and location. Sales and Related Workers, All Other earn a median of $46,370 annually. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in Alaska average $72,840 compared to $28,680 in Mississippi. Approximately 99,070 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Auctioneering programs?
Currently 1 accredited institutions offer Auctioneering degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Harrisburg Area Community College (HACC) (15 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Auctioneering growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have decreased over the past decade, rising from 25 in 2010 to 15 in 2023-24. This represents a 40% decrease overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with consistent demand, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a Auctioneering degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Sales and Related Workers, All Other. Related occupations employ approximately 99,070 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
Related Business Programs
Explore similar degree programs within the Business field. These programs share the same academic discipline and may offer complementary skills and career pathways.
Executive and Career Coaching
A program of study that focuses on assisting individuals achieve career goals or assisting business leaders achieve organizational change. Includes instruction in executive...
Human Resources Management and Services
Any instructional program in human resources management not listed above.
International Business and Trade
A program that prepares individuals to manage international businesses and/or business operations. Includes instruction in the principles and processes of export sales, trade...
Management Information Systems
A program that generally prepares individuals to provide and manage data systems and related facilities for processing and retrieving internal business information; select...
Information Resources Management
A program that prepares individuals to apply principles of information technology, computer systems management, and business operations to the planning, management, and evaluation...
Knowledge Management
A program that focuses on the study of knowledge management in government agencies and corporations for the purpose of supporting stated organizational goals...