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How to Become An Auctioneer

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What is a Auctioneer

An auctioneer is a sales professional who conducts auctions for real estate, goods, livestock, and collectables. They take bids from buyers and sell to whoever offers the most, creating an exciting buying event.

On a typical day, auctioneers prepare items, set opening prices, and build excitement before the sale. They need to read the room fast, call bids clearly, and keep the energy going until the gavel drops.

Off the floor, there is admin work too. That includes contracts, compliance, payment processing, and keeping clients updated after the sale.

If you love performing under pressure and talking to people, this career is hard to beat. There are many auction types to specialise in, from high-end property to online collectables. That gives you real choice in how you build your career.

Explore study options in Real Estate

Career Outlook for Auctioneer

Auctioneering is a niche but steady career in Australia. About 570 people work as auctioneers nationally (Jobs and Skills Australia, 2025). The median age is 48, and 82% work full-time. Future demand is rated as stable, meaning jobs are unlikely to spike or disappear in the near term.

Most auctioneers work around 46 hours per week. Median weekly earnings are $1,635, or about $85,000 per year (Jobs and Skills Australia, 2025). Women make up about 14% of the workforce, and the field skews older. This means there is real room for younger people to enter and grow.

Real estate auctions drive most employment, though livestock, art, and online auctions are growing sectors. Auctioneers with digital skills and online platform experience are well placed. The market is shifting as online bidding becomes more common.

On this Article

Introduction

Average Salaries

Resources

Steps to Become an Auctioneer

Step 1: Complete the Certificate IV in Real Estate Practice (CPP41419)

Enrol in the Certificate IV in Real Estate Practice (CPP41419) at a TAFE or registered training organisation (RTO). This qualification takes 12 to 18 months part-time. It covers property law, agency practice, auction conduct, and sales rules. It is the minimum national education standard for most state and territory licensing applications.

Step 2: Apply for Your State or Territory Auctioneer Licence

Each state and territory has its own licensing rules for auctioneers. In NSW, you need a real estate agent licence before applying to NSW Fair Trading for auctioneer approval. In Victoria, Consumer Affairs Victoria issues the relevant licence. In Queensland, the Office of Fair Trading handles all real estate licensing. Check the rules for your state or territory before you apply.

Step 3: Gain Practical Experience as an Assistant Auctioneer

Work as an assistant to an established auctioneer to build hands-on skills. Most states expect a period of guided practice before you conduct auctions alone. Observing different auction types teaches you how to manage crowds, settle disputes, and stay calm under pressure.

Step 4: Join a Professional Body

Apply for membership of the Auctioneers and Valuers Association of Australia (AVAA) or your state Real Estate Institute. Membership gives you access to ongoing training, industry events, and the AVAA Certified Auctioneer (CAAu) credential. Professional ties build client trust and open doors to higher-value auction work.

Step 5: Specialise and Build Your Reputation

Once licensed, choose a niche that fits your strengths. Options include residential property, livestock, fine art, and commercial auctions. Build a personal brand through consistent results, referrals, and engagement at industry events. As your reputation grows, you can move into higher-value auctions or run your own auction house.

Step 6: Continue Your Ongoing Training

Stay current with auction law, market changes, and new platforms through ongoing training. The AVAA offers CPD programs, conferences, and networking events for practising auctioneers. Keeping your skills sharp ensures you remain competitive as the auction industry evolves.

What does an Auctioneer do?

An auctioneer’s day starts long before they step up to the podium. They research items, check valuations, and set up the sale before the first bidder walks in. On the day, they command the room, call bids, and keep the competition moving. After the gavel falls, they handle contracts, payments, and client follow-up. It is a role that blends performance with precision, and every auction is different.

Tasks

Auctioneers run sales events for property, goods, livestock, and collectables. They bring energy and structure to every auction, connecting buyers and sellers in a competitive bidding process.

  • Prepare for auctions: research items, assess values, and set starting bids and reserve prices.
  • Promote sales: market upcoming auctions to attract buyers and generate competitive interest.
  • Conduct the auction: call bids, engage the room, and manage the flow of the event.
  • Negotiate outcomes: work with buyers and sellers when sales need a closing discussion.
  • Handle logistics: manage item display and the flow of the event from start to finish.
  • Provide client support: answer questions and update clients before, during, and after the sale.
  • Manage records: document all auction results, sale prices, and buyer information accurately.
  • Stay informed: follow market trends and industry news to keep advice current.

Skills for Success

To do well as an auctioneer, you need to be a strong talker and a fast thinker. You have to read a crowd, adapt quickly, and keep the energy high throughout a sale.

Beyond speaking skills, you also need good attention to detail for contracts, pricing, and compliance. The more you know about the market, the better your advice to clients will be.

Skills & Attributes

  • Clear verbal communication
  • Persuasion and bid calling
  • Market appraisal and pricing
  • Quick decision-making under pressure
  • Negotiation skills
  • Organisational ability
  • Knowledge of auction law and compliance
  • Client relationship management
  • Public speaking confidence
  • Attention to detail

Average Salaries

An auctioneer in Australia earns about $85,000 per year. This is based on median weekly earnings of $1,635 (Jobs and Skills Australia, 2025). Pay varies with experience, location, and auction type. Entry-level auctioneers often earn around $55,000, while senior auctioneers can earn $130,000 or more.

min $55 K

max $130 K

av $85 K

About the author

Laura Atkinson - Course Finder Groups
Laura Atkinson

Laura Atkinson is an Account Management and SEM specialist at Course Finder Group with six years' experience in the Australian education sector. She works day to day with universities, TAFEs and independent training providers, which gives her a close view of how courses map to real career outcomes. She writes practical guidance on career pathways, choosing the right qualification and what to expect when moving into a new field.