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Auction House Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Specialist, Jewelry

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$80K - $110K/yr

About Bonhams Bonhams is a global auction house with an 18th century heritage poised for transformative change. Our global operations are based in London, Paris, New York, Los Angeles and Hong Kong ...

About Bonhams Bonhams is a global auction house with an 18th century heritage poised for transformative change. Our global operations are based in London, Paris, New York,Los Angelesand Hong Kong ...

Senior Numismatist

Dallas, TX · On-site

$60K - $200K/yr (+ commission)

Prior experience in coin shops, auctions, or dealing strongly preferred Company Description Gold Standard Auctions is a rapidly growing auction house specializing in coins, precious metals, and ...

Other duties may be assigned Requirements EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE: * 5+ years of experience as a commercial dealer and/or auction house working environment with focus in currency a plus. SKILLS ...

Coin Grader

Dallas, TX · On-site

$60K - $120K/yr

Experience with coin imaging or cataloging systems Company Description Gold Standard Auctions is a rapidly growing auction house specializing in coins, precious metals, and collectibles. We handle ...

Numismatist

Dallas, TX · On-site

$60K - $200K/yr (+ commission)

Prior experience in coin shops, auctions, or dealing strongly preferred Company Description Gold Standard Auctions is a rapidly growing auction house specializing in coins, precious metals, and ...

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How much do auction house jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for auction house in the United States is $20.23, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $26.44 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an auction house do?

An Auction House job typically involves managing, appraising, and selling items through auctions. Responsibilities may include cataloging items, coordinating events, working with buyers and sellers, and handling bids. Employees may specialize in areas such as fine art, antiques, real estate, or collectibles. Strong organizational, negotiation, and customer service skills are essential for success in this field.

What skills and qualifications are needed for an auction house?

To succeed in an auction house, you need a strong background in art or collectibles appraisal, excellent organizational abilities, and often a degree in art history, business, or a related field. Familiarity with auction management software, inventory tracking systems, and sometimes auctioneer certification are commonly required. Strong negotiation, customer service, and communication skills set top candidates apart in client interactions. These qualifications are crucial for managing valuable assets, ensuring smooth auction operations, and building client trust.

What are the typical career growth opportunities at an auction house?

Auction houses often provide clear pathways for career advancement, starting from roles such as cataloguer or auction assistant and progressing to specialist, department head, or auctioneer positions. Employees who demonstrate expertise in valuation and client relations may eventually move into senior management or director-level roles overseeing specific departments or entire sale categories. Professional development through continuing education, certifications, and on-the-job experience is encouraged, and networking with industry professionals may also open doors to new opportunities. Teamwork and a willingness to take on diverse responsibilities are highly valued, as auction houses often rely on cross-functional collaboration to host successful events.

How much do auction houses make?

Auction house employees' earnings vary widely depending on their role, experience, and the size of the auction house. Auctioneers and specialists can earn from around $30,000 to over $100,000 annually, with top professionals and those working in high-end markets earning more. Income often includes commissions based on sales, which can significantly impact total earnings.

Is auctioneering a good career?

Auctioneering is a specialized career involving conducting sales at auctions, often requiring strong public speaking, negotiation skills, and knowledge of the items being sold. It can be financially rewarding for experienced professionals, especially in high-value markets, but it may involve irregular hours and competitive entry. Success depends on skill development, reputation, and market demand.
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Infographic showing various Auction House job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $42,071 per year, or $20.2 per hour.

Specialist, Jewelry

Bonhams

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$80K - $110K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 13 days ago


Job description

About Bonhams
Bonhams is a global auction house with an 18th century heritage poised for transformative change. Our global operations are based in London, Paris, New York, Los Angeles and Hong Kong where we sell in over 60 categories, including motor cars, paintings, jewelry, and entertainment memorabilia.
Our employees are passionate about their work, and we pride ourselves on a bespoke approach that aims to make every client feel important.
Bonhams is an Equal Opportunity Employer. As part of our commitment to fight for equality, we work to ensure a fair and consistent interview process. We celebrate diversity and we are committed to an inclusive work environment.
About the Role
As a Specialist in the Jewelry department, you will play a pivotal role in contributing to consignment efforts and developing new client initiatives for our Los Angeles-based department. Drawing on deep knowledge of the luxury jewelry market and strong relationships with key clients, you'll help the department meet its budget goals and deliver a smooth consignment and purchasing experience. This role is well suited to someone with auction house experience who enjoys working closely with a small, collaborative team to achieve shared objectives.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
  • Valuing and advising Bonhams clients on the sale of their jewelry at Bonhams offices in Los Angeles and elsewhere in the US, as required.
  • Maintaining contact with collectors and individuals with known collections of jewelry.
  • Actively pursuing new business for the department including entertaining clients as and when appropriate.
  • Proposing new initiatives to the US Head of Jewelry to assist in the development of the department.
  • Assisting with maintaining and developing the database of jewelry buyers and sellers.
  • Fostering good relations with trade and professional bodies to assist with the advancement of the department.
  • Ensuring the requirements of the clients' contract with Bonhams are met, from consignment to final payment, with departmental support.
  • Supporting the team on sale days with all aspects of the auction procedure.
  • Providing prospective clients with detailed condition reports and advice about purchasing at auction while conducting viewings.
  • Conducting property valuations for clients, as needed, both at our office and various locations across the US.
  • Supporting and mentoring the team to encourage their development and knowledge of the market.
  • Detailed cataloguing, researching, editing, and proofing for sales in Los Angeles or other locations as needed.
  • Assisting on exhibition events, either in the US or worldwide as and when required.
  • Maintaining an awareness of our competitor's strategies to maintain the competitive position of the jewelry department in the market.
  • Promoting the department through lectures and other promotional events.

Qualifications
  • At least 5 years of relevant experience in a gemological field in a client-facing role
  • Stone identification and the ability to calculate individual and total carat weights
  • Knowledge of and genuine interest in jewelry, including makers, stylistic periods, and history
  • Proven market and trend awareness, business acumen, valuation and negotiation skills
  • Bachelor's degree or equivalent
  • Strong network of contacts or willingness to build a portfolio
  • Functional working knowledge of the whole auction process and related procedures (e.g. shipping regulations, VAT)
  • Excellent time management and organization skills with ability to work tight deadlines and under pressure
  • High level of interpersonal and communication skills both written and oral
  • Demonstrable ability to work as part of team and independently
  • Proven ability to prioritize multiple projects at a time, while maintaining sharp attention to detail

Additional Desired Qualities
  • Experience in an auction house, gallery, or museum
  • Fluency with PC applications including Microsoft Suite and digital image management
  • Ability to quickly learn company proprietary database
  • Strong organizational skills and exceptional time management
  • Excellent oral and written communication and interpersonal skills
  • Discretion with the ability to maintain highly sensitive, confidential information
  • Multi-lingual abilities are a plus

What We Offer
In addition to an active and progressive work environment, Bonhams offers a competitive benefits package to encourage work/life balance, including:
  • Excellent medical, dental and vision insurance - HMO, EPO, PPO with FSA and HSA
  • 20 days paid time off (PTO)
  • 12 paid holidays and holiday break from Christmas to New Years Day
  • 16 weeks fully paid parental leave and flexible work arrangements
  • 401(k) retirement plan with company contribution
  • Life insurance with AD & D
  • Short- and long-term disability
  • Paid cellphone and data service
  • Professional development: tuition reimbursement and free online training library
  • Commuter benefits (transit and parking)
  • Employee assistance program (EAP)
  • Onboarding buddy: 90 day mentor to welcome and orient new joiners
  • Employee resource groups: social club, diversity committee, mentorship program
  • Sponsored socials: annual staff art exhibition, annual summer and holiday parties, monthly snacks and treats

Applicants who best match the position needs will be contacted.
Bonhams participates in E-Verify.
$80,000 - $110,000 annually, DOE