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Art valuer
Art valuers give advice on how much a piece of art or a collection of art is worth.
Average salary (a year)
£20000
Starter
£40000
Experienced
Typical hours (a week)
38.0 to 40.0 hours
irregular
Work Hours
evenings / weekends
as customers demand
How to become
Explore the different ways to get into this role
You can get into this job through:a university course; working towards this role; a graduate training scheme
University
You could complete a degree in a subject, such as art history, fine arts and restoration or fine arts conservation.
After your degree if you could then take professional training in valuation. You could also do a specialist postgraduate course, like art market and appraisal or arts business.
Internships
Some large auction houses offer internship programmes for university students.
You can view information on placements and work experience from the Museums Association.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
  • 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
Work
You could work in an auction house or antiques business as an assistant, porter or cataloguer. This is a great opportunity to learn through experience and part time study.
Volunteering
You might find it useful to get some work experience as getting in to this work can be competitive. Volunteering can also help you to get started in this career.
Other Routes
You could join a graduate training scheme with a large auction house. Employers only offer a few of these each year.
You'll usually need a degree in a subject like history of art or fine art, along with relevant art and business experience.
More Information
Further Information
You can find out more about careers in art valuation from the Museums Association.
You can also get information about working in creative careers from Discover Creative Careers.
What it takes
Find out what skills you’ll use in this role
Skills and knowledge
You'll need:
    To be thorough and pay attention to detail
    Customer service skills
    Administration skills
    Excellent verbal communication skills
    Patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
    The ability to use your judgement and make decisions
    Maths knowledge
    Legal knowledge including court procedures and government regulations
Digital Skills Level
to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device
What you will do
Discover the day-to-day tasks you’ll do in this role
Day to day tasks
As an art valuer, you might
assess the condition, quality and age of the art, check if objects have been restored or changed in any way, carry out research and speak with specialists and historians, keep up to date with current prices and demand, prepare written valuations for clients, lead auctions and make sure goods are sold for the best price, act as an expert witness in disputed cases that have gone to court
Working environment
You could work at a client's home, in an office or at a client's business.
Your working environment may be dusty and you'll travel often.
Career Path & Progression
Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities
You could become a specialist in a particular period or type of art, move from small to large auction houses or work in a high profile gallery.
With experience you could set up your own business, offering a valuation service as well as buying and selling fine arts and antiques.
Job profile data provided by The National Careers Service.
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