Does Sotheby's pay their employees well?

According to anonymously submitted Glassdoor reviews, Sotheby's employees rate their compensation and benefits as 2.1 out of 5. Find out more about salaries and benefits at Sotheby's. This rating has been stable over the past 12 months.

How satisfied are employees working at Sotheby's?

21% of Sotheby's employees would recommend working there to a friend based on Glassdoor reviews . Employees also rated Sotheby's 2.6 out of 5 for work life balance, 2.3 for culture and values and 2.6 for career opportunities.

What are the top reviewed jobs at Sotheby's?

Intern (53) , Administrator (23) , Specialist (23) , Floater (18) , Exhibition Assistant (15) , Associate (13) , Internship (13) , Cataloger (11) , Coordinator (10) , Marketing (9) , cataloguer (9) , Manager (8) , Administrative Assistant (7) , Project Manager (7) , Art Handler (6)

What are the pros of working at Sotheby's according to real employee reviews?

"The people are great and working with art is amazing" ((in 58 reviews)); "Colleagues are great and you get to work with wonderful clients and artworks" ((in 52 reviews)); "Beautiful team and great works of art" ((in 17 reviews)); "Great opportunity to get to know the auction and private sale art market at a prestigious art auction house!" ((in 16 reviews)); "Great working environment in the office" ((in 15 reviews))

What are the cons of working at Sotheby's according to real employee reviews?

"pay is low and not appreciated" ((in 78 reviews)); "Management is poor" ((in 48 reviews)); "low salary and not much prospect" ((in 46 reviews)); "Long hours and weekends sometimes" ((in 20 reviews)); "Poor leadership and management." ((in 15 reviews))

What are employees saying about Sotheby's layoffs in 2026?

Explore Glassdoor’s employee reviews to understand what current and former employees are saying about Sotheby's layoffs and their outlook for job security at Sotheby's in 2026.

What are the top reviewed Sotheby's locations?

New York , Los Angeles , Miami , Charleston , Midtown New York , Margate City , Chicago , College Point , Port Chester , Lafayette , Sonoma , Aspen , Seattle , Atlanta , Upper East Side

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Sotheby's

Sotheby's reviews

2.5

21% would recommend to a friend

(650 total reviews)

Charles F. Stewart

12% approve of CEO

23% positive business outlook

Ratings by category

2.6

Work/Life balance

2.6

Career opportunities

2.3

Culture & values

2.2

Diversity & inclusion

2.1

Compensation and benefits

2.0

Senior management

Sotheby's has an employee rating of 2.5 out of 5 stars, based on 650 company reviews on Glassdoor which indicates that most employees have an average working experience there. The Sotheby's employee rating is 29% below average for employers within the Retail & Wholesale industry (3.5 stars).

Ratings by demographic groups

Race / Ethnicity

Gender

Sexual orientation

Disability

Parent or family caregiver

Veteran status

Reviews by job title

650 reviews

1.0

Mar 19, 2016

stay away

Anonymous employee

Recommend

CEO approval

Business Outlook

Pros

nice ten floor building, well-known brand to put on your resume

Cons

People are racist and sexist, they are trying every possible way to manipulate your, WATCH OUT. Don't let people taking advantage of you.

3.0

Dec 2, 2013

Incredible access to art, but very low pay

Anonymous employee

Recommend

CEO approval

Business Outlook

Pros

Amazing access to art, the auctions are exciting and fast paced, some opportunities to travel, incredible opportunity to see the wheelings and dealings of the rich and famous.

Cons

Competitive work environment, expected to work long hours and weekends for very low pay. Nepotism runs rampant, very easy to feel like an outsider if your upbringing did not involve boarding schools, summers in Europe, and trust funds.

1.0

Sep 18, 2025

Traumatized physically and mentally

Administrator

Recommend

CEO approval

Business Outlook

Pros

Good name on resume. Exposure to world-class art.

Cons

Exploitative, lack of mentorship, 70+ hour workweeks for minimum wage, hostile environment to POCs. Developed chronic skin condition due to stress and long hours. Do not work here if you value your physical and mental health. Consider that this is coming from a self-admitted nepo baby (as referenced in the other reviews) – unfortunately the mistreatment is that entrenched.

Viewing 49 - 51 of 650 Reviews

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Jobs at Sotheby's