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

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).

Reviews by job title

650 reviews
3.0
Nov 17, 2025

fine

Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

okay time at sothebys it's like an art history degree

Cons

antiquated in areas but that is part of it's charm

2.0
Nov 16, 2025

Unsustainable

Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Coworkers were lovely, funny, hardworking people who I hope to keep in my network for years to come.

Cons

After nearly a decade in the art world, I did not feel valued by Sotheby's, or appropriately compensated, for my institutional knowledge, experience, positive peer reviews, or income driving initiatives. I fought hard to stay and advocate for my worth, but was told they could not "justify" paying more than what was allocated for my position's salary band - a salary band which is completely unsustainable for basic life necessities. I see brilliant and valuable colleagues in the same boat and I know Sotheby's is destined to lose them too, since cheap labor is prioritized over retention of talent. On top of everything, I was $exually hara$$ed at a work event, and when I brought this to HR, no action was taken. I would call my ultimate decision to exit the company a "death by a thousand cuts" and I don't wish that on anyone.

3.0
Nov 15, 2025
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

- Friendly people - Alright pay - Ability to experience sales and amazing art

Cons

- lack of movement in the position - no real opportunities outside of main tasks

Viewing 16 - 18 of 650 Reviews

Glassdoor has 878 Sotheby's reviews submitted anonymously by Sotheby's employees. Read employee reviews and ratings on Glassdoor to decide if Sotheby's is right for you.