A new report has found that top US-based sales directors at commercial galleries can earn up to $425,000 annually, with an average salary of $204,000. The study, conducted by Art Agency, Partners, a division of Sotheby’s, analyzed data from 57 US commercial galleries and 36 sales directors.
The report found that sales directors with more than five years of experience in the art industry earn an average salary of $250,000 per year. Meanwhile, those with less than five years of experience earn an average of $133,000 per year.
However, salaries varied significantly based on the size and location of the gallery. Sales directors at galleries in New York City and Los Angeles tended to earn more than those at galleries in smaller cities. Additionally, sales directors at larger galleries with more than 15 employees tended to earn more than those at smaller galleries.
The study also found that sales directors’ bonuses can account for a significant portion of their total compensation. On average, bonuses accounted for 29% of sales directors’ total compensation. However, at some galleries, bonuses accounted for as much as 50% of total compensation.
The report provides valuable insight into the compensation practices of US commercial galleries and may help both employers and employees better understand salary expectations and negotiation tactics. As the art market continues to grow and evolve, it is likely that compensation practices will also change.
Overall, the report suggests that sales directors at commercial galleries can earn significant salaries and that experience, location, and gallery size all play a role in determining compensation.
