You need to be a real Renaissance man or woman if you want to be an antiques dealer. And no, that doesn't mean you need to be a time traveler from the Middle Ages (although it might help if you could hop back in time and swipe King Arthur's sword—that'd be some pay day).

It does mean that you need a wide variety of wacky skills, though. Since the field may appeal to anyone with an interest in art, business, history, or anthropology, antiques dealers come from all sorts of backgrounds. This also means that if you get good at this job, you're likely to be a highly employable person.

A day in the life of an antiques dealer might include hopping on a plane halfway across the world to see a piece you've been ogling, appraising it based on its authenticity and condition, haggling to get it at a good price, and then later talking it up to antiques enthusiasts (a.k.a. rich people) at an auction to make sure you make a healthy profit.

On top of all the effort it would take to become an expert at all that, you also have to gain the trust of the industry, because (surprise) that's an important part of it too.

Let's hope you're actually good at something other than...what does she do again? (Source)

Antiques dealers work very hard to break into the biz, and even then, it's very hard to succeed after getting in. The average salary in this profession is $45,000 per year...if you're in it for the money or the glory, think twice bucko, because there is probably not going to be much of either. Then again, there are reality shows about everything nowadays—maybe you could be the Kim Kardashian of antiques.

The "traditional" career path for an antiques dealer is to work his or her way up the ladder at an existing establishment. If you're looking for a job as an antiques dealer, you'll want to apply at respected dealerships, auction houses, or antique shops. If you're more the self-starting type and you have the knowledge, courage, and—most importantly—the moolah, then you may consider going it alone.

In these modern times, it's possible to get started by doing business online without the cost and hassle of keeping up a physical gallery. While most antiques dealers aim for independence at some point in their career, less than half actually ever get there.

Regardless of what you study in school, to get a job at a gallery, you'll have to show some serious organizational skills and business-related experience. You'll also want to have some demonstrable knowledge in at least some specialized area, like any of those listed on the National Art and Antiques Dealers Association of America's website.

I appraise the value of this lunch at....seven dollars. I've clearly been overcharged. (Source)

For the first few years of most antiques dealer's careers, they have to learn the tools of the trade at an established dealership. Some things they just can't teach you in school.

Many dealers continue their education while getting their early experience out of the way—courses in art history and/or business are sure to be helpful. As a newbie dealer gains experience and knowledge, he or she will want to begin to specialize. That means if you're a fanatic for both renaissance furniture and Tanzanian masks, you'll have to make a choice between the two and find a position that will make you an expert in a specific area.

Even once you've put ten years in at a good dealership and know all the ropes, you still may not be making much money. We're talking under $50,000—and you can't count on any serious future raises in salary.

As time goes on, your schedule does become more flexible, and there will probably be some youngsters you're allowed to boss around. All the while, you're making valuable connections, which you'll need if you ever want to try to get a more prestigious job or branch out and set up your own shop. Remember, that also takes a lot of cash. Overall, this is a very risky business. Proceed with caution.

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