Does Smithsonian pay their employees well?

According to anonymously submitted Glassdoor reviews, Smithsonian employees rate their compensation and benefits as 3.7 out of 5. Find out more about salaries and benefits at Smithsonian. This rating has improved by 5% over the last 12 months.

How satisfied are employees working at Smithsonian?

66% of Smithsonian employees would recommend working there to a friend based on Glassdoor reviews . Employees also rated Smithsonian 4.1 out of 5 for work life balance, 4.0 for culture and values and 3.4 for career opportunities.

What are the top reviewed jobs at Smithsonian?

Intern (56) , Internship (13) , Explainer (10) , Retail Sales Associate (9) , Sales Associate (9) , Contractor (8) , Postdoctoral Fellow (8) , Research Assistant (8) , Museum Specialist (7) , Program Coordinator (7) , Security Officer (7) , Archivist (6) , Curator (6) , Education Specialist (6) , Program Assistant (6)

What are the pros of working at Smithsonian according to real employee reviews?

"And you will meet so many great people (tourist) from all over the world." ((in 68 reviews)); "Good benefits and bear transit" ((in 38 reviews)); "Great staff I enjoyed my time there." ((in 20 reviews)); "Excellent work environment and supportive" ((in 16 reviews)); "Coworkers are friendly and well" ((in 16 reviews))

What are the cons of working at Smithsonian according to real employee reviews?

"Slow moving and low pay." ((in 28 reviews)); "Lack of leadership and hard to fire" ((in 13 reviews)); "Low salary for DC metropolitan area" ((in 12 reviews)); "Unpaid internship where I was doing some of the same work that paid employees were doing." ((in 12 reviews)); "Long hours and very administrative at times" ((in 8 reviews))

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Smithsonian reviews

Explainer at Air and Space Museum (D.C) - Explainer Smithsonian Employee Review

5.0

19 Apr 2018

Explainer

Recommend

CEO approval

Business outlook

Pros

The interview process is long but entertaining as you have to perform a demo in a group setting. The explainer program is geared towards high school students and college students so it's nice to be working with a group of people around the same age apart from your coordinator. They make sure you are ready with the correct information and ability to perform before putting you on the floor. Overall great experience and great opportunity to network.

Cons

Only con was you must learn each demo fast enough b/c once you fall behind it seems almost as if they kinda stop helping you progress and then you're on your own.

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5.0

8 Jun 2026

Project manager

Recommend

CEO approval

Business outlook

Pros

Great mission. Strong benefits including health insurance and 403b contribution. Many people stick around for 5, 10, 15+ years.

Cons

Things are sometimes slow due to bureaucracy.

4.0

6 Jun 2026

Collections specialist

Recommend

CEO approval

Business outlook

Pros

There is a strong community and network in museum and natural science collections and support.

Cons

Working conditions have a standard of museum environment settings, not ideal for those that desire to be outside all day.

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Jobs at Smithsonian

Program Assistant (IS-0303-06)

Exhibits Specialist (IS-1010-11)

Management Support Specialist

Interdisciplinary (Biologist, Ecologist, Zoologist) Postdoctoral Research Fellow, IS-0408-09

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