Smithsonian Institution Salary

Smithsonian Institution Salary

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As of April 2026, the average annual salary for employees at Smithsonian Institution in the United States is $94,843. This translates to an approximate hourly wage of $46. Salaries at Smithsonian Institution typically range from $83,411 to $107,511 annually, reflecting the diverse roles and experience levels within the company.

How Much Does Smithsonian Institution Pay for Different Roles?

Explore detailed salary information for specific jobs at Smithsonian Institution. Based on our data, the highest paying job is the Human Resources Director - Virtual, with an annual salary of $188,834. The table below outlines the annual salary ranges for most popular roles within the company.

Full Time IT Project Coordinator (2220m)

$60,272 / year

Salary Range: $52,965 - $68,350

Special Events

FT Family Law Paralegal Buckhead (2218)

$94,236 / year

Salary Range: $84,938 - $104,490

Legal

FT Project Coordinator (2220)

$111,722 / year

Salary Range: $95,413 - $126,138

Human Resources

FT - Family Law Paralegal Marietta (2219)

$89,988 / year

Salary Range: $80,932 - $100,162

Legal

FT Administrative Assistant/Research Assistant - Perimeter Area (2202)

$66,604 / year

Salary Range: $59,838 - $74,153

Administrative Assistant IV

FT Office Manager (2214)

$94,664 / year

Salary Range: $82,057 - $105,947

Management

Turn Insight into Opportunity: Current Job Openings

Ready for your next career move? Explore current job openings at Smithsonian Institution.
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About Smithsonian Institution: Company Profile

Website
www.smithsonian.org
Founded In
1846
Employees
3,000 - 7,500 employees
Industry
Business Services
Headquarter Location
WASHINGTON
Revenue
<$5 Million
Phone Number
-
Social Media

Employee Reviews: Insights on Salary, Culture & Work-Life

Gain authentic perspectives from current and former employees. These anonymous reviews offer invaluable insights into Smithsonian Institution's culture, work-life balance, management, and employee sentiment regarding salary satisfaction, bonus payouts, and benefits.
Management is very understanding and supportive of personal commitments. Compensation is fair, and the benefits package is average. Projects are well-managed, and collaboration is genuinely encouraged across departments. This company provides consistent roles and defined expectations.
Commented in April 12, 2025
17
2
There’s a strong sense of purpose in our work. The health insurance benefits are comprehensive and affordable. Efficient systems make tasks easier. Frequent team-building events enhance morale. The company offers a transportation subsidy, which really helps with my daily commute.
Commented in March 02, 2025
19
1
The emphasis on a client-centric approach is deeply ingrained in our operations. Leadership has created an environment where innovation thrives and collaboration happens naturally across departments. This fosters a collaborative environment where the best ideas can come from anywhere. Some teams are highly efficient, while others lag. Coordinated perfectly across multiple service lines. This posit...
Commented in June 20, 2024
23
1
It helps create a clear boundary between work and personal time. This commitment to providing the right resources shows that they value our time and want to empower us to work as productively as possible. We celebrate successes together, and there's a strong emphasis on mutual respect. Benefits are satisfactory and it is especially competitive.
Commented in January 04, 2024
28
2

How Smithsonian Institution's Salaries Compare to Similar Companies?

The data below provides a snapshot of what comparable firms are paying, offering crucial context for evaluating Smithsonian Institution’s pay competitiveness. Click on a company for a deeper dive.

Is Smithsonian Institution’s Pay Competitive? Salary Benchmarking Analysis

How does Smithsonian Institution's compensation stack up against the industry and its key competitors? Our salary benchmarking analysis provides a clear comparison. The chart below visualizes this comparison alongside select peer companies.
Competitor / Benchmark Avg. Salary Variance Primary Market Influence Factor & Explanation
KAYS SYSTEMS INC $83,475
-12.0%
KAYS SYSTEMS INC may offer non-monetary perks in lieu of competitive base salaries.
TELETECH PHILIPPINES $78,068
-17.7%
Reflects market rates for standard general contracting, differing from specialized roles.
PBR DESIGNS $77,234
-18.6%
PBR DESIGNS likely leverages performance bonuses over the high base salary shown here.
DRÄGER $90,565
-4.5%
DRÄGER operates with a leaner overhead structure, impacting base wage offers.
Business Services Industry $120,931
+27.5%
Pay variances are driven by organizational scale, specialized skill requirements, or geographic cost-of-living factors.
Need More Granular Data? The analysis above provides a high-level market overview. To benchmark specific job codes, adjust for real-time cost-of-living changes, or access verified HR-reported datasets, upgrade to Salary.com for Business. Precision matters when building your compensation strategy.

What Is the Cost of Living Near Washington?

Understanding the cost of living near Washington is key to truly evaluating a salary offer or your current compensation at Smithsonian Institution.
Washington D.C.'s Cost of Living Index is approximately 148.7 (48.7% more expensive than US average). Nation's capital, very high housing costs, extensive public transit (WMATA), high overall expenses. When planning your budget based on a salary from Smithsonian Institution, consider these typical monthly expenses:
Expense Category Estimated Monthly Cost Key Considerations / Notes
Housing (1-BR Apt Rent) $2,200 - $3,300+ A significant portion of Smithsonian Institution salary. Location choices impact this heavily.
Utilities (Basic) $150 - $250 Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water etc.
Public Transportation $70-200+ (WMATA SmarTrip varies by use) Essential for most commuters; car ownership is costly.
Groceries (Single Person) $450 - $680 Can be higher with more dining out or specialty stores.
Personal & Leisure $500 - $900+ Dining out, entertainment, shopping. Highly variable.
Healthcare (Individual) $400 - $750+ Varies significantly by plan & employer contribution.
Subtotal (Excluding Taxes) $3,770 - $5,880+ This subtotal does not include income taxes (federal, state, local), which can significantly impact your take-home pay.

Most Common Questions About Smithsonian Institution

FAQ 1: What is the average salary for employees at Smithsonian Institution?
The average annual total compensation for employees at Smithsonian Institution is approximately $94,843. However, this is an aggregate figure, actual salaries can range significantly, typically from $83,411 to $107,511, depending on factors like job role, experience, and location.
FAQ 2: How much does Smithsonian Institution pay compared to KAYS SYSTEMS INC?
The average annual salary at Smithsonian Institution is $94,843, or an hourly wage of $46, in comparison to KAYS SYSTEMS INC which pays $83,475 per year or $40 per hour.
FAQ 3: How does having a professional certification impact salary for relevant roles at Smithsonian Institution?
Professional certifications like PMP (for Project Managers), CPA (for Accountants), or another relevant certification for the industry can often lead to higher salaries and better job prospects at Smithsonian Institution for applicable roles. Certifications demonstrate a verified level of expertise and commitment to a profession, making candidates more competitive.
FAQ 4: Does Smithsonian Institution offer cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) for employees in high-cost areas like Washington?
While some companies offer formal COLA, many, including potentially Smithsonian Institution, incorporate cost of living considerations into their overall salary structure for different locations rather than as a separate, itemized adjustment. This means their base pay bands for roles in high-cost cities like New York City are generally set higher to account for these local market factors.
FAQ 5: What's the typical process for salary reviews and raises at Smithsonian Institution?
Most companies, likely including Smithsonian Institution, conduct formal salary reviews annually, often tied to performance evaluations. During these reviews, factors like individual performance, meeting goals, company performance, and market adjustments are typically considered for potential salary increases.

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