Smithsonian Institution Salary

How Much Does Smithsonian Institution Pay for employees?

As of May 2026, the average weekly salary for employees at Smithsonian Institution in the United States is $1,824. This translates to an approximate annual wage of $94,843. Salaries at Smithsonian Institution typically range from $1,604 to $2,068 weekly, reflecting the diverse roles and experience levels within the company. Smithsonian Institution’s salaries are influenced by a wide range of factors including job role, department, years of experience, and location.
DISCLAIMER: The salary range presented here is an estimation that has been derived from our proprietary algorithm. It should be noted that this range does not originate from the company's factual payroll records or survey data.

How Much Does Smithsonian Institution Pay for Different Roles?

The table below outlines the annual salary ranges for popular roles within the company, helping you benchmark potential earnings. Use 'View by Card/Table' option to find the data most relevant to your career path.

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

DISCLAIMER: The salary range presented here is an estimation that has been derived from our proprietary algorithm. It should be noted that this range does not originate from the company's factual payroll records or survey data.

Turn Insight into Opportunity: Current Job Openings

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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.
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.
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...
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.

Is Smithsonian Institution’s Pay Competitive? Salary Benchmarking Analysis

How does Smithsonian Institution’s compensation stack up against the market? This analysis visualizes their average salary compared to its industry benchmark and key peer companies.
Peer Company & Industry Benchmarking
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Average Salary ($/year)
Smithsonian Institution
Business Services
KAYS SYSTEMS INC
TELETECH PHILIPPINES
Industry Comparison
Our data shows that, on average, compensation at Smithsonian Institution is below the average for the U.S. Business Services industry by approximately 22%. This positioning suggests their pay is below the market average within their sector.
Peer Company Comparison
To provide a broader market perspective, we compared Smithsonian Institution average annual salary with several similar companies. Smithsonian Institution average salary of $94,843 is higher than KAYS SYSTEMS INC, which has an average salary of $83,475. It is higher than TELETECH PHILIPPINES, with their average salary at $78,067. This places Smithsonian Institution in a competitive position among its peers.
See Your True Competitors
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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.