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

Museum Retail Store - Senior Sales Associate Smithsonian Employee Review

3.0

Jul 7, 2018

Senior sales associate

Recommend

CEO approval

Business outlook

Pros

Benefits Mission and values Educational public events Location Close to our nation's treasures

Cons

Favoritism Store management needs improvement Career advancement Personal Growth

Explore other reviews about Smithsonian

5.0

Jul 9, 2026

Science explainer

Recommend

CEO approval

Business outlook

Pros

Amazing workplace, flexible schedules, and kind people

Cons

very less pay, visitor interactions can be too much sometimes

3.0

Jul 9, 2026

Arts admin

Recommend

CEO approval

Business outlook

Pros

it was a dream institution

Cons

the current admin makes it stressful working here

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Jobs at Smithsonian

Museum Specialist (General)

Collections Move Coordinator

Washington, DC

US$102K - US$133K /yr

Administrative Officer

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Museum Retail Store - Senior Sales Associate Smithsonian Employee Review

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