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 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 70 reviews)); "Good benefits and bear transit" ((in 33 reviews)); "Great staff I enjoyed my time there." ((in 24 reviews)); "Great coworkers and behind the scenes access to museum collections" ((in 18 reviews)); "Amazing opportunities to work on global projects and collaborate with internationally celebrated artists and scholars." ((in 17 reviews))

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

"Pay is low but definitely no lower than industry standards." ((in 26 reviews)); "Low salary for DC metropolitan area" ((in 15 reviews)); "Lack of leadership and hard to fire" ((in 14 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 9 reviews))

What are the top reviewed Smithsonian locations?

Washington , Chantilly , New York , Suitland , Arlington , Chicago , Front Royal , Annapolis , Edgewater , District Heights , Falls Church , Herndon , Manassas , Sterling , Wisconsin Rapids , Tucson , Ann Arbor , Burlington , Saint Cloud , Shepherdstown , San Diego , Berkeley , Las Vegas , Ruston , Seattle , Catonsville , Columbia , California , Chevy Chase , Fort Washington

Smithsonian reviews

4.1

66% would recommend to a friend

(508 total reviews)

Dr. David J. Skorton

75% approve of CEO

64% positive business outlook

Company ratings over time

Ratings trend for the last 6 months (508 reviews)

Ratings by demographic groups

Race / Ethnicity

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Smithsonian has an employee rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars, based on 508 company reviews on Glassdoor which indicates that most employees have an excellent working experience there. The Smithsonian employee rating is in line with the average (within 1 standard deviation) for employers within the Nonprofit & NGO industry (3.7 stars).

Reviews by job title

508 reviews

5.0

Apr 8, 2016

Love it !

Anonymous employee

Recommend

CEO approval

Business Outlook

Pros

The people are great! Really care about their employees

Cons

As a contractor the taxes you have to pay are terrible, plus no benefits

3.0

Mar 30, 2016

Smithsonian Institute

Gallery attendant

Recommend

CEO approval

Business Outlook

Pros

Good group to work with.

Cons

I do not have any regrets.

5.0

Mar 28, 2016

Good place to work at, but

Designer

Recommend

CEO approval

Business Outlook

Pros

Most everyone is passionate about what they do and it's a great atmosphere to work in. Pay isn't that high but once you move up the supervisory role, it can increase. Overall, everyone is great to work with and it has the feel of a more organic non profit environment while still having the structure of the federal government. Great work life balance. No one can force you to stay longer and work overtime since it's the government.

Cons

Pay is low, some people are lifers and have lost passion and skill in what they do. It is the federal government..

Viewing 400 - 402 of 508 Reviews

Jobs at Smithsonian

Museum Specialist (General)

Collections Move Coordinator

Museum Specialist (General)

Smithsonian

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Love it !

Smithsonian Institute

Good place to work at, but

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