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 63 reviews)); "Good benefits and bear transit" ((in 34 reviews)); "Great staff I enjoyed my time there." ((in 20 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?

"Slow moving and low pay." ((in 26 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))

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

Ratings by demographic groups

Race / Ethnicity

Gender

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Veteran status

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

4.0

Sep 19, 2017

Lots of co-workers, but they're all great

Anonymous employee

Recommend

CEO approval

Business Outlook

Pros

-I was allowed to ease into my position and not have a bunch of work dumped on me at the start -I was given opportunities to do more than my job description (in a good way) -My co-workers were a funny, open, supportive, non-passive-aggressive group

Cons

-I wasn't used to working in such a huge organization, so it took some time to get used to having 500 or so co-workers.

3.0

Sep 11, 2017

Great Mission, Great Collections, Great People, Not So Great Leadership

Anonymous employee

Recommend

CEO approval

Business Outlook

Pros

Amazing collections and programs that attract huge and grateful audiences. A known and trusted brand name.

Cons

A lot of the museum directors are egotistical people looking to further their own careers, and don't seem dedicated to Smithsonian as a whole. The new Secretary has turned out to be quite charming, but provides underwhelming leadership and direction. The new strategic plan is a jumble of meaningless catchphrases.

2.0

Sep 10, 2017

Love/Hate Relationship

It manager

Recommend

CEO approval

Business Outlook

Pros

I love the Smithsonian. The mission, the collections, the locations are truly world-class. The cache of working at the Smithsonian makes you blush at parties. The public loves SI. The work we do often makes a difference in many people's lives. We are the official cultural institution of the US, and also perform a tremendous amount of scientific research. It's really a magical place (some days).

Cons

I hate the Smithsonian. We're poor and filled with a large cadre of long term federal employees who checked out decades ago. Some of the worst managers I have ever worked with, who haven't updated their style since 1963. Management by fear and discrimination, promotes friends and suppresses those who actually perform work. Promotion? Dream on. People sacrifice their health for the institution with some literally dying in the office from stress. There is no accountability or repercussions for managers.

Viewing 52 - 54 of 508 Reviews

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Smithsonian reviews

Company ratings over time

Ratings by demographic groups

Reviews by job title

Lots of co-workers, but they're all great

Great Mission, Great Collections, Great People, Not So Great Leadership

Love/Hate Relationship

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Jobs at Smithsonian