Smithsonian Institution (Smithsonian) — Salaries & Pay 2026
Smithsonian employs 4,700 civilian FTE (OMB, FY2024). Smithsonian's verified average salary is $102,790/year (OPM FedScope, 2026).
FTE Source: OMB Analytical Perspectives, FY2027 Budget, Table 5-1 • Salary Source: OPM FWD, April 2026
Smithsonian Pay at a Glance
The Smithsonian Institution employed 4,700 civilian FTE as of FY2024 (OMB). The verified average salary for Smithsonian is $102,790/year as of 2026 (OPM FedScope). Use our GS Pay Calculator for your exact salary by grade, step, and location.
4.7K
Civilian FTE (OMB, FY2024)
$103K
Smithsonian verified avg salary (2026)
GS 1–15
General Schedule pay range
FTE = full-time equivalent; part-time employees count fractionally. Salary is base pay + locality pay; excludes benefits. View agency salary detail on OPM FedScope →
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Smithsonian Employment Overview
| Metric | Value | Source & Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Civilian FTE (FY2024) | 4,700 | OMB Analytical Perspectives FY2027 Budget, Table 5-1 (2024 Actual). FTE, not headcount. |
| Avg Agency Salary | $102,790 | OPM EHRI Employment Snapshot, REDACTED records excluded. Base + locality pay; excludes benefits. |
| Pay system | General Schedule (GS) + others | Most Smithsonian civilians on GS (15 grades × 10 steps). Some on SES, SL/ST, wage grade, or special rate tables. |
| Pay period | Biweekly (26×/yr) | Divide annual salary by 26 for biweekly gross pay. |
| Locality pay | 17.06% – 44.15% | Varies by duty station across 58 OPM pay areas. Rate × base pay = locality supplement. |
| Pay cap (2026) | $197,200 | Executive Schedule Level IV. Applies to GS employees whose locality-adjusted salary would exceed this amount. |
Common Occupations at Smithsonian
Major occupational categories employed at Smithsonian Institution. Actual pay for each category depends on GS grade, step, and duty station. Use the GS Pay Calculator for a personalized figure.
- ✓Museum curators & archivists
- ✓Scientists & researchers
- ✓Education & program specialists
- ✓Facilities & operations management
- ✓IT & digital media specialists
About Smithsonian Institution
The world's largest museum and research complex, comprising 19 museums, 21 libraries, 9 research centers, and the National Zoo. Approximately 40% of funding comes from federal appropriations; the remainder from private endowment and donations. The FTE count covers federally funded positions; private-trust employees are separate.
Calculate Your Exact Smithsonian Salary
Your actual pay depends on your GS grade, step, and duty station locality. Use our free calculator for an instant, accurate result.
Smithsonian Pay — Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary at the Smithsonian Institution?↓
The verified average salary at Smithsonian is $102,790 as of 2026, based on OPM EHRI Employment Snapshot data where REDACTED records are excluded. Use our GS Pay Calculator to find your exact salary based on grade, step, and duty station.
How many employees does the Smithsonian have?↓
The Smithsonian Institution employed 4,700 full-time equivalent (FTE) civilian employees as of FY2024, per the OMB Analytical Perspectives FY2027 Budget Table 5-1. FTE figures count part-time employees as fractions of a full-time position.
How is federal pay determined at Smithsonian?↓
Federal civilian pay is set by the General Schedule (GS) pay system for most employees. Pay = Base Pay (by grade and step) × (1 + Locality Rate). Smithsonian employees in different metropolitan areas receive different locality adjustments — from 17.06% (Rest of U.S.) to over 44% in San Jose-San Francisco. Use our GS Pay Calculator to find your rate.
Do Smithsonian employees receive federal benefits?↓
Yes. Smithsonian employees receive the full federal benefits package: FERS retirement (pension + Social Security + TSP with agency match), FEHB health insurance, FEGLI life insurance, Federal Dental and Vision (FEDVIP), and flexible spending accounts. Use our FERS Retirement Calculator to estimate your retirement income.
What is the FERS retirement benefit for Smithsonian employees?↓
FERS pension = High-3 Average Salary × Years of Service × 1% (or 1.1% if you retire at 62+ with 20+ years). For example, a Smithsonian employee with a $100,000 High-3 salary and 30 years of service would receive $30,000/year ($2,500/month) in FERS pension, plus Social Security and TSP savings. Use our FERS Retirement Calculator for a personalized estimate.
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Data Accuracy Notice: FTE figures are from the OMB Analytical Perspectives FY2027 Budget (Table 5-1, 2024 Actual), a U.S. government official publication. Salary figures come from OPM's Federal Workforce Data portal (April 2026). Agency-specific averages are shown only when the public EHRI records are representative; redaction-limited agencies use the government-wide benchmark. This page does not constitute financial or career advice. Always verify current pay rates with your agency HR office and OPM.gov.