U.S. Federal Government (non-Defense) / Smithsonian Institution / Biological Science Technician

Job-title file

Biological Science Technician

Operate, maintain, and repair equipment or facilities, performing skilled hands-on work.

20 employees hold this title in Smithsonian Institution. Median total compensation for the role is $79,805, below the department median of $91,039.

Employees: 20
Total payroll: $1.6M
Role median: $79,805
Agency median: $91,039
Comparison: Below

What the records show

Role pay distribution

Pay distribution for this role

$59,653$97,077+

Hover a bar for its range; click to filter the list below.

How total compensation varies among the 20 people in this role. Even for one job title, pay differs with seniority, step, overtime, and tenure. Each bar is a pay range; the far-right bar collects the highest earners.

Compared with the local labor market

Biological Science Technician pay vs. the United States

Across all employers in the United States, the median wage for Biological Technicians — about 69,620 people — is $57,510. Smithsonian Institution pays a median base salary of $79,805 for this role, 39% above that figure — about the 84th percentile of local pay for the occupation.

Where Smithsonian Institution sits in the local pay range

10th

25th

Median

75th

90th

$40,330

$48,130

$57,510

$71,520

$84,940

Smithsonian Institution median · $79,805

The bar is the range of annual wages for Biological Technicians across every employer in the United States, from the 10th to the 90th percentile, with the middle 50% highlighted. The marker shows Smithsonian Institution’s median base salary for this role. Both figures are base pay only.

Median total compensation for this role at Smithsonian Institution is $79,805, which includes overtime and employer-paid benefits. The benchmark above excludes both, so total compensation is deliberately not compared against it.

Benchmark: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025). BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) covers all employers in the area — private, non-profit, and government alike — so this is a comparison against the whole local labor market for the occupation, not against private-sector pay. OEWS wages are straight-time pay and exclude overtime, shift differentials, and employer-paid benefits, so the government figure shown here is base pay on the same basis. Total compensation is not comparable to it. Job titles are matched to the closest standard occupation, so the comparison is between similar work rather than an identical job classification.

Compare departments

This role across U.S. Federal Government (non-Defense)

Biological Science Technician is held in 11 U.S. Federal Government (non-Defense) departments. In Smithsonian Institution, the median of $79,805 ranks #2 of 11.

Highest-paying departments for this role

Department of Commerce

$82,070 · 68

Environmental Protection Agency

$75,667 · 5

Court Services and Offender Supervision Agy

$70,685 · 1

Utah Reclamatn Mitigatn & Conservtn Commission

$69,960 · 1

Department of Health and Human Services

$67,351 · 95

Presidio Trust

$66,887 · 7

Department of Transportation

$62,381 · 1

Department of Veterans Affairs

$59,966 · 196

Department of Interior

$50,904 · 1,061

Department of Agriculture

$50,382 · 4,208

Median total compensation for the Biological Science Technician role in other U.S. Federal Government (non-Defense)departments (highest first). Each bar links to that department’s page for this role.

Record list

Employees with this title

Page 1

Samuel Benson

Biological Science Technician/Smithsonian Institution

2024 total comp

$102,073

Sub-department: Smithsonian Inst (Exc Sep Brds of Trust)
Base pay: $102,073
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $102,073
Pay grade: 11
Work city: Edgewater
Work county: Anne Arundel
Work state: Maryland

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $102,073
Basic Pay (before locality): $76,597
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 240496003
Length of Service (Years): 28
Occupation Code (OPM): 0404
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Samuel Benson holds the role of Biological Science Technician at Smithsonian Institution based in Edgewater, Maryland. In 2024, their total compensation was $102,073. Their pay grade is 11.

Nicole Boisseau

Biological Science Technician/Smithsonian Institution

2024 total comp

$88,926

Sub-department: Smithsonian Inst (Exc Sep Brds of Trust)
Base pay: $88,926
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $88,926
Pay grade: 09
Work city: Front Royal
Work county: Warren
Work state: Virginia

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $88,926
Basic Pay (before locality): $66,731
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 511040187
Length of Service (Years): 14
Occupation Code (OPM): 0404
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Nicole Boisseau is a Biological Science Technician at Smithsonian Institution based in Front Royal, Virginia. 2024 total compensation came to $88,926. They are classified at grade 09.

Lisa Ware

Biological Science Technician/Smithsonian Institution

2024 total comp

$88,926

Sub-department: Smithsonian Inst (Exc Sep Brds of Trust)
Base pay: $88,926
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $88,926
Pay grade: 09
Work city: Front Royal
Work county: Warren
Work state: Virginia

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $88,926
Basic Pay (before locality): $66,731
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 511040187
Length of Service (Years): 37
Occupation Code (OPM): 0404
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Lisa Ware works as a Biological Science Technician for Smithsonian Institution based in Front Royal, Virginia. Lisa earned $88,926 in 2024. Their pay grade is 09.

Gabriel Johnson

Biological Science Technician/Smithsonian Institution

2024 total comp

$84,366

Sub-department: Smithsonian Inst (Exc Sep Brds of Trust)
Base pay: $84,366
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $84,366
Pay grade: 09
Work city: Suitland
Work county: Prince George's
Work state: Maryland

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $84,366
Basic Pay (before locality): $63,309
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 241520033
Length of Service (Years): 15
Occupation Code (OPM): 0404
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Gabriel Johnson works as a Biological Science Technician for Smithsonian Institution based in Suitland, Maryland. Gabriel earned $84,366 in 2024. Their pay grade is 09.

Herman Wirshing

Biological Science Technician/Smithsonian Institution

2024 total comp

$82,085

Sub-department: Smithsonian Inst (Exc Sep Brds of Trust)
Base pay: $82,085
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $82,085
Pay grade: 09
Work city: Washington
Work county: District of Columbia
Work state: District of Columbia

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $82,085
Basic Pay (before locality): $61,598
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 110010001
Length of Service (Years): 11
Occupation Code (OPM): 0404
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Herman Wirshing works as a Biological Science Technician for Smithsonian Institution based in Washington, District of Columbia. Herman earned $82,085 in 2024. Their pay grade is 09.

Laura Geyer

Biological Science Technician/Smithsonian Institution

2024 total comp

$80,737

Sub-department: Smithsonian Inst (Exc Sep Brds of Trust)
Base pay: $80,737
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $80,737
Pay grade: 11
Work city: Naos Island
Work state: No Data Reported

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $80,737
Basic Pay (before locality): $80,737
Country: Panama
Duty Station Code: PM8020000
Length of Service (Years): 19
Occupation Code (OPM): 0404
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Laura Geyer works as a Biological Science Technician for Smithsonian Institution based in Naos Island, No Data Reported. Laura earned $80,737 in 2024. Their pay grade is 11.

Kurt Donaldson

Biological Science Technician/Smithsonian Institution

2024 total comp

$80,510

Sub-department: Smithsonian Inst (Exc Sep Brds of Trust)
Base pay: $80,510
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $80,510
Pay grade: 08
Work city: Washington
Work county: District of Columbia
Work state: District of Columbia

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $80,510
Basic Pay (before locality): $60,416
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 110010001
Length of Service (Years): 39
Occupation Code (OPM): 0404
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Kurt Donaldson holds the role of Biological Science Technician at Smithsonian Institution based in Washington, District of Columbia. In 2024, their total compensation was $80,510. Their pay grade is 08.

Francis Cooper

Biological Science Technician/Smithsonian Institution

2024 total comp

$80,510

Sub-department: Smithsonian Inst (Exc Sep Brds of Trust)
Base pay: $80,510
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $80,510
Pay grade: 08
Work city: Washington
Work county: District of Columbia
Work state: District of Columbia

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $80,510
Basic Pay (before locality): $60,416
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 110010001
Length of Service (Years): 34
Occupation Code (OPM): 0404
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Francis Cooper holds the role of Biological Science Technician at Smithsonian Institution based in Washington, District of Columbia. In 2024, their total compensation was $80,510. Their pay grade is 08.

Jayne Hutcheson

Biological Science Technician/Smithsonian Institution

2024 total comp

$79,805

Sub-department: Smithsonian Inst (Exc Sep Brds of Trust)
Base pay: $79,805
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $79,805
Pay grade: 09
Work city: Washington
Work county: District of Columbia
Work state: District of Columbia

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $79,805
Basic Pay (before locality): $59,887
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 110010001
Length of Service (Years): 6
Occupation Code (OPM): 0404
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Jayne Hutcheson holds the role of Biological Science Technician at Smithsonian Institution based in Washington, District of Columbia. In 2024, their total compensation was $79,805. Their pay grade is 09.

Kenneth Macdonald

Biological Science Technician/Smithsonian Institution

2024 total comp

$79,805

Sub-department: Smithsonian Inst (Exc Sep Brds of Trust)
Base pay: $79,805
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $79,805
Pay grade: 09
Work city: Washington
Work county: District of Columbia
Work state: District of Columbia

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $79,805
Basic Pay (before locality): $59,887
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 110010001
Length of Service (Years): 10
Occupation Code (OPM): 0404
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Kenneth Macdonald holds the role of Biological Science Technician at Smithsonian Institution based in Washington, District of Columbia. In 2024, their total compensation was $79,805. Their pay grade is 09.

Patricia Walsh

Biological Science Technician/Smithsonian Institution

2024 total comp

$79,805

Sub-department: Smithsonian Inst (Exc Sep Brds of Trust)
Base pay: $79,805
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $79,805
Pay grade: 09
Work city: Washington
Work county: District of Columbia
Work state: District of Columbia

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $79,805
Basic Pay (before locality): $59,887
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 110010001
Length of Service (Years): 5
Occupation Code (OPM): 0404
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Patricia Walsh is a Biological Science Technician at Smithsonian Institution based in Washington, District of Columbia. 2024 total compensation came to $79,805. They are classified at grade 09.

Julia Jones

Biological Science Technician/Smithsonian Institution

2024 total comp

$77,525

Sub-department: Smithsonian Inst (Exc Sep Brds of Trust)
Base pay: $77,525
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $77,525
Pay grade: 09
Work city: Front Royal
Work county: Warren
Work state: Virginia

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $77,525
Basic Pay (before locality): $58,176
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 511040187
Length of Service (Years): 6
Occupation Code (OPM): 0404
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Julia Jones holds the role of Biological Science Technician at Smithsonian Institution based in Front Royal, Virginia. In 2024, their total compensation was $77,525. Their pay grade is 09.

David Olsen

Biological Science Technician/Smithsonian Institution

2024 total comp

$77,525

Sub-department: Smithsonian Inst (Exc Sep Brds of Trust)
Base pay: $77,525
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $77,525
Pay grade: 09
Work city: Washington
Work county: District of Columbia
Work state: District of Columbia

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $77,525
Basic Pay (before locality): $58,176
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 110010001
Length of Service (Years): 8
Occupation Code (OPM): 0404
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

David Olsen holds the role of Biological Science Technician at Smithsonian Institution based in Washington, District of Columbia. In 2024, their total compensation was $77,525. Their pay grade is 09.

Jamie Pullen

Biological Science Technician/Smithsonian Institution

2024 total comp

$75,245

Sub-department: Smithsonian Inst (Exc Sep Brds of Trust)
Base pay: $75,245
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $75,245
Pay grade: 09
Work city: Edgewater
Work county: Anne Arundel
Work state: Maryland

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $75,245
Basic Pay (before locality): $56,465
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 240496003
Length of Service (Years): 8
Occupation Code (OPM): 0404
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Jamie Pullen works as a Biological Science Technician for Smithsonian Institution based in Edgewater, Maryland. Jamie earned $75,245 in 2024. Their pay grade is 09.

Jessica Shue

Biological Science Technician/Smithsonian Institution

2024 total comp

$75,245

Sub-department: Smithsonian Inst (Exc Sep Brds of Trust)
Base pay: $75,245
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $75,245
Pay grade: 09
Work city: Edgewater
Work county: Anne Arundel
Work state: Maryland

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $75,245
Basic Pay (before locality): $56,465
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 240496003
Length of Service (Years): 8
Occupation Code (OPM): 0404
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Jessica Shue holds the role of Biological Science Technician at Smithsonian Institution based in Edgewater, Maryland. In 2024, their total compensation was $75,245. Their pay grade is 09.

Katherine Murphy

Biological Science Technician/Smithsonian Institution

2024 total comp

$75,245

Sub-department: Smithsonian Inst (Exc Sep Brds of Trust)
Base pay: $75,245
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $75,245
Pay grade: 09
Work city: Washington
Work county: District of Columbia
Work state: District of Columbia

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $75,245
Basic Pay (before locality): $56,465
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 110010001
Length of Service (Years): 5
Occupation Code (OPM): 0404
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Katherine Murphy is a Biological Science Technician at Smithsonian Institution based in Washington, District of Columbia. 2024 total compensation came to $75,245. They are classified at grade 09.

Makiri Sei

Biological Science Technician/Smithsonian Institution

2024 total comp

$68,125

Sub-department: Smithsonian Inst (Exc Sep Brds of Trust)
Base pay: $68,125
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $68,125
Pay grade: 08
Work city: Washington
Work county: District of Columbia
Work state: District of Columbia

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $68,125
Basic Pay (before locality): $51,122
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 110010001
Length of Service (Years): 5
Occupation Code (OPM): 0404
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

At Smithsonian Institution, Makiri Sei serves as a Biological Science Technician based in Washington, District of Columbia. Their 2024 pay totaled $68,125. They are classified at grade 08.

Michael Miller

Biological Science Technician/Smithsonian Institution

2024 total comp

$66,061

Sub-department: Smithsonian Inst (Exc Sep Brds of Trust)
Base pay: $66,061
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $66,061
Pay grade: 08
Work city: Washington
Work county: District of Columbia
Work state: District of Columbia

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $66,061
Basic Pay (before locality): $49,573
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 110010001
Length of Service (Years): 2
Occupation Code (OPM): 0404
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

At Smithsonian Institution, Michael Miller serves as a Biological Science Technician based in Washington, District of Columbia. Their 2024 pay totaled $66,061. They are classified at grade 08.

Adam Histen

Biological Science Technician/Smithsonian Institution

2024 total comp

$61,933

Sub-department: Smithsonian Inst (Exc Sep Brds of Trust)
Base pay: $61,933
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $61,933
Pay grade: 08
Work city: Washington
Work county: District of Columbia
Work state: District of Columbia

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $61,933
Basic Pay (before locality): $46,475
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 110010001
Length of Service (Years): 1
Occupation Code (OPM): 0404
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Adam Histen works as a Biological Science Technician for Smithsonian Institution based in Washington, District of Columbia. Adam earned $61,933 in 2024. Their pay grade is 08.

Chelsea Nitsch

Biological Science Technician/Smithsonian Institution

2024 total comp

$59,653

Sub-department: Smithsonian Inst (Exc Sep Brds of Trust)
Base pay: $59,653
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $59,653
Pay grade: 07
Work city: Edgewater
Work county: Anne Arundel
Work state: Maryland

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $59,653
Basic Pay (before locality): $44,764
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 240496003
Length of Service (Years): 0
Occupation Code (OPM): 0404
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Chelsea Nitsch holds the role of Biological Science Technician at Smithsonian Institution based in Edgewater, Maryland. In 2024, their total compensation was $59,653. Their pay grade is 07.