U.S. Federal Government (non-Defense) / Smithsonian Institution / General Physical Science

Job-title file

General Physical Science

Carry out the duties of this position in support of the agency's public mission.

17 employees hold this title in Smithsonian Institution. Median total compensation for the role is $129,759, above the department median of $91,039.

Employees: 17
Total payroll: $2.5M
Role median: $129,759
Agency median: $91,039
Comparison: Above

What the records show

Role pay distribution

Pay distribution for this role

$93,798$214,533+

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

How total compensation varies among the 17 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

General Physical Science pay vs. the United States

Across all employers in the United States, the median wage for Physical Scientists, All Other — about 22,300 people — is $122,570. Smithsonian Institution pays a median base salary of $129,759 for this role, 6% above that figure — about the 55th percentile of local pay for the occupation.

Where Smithsonian Institution sits in the local pay range

10th

25th

Median

75th

90th

$67,000

$86,620

$122,570

$161,890

$195,190

Smithsonian Institution median · $129,759

The bar is the range of annual wages for Physical Scientists, All Other 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 $129,759, 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)

General Physical Science is held in 24 U.S. Federal Government (non-Defense) departments. In Smithsonian Institution, the median of $129,759 ranks #19 of 24.

Highest-paying departments for this role

National Science Foundation

$204,000 · 157

Nat Aeronautics and Space Administration

$185,824 · 496

Department of State

$181,216 · 20

Department of Justice

$171,923 · 11

Nuclear Regulatory Commission

$169,743 · 126

Department of Housing and Urban Development

$162,629 · 5

International Joint Commission United States & Canada

$162,166 · 4

United States Agency for International Development

$159,473 · 13

Office of Management and Budget

$157,983 · 2

Department of Commerce

$157,631 · 1,154

Department of Transportation

$154,917 · 26

Nat Archives and Records Administration

$153,345 · 4

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

Same department

Other job titles in Smithsonian Institution

Accounting 24
Administrative Officer 43
Architecture 38
Archivist 40
Astronomy and Space Science 43
Audiovisual Production 17
Auditing 13
Biological Science Technician 20
Budget Analysis 34
Construction Control Technical 32
Contracting 30
Custodial Working 12
Ecology 17
Electrician 27
Electronics Technical 19
Engineering Technical 65
Entomology 11
Exhibits Specialist 109
Facility Operations Services 64
Financial Administration and Program 51
Gardening 13
General Anthropology 14
General Arts and Information 283
General Attorney 30
General Education and Training 36
General Engineering 29
General Natural Resources Management and Biological Sciences 48
Geology 24
Horticulture 41
Human Resources Management 52
Information Technology Management 197
Laboring 22
Librarian 49
Library Technician 25
Maintenance Mechanic 63
Management and Program Analysis 71
Masonry 15
Mechanical Engineering 13
Miscellaneous Administration and Program 267
Miscellaneous Clerk and Assistant 52
Miscellaneous General Maintenance & Operations Work 19
Miscellaneous Plant and Animal Work 91
Miscellaneous Transportation/Mobile Equipment Oper 310
Motor Vehicle Operating 14
Museum Curator 134
Museum Specialist and Technician 376
Painting 19
Photography 20
Pipefitting 14
Program Management 29
Public Affairs 32
Safety and Occupational Health Management 26
Security Administration 57
Security Guard 650
Support Services Administration 12
Utility Systems Repairing-Operating 140
Visual Information 51
Writing and Editing 26
Zoology 16

Record list

Employees with this title

Page 1

Michael Mccarthy

General Physical Science/Smithsonian Institution

2024 total comp

$217,726

Sub-department: Smithsonian Inst (Exc Sep Brds of Trust)
Base pay: $217,726
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $217,726
Pay grade: 00
Work city: Cambridge
Work county: Middlesex
Work state: Massachusetts

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $217,726
Basic Pay (before locality): $217,726
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 250170017
Length of Service (Years): 26
Occupation Code (OPM): 1301
Pay Plan (OPM): SL

Michael Mccarthy holds the role of General Physical Science at Smithsonian Institution based in Cambridge, Massachusetts. In 2024, their total compensation was $217,726. Their pay grade is 00.

Wystan Benbow

General Physical Science/Smithsonian Institution

2024 total comp

$207,747

Sub-department: Smithsonian Inst (Exc Sep Brds of Trust)
Base pay: $207,747
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $207,747
Pay grade: 00
Work city: Cambridge
Work county: Middlesex
Work state: Massachusetts

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $207,747
Basic Pay (before locality): $207,747
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 250170017
Length of Service (Years): 16
Occupation Code (OPM): 1301
Pay Plan (OPM): SL

Wystan Benbow holds the role of General Physical Science at Smithsonian Institution based in Cambridge, Massachusetts. In 2024, their total compensation was $207,747. Their pay grade is 00.

John Delaney

General Physical Science/Smithsonian Institution

2024 total comp

$191,900

Sub-department: National Gallery of Art
Base pay: $191,900
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $191,900
Pay grade: 15
Work city: Washington
Work county: District of Columbia
Work state: District of Columbia

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $191,900
Basic Pay (before locality): $151,748
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 110010001
Length of Service (Years): 16
Occupation Code (OPM): 1301
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

John Delaney works as a General Physical Science for Smithsonian Institution based in Washington, District of Columbia. John earned $191,900 in 2024. Their pay grade is 15.

William Robertson

General Physical Science/Smithsonian Institution

2024 total comp

$191,900

Sub-department: Smithsonian Inst (Exc Sep Brds of Trust)
Base pay: $191,900
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $191,900
Pay grade: 15
Work city: Washington
Work county: District of Columbia
Work state: District of Columbia

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $191,900
Basic Pay (before locality): $147,647
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 110010001
Length of Service (Years): 8
Occupation Code (OPM): 1301
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

William Robertson works as a General Physical Science for Smithsonian Institution based in Washington, District of Columbia. William earned $191,900 in 2024. Their pay grade is 15.

Melanie Feather

General Physical Science/Smithsonian Institution

2024 total comp

$181,216

Sub-department: Smithsonian Inst (Exc Sep Brds of Trust)
Base pay: $181,216
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $181,216
Pay grade: 14
Work city: Suitland
Work county: Prince George's
Work state: Maryland

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $181,216
Basic Pay (before locality): $135,987
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 241520033
Length of Service (Years): 36
Occupation Code (OPM): 1301
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Melanie Feather holds the role of General Physical Science at Smithsonian Institution based in Suitland, Maryland. In 2024, their total compensation was $181,216. Their pay grade is 14.

Christopher Maines

General Physical Science/Smithsonian Institution

2024 total comp

$153,354

Sub-department: National Gallery of Art
Base pay: $153,354
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $153,354
Pay grade: 13
Work city: Washington
Work county: District of Columbia
Work state: District of Columbia

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $153,354
Basic Pay (before locality): $115,079
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 110010001
Length of Service (Years): 31
Occupation Code (OPM): 1301
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Christopher Maines works as a General Physical Science for Smithsonian Institution based in Washington, District of Columbia. Christopher earned $153,354 in 2024. Their pay grade is 13.

Gwenaelle Kavich

General Physical Science/Smithsonian Institution

2024 total comp

$144,042

Sub-department: Smithsonian Inst (Exc Sep Brds of Trust)
Base pay: $144,042
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $144,042
Pay grade: 14
Work city: Suitland
Work county: Prince George's
Work state: Maryland

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $144,042
Basic Pay (before locality): $108,091
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 241520033
Length of Service (Years): 8
Occupation Code (OPM): 1301
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

At Smithsonian Institution, Gwenaelle Kavich serves as a General Physical Science based in Suitland, Maryland. Their 2024 pay totaled $144,042. They are classified at grade 14.

Christine France

General Physical Science/Smithsonian Institution

2024 total comp

$137,624

Sub-department: Smithsonian Inst (Exc Sep Brds of Trust)
Base pay: $137,624
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $137,624
Pay grade: 13
Work city: Suitland
Work county: Prince George's
Work state: Maryland

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $137,624
Basic Pay (before locality): $103,275
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 241520033
Length of Service (Years): 15
Occupation Code (OPM): 1301
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Christine France is a General Physical Science at Smithsonian Institution based in Suitland, Maryland. 2024 total compensation came to $137,624. They are classified at grade 13.

Matthew Clarke

General Physical Science/Smithsonian Institution

2024 total comp

$129,759

Sub-department: Smithsonian Inst (Exc Sep Brds of Trust)
Base pay: $129,759
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $129,759
Pay grade: 13
Work city: Washington
Work county: District of Columbia
Work state: District of Columbia

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $129,759
Basic Pay (before locality): $97,373
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 110010001
Length of Service (Years): 8
Occupation Code (OPM): 1301
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

At Smithsonian Institution, Matthew Clarke serves as a General Physical Science based in Washington, District of Columbia. Their 2024 pay totaled $129,759. They are classified at grade 13.

Timothy Cleland

General Physical Science/Smithsonian Institution

2024 total comp

$125,827

Sub-department: Smithsonian Inst (Exc Sep Brds of Trust)
Base pay: $125,827
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $125,827
Pay grade: 13
Work city: Suitland
Work county: Prince George's
Work state: Maryland

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $125,827
Basic Pay (before locality): $94,422
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 241520033
Length of Service (Years): 7
Occupation Code (OPM): 1301
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Timothy Cleland works as a General Physical Science for Smithsonian Institution based in Suitland, Maryland. Timothy earned $125,827 in 2024. Their pay grade is 13.

Thomas Lam

General Physical Science/Smithsonian Institution

2024 total comp

$125,827

Sub-department: Smithsonian Inst (Exc Sep Brds of Trust)
Base pay: $125,827
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $125,827
Pay grade: 13
Work city: Suitland
Work county: Prince George's
Work state: Maryland

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $125,827
Basic Pay (before locality): $94,422
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 241520033
Length of Service (Years): 13
Occupation Code (OPM): 1301
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

At Smithsonian Institution, Thomas Lam serves as a General Physical Science based in Suitland, Maryland. Their 2024 pay totaled $125,827. They are classified at grade 13.

Graham Newsome

General Physical Science/Smithsonian Institution

2024 total comp

$125,827

Sub-department: Smithsonian Inst (Exc Sep Brds of Trust)
Base pay: $125,827
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $125,827
Pay grade: 13
Work city: Suitland
Work county: Prince George's
Work state: Maryland

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $125,827
Basic Pay (before locality): $94,422
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 241520033
Length of Service (Years): 7
Occupation Code (OPM): 1301
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

At Smithsonian Institution, Graham Newsome serves as a General Physical Science based in Suitland, Maryland. Their 2024 pay totaled $125,827. They are classified at grade 13.

Seong An

General Physical Science/Smithsonian Institution

2024 total comp

$122,636

Sub-department: National Gallery of Art
Base pay: $122,343
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $293
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $122,636
Pay grade: 12
Work city: Washington
Work county: District of Columbia
Work state: District of Columbia

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $122,343
Basic Pay (before locality): $91,808
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 110010001
Length of Service (Years): 12
Occupation Code (OPM): 1301
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

At Smithsonian Institution, Seong An serves as a General Physical Science based in Washington, District of Columbia. Their 2024 pay totaled $122,636. They are classified at grade 12.

Kathryn Dooley

General Physical Science/Smithsonian Institution

2024 total comp

$109,119

Sub-department: National Gallery of Art
Base pay: $109,119
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $109,119
Pay grade: 12
Work city: Washington
Work county: District of Columbia
Work state: District of Columbia

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $109,119
Basic Pay (before locality): $81,884
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 110010001
Length of Service (Years): 4
Occupation Code (OPM): 1301
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

At Smithsonian Institution, Kathryn Dooley serves as a General Physical Science based in Washington, District of Columbia. Their 2024 pay totaled $109,119. They are classified at grade 12.

Elizabeth Webb

General Physical Science/Smithsonian Institution

2024 total comp

$109,119

Sub-department: Smithsonian Inst (Exc Sep Brds of Trust)
Base pay: $109,119
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $109,119
Pay grade: 12
Work city: Suitland
Work county: Prince George's
Work state: Maryland

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $109,119
Basic Pay (before locality): $81,884
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 241520033
Length of Service (Years): 11
Occupation Code (OPM): 1301
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Elizabeth Webb holds the role of General Physical Science at Smithsonian Institution based in Suitland, Maryland. In 2024, their total compensation was $109,119. Their pay grade is 12.

Teresa Duncan

General Physical Science/Smithsonian Institution

2024 total comp

$99,200

Sub-department: National Gallery of Art
Base pay: $99,200
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $99,200
Pay grade: 12
Work city: Washington
Work county: District of Columbia
Work state: District of Columbia

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $99,200
Basic Pay (before locality): $74,441
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 110010001
Length of Service (Years): 0
Occupation Code (OPM): 1301
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Teresa Duncan holds the role of General Physical Science at Smithsonian Institution based in Washington, District of Columbia. In 2024, their total compensation was $99,200. Their pay grade is 12.

Kathryn Morales

General Physical Science/Smithsonian Institution

2024 total comp

$93,798

Sub-department: National Gallery of Art
Base pay: $93,798
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $93,798
Pay grade: 11
Work city: Washington
Work county: District of Columbia
Work state: District of Columbia

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $93,798
Basic Pay (before locality): $70,387
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 110010001
Length of Service (Years): 22
Occupation Code (OPM): 1301
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Kathryn Morales is a General Physical Science at Smithsonian Institution based in Washington, District of Columbia. 2024 total compensation came to $93,798. They are classified at grade 11.