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

Job-title file

General Physical Science at Smithsonian Institution, U.S. Federal Government

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

18 employees hold this title in Smithsonian Institution. Median total compensation for the role is $138,174, above the department median of $94,562.

Employees: 18
Total payroll: $2.7M
Role median: $138,174
Agency median: $94,562
Comparison: Above

What the records show

Role pay distribution

Pay distribution for this role

$102,540$222,103+

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

How total compensation varies among the 18 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 $138,024 for this role, 13% above that figure — about the 60th 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 · $138,024

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 $138,174, 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 25 U.S. Federal Government (non-Defense) departments. In Smithsonian Institution, the median of $138,174 ranks #19 of 25.

Highest-paying departments for this role

National Science Foundation

$212,600 · 187

National Aeronautics and Space Administration

$188,681 · 541

Nuclear Regulatory Commission

$185,234 · 181

Department of State

$181,216 · 23

Office of Management and Budget

$176,633 · 2

Department of Justice

$168,999 · 15

Presidio Trust

$167,968 · 1

International Joint Commission United States & Canada

$167,902 · 3

Department of Transportation

$167,050 · 30

Export-Import Bank of the United States

$163,514 · 1

Department of Commerce

$163,474 · 1,354

Nat Archives and Records Administration

$159,072 · 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 26
Administrative Officer 57
Air Conditioning Equipment Mechanic 12
Architecture 40
Archivist 41
Astronomy and Space Science 44
Audiovisual Production 14
Auditing 12
Biological Science Technician 30
Budget Analysis 39
Construction Control Technical 35
Contracting 30
Custodial Working 16
Ecology 19
Electrician 33
Electronics Technical 25
Engineering Technical 76
Exhibits Specialist 120
Facility Operations Services 80
Financial Administration and Program 60
Gardening 16
General Anthropology 13
General Arts and Information 312
General Attorney 34
General Education and Training 36
General Engineering 39
General Natural Resources Management and Biological Sciences 65
Geology 23
Horticulture 45
Human Resources Management 72
Information Technology Management 221
Laboring 31
Librarian 54
Library Technician 25
Maintenance Mechanic 80
Management and Program Analysis 78
Masonry 17
Miscellaneous Administration and Program 315
Miscellaneous Clerk and Assistant 58
Miscellaneous General Maintenance & Operations Work 20
Miscellaneous General Services and Support Work 73
Miscellaneous Plant and Animal Work 113
Miscellaneous Transportation/Mobile Equipment Oper 326
Motor Vehicle Operating 17
Museum Curator 143
Museum Specialist and Technician 404
Painting 21
Photography 21
Pipefitting 16
Program Management 33
Public Affairs 38
Safety and Occupational Health Management 32
Security Administration 73
Security Guard 784
Support Services Administration 16
Utility Systems Repairing-Operating 174
Visual Information 61
Writing and Editing 25
Zoology 16

Record list

Employees with this title

Page 1

Michael Mccarthy

General Physical Science/Smithsonian Institution

2026 total comp

$228,000

Sub-department: Smithsonian Institution (Except Units Administered Under Separate Boards of Trustees)
Base pay: $228,000
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $228,000
Pay grade: 00
Work city: Cambridge
Work state: Massachusetts

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $228,000
Agency Code (OPM): SM
Agency Sub-element Code (OPM): SM03
Basic Pay (before locality): $228,000
Duty Station Code: 250170017
Duty Station State: MA
Length of Service (Years): 29
Occupation Code (OPM): 1301

Michael Mccarthy holds the role of General Physical Science at Smithsonian Institution based in Cambridge, Massachusetts. In 2026, their total compensation was $228,000. Their pay grade is 00.

Wystan Benbow

General Physical Science/Smithsonian Institution

2025 total comp

$210,655

Sub-department: Smithsonian Institution (Except Units Administered Under Separate Boards of Trustees)
Base pay: $210,655
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $210,655
Pay grade: 00
Work city: Cambridge
Work state: Massachusetts
Middle name: R

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $210,655
Agency Code (OPM): SM
Agency Sub-element Code (OPM): SM03
Basic Pay (before locality): $210,655
Duty Station Code: 250170017
Duty Station State: MA
Length of Service (Years): 17
Occupation Code (OPM): 1301

Wystan Benbow holds the role of General Physical Science at Smithsonian Institution based in Cambridge, Massachusetts. In 2025, their total compensation was $210,655. Their pay grade is 00.

William Robertson

General Physical Science/Smithsonian Institution

2026 total comp

$198,400

Sub-department: Smithsonian Institution (Except Units Administered Under Separate Boards of Trustees)
Base pay: $197,200
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $1,200
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $198,400
Pay grade: 15
Work city: Washington
Work state: District of Columbia
Middle name: L

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $197,200
Agency Code (OPM): SM
Agency Sub-element Code (OPM): SM03
Basic Pay (before locality): $155,875
Duty Station Code: 110010001
Duty Station State: DC
Length of Service (Years): 13
Occupation Code (OPM): 1301

William Robertson works as a General Physical Science for Smithsonian Institution based in Washington, District of Columbia. William earned $198,400 in 2026. Their pay grade is 15.

John Delaney

General Physical Science/Smithsonian Institution

2026 total comp

$197,200

Sub-department: National Gallery of Art
Base pay: $197,200
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $197,200
Pay grade: 15
Work city: Washington
Work state: District of Columbia
Middle name: K

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $197,200
Agency Code (OPM): SM
Agency Sub-element Code (OPM): SM01
Basic Pay (before locality): $155,875
Duty Station Code: 110010001
Duty Station State: DC
Length of Service (Years): 19
Occupation Code (OPM): 1301

John Delaney works as a General Physical Science for Smithsonian Institution based in Washington, District of Columbia. John earned $197,200 in 2026. Their pay grade is 15.

Melanie Feather

General Physical Science/Smithsonian Institution

2026 total comp

$187,093

Sub-department: Smithsonian Institution (Except Units Administered Under Separate Boards of Trustees)
Base pay: $187,093
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $187,093
Pay grade: 14
Work city: Suitland
Work state: Maryland
Middle name: E

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $187,093
Agency Code (OPM): SM
Agency Sub-element Code (OPM): SM03
Basic Pay (before locality): $139,684
Duty Station Code: 241520033
Duty Station State: MD
Length of Service (Years): 39
Occupation Code (OPM): 1301

Melanie Feather holds the role of General Physical Science at Smithsonian Institution based in Suitland, Maryland. In 2026, their total compensation was $187,093. Their pay grade is 14.

Christopher Maines

General Physical Science/Smithsonian Institution

2026 total comp

$158,322

Sub-department: National Gallery of Art
Base pay: $158,322
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $158,322
Pay grade: 13
Work city: Washington
Work state: District of Columbia
Middle name: A

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $158,322
Agency Code (OPM): SM
Agency Sub-element Code (OPM): SM01
Basic Pay (before locality): $118,204
Duty Station Code: 110010001
Duty Station State: DC
Length of Service (Years): 33
Occupation Code (OPM): 1301

Christopher Maines works as a General Physical Science for Smithsonian Institution based in Washington, District of Columbia. Christopher earned $158,322 in 2026. Their pay grade is 13.

Gwenaelle Kavich

General Physical Science/Smithsonian Institution

2026 total comp

$158,306

Sub-department: Smithsonian Institution (Except Units Administered Under Separate Boards of Trustees)
Base pay: $158,306
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $158,306
Pay grade: 14
Work city: Suitland
Work state: Maryland

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $158,306
Agency Code (OPM): SM
Agency Sub-element Code (OPM): SM03
Basic Pay (before locality): $118,192
Duty Station Code: 241520033
Duty Station State: MD
Length of Service (Years): 17
Occupation Code (OPM): 1301

At Smithsonian Institution, Gwenaelle Kavich serves as a General Physical Science based in Suitland, Maryland. Their 2026 pay totaled $158,306. They are classified at grade 14.

Christine France

General Physical Science/Smithsonian Institution

2026 total comp

$146,143

Sub-department: Smithsonian Institution (Except Units Administered Under Separate Boards of Trustees)
Base pay: $146,143
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $146,143
Pay grade: 13
Work city: Suitland
Work state: Maryland
Middle name: A

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $146,143
Agency Code (OPM): SM
Agency Sub-element Code (OPM): SM03
Basic Pay (before locality): $109,111
Duty Station Code: 241520033
Duty Station State: MD
Length of Service (Years): 17
Occupation Code (OPM): 1301

Christine France is a General Physical Science at Smithsonian Institution based in Suitland, Maryland. 2026 total compensation came to $146,143. They are classified at grade 13.

Matthew Clarke

General Physical Science/Smithsonian Institution

2026 total comp

$138,324

Sub-department: Smithsonian Institution (Except Units Administered Under Separate Boards of Trustees)
Base pay: $138,024
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $300
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $138,324
Pay grade: 13
Work city: Washington
Work state: District of Columbia
Middle name: L

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $138,024
Agency Code (OPM): SM
Agency Sub-element Code (OPM): SM03
Basic Pay (before locality): $103,049
Duty Station Code: 110010001
Duty Station State: DC
Length of Service (Years): 18
Occupation Code (OPM): 1301

At Smithsonian Institution, Matthew Clarke serves as a General Physical Science based in Washington, District of Columbia. Their 2026 pay totaled $138,324. They are classified at grade 13.

Timothy Cleland

General Physical Science/Smithsonian Institution

2026 total comp

$138,024

Sub-department: Smithsonian Institution (Except Units Administered Under Separate Boards of Trustees)
Base pay: $138,024
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $138,024
Pay grade: 13
Work city: Suitland
Work state: Maryland
Middle name: P

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $138,024
Agency Code (OPM): SM
Agency Sub-element Code (OPM): SM03
Basic Pay (before locality): $103,049
Duty Station Code: 241520033
Duty Station State: MD
Length of Service (Years): 13
Occupation Code (OPM): 1301

Timothy Cleland works as a General Physical Science for Smithsonian Institution based in Suitland, Maryland. Timothy earned $138,024 in 2026. Their pay grade is 13.

Thomas Lam

General Physical Science/Smithsonian Institution

2026 total comp

$138,024

Sub-department: Smithsonian Institution (Except Units Administered Under Separate Boards of Trustees)
Base pay: $138,024
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $138,024
Pay grade: 13
Work city: Suitland
Work state: Maryland
Middle name: F

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $138,024
Agency Code (OPM): SM
Agency Sub-element Code (OPM): SM03
Basic Pay (before locality): $103,049
Duty Station Code: 241520033
Duty Station State: MD
Length of Service (Years): 15
Occupation Code (OPM): 1301

At Smithsonian Institution, Thomas Lam serves as a General Physical Science based in Suitland, Maryland. Their 2026 pay totaled $138,024. They are classified at grade 13.

Graham Newsome

General Physical Science/Smithsonian Institution

2026 total comp

$138,024

Sub-department: Smithsonian Institution (Except Units Administered Under Separate Boards of Trustees)
Base pay: $138,024
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $138,024
Pay grade: 13
Work city: Suitland
Work state: Maryland
Middle name: A

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $138,024
Agency Code (OPM): SM
Agency Sub-element Code (OPM): SM03
Basic Pay (before locality): $103,049
Duty Station Code: 241520033
Duty Station State: MD
Length of Service (Years): 16
Occupation Code (OPM): 1301

At Smithsonian Institution, Graham Newsome serves as a General Physical Science based in Suitland, Maryland. Their 2026 pay totaled $138,024. They are classified at grade 13.

Seong An

General Physical Science/Smithsonian Institution

2026 total comp

$133,142

Sub-department: National Gallery of Art
Base pay: $133,142
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $133,142
Pay grade: 12
Work city: Washington
Work state: District of Columbia
Middle name: Mo

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $133,142
Agency Code (OPM): SM
Agency Sub-element Code (OPM): SM01
Basic Pay (before locality): $99,404
Duty Station Code: 110010001
Duty Station State: DC
Length of Service (Years): 15
Occupation Code (OPM): 1301

At Smithsonian Institution, Seong An serves as a General Physical Science based in Washington, District of Columbia. Their 2026 pay totaled $133,142. They are classified at grade 12.

Kathryn Dooley

General Physical Science/Smithsonian Institution

2026 total comp

$119,485

Sub-department: National Gallery of Art
Base pay: $119,485
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $119,485
Pay grade: 12
Work city: Washington
Work state: District of Columbia
Middle name: A

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $119,485
Agency Code (OPM): SM
Agency Sub-element Code (OPM): SM01
Basic Pay (before locality): $89,208
Duty Station Code: 110010001
Duty Station State: DC
Length of Service (Years): 7
Occupation Code (OPM): 1301

At Smithsonian Institution, Kathryn Dooley serves as a General Physical Science based in Washington, District of Columbia. Their 2026 pay totaled $119,485. They are classified at grade 12.

Elizabeth Webb

General Physical Science/Smithsonian Institution

2026 total comp

$116,071

Sub-department: Smithsonian Institution (Except Units Administered Under Separate Boards of Trustees)
Base pay: $116,071
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $116,071
Pay grade: 12
Work city: Suitland
Work state: Maryland
Middle name: K

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $116,071
Agency Code (OPM): SM
Agency Sub-element Code (OPM): SM03
Basic Pay (before locality): $86,659
Duty Station Code: 241520033
Duty Station State: MD
Length of Service (Years): 14
Occupation Code (OPM): 1301

Elizabeth Webb holds the role of General Physical Science at Smithsonian Institution based in Suitland, Maryland. In 2026, their total compensation was $116,071. Their pay grade is 12.

Teresa Duncan

General Physical Science/Smithsonian Institution

2026 total comp

$109,243

Sub-department: National Gallery of Art
Base pay: $109,243
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $109,243
Pay grade: 12
Work city: Washington
Work state: District of Columbia
Middle name: Tua

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $109,243
Agency Code (OPM): SM
Agency Sub-element Code (OPM): SM01
Basic Pay (before locality): $81,561
Duty Station Code: 110010001
Duty Station State: DC
Length of Service (Years): 4
Occupation Code (OPM): 1301

Teresa Duncan holds the role of General Physical Science at Smithsonian Institution based in Washington, District of Columbia. In 2026, their total compensation was $109,243. Their pay grade is 12.

Daniel Vallejo

General Physical Science/Smithsonian Institution

2026 total comp

$109,243

Sub-department: National Gallery of Art
Base pay: $109,243
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $109,243
Pay grade: 12
Work city: Washington
Work state: District of Columbia
Middle name: Derek

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $109,243
Agency Code (OPM): SM
Agency Sub-element Code (OPM): SM01
Basic Pay (before locality): $81,561
Duty Station Code: 110010001
Duty Station State: DC
Length of Service (Years): 1
Occupation Code (OPM): 1301

At Smithsonian Institution, Daniel Vallejo serves as a General Physical Science based in Washington, District of Columbia. Their 2026 pay totaled $109,243. They are classified at grade 12.

Kathryn Morales

General Physical Science/Smithsonian Institution

2026 total comp

$102,540

Sub-department: National Gallery of Art
Base pay: $102,540
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $102,540
Pay grade: 11
Work city: Washington
Work state: District of Columbia
Middle name: M

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $102,540
Agency Code (OPM): SM
Agency Sub-element Code (OPM): SM01
Basic Pay (before locality): $76,557
Duty Station Code: 110010001
Duty Station State: DC
Length of Service (Years): 24
Occupation Code (OPM): 1301

Kathryn Morales is a General Physical Science at Smithsonian Institution based in Washington, District of Columbia. 2026 total compensation came to $102,540. They are classified at grade 11.