The median pay for Natural Sciences Managers is $167,220 a year ($80.39/hr), according to BLS OEWS, May 2025. Employment is projected to grow 8.2% through 2035, with about 9,200 openings a year (BLS EP, 2025–2035). Typical entry-level education: Bachelor's degree.
- SOC 11-9121
- Management
- Last updated October 9, 2026
At a glance
Natural Sciences Manager in four numbers
- Median pay
- $167,220a year, or $80.39/hrBLS OEWS, May 2025Lowest 10% $80KTop 10% $317K
US median, all jobs: $50,980
- Projected growth
- +8.2%Much faster than averageBLS EP, 2025–2035This career+8.2%All jobs+3.5%
Projected employment change, 2025–2035 Item Value This career +8.2% All jobs +3.5% - Openings a year
- 9,200112,200 jobs todayBLS EP, 2025–2035
- Jobs in 2025112.2K
- Projected 2035121.5K
Employment, 2025–2035 Item Value Jobs in 2025 112.2K Projected 2035 121.5K - Typical education
- Bachelor'sneeded to enterBLS EP, 2025–2035; mix: O*NET
- Associate's7.3%
- Bachelor's35.1%
- Post-bacc certificate2.2%
- Master's15.1%
- Doctorate13.6%
- Post-doctoral training26.7%
Highest education held by natural sciences managers Segment Value Associate's 7.3% Bachelor's 35.1% Post-bacc certificate 2.2% Master's 15.1% Doctorate 13.6% Post-doctoral training 26.7%
Also advertised as: Analytical Services Manager, Chemical Engineer Supervisor, Chemical Process Exploration Manager, Environmental Program Manager, Lab Manager (Laboratory Manager), Natural Sciences Manager.
Pay
How much do Natural Sciences Managers make?
Every natural sciences manager in the US, by percentile of annual wage
Median
$167,220
Middle half earn $119,430 to $221,540
- 10th
- $79,710
- 25th
- $119,430
- 75th
- $221,540
- 90th
- $316,850
All US occupations: $50,980
| Percentile | Value |
|---|---|
| 10th | $79,710 |
| 25th | $119,430 |
| Median | $167,220 |
| 75th | $221,540 |
| 90th | $316,850 |
| All US occupations | $50,980 |
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025
- Median annual wage
- $167,220
- Median hourly wage
- $80.39/hr
- Mean annual wage
- $180,250
- People employed
- 108,690
Versus all US occupations
At $167,220, Natural Sciences Managers earn 228% above the $50,980 median across all US occupations, a difference of $116,240 a year.
Versus management occupations
Inside the Management group, where the middle occupation pays $126,060, this is 33% above the group median.
Pay range
The top 10% earn $316,850 or more while the bottom 10% earn $79,710, a gap of 4.0×. That is an unusually wide spread, which usually tracks specialisation, employer type and years of experience.
Rank in the bank
This median pays more than 95% of the 1,741 occupations in the NueCareer career bank.
Highest-paying state
Massachusetts pays the most at $267,290, and still leads at $252,740 once local prices are taken into account.
Pay by state
Which states pay Natural Sciences Managers the most?
State medians come from the same OEWS release as the national figures. The cost-of-living column divides each state median by that state's BEA Regional Price Parity, restating pay in national-average dollars so a high-cost state and a low-cost one can be compared directly.
| State | Median | COL-adjusted | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1Massachusetts | $267,290 | $252,740 | 10,590 |
| 2Connecticut | $210,670 | $203,330 | 1,190 |
| 3California | $210,230 | $189,875 | 14,950 |
| 4New Jersey | $207,030 | $190,276 | 10,040 |
| 5Washington | $182,480 | $170,521 | 2,490 |
| 6North Carolina | $173,870 | $184,329 | 6,010 |
| 7Maryland | $168,620 | $160,653 | 4,820 |
| 8Illinois | $159,670 | $159,737 | 2,810 |
| 9District of Columbia | $156,730 | $142,610 | 1,540 |
| 10Kansas | $153,820 | $170,782 | 240 |
Job outlook
Is Natural Sciences Manager a growing career?
Employment change over 2025–2035, against every US occupation
Much faster than average. +8.2% projected growth vs 3.5% for all occupations.
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Natural Sciences Managers | +8.2% |
| All US occupations | +3.5% |
Source: BLS EP, 2025–2035
Much faster than average
BLS projects employment of Natural Sciences Managers to change 8.2% over 2025–2035, roughly 2.3× the 3.5% projected for all occupations. That is 9,200 more jobs.
Annual openings
About 9,200 openings are projected each year, 8.2% of the 112,200 jobs that existed in 2025. Most come from workers leaving the occupation, not from growth alone.
Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
Employment growth should be affected by many of the same factors that affect employment growth for the scientists whom these managers supervise. For example, when organizations hire more hydrologists for water conservation, they also may need to hire more natural sciences managers to oversee them.
Getting in
How to become a Natural Sciences Manager
Natural sciences managers typically need at least a bachelor’s degree in a natural science or related field. Most work as scientists before becoming managers.
- 1
Typical entry-level education
Bachelor's degree
- 2
Work experience in a related occupation
5 years or more
- 3
Typical on-the-job training
None
- 4
Preparation needed (O*NET job zone)
Considerable preparation
BLS Employment Projections, 2025–2035; job zone from O*NET 31.0 Database.
What education people in the job have
O*NET incumbent survey: the highest level of education reported by people already working as natural sciences managers.
- Bachelor's Degree35.1%
- Post-Doctoral Training26.7%
- Master's Degree15.1%
- Doctoral Degree13.6%
- Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree7.3%
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Bachelor's Degree | 35.1% |
| Post-Doctoral Training | 26.7% |
| Master's Degree | 15.1% |
| Doctoral Degree | 13.6% |
| Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree | 7.3% |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
The work
What does a Natural Sciences Manager do?
Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as life sciences, physical sciences, mathematics, statistics, and research and development in these fields.
Natural sciences managers plan, supervise, or coordinate activities in fields such as life sciences, physical sciences, mathematics, and statistics. They direct work related to research and development and coordinate activities such as testing, quality control, and production.
Day-to-day tasks
- Review project activities and prepare and review research, testing, or operational reports.
- Confer with scientists, engineers, regulators, or others to plan or review projects or to provide technical assistance.
- Design or coordinate successive phases of problem analysis, solution proposals, or testing.
- Determine scientific or technical goals within broad outlines provided by top management and make detailed plans to accomplish these goals.
- Develop client relationships and communicate with clients to explain proposals, present research findings, establish specifications, or discuss project status.
- Hire, supervise, or evaluate engineers, technicians, researchers, or other staff.
- Make presentations at professional meetings to further knowledge in the field.
- Develop or implement policies, standards, or procedures for the architectural, scientific, or technical work performed to ensure regulatory compliance or operations enhancement.
O*NET core tasks, ordered by reported importance.
Working conditions and hours
Most natural sciences managers work full time, and some work more than 40 hours per week. They also may need to work evenings or weekends.
Where the work happens
Indoors, climate-controlled
NeverEvery dayIndoors, in a climate-controlled space, every day.
Outdoors in all weather
NeverEvery day
Physical demands
Sitting
NeverAlmost all the timeSeated for more than half the working day.
Standing
NeverAlmost all the timeBending or twisting
NeverAlmost all the time
Working with people
Contact with other people
NoneConstantFace-to-face discussions
NeverEvery dayFace-to-face discussions every day.
Dealing with the public
Not importantExtremely important
Pressure and stakes
Strict deadlines
NeverEvery dayConflict situations
NeverEvery dayCost of a mistake
Not seriousExtremely serious
Autonomy
Freedom to decide
NoneA lotA lot of freedom to make decisions without checking first.
Schedules: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2025–2035 edition. Conditions: O*NET Work Context survey. Each item has its own scale, so each dot is read against the two answers that end its own line.
Where natural sciences managers work
Share of jobs by employer type
- Research and development in the physical, engineering, and life sciences38%
- Federal government, excluding postal service11%
- Manufacturing8%
- Healthcare and social assistance7%
- State government, excluding education and hospitals5%
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Research and development in the physical, engineering, and life sciences | 38% |
| Federal government, excluding postal service | 11% |
| Manufacturing | 8% |
| Healthcare and social assistance | 7% |
| State government, excluding education and hospitals | 5% |
Source: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2025–2035 edition
Core skills
O*NET importance, 1 to 5
- Science4.1
- Reading Comprehension4.0
- Active Listening4.0
- Critical Thinking4.0
- Monitoring4.0
- Writing3.9
- Speaking3.9
- Active Learning3.5
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Science | 4.1 |
| Reading Comprehension | 4.0 |
| Active Listening | 4.0 |
| Critical Thinking | 4.0 |
| Monitoring | 4.0 |
| Writing | 3.9 |
| Speaking | 3.9 |
| Active Learning | 3.5 |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
Transferable skills
O*NET importance, 1 to 5
- Complex Problem Solving3.9
- Judgment and Decision Making3.8
- Management of Personnel Resources3.6
- Social Perceptiveness3.4
- Coordination3.4
- Persuasion3.3
- Instructing3.3
- Operations Analysis3.3
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Complex Problem Solving | 3.9 |
| Judgment and Decision Making | 3.8 |
| Management of Personnel Resources | 3.6 |
| Social Perceptiveness | 3.4 |
| Coordination | 3.4 |
| Persuasion | 3.3 |
| Instructing | 3.3 |
| Operations Analysis | 3.3 |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
Tools and software
- Analytical or scientific software · in demand
- Data base management system software · in demand
- Data base user interface and query software · in demand
- Document management software · in demand
- Electronic mail software · in demand
- Enterprise resource planning ERP software · in demand
- Geographic information system · in demand
- Graphics or photo imaging software · in demand
- Object or component oriented development software · in demand
- Office suite software · in demand
- Presentation software · in demand
- Process mapping and design software · in demand
“In demand” marks an O*NET Employer-Based Hot Technology, software named in real job postings for this occupation.
Personality fit
What personality type suits a Natural Sciences Manager?
O*NET Occupational Interests (RIASEC), scored 1 to 7
| Axis | Natural Sciences Manager |
|---|---|
| Realistic | 3 |
| Investigative | 6 |
| Artistic | 2 |
| Social | 3 |
| Enterprising | 6 |
| Conventional | 4 |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
What the work is built around
Day to day this is work built around investigating, analysing and solving problems with ideas and data, combined with leading, persuading, selling and making decisions.
- Investigative5.9
- Enterprising5.6
- Conventional4.2
- Social3.1
- Realistic2.7
- Artistic2.4
Closest MBTI types
NueCareer fit scores: cosine similarity between each MBTI type's interest vector and this occupation's O*NET interest profile. Not a BLS or O*NET figure; the method is documented on our methodology page.
Explore further
Careers related to Natural Sciences Manager
O*NET related occupations
- Business and Financial Operations
- Architecture and Engineering
- Computer and Mathematical
- Life, Physical, and Social Science
- Life, Physical, and Social Science
- Life, Physical, and Social Science
More management careers
Median annual pay, with natural sciences managers highlighted
- IT Manager$175,140
- Natural Sciences Manager$167,220
- Marketing Manager$166,790
- Financial Manager$166,570
- Human Resources Manager$149,280
- Sales Manager$148,270
- Construction Manager$114,990
- Supply Chain Manager$107,230
- Property, Real Estate, and Community Association Manager$69,990
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| IT Manager | $175,140 |
| Natural Sciences Manager | $167,220 |
| Marketing Manager | $166,790 |
| Financial Manager | $166,570 |
| Human Resources Manager | $149,280 |
| Sales Manager | $148,270 |
| Construction Manager | $114,990 |
| Supply Chain Manager | $107,230 |
| Property, Real Estate, and Community Association Manager | $69,990 |
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025
Lists Natural Sciences Manager appears on
Questions
Natural Sciences Manager: frequently asked questions
How much do Natural Sciences Managers make?
Natural Sciences Managers earn a median of $167,220 a year (BLS OEWS, May 2025). That is 228% above the $50,980 median for all US occupations. That works out at $80.39/hr. The middle half earn between $119,430 and $221,540. The top 10% earn $316,850 or more.
Do you need a degree to become a Natural Sciences Manager?
Yes. BLS reports a bachelor's degree as the typical entry-level education for Natural Sciences Managers, and O*NET rates the preparation needed as considerable preparation. Employers typically expect 5 years or more of related work experience first. In O*NET's survey of people already doing the job, 35.1% hold bachelor's degree.
Is Natural Sciences Manager a growing career?
Yes, strongly. Employment is projected to grow 8.2% over 2025–2035, more than double the 3.5% projected for all occupations (BLS EP, 2025–2035). BLS still projects about 9,200 openings a year, mostly from workers retiring or moving to other work.
What does a Natural Sciences Manager do?
Natural sciences managers plan, supervise, or coordinate activities in fields such as life sciences, physical sciences, mathematics, and statistics. A core O*NET task: review project activities and prepare and review research, testing, or operational reports. Employers most often ask for Analytical or scientific software, Data base management system software, Data base user interface and query software.
Which states pay Natural Sciences Managers the most?
The highest state medians for Natural Sciences Managers are Massachusetts ($267,290), Connecticut ($210,670), California ($210,230) (BLS OEWS, May 2025).
What personality type suits a Natural Sciences Manager?
O*NET scores Natural Sciences Managers highest on the Investigative, Enterprising and Conventional interest areas, so the work mixes investigating, analysing and solving problems with ideas and data with leading, persuading, selling and making decisions. On NueCareer's MBTI-to-interest mapping that lines up most closely with ENTJ personalities. Personality is a fit signal, not a gate. The free NueCareer quiz scores your own profile against all 1,731 careers in the bank.