Natural Sciences Managers
Natural sciences managers plan, supervise, or coordinate research and other activities in fields such as life sciences, physical sciences, mathematics, and statistics.
Is natural sciences managers a good career?
It scores 36/100 and ranks #93 of 825 occupations on pay, growth, employment and openings. Here's what the federal data says, with no editorializing.
Advantages
- Pays well above the U.S. median wage ($167,220 vs $61,390)
Possible tradeoffs
- Typically requires a bachelor's degree
- Often needs prior experience (5 years or more)
What natural sciences managers earn
Wages: BLS OEWS May 2025Pay is a range, not a number. Half of U.S. natural sciences managers earn between $119,430 and $221,540 a year.
Best-paying states
Best-paying metros
Strongest employment concentration
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- Typical education
- Bachelor's degree
- Work experience
- 5 years or more
- On-the-job training
- None
- Outlook
- Employment is projected to grow as fast as average through 2034.
Education
Natural sciences managers typically need a bachelor’s degree in a science field, such as biology or healthcare, or related field, such as psychology. Some employers require or prefer to hire candidates who have a master’s degree or Ph.D.
In addition to courses in natural sciences, such as biology and chemistry, degree programs usually include studies in mathematics and physics. Courses in business also may be useful.
Licenses, certifications & registrations
Some natural sciences managers need a state-issued license. For example, several states require laboratory directors to be licensed. Contact your state licensing board
Certification for first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) may be required in certain jobs.
Professional certification typically is not required for natural sciences managers. However, these managers may choose to earn certifications related to specific areas of work, such as laboratory animal management.
Important qualities
Communication skills. Natural sciences managers must be able to convey information clearly to a variety of audiences, such as scientists, policymakers, and the public. Both written and oral communication are important.
Critical-thinking skills. Natural sciences managers evaluate the work of others and must be able to determine if the methods and results are sound.
Interpersonal skills. Natural sciences managers lead teams and need to interact well with others to foster productive working relationships.
Leadership skills. Natural sciences managers must be able to organize, direct, and motivate others. They need to identify the strengths and weaknesses of their workers and create an environment in which the workers can succeed.
Problem-solving skills. Natural sciences managers use scientific observation and analysis to identify and address issues that arise.
Time-management skills. Natural sciences managers have a variety of administrative, supervisory, and technical tasks to ensure that projects remain on schedule.
Related occupations
How much do natural sciences managers make?
The national median wage is $167,220 a year, with the middle half earning between $119,430 and $221,540 (BLS OEWS May 2025).
Is natural sciences managers a good career?
On the Jobs.best index it scores 36 of 100 and ranks #93 of 825 occupations, weighing pay, growth, employment and openings. Employment is projected to change +3.7% through 2034.
What education do you need to become a natural sciences manager?
The typical entry-level education is bachelor's degree, usually with 5 years or more.
Where do natural sciences managers earn the most?
Among states, Massachusetts pays the highest median ($267,290). Local pay for every state and metro is below.