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Natural Sciences Managers

Job Zone 5 - Extensive preparation needed

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as life sciences, physical sciences, mathematics, statistics, and research and development in these fields.

Pay & job outlook

Median pay: $167,220/yr (U.S. national, May 2025)

$79,710$316,850

Typical range nationwide (10th–90th percentile). This is a population snapshot, not a personal prediction - actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience.

Job outlook: +3.7% projected growth, 20242034 — about as fast as average.

About 8,500 openings per year, on average, over the decade.

Typical entry-level education: Bachelor's degree.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS and Employment Projections.

Top skills
ScienceReading ComprehensionMonitoringActive ListeningCritical ThinkingSpeakingWritingComplex Problem SolvingJudgment and Decision MakingManagement of Personnel Resources
Top knowledge areas
BiologyEnglish LanguageAdministration and ManagementComputers and ElectronicsAdministrativeChemistryMathematicsPersonnel and Human Resources
Core tasks

Hire, supervise, or evaluate engineers, technicians, researchers, or other staff.

Design or coordinate successive phases of problem analysis, solution proposals, or testing.

Plan or direct research, development, or production activities.

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.

Develop client relationships and communicate with clients to explain proposals, present research findings, establish specifications, or discuss project status.

Determine scientific or technical goals within broad outlines provided by top management and make detailed plans to accomplish these goals.

Prepare project proposals.

Frequently asked questions

What's the median pay for Natural Sciences Managers?

The median pay for Natural Sciences Managers is $167,220 per year, per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

What's the job outlook for Natural Sciences Managers?

Employment for Natural Sciences Managers is projected to change +3.7% from 2024 to 2034 - about as fast as average.

What education is typically required for Natural Sciences Managers?

Typical entry-level education: Bachelor's degree.

How many job openings are there each year for Natural Sciences Managers?

About 8,500 openings per year, on average, over the decade.