### Bureau of Labor Statistics U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Natural Sciences Managers Summary
                        
            
                                                        
                                                                
                        
            
            
            
                            
                                                
                                                
                                                
                                                
            						
							
				                                                
                                            




            			natural sciences managers imageLaboratory managers review staff members’ methodology and the accuracy of their research results.							
						Quick Facts:     Natural Sciences Managers2023     Median Pay
            						$157,740     per year
										$75.84     per hourTypical Entry-Level Education
                                    Bachelor's degreeWork Experience in a Related Occupation
                                    5 years or moreOn-the-job Training
                                    NoneNumber of Jobs, 2022
                                    86,300Job Outlook, 2022-32
                                    5% (Faster than average)Employment Change, 2022-32
                                    4,200What Natural Sciences Managers Do
                                                
                        
                        
Natural sciences managers plan, supervise, or coordinate research and other activities in fields such as life sciences, physical sciences, mathematics, and statistics.
            
                        Work Environment
                        
Natural sciences managers work primarily in an office setting or in laboratories. Most work full time, and some work more than 40 hours per week.
            
                                                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.
            
                        Pay
                        												                            																				    														The median annual wage for natural sciences managers was $157,740 in May 2023.									                                					
						
            
                        Job Outlook
                        						
												Employment							of natural sciences managers is projected to grow							 5 percent from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations.
						About 6,500 openings for natural sciences managers are projected each year, on average, over the decade.
            			
            			 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.
						State & Area Data
                       Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for natural sciences managers.
            
            
						
                        Similar Occupations
                        
                                                    Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of natural sciences managers with similar occupations.
            
            
                        More Information, Including Links to O*NET
                        
                                               
                        Learn more about natural sciences managers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
 What Natural Sciences Managers Do 
            

			Natural science managersNatural sciences managers direct research and development projects.			
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.
Duties
Natural sciences managers typically do the following:
Set goals and strategies for researchers and product developers
Budget resources for projects and programs by determining staffing, training, and equipment needs
Hire, supervise, and evaluate scientists, technicians, and other staff
Monitor projects, review research, and draft operational reports
Ensure that laboratories are stocked with equipment and supplies
Provide technical guidance to scientists, technicians, and support staff
Establish administrative procedures and standards
Communicate project proposals, research findings, and project status to clients and managementNatural sciences managers direct research and coordinate product development and production activities. Their duties vary with the field (such as biology or chemistry) or the industry (such as research and development or government) they work in. Research projects may focus on improving manufacturing processes, advancing scientific knowledge, or developing new products.
Some natural sciences managers are former scientists and, after becoming managers, continue to conduct their own research as well as oversee others’ work. Others spend most of their time directing the work of scientists, technicians, or research staff.
Natural sciences managers who oversee experiments must ensure that laboratories are fully supplied so that scientists can run their tests. Some specialize in managing activities related to laboratory animals.
During all stages of a project, natural sciences managers coordinate the activities of their unit with those of other units or organizations. They work with other managers; financial, production, and marketing specialists; and equipment and materials suppliers.
 Work Environment
			Natural science managersNatural sciences managers often present their research findings to other managers, top executives, and clients.			

	    
				
	
	
	
	
	
	
	    					 Natural sciences managers held about 86,300 jobs in 2022. The largest employers of natural sciences managers were as follows:
        Research and development in the physical, engineering, and life sciences
                38%Federal government, excluding postal service
                14Manufacturing
                8Healthcare and social assistance
                8State government, excluding education and hospitals
                5Natural sciences managers work primarily in an office setting or in laboratories. Some work in manufacturing or warehousing facilities, and others work outdoors to observe fieldwork.
Natural sciences managers who work in laboratories may need to follow safety protocols, such as wearing a respirator or other personal protective equipment, to avoid exposure to harmful contaminants. Those who work outdoors may need to travel, sometimes to hazardous locations, and work in a variety of weather conditions.
Work Schedules
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.
 How to Become a Natural Sciences Manager

			Natural sciences managersNatural sciences managers typically begin their careers as scientists.			
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.
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.
Work Experience in a Related Occupation
Natural sciences managers typically need several years in the sciences to enter the occupation. While employed as scientists, they may gain experience by assuming more responsibility and autonomy in their work. They also may get experience by leading research teams and directing projects.
Licenses, Certifications, and 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 for more information.
Certification for first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) may be required in certain jobs.
Professional certification typically is not required for natural sciences manager. 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.
 Pay

			



	
 
                                                     
            
    
                Natural Sciences ManagersMedian annual wages, May 2023Natural sciences managers$157,740  Other management occupations$102,510  Total, all occupations$48,060Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy.Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics
 

	
	



		
	
	
	
The median annual wage for natural sciences managers was $157,740 in May 2023. 


The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $77,520, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $239,200.





		
	    					 In May 2023, the median annual wages for natural sciences managers in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:	
        Research and development in the physical, engineering, and life sciences
                $179,350Manufacturing
                176,040Federal government, excluding postal service
                131,890Healthcare and social assistance
                96,560State government, excluding education and hospitals
                95,620Most natural sciences managers work full time, and some work more than 40 hours per week. They also may need to work evenings or weekends.
 Job Outlook

   
        
    
          
        
    
               Natural Sciences ManagersPercent change in employment, projected 2022-32Natural sciences managers5%  Other management occupations5%  Total, all occupations3%Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy.Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program
            
            
			 
	
	
	

			Employment				of natural sciences managers is projected to grow				 5 percent from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations.
			
			About 6,500 openings for natural sciences managers are projected each year, on average, over the decade.
			
			 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
	
			
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. However, managers often are flexible in the number of workers they supervise, which may reduce demand in organizations looking to cut costs.
			

                        Employment projections data for     natural sciences managers, 2022-32
                Occupational Title
                        SOC Code
                        Employment, 2022
                        Projected Employment, 2032
                        Change, 2022-32
                        Employment by IndustryPercent
                        NumericSOURCE: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program**Natural sciences managers**
			11-9121
			86,300
			90,500
			5
			4,200
			Get data
 State & Area Data **Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS)** The Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program produces employment and wage estimates annually for over 800 occupations. These estimates are available for the nation as a whole, for individual states, and for metropolitan and nonmetropolitan areas. The link(s) below go to OES data maps for employment and wages by state and area. Natural sciences managers **Projections Central** Occupational employment projections are developed for all states by Labor Market Information (LMI) or individual state Employment Projections offices. All state projections data are available at www.projectionscentral.com. Information on this site allows projected employment growth for an occupation to be compared among states or to be compared within one state. In addition, states may produce projections for areas; there are links to each state’s websites where these data may be retrieved. **CareerOneStop** CareerOneStop includes hundreds of occupational profiles with data available by state and metro area. There are links in the left-hand side menu to compare occupational employment by state and occupational wages by local area or metro area. There is also a salary info tool to search for wages by zip code.
 Similar Occupations This table shows a list of occupations with job duties that are similar to those of natural sciences managers. Occupation
                Job Duties
                ENTRY-LEVEL EDUCATION
                2023     MEDIAN PAY**Agricultural and Food Scientists**
            Agricultural and food scientists research ways to improve the efficiency and safety of agricultural establishments and products.
            Bachelor's degree
            $76,400**Architectural and Engineering Managers**
            Architectural and engineering managers plan, direct, and coordinate activities in the fields of architecture and engineering.
            Bachelor's degree
            $165,370**Biochemists and Biophysicists**
            Biochemists and biophysicists study the chemical and physical principles of living things and of biological processes.
            Doctoral or professional degree
            $107,460**Chemists and Materials Scientists**
            Chemists and materials scientists research and analyze the chemical properties of substances to develop new materials, products, or knowledge.
            Bachelor's degree
            $87,180**Environmental Scientists and Specialists**
            Environmental scientists and specialists use their knowledge of the natural sciences to protect the environment and human health.
            Bachelor's degree
            $78,980**Geoscientists**
            Geoscientists study the physical aspects of the Earth.
            Bachelor's degree
            $92,580**Medical Scientists**
            Medical scientists conduct research aimed at improving overall human health.
            Doctoral or professional degree
            $100,890**Microbiologists**
            Microbiologists study microorganisms such as bacteria, algae, and fungi.
            Bachelor's degree
            $85,470**Physicists and Astronomers**
            Physicists and astronomers study the interactions of matter and energy.
            Doctoral or professional degree
            $149,530**Postsecondary Teachers**
            Postsecondary teachers instruct students in a variety of academic subjects beyond the high school level.
            See How to Become One
            $84,380
 Contacts for More Information
								
For information about science careers, visit
American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)
To find job openings for natural sciences managers in the federal government, visit
USAJOBS
CareerOneStop
For a career video on natural sciences managers, visit
Natural Sciences Managers

                                                
                                                        
                                                                                                    O*NET
                                        Clinical Research CoordinatorsNatural Sciences ManagersWater Resource Specialists
 Suggested citation: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S.  Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Natural Sciences Managers, 
        	 at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/natural-sciences-managers.htm (visited *May 21, 2024*).
 **Last Modified Date:**
                        Wednesday, April 17, 2024


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