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Natural Sciences Managers

Summary

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Video transcript available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=faXbaiNn2HM.
Quick Facts: Natural Sciences Managers
2023 Median Pay $157,740 per year
$75.84 per hour
Typical Entry-Level Education Bachelor's degree
Work Experience in a Related Occupation 5 years or more
On-the-job Training None
Number of Jobs, 2023 100,100
Job Outlook, 2023-33 8% (Faster than average)
Employment Change, 2023-33 7,500

What 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 8 percent from 2023 to 2033, faster than the average for all occupations.

About 8,300 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 About this section

Natural science managers
Natural 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 management

Natural 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 About this section

Natural science managers
Natural sciences managers often present their research findings to other managers, top executives, and clients.

Natural sciences managers held about 100,100 jobs in 2023. The largest employers of natural sciences managers were as follows:

Research and development in the physical, engineering, and life sciences 42%
Federal government, excluding postal service 13
Manufacturing 8
Healthcare and social assistance 7
State government, excluding education and hospitals 5

Natural 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 About this section

Natural sciences managers
Natural 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 About this section

Natural Sciences Managers

Median annual wages, May 2023

Natural sciences managers

$157,740

Other management occupations

$102,510

Total, all occupations

$48,060

 

Note: 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 $179,350
Manufacturing 176,040
Federal government, excluding postal service 131,890
Healthcare and social assistance 96,560
State government, excluding education and hospitals 95,620

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.

Job Outlook About this section

Natural Sciences Managers

Percent change in employment, projected 2023-33

Natural sciences managers

8%

Other management occupations

6%

Total, all occupations

4%

 

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 8 percent from 2023 to 2033, faster than the average for all occupations.

About 8,300 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, 2023-33
Occupational Title SOC Code Employment, 2023 Projected Employment, 2033 Change, 2023-33 Employment by Industry
Percent Numeric

SOURCE: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program

Natural sciences managers

 11-9121 100,100 107,600 8 7,500 Get data

State & Area Data About this section

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 OEWS data maps for employment and wages by state and area.

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.org. 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 About this section

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 Help on Entry-Level Education 2023 MEDIAN PAY Help on Median Pay
Agricultural and food scientists 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

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

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

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

Environmental scientists and specialists conduct research or investigations to protect the environment or human health.

 Bachelor's degree $78,980
Geoscientists Geoscientists

Geoscientists study the physical aspects of the Earth.

 Bachelor's degree $92,580
Medical scientists Medical Scientists

Medical scientists conduct research aimed at improving overall human health.

 Doctoral or professional degree $100,890
Microbiologists Microbiologists

Microbiologists study microorganisms such as bacteria, algae, and fungi.

 Bachelor's degree $85,470
Physicists and astronomers Physicists and Astronomers

Physicists and astronomers study the interactions of matter and energy.

 Doctoral or professional degree $149,530
Postsecondary teachers Postsecondary Teachers

Postsecondary teachers instruct students in a variety of academic subjects beyond the high school level.

 See How to Become One $84,380
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 November 17, 2024).

Last Modified Date: Thursday, August 29, 2024

What They Do

The What They Do tab describes the typical duties and responsibilities of workers in the occupation, including what tools and equipment they use and how closely they are supervised. This tab also covers different types of occupational specialties.

Work Environment

The Work Environment tab includes the number of jobs held in the occupation and describes the workplace, the level of physical activity expected, and typical hours worked. It may also discuss the major industries that employed the occupation. This tab may also describe opportunities for part-time work, the amount and type of travel required, any safety equipment that is used, and the risk of injury that workers may face.

How to Become One

The How to Become One tab describes how to prepare for a job in the occupation. This tab can include information on education, training, work experience, licensing and certification, and important qualities that are required or helpful for entering or working in the occupation.

Pay

The Pay tab describes typical earnings and how workers in the occupation are compensated—annual salaries, hourly wages, commissions, tips, or bonuses. Within every occupation, earnings vary by experience, responsibility, performance, tenure, and geographic area. For most profiles, this tab has a table with wages in the major industries employing the occupation. It does not include pay for self-employed workers, agriculture workers, or workers in private households because these data are not collected by the Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, the source of BLS wage data in the OOH.

State & Area Data

The State and Area Data tab provides links to state and area occupational data from the Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program, state projections data from Projections Central, and occupational information from the Department of Labor's CareerOneStop.

Job Outlook

The Job Outlook tab describes the factors that affect employment growth or decline in the occupation, and in some instances, describes the relationship between the number of job seekers and the number of job openings.

Similar Occupations

The Similar Occupations tab describes occupations that share similar duties, skills, interests, education, or training with the occupation covered in the profile.

Contacts for More Information

The More Information tab provides the Internet addresses of associations, government agencies, unions, and other organizations that can provide additional information on the occupation. This tab also includes links to relevant occupational information from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET).

2023 Median Pay

The wage at which half of the workers in the occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. Median wage data are from the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics survey. In May 2023, the median annual wage for all workers was $48,060.

On-the-job Training

Additional training needed (postemployment) to attain competency in the skills needed in this occupation.

Entry-level Education

Typical level of education that most workers need to enter this occupation.

Work experience in a related occupation

Work experience that is commonly considered necessary by employers, or is a commonly accepted substitute for more formal types of training or education.

Number of Jobs, 2023

The employment, or size, of this occupation in 2023, which is the base year of the 2023-33 employment projections.

Job Outlook, 2023-33

The projected percent change in employment from 2023 to 2033. The average growth rate for all occupations is 4 percent.

Employment Change, 2023-33

The projected numeric change in employment from 2023 to 2033.

Entry-level Education

Typical level of education that most workers need to enter this occupation.

On-the-job Training

Additional training needed (postemployment) to attain competency in the skills needed in this occupation.

Employment Change, projected 2023-33

The projected numeric change in employment from 2023 to 2033.

Growth Rate (Projected)

The percent change of employment for each occupation from 2023 to 2033.

Projected Number of New Jobs

The projected numeric change in employment from 2023 to 2033.

Projected Growth Rate

The projected percent change in employment from 2023 to 2033.

2023 Median Pay

The wage at which half of the workers in the occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. Median wage data are from the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics survey. In May 2023, the median annual wage for all workers was $48,060.