Natural Sciences Manager: Job Description, Pay & Outlook

What does a natural sciences manager do?

Natural sciences managers supervise the work of scientists, including chemists, physicists and biologists, directing research and development and coordinating testing and quality control. The median pay is $167,220 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about 5+ years of scientific experience, and employment is projected to grow +8.2% from 2025–35.

Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026

Median pay
$167,220
$80.39/hour · May 2025
Job growth
+8.2%
2025–35, much faster than average
Openings per year
9,200
Average, 2025–35
Typical entry education
Bachelor's degree
BLS classification
Time to train
5+ years of scientific experience
Typical program length
U.S. jobs
112,200
Employment, 2025

What natural sciences managers do

Natural sciences managers run science teams. They set research priorities, manage lab budgets and staff, oversee testing and quality programs, ensure safety and compliance, and connect science to company or agency goals.

Most have a bachelor’s or higher in a science and five or more years of experience; many have a Ph.D. BLS projects faster than average growth.

Typical duties

Set research priorities
Manage lab staff
Manage budgets
Oversee testing
Ensure lab safety
Ensure compliance
Report results

Work environment and schedule

Managers work in labs and offices for companies, universities and government.

Schedule: Full time, often more than 40 hours.

A day in the life

8:00 AMReview lab results.
9:00 AMMeet project scientists.
10:30 AMReview a grant budget.
12:00 PMSafety walk-through.

See a full day in the life of a natural sciences manager →

Natural Sciences Manager salary

Half of natural sciences managers earned more than $167,220 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $79,710 for the lowest 10% to $316,850 for the top 10%.

$79,71010th$167,220Median$316,85090th

Full natural sciences manager pay scale and hourly rates →

How to become a natural sciences manager

Earn a science degree
Work as a scientist
Lead projects
Earn a Ph.D. if needed
Become a manager

A bachelor’s or higher in a natural science and five or more years of experience are typical; many have a Ph.D.

Step-by-step guide to becoming a natural sciences manager →

Skills and tools

Technical skills

Scientific expertise
Research planning
Budgeting
Lab safety
Quality systems

People skills

Leadership
Communication
Strategic thinking
Mentoring

All natural sciences manager skills and tools →

Pros and cons

Pros

Very high pay
Faster-than-average growth
Shape research
Leadership

Cons

Less bench science
Budget and grant pressure
Compliance demands
Long hours

Certifications and licenses

Ph.D.: Common in research.
Lab safety certifications: Required programs.
Quality certifications: GLP or ISO.
PMP: Helpful.

Career path

Scientist: Entry.
Senior Scientist: Lead projects.
Lab Manager: Run labs.
Research Director: Lead programs.

Learn the job before day one

Our Natural Sciences Manager training (10 hours, $89.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as prioritize a lab’s research portfolio and prepare a lab for an audit, safety and how to land your first job.

View Natural Sciences Manager training Is this career right for me?

Chemist

Study substances and create new materials, medicines and products.

$91,240
4+ years

Microbiologist

Study bacteria, viruses and microbes to protect health and make products.

$87,990
4+ years

Biochemist

Study the chemistry of living things to develop medicines and new technologies.

$127,410
5–6 years after a bachelor’s

Engineering Manager

Lead teams of engineers who design products, systems and structures.

$171,270
5+ years of engineering experience

Compare: Natural Sciences Manager vs. Chemist · Natural Sciences Manager vs. Microbiologist · Natural Sciences Manager vs. Biochemist · Natural Sciences Manager vs. Engineering Manager

Natural Sciences Manager FAQ

Do science managers need a Ph.D.?

Often in research; not always in testing labs.

Is the job growing?

Yes, BLS projects faster than average growth.

Is pay high?

Yes, BLS reports very high median pay.

How much does a natural sciences manager make?

The median annual wage for natural sciences managers was $167,220 ($80.39 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $79,710 and the highest 10% earned more than $316,850.

How long does it take to become a natural sciences manager?

Most people need about 5+ years of scientific experience of training. A bachelor’s or higher in a natural science and five or more years of experience are typical; many have a Ph.D.

Do you need a degree to be a natural sciences manager?

Usually, yes. BLS lists a bachelor's degree as the typical entry-level education, although skills, certifications and experience can sometimes substitute.

More natural sciences manager questions →

Sources

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 11-9121 (Natural sciences managers).
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
O*NET OnLine summary for Natural sciences managers (U.S. Department of Labor).
BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.

Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.

Natural Sciences Manager