Career comparison
Biochemist vs. Natural Sciences Manager
Side-by-side pay, training, growth and day-to-day duties to help you choose between two related careers.
Natural sciences managers earn more at the median ($167,220 vs. $127,410), while natural sciences managers usually get to work faster (5+ years of scientific experience of training). Biochemists study the chemistry of living things to develop medicines and new technologies. Natural sciences managers lead scientists and labs doing research and testing.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
| Biochemist | Natural Sciences Manager | |
|---|---|---|
| Median pay | $127,410 ($61.26/hr) | $167,220 ($80.39/hr) |
| Pay range (10th–90th) | $74,290 – $201,110 | $79,710 – $316,850 |
| Job growth, 2025–35 | +12.3% (much faster than average) | +8.2% (much faster than average) |
| Openings per year | 2,900 | 9,200 |
| Typical entry education | Doctoral or professional degree | Bachelor's degree |
| Training time | 5–6 years after a bachelor’s | 5+ years of scientific experience |
| Key credential | Ph.D. | Ph.D. |
| Work setting | Biochemists work in labs at universities, biotech and pharma companies.. | Managers work in labs and offices for companies, universities and government.. |
What each job does
Biochemist
- Design experiments
- Purify proteins
- Run assays
- Analyze data
- Write papers
Natural Sciences Manager
- Set research priorities
- Manage lab staff
- Manage budgets
- Oversee testing
- Ensure lab safety
How they’re similar
Both careers involve high-pay, in-demand, and working with information. Both are part of the science, engineering & lab field, so many skills transfer between them.
Which should you choose?
Choose biochemist if…
- I love biology and chemistry
- I’m persistent
- I like lab work
Choose natural sciences manager if…
- I’m a scientist who likes leading
- I like strategy
- I can manage budgets
Still torn? Take the Biochemist fit quiz and the Natural Sciences Manager fit quiz, or the full Career Match Quiz.
Quick comparisons
Which pays more, biochemist or natural sciences manager?
Natural Sciences Managers earn more at the median: $167,220 versus $127,410 for biochemists, based on BLS May 2025 data.
Which takes less time to train for?
Natural Sciences Managers typically train faster (5+ years of scientific experience) than biochemists (5–6 years after a bachelor’s).
Which career has better job growth?
BLS projects biochemists to grow +12.3% from 2025–35, compared with +8.2% for natural sciences managers.