What Natural Sciences Managers do
The U.S. Department of Labor's O*NET database describes the work of Natural Sciences Managers this way: "Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as life sciences, physical sciences, mathematics, statistics, and research and development in these fields."
The core tasks O*NET records for this occupation include: "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"; "Plan or direct research, development, or production activities"; "Prepare project proposals"; "Design or coordinate successive phases of problem analysis, solution proposals, or testing".
Education, experience and training
According to the BLS Employment Projections, the typical education needed to enter this occupation is bachelor's degree. Work experience in a related occupation is typically 5 years or more.
Job outlook for Natural Sciences Managers
The Bureau of Labor Statistics counted 112,200 jobs in this occupation in 2025 and projects 121,500 in 2035, an increase of 9,300 jobs (+8.2%). That is faster than the 3.5% projected for all occupations.
About 9,200 openings a year are projected on average, counting both new positions and positions vacated by workers who retire or switch occupations. Relative to today's employment that is 8.2% a year, against 10.3% for all occupations. BLS lists a national median annual wage of $167,220, compared with $50,980 for all occupations.
Where Natural Sciences Managers earn the most
Across the 4 states with published data, the employment-weighted average of local median wages for this occupation ranges from $175,743 in New York to $288,365 in New Hampshire, a gap of $112,621 (1.64 times). 4 of those 4 states average above the BLS national median of $167,220 and 0 average at or below it.
New Jersey employs the most people in this occupation among the states covered, 18,020, which is 36.4% of the 49,560 counted across them. New York follows with 11,280.
Highest-paying states
New Hampshire ($288,365), Massachusetts ($280,938) and New Jersey ($177,772) lead the ranking, while New York ($175,743) and New Jersey ($177,772) are at the bottom. The table below lists every state with a link to its county-level detail.
Natural Sciences Managers: pay against the cost of living
We compare 4 labor markets, each represented by its most populous county. After federal, Social Security, Medicare and state taxes and the four basics (a one-bedroom rental, food, home energy and gasoline), the largest yearly margin is in Rockingham County, NH (Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH) at $179,936. The smallest margin is $83,883 in Kings County, NY.
The median wage for this occupation covers all four basics in 4 of the 4 markets. A one-bedroom apartment takes between 10.1% and 26.2% of take-home pay, depending on the market.
Occupations related to Natural Sciences Managers
Other occupations in the same SOC minor group (11-9000) include Architectural and Engineering Managers, Medical and Health Services Managers, Education Administrators, Kindergarten through Secondary and Construction Managers.
Frequently asked questions about Natural Sciences Managers
What is the national median wage for Natural Sciences Managers?
BLS lists a national median annual wage of $167,220. Across the states covered here the average local median ranges from $175,743 to $288,365.
Which state pays Natural Sciences Managers the most?
New Hampshire, with an employment-weighted average local median wage of $288,365. Massachusetts is next at $280,938.
What is the job outlook for Natural Sciences Managers?
BLS projects employment to grow by 8.2% between 2025 and 2035, compared with 3.5% for all occupations, with about 9,200 openings a year.
What education do Natural Sciences Managers need?
The typical entry-level education is bachelor's degree, with work experience in a related occupation of 5 years or more, according to BLS.
Where can Natural Sciences Managers afford to live best?
Among the markets covered, Rockingham County, NH leaves the largest yearly margin after taxes, rent, food, energy and gasoline: $179,936 on a median wage of $291,000.