CFChooseField
Management

Natural Sciences Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as life sciences, physical sciences, mathematics, statistics, and research and development in these fields.

Visual summary of pay, outlook, skills, interests, and preparation for Natural Sciences Managers
Download graphic

Median pay

$161,180
Median annual pay for Natural Sciences Managers.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
View source ↗

10-year growth

3.7%
Projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
View source ↗

Annual openings

8,500
Projected annual openings, including growth and replacement demand.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
View source ↗

Employment

104,300
Estimated U.S. employment for Natural Sciences Managers in 2024.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
View source ↗

Jobs added or lost

+3,900
Projected numeric employment change from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
View source ↗

Entry preparation

Bachelor's degree
Typical additional preparation: 5 years or more of related work experience.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024 profile
View source ↗
O*NET occupation profile

What the work involves

Strongest O*NET signals first.

Essential skills

  1. 1Science
  2. 2Active Listening
  3. 3Critical Thinking
  4. 4Monitoring
  5. 5Reading Comprehension
  6. 6Speaking

Knowledge areas

  1. 1Biology
  2. 2English Language
  3. 3Administration and Management
  4. 4Computers and Electronics
  5. 5Administrative
  6. 6Chemistry

Abilities

  1. 1Written Comprehension
  2. 2Deductive Reasoning
  3. 3Inductive Reasoning
  4. 4Information Ordering
  5. 5Oral Comprehension
  6. 6Oral Expression

Career interests

  1. 1Investigative
  2. 2Enterprising
  3. 3Conventional
  4. 4Social
  5. 5Realistic
  6. 6Artistic

Work styles

  1. 1Intellectual Curiosity
  2. 2Leadership Orientation
  3. 3Dependability
  4. 4Innovation
  5. 5Achievement Orientation
  6. 6Attention to Detail

Work activities

  1. 1Making Decisions and Solving Problems
  2. 2Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
  3. 3Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
  4. 4Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
  5. 5Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
  6. 6Getting Information

Work context

  1. 1E-Mail
  2. 2Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
  3. 3Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
  4. 4Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team
  5. 5Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
  6. 6Telephone Conversations

Representative tasks

  • Hire, supervise, or evaluate engineers, technicians, researchers, or other staff.
  • Design or coordinate successive phases of problem analysis, solution proposals, or testing.
  • Plan or direct research, development, or production activities.
  • Review project activities and prepare and review research, testing, or operational reports.
  • 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.
  • Determine scientific or technical goals within broad outlines provided by top management and make detailed plans to accomplish these goals.
  • Prepare project proposals.

Software and tools

Microsoft PowerPoint · in demandMicrosoft Excel · in demandMicrosoft Office software · in demandStructured query language SQL · hot technologySAS · hot technologySAP software · hot technologyR · hot technologyOracle Database · hot technologyMicrosoft Word · hot technologyMicrosoft Visio · hot technologyMicrosoft SharePoint · hot technologyMicrosoft Project · hot technology

Sources

BLS provides national pay, employment, and projections. O*NET provides skills, interests, preparation, tasks, work context, and tools.

ChooseField compares fields using public labor-market and professional sources.