Natural sciences managers
SOC Code: 11-9121Also known as:
Agricultural Research Director, Agriculture Research Director, Analytical Services Manager, Chemical Engineer Supervisor, Chemical Plant Technical Director
Median Annual Salary
$161,180
+3.7% growth (2024-2034)
9K
Openings/Year
104K
Current Jobs
What Natural sciences managers Do
Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as life sciences, physical sciences, mathematics, statistics, and research and development in these fields.
💰 Salary
$161,180
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
+3.7%
As fast as average
🎓 Education
Bachelor's degree
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
9K
Projected average per year
👔 Work Experience
5 years or more
Required before entry
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
104,300
Projected Employment (2034)
108,200
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Top Skills Required
Science
Reading Comprehension
Active Listening
Critical Thinking
Monitoring
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- 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.
- Develop or implement policies, standards, or procedures for the architectural, scientific, or technical work performed to ensure regulatory compliance or operations enhancement.
- Recruit personnel or oversee the development or maintenance of staff competence.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
Bachelor's degree
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
Bachelor's Degree
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Natural sciences managers
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a natural sciences managers:
Biology/Biological Sciences, General
89,827 degrees awarded •
1,646 colleges offer this program
Biological and Physical Sciences
28,033 degrees awarded •
310 colleges offer this program
Mathematics, General
25,163 degrees awarded •
1,305 colleges offer this program
Chemistry, General
18,323 degrees awarded •
1,175 colleges offer this program
Physics, General
11,944 degrees awarded •
796 colleges offer this program
Neuroscience
11,557 degrees awarded •
332 colleges offer this program
Biochemistry
9,737 degrees awarded •
591 colleges offer this program
Statistics, General
7,709 degrees awarded •
202 colleges offer this program
Data Science, General
7,668 degrees awarded •
243 colleges offer this program
Geology/Earth Science, General
5,715 degrees awarded •
435 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Natural sciences managers
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become natural sciences managers.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do natural sciences managers make?
The median annual salary for natural sciences managers is $161,180.
What education do natural sciences managers need?
Most natural sciences managers positions require a bachelor's degree.
Common degree programs include Biology/Biological Sciences, General, Biological and Physical Sciences, Mathematics, General.
Is becoming natural sciences managers a good career choice?
Natural sciences managers is projected to see +3.7% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which is about average for all occupations. With approximately 8,500 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for natural sciences managers?
Top colleges for aspiring natural sciences managers include
University of California-Los Angeles, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, University of California-San Diego, The University of Texas at Austin, University of California-Berkeley.
These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to natural sciences managers?
Natural sciences managers may also be known as: Agricultural Research Director, Agriculture Research Director, Analytical Services Manager, Chemical Engineer Supervisor, Chemical Plant Technical Director, Chemical Process Exploration Manager, Clinical Project Manager, Clinical Trials Manager, Environmental Program Manager, Environmental Research Project Manager, Geochemical Manager, Geological Manager, Geophysical Manager, Gravity Manager, Lab Director (Laboratory Director), Lab Manager (Laboratory Manager), Laboratory Operations Director (Lab Operations Director), Laboratory Services Administrative Director (Lab Services Administrative Director), Natural Resources Manager, Natural Sciences Manager.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.