Top Skills for This Career
BLS identifies these as the three highest-rated skills for this detailed occupation. TrustInEd adds the plain-language explanations so visitors understand what each skill means.
Adjusting effectively when priorities, conditions, tools, or expectations change.
Understanding written information and communicating ideas clearly in writing.
Guiding people or projects, setting direction, taking responsibility, and helping others succeed.
How Do You Prepare for This Career?
BLS describes the typical preparation for this occupation. Requirements can vary by employer, state, licensing rules and individual circumstances.
How to Become One
How to Become a Natural Sciences Manager Natural sciences managers typically begin their careers as scientists. Natural sciences managers typically need at least a bachelor’s degree in a natural science or related field. Most work as scientists before becoming managers.
Education
Natural sciences managers typically need a bachelor’s degree in a science field, such as biology or healthcare, or related field, such as psychology. Some employers require or prefer to hire candidates who have a master’s degree or Ph.D. In addition to courses in natural sciences, such as biology and chemistry, degree programs usually include studies in mathematics and physics. Courses in business also may be useful. Work Experience in a Related Occupation Natural sciences managers typically need several years in the sciences to enter the occupation. While employed as scientists, they may gain experience by assuming more responsibility and autonomy in their work. They also may get experience by leading research teams and directing projects.
Licenses, Certifications & Registrations
Some natural sciences managers need a state-issued license. For example, several states require laboratory directors to be licensed. Contact your state licensing board for more information. Certification for first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) may be required in certain jobs. Professional certification typically is not required for natural sciences managers. However, these managers may choose to earn certifications related to specific areas of work, such as laboratory animal management.
Your Next Step
Compare colleges and education options that can support the typical entry-level education for this career.
Pay
the median annual wage for all workers was $50,980.
Job Outlook
Job Outlook Employment of natural sciences managers is projected to grow 8 percent from 2025 to 2035, much faster than the average for all occupations. About 9,200 openings for natural sciences managers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. Employment Employment growth should be affected by many of the same factors that affect employment growth for the scientists whom these managers supervise. For example, when organizations hire more hydrologists for water conservation, they also may need to hire more natural sciences managers to oversee them. Natural Sciences Managers Percent change in employment, projected 2025–35 Natural sciences managers 8% Other management occupations 6% Total, all occupations 3% Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy.
What They Do
What Natural Sciences Managers Do
Natural sciences managers plan, supervise, or coordinate activities in fields such as life sciences, physical sciences, mathematics, and statistics. They direct work related to research and development and coordinate activities such as testing, quality control, and production.
Duties
Natural sciences managers typically do the following:
- Set goals and strategies for researchers and product developers
- Budget resources for projects and programs by determining staffing, training, and equipment needs
- Hire, supervise, and evaluate scientists, technicians, and other staff
- Monitor projects, review research, and draft operational reports
- Ensure that laboratories are stocked with equipment and supplies
- Provide technical guidance to scientists, technicians, and support staff
- Establish administrative procedures and standards
- Communicate project proposals, research findings, and project status to clients and management
Natural sciences managers direct research and coordinate product development and production activities. Their duties vary with the field (such as biology or chemistry) or the industry (such as research and development or government) they work in. Research projects may focus on improving manufacturing processes, advancing scientific knowledge, or developing new products.
Some natural sciences managers are former scientists and, after becoming managers, continue to conduct their own research as well as oversee others’ work. Others spend most of their time directing the work of scientists, technicians, or research staff.
Natural sciences managers who oversee experiments must ensure that laboratories are fully supplied so that scientists can run their tests. Some specialize in managing activities related to laboratory animals.
During all stages of a project, natural sciences managers coordinate the activities of their unit with those of other units or organizations. They work with other managers; financial, production, and marketing specialists; and equipment and materials suppliers.
Work Environment
Work Environment
Natural sciences managers held about 112,200 jobs in 2025. The largest employers of natural sciences managers were as follows:
| Research and development in the physical, engineering, and life sciences | 38% |
| Federal government, excluding postal service | 11 |
| Manufacturing | 8 |
| Healthcare and social assistance | 7 |
| State government, excluding education and hospitals | 5 |
Natural sciences managers work primarily in an office setting or in laboratories. Some work in manufacturing or warehousing facilities, and others work outdoors to observe fieldwork.
Natural sciences managers who work in laboratories may need to follow safety protocols, such as wearing a respirator or other personal protective equipment, to avoid exposure to harmful contaminants. Those who work outdoors may need to travel, sometimes to hazardous locations, and work in a variety of weather conditions.
Work Schedules
Most natural sciences managers work full time, and some work more than 40 hours per week. They also may need to work evenings or weekends.
Important Qualities
The following are examples of qualities that are important for these workers to perform their duties. For more information, visit the Employment Projections (EP) skills data page. Communication skills. Natural sciences managers must be able to convey information clearly to a variety of audiences, such as scientists, policymakers, and the public. Both written and oral communication are important. Critical-thinking skills. Natural sciences managers evaluate the work of others and must be able to determine if the methods and results are sound. Interpersonal skills. Natural sciences managers lead teams and need to interact well with others to foster productive working relationships. Leadership skills. Natural sciences managers must be able to organize, direct, and motivate others. They need to identify the strengths and weaknesses of their workers and create an environment in which the workers can succeed. Problem-solving skills. Natural sciences managers use scientific observation and analysis to identify and address issues that arise. Time-management skills. Natural sciences managers have a variety of administrative, supervisory, and technical tasks to ensure that projects remain on schedule.
More Information
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about natural sciences managers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Take the Next Step
Find Education Programs
Compare colleges and education options that can support the typical entry-level education for this career.
Explore pathway →Hear From ED
Use the guided career counseling experience to connect this career to your goals, skills and education preferences.
Start with ED →Career data and occupational profile text are sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook and Employment Projections program. Education requirements are typical entry-level requirements and may vary by employer, state, occupation or individual circumstance. View the official BLS profile.