How to become natural sciences managerseducation, training, experience and the steps to enter

United States Management & Consulting Confidence ★★★★★

Median annual pay

$167,220

25th–75th pct. $119,430–$221,540

Top pay (est.)

$411,900

Top 10% $316,850

Pay in 5 years

$191,900est.

2031

Pay in 10 years

$220,200est.

$189,400–$255,600

Outlook score

68/100

★★★☆☆ Good

AI replacement risk

64%

High

Job growth (10 yr)

+8.2%

9,200 openings / yr

How to become natural sciences managers

Typical education

Bachelor's degree

BLS

Related experience

5 years or more

On-the-job training

None

A step-by-step guide for this occupation is being prepared. The education, training and experience data above show the typical path.

Skills, education and requirements for Natural Sciences Managers

Key skills

Reading Comprehension

5.0

Writing

5.0

Science

4.9

Active Learning

4.8

Active Listening

4.8

Management of Personnel Resources

4.6

Critical Thinking

4.4

Complex Problem Solving

4.2

O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).

Key knowledge areas

Biology

5.1

Administrative

4.9

English Language

4.7

Computers and Electronics

4.6

Mathematics

4.5

Chemistry

4.5

Administration and Management

4.2

Customer and Personal Service

4.1

What the work involves

Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeProcessing InformationMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsIdentifying Objects, Actions, and EventsMonitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships

Important abilities

Oral ExpressionWritten ExpressionDeductive ReasoningWritten ComprehensionOral ComprehensionInductive Reasoning

Education of workers

Bachelor's degree

35%

Post-doctoral training

27%

Master's degree

15%

Doctoral degree

14%

Associate's degree

Post-bachelor's certificate

Training before entry

Up to 1 month

37%

1–2 years

12%

1–3 months

12%

None / short demo

10%

2–4 years

4–10 years

3–6 months

6–12 months

Related work experience

2–4 years

26%

4–6 years

19%

1–2 years

16%

Over 10 years

15%

8–10 years

14%

6–8 years

None

Job Zone 5 — extensive preparation needed (O*NET)

Difficulty of entry: ★★★★☆ Demanding (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)

Career path and how to earn more as natural sciences managers

Career-path guidance is being prepared. Pay by percentile is shown in the Pay section.

Related occupations

	Occupation	Pay	Outlook	AI risk
1	General and Operations Managers Plan, direct, or coordinate the operations of public or private sector organizations, overseeing multiple departments or locations.	$105,770	62/100	54%
2	Business Operations Specialists, All Other All business operations specialists not listed separately.	$83,050	65/100	30%
3	Project Management Specialists Analyze and coordinate the schedule, timeline, procurement, staffing, and budget of a product or service on a per project basis.	$102,320	57/100	70%
4	Human Resources Specialists Recruit, screen, interview, or place individuals within an organization.	$75,940	59/100	61%
5	Management Analysts Conduct organizational studies and evaluations, design systems and procedures, conduct work simplification and measurement studies, and prepare operations and procedures manuals to assist management in operating more efficiently and effectively.	$101,860	69/100	66%
6	Financial Managers Plan, direct, or coordinate accounting, investing, banking, insurance, securities, and other financial activities of a branch, office, or department of an establishment.	$166,570	65/100	65%

Pay and employment figures are national statistics. Projected pay, outlook scores and AI replacement risk are estimates from the Shigoto Zukan model, not guarantees. To request a correction, use the contact form. How to read the data

Sources: BLS OEWS May 2025; BLS Employment Projections 2025–35; O*NET 31.0 Database by USDOL/ETA (CC BY 4.0), modified by Shigoto Zukan. Pay ranges, projections and scores are Shigoto Zukan estimates.