Natural sciences managers
Salary, job outlook, AI risk & career information
Median Salary
$161,180
~$77/hr · ~$13,432/mo
US Jobs
104K
As fast as average
AI & Automation Risk
7/10
High Risk
AI & Automation Risk
High Risk 7/10
This role is predominantly knowledge-based, involving data analysis, budgeting, and technical reporting, all of which are highly susceptible to AI enhancement and automation. While the job requires significant human-centric leadership and physical oversight of laboratories, AI will drastically increase productivity in reviewing research, drafting operational reports, and optimizing resource allocation.
Salary by City — What You Actually Take Home
Real purchasing power = salary adjusted for cost of living. Higher = more money in your pocket.
| City | Local Salary | Cost of Living | Real Purchasing Power |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, ARBEST VALUE | $211,880 | Below avg (91.5) | $231,689 |
| Midland, MI | $204,390 | Below avg (90.6) | $225,546 |
| Kennewick-Richland, WA | $209,260 | Average (98.9) | $211,620 |
| Norwich-New London-Willimantic, CT | $210,890 | Average (100.7) | $209,434 |
| Worcester, MA | $211,400 | Average (103.0) | $205,279 |
| Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH | $219,380 | Above avg (110.4) | $198,726 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $221,480 | Above avg (113.1) | $195,898 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA | $222,840 | Above avg (117.6) | $189,569 |
| Boulder, CO | $188,360 | Average (100.6) | $187,211 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $208,230 | Above avg (112.7) | $184,714 |
| Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC | $161,750 | Below avg (89.4) | $180,981 |
| Memphis, TN-MS-AR | $166,330 | Below avg (91.9) | $180,898 |
| San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA | $199,590 | Above avg (110.7) | $180,231 |
| New Orleans-Metairie, LA | $163,880 | Below avg (91.2) | $179,705 |
| Durham-Chapel Hill, NC | $171,390 | Average (97.3) | $176,061 |
Cost of Living Index: 100 = US national average. Below 100 = cheaper. Above 100 = more expensive.
Education & Requirements
Education Required
Bachelor's degree
10-Year Growth
+4% (As fast as average)
Hourly Rate
~$77/hr
Monthly Income
~$13,432/mo
Related Careers
Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics OOH (2024)