Natural sciences managers
Salary, job outlook, AI risk & career information
Natural sciences managers in the United States earn a median salary of $167,220 per year — about $80 per hour, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Roughly 104K people work in this occupation nationwide, with projected employment growth of +4%.
AI & Automation Risk
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NHBEST VALUE | $291,000 | Above avg (108.3) | $268,782 |
| Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR | $220,120 | Below avg (91.4) | $240,955 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $263,810 | Above avg (110.4) | $238,909 |
| Midland, MI | $212,130 | Below avg (91.9) | $230,774 |
| Bay City, MI | $204,120 | Below avg (91.9) | $222,060 |
| Norwich-New London-Willimantic, CT | $217,480 | Average (100.4) | $216,517 |
| Kennewick-Richland, WA | $215,860 | Average (100.1) | $215,690 |
| Worcester, MA | $212,600 | Average (102.5) | $207,368 |
| New Haven, CT | $210,670 | Above avg (104.6) | $201,484 |
| Grand Forks, ND-MN | $173,590 | Below avg (86.7) | $200,305 |
| Boulder, CO | $210,340 | Above avg (105.2) | $199,939 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA | $225,230 | Above avg (115.6) | $194,814 |
| Hartford-West Hartford-East Hartford, CT | $196,930 | Average (102.7) | $191,667 |
| Pinehurst-Southern Pines, NC | $168,850 | Below avg (88.3) | $191,145 |
| Bridgeport-Stamford-Danbury, CT Metropolitan Statistical Area | $204,250 | Above avg (106.9) | $191,131 |