How much does a science manager make?
a year · about $80 an hour
A typical science manager in the United States makes $167,220 a year, about $80 an hour, about 3.3× a typical US worker (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
What do they do?
At a lab, a science manager checks supplies and research results, then meets scientists to set goals, tasks, and budgets. They review reports and explain progress to leaders or clients; some still do research themselves.
Did you know? A promotion doesn’t always end lab work: some U.S. natural sciences managers keep doing their own research while supervising other scientists.
Is that a lot?
Compared with jobs you knowIf 100 people had this job
Most earn between $79,710 and $316,850How do you become one?
In the U.S., earn a science bachelor’s degree; some employers prefer a master’s or Ph.D. First work as a scientist for several years, then gain leadership experience on research teams or projects; some lab-director jobs need a state license.
School needed: Graduate degree or long training
Good for people who like figuring things out and leading and selling
Why does pay differ?
In the United States, pay can vary with science experience, specialty, employer, and location; BLS data show differences across industries and states. Some lab-director jobs need a state license, and some managers work evenings or weekends, but professional certification is usually not required.
Where does it pay most?
Highest in Massachusetts ($267,290), lowest in Hawaii ($107,810).
See every state
Top 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
Jobs like this
Data table and sources
| Lower earner (10th from bottom) | Typical person (median) | Higher earner (10th from top) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|---|
| $79,710 | $167,220 | $316,850 | about 109,000 |
| State | Typical person (median) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts | $267,290 | about 11,000 |
| Connecticut | $210,670 | about 1,000 |
| California | $210,230 | about 15,000 |
| New Jersey | $207,030 | about 10,000 |
| Washington | $182,480 | about 2,000 |
Official definition: Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as life sciences, physical sciences, mathematics, statistics, and research and development in these fields. Excludes “Computer and Information Systems Managers” (11-3021) and “Architecture and Engineering Managers” (11-9041).
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025 (bls.gov); descriptions and related jobs from O*NET 31.0. Figures as of May 2025, full-time yearly pay (hourly × 2,080 hours). bls.gov/oes · O*NET OnLine
Pages used for the text
- www.bls.gov/ooh/management/natural-sciences-managers.htm
- www.onetonline.org/link/summary/11-9121.00
- www.bls.gov/oes/2022/may/oes119121.htm
Data: US BLS OEWS, May 2025 · 1 USD = 150 JPY