Natural sciences managers
SOC Code: 11-9121
Natural sciences managers carries a 46% AI exposure score (High automation risk), with a median annual wage of $161,180 and +3.7% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 104,300 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
At 46% AI exposure, Natural sciences managers sits 9 points above the 37.2% average across 832 U.S. occupations - more exposed than 82% of them. Most of its core tasks still require human judgment.
Where Natural sciences managers sits among all occupations
AI-exposure score distribution across 832 U.S. occupations (O*NET task analysis). This occupation is marked in rose.
Natural sciences managers has ai exposure of 46%. Distribution: 1 occupations at 0-10%; 43 occupations at 10-20%; 184 occupations at 20-30%; 332 occupations at 30-40%; 158 occupations at 40-50%; 64 occupations at 50-60%; 29 occupations at 60-70%; 15 occupations at 70-80%; 5 occupations at 80-90%; 1 occupations at 90-100%.
Source: O*NET task data (U.S. Department of Labor); AI-exposure scores are PlainWorkforce's analysis. As of BLS 2024–2034.
Natural sciences managers vs. its occupational neighbors
AI exposure (horizontal) vs projected 2024–2034 growth (vertical) for occupations in the same SOC group. Natural sciences managers is marked in rose; the top-left corner is the most future-proof.
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034 (growth) and O*NET (AI-exposure analysis by PlainWorkforce).
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Natural sciences managers (SOC 11-9121) carries an AI exposure score of 46%, placing it in the High automation-risk tier. This score is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each task an occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score in the 40–70% range indicates meaningful automation pressure on specific task categories, but the role as a whole still requires human judgment for coordination, exception handling, or client interaction.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 104,300 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a +3.7% change through 2034 - modest growth that keeps the occupation viable even as tasks evolve. Median annual compensation stands at $161,180, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires Bachelor's degree, plus 5 years or more of related experience.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes Natural sciences managers. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure. Pair the AI exposure score with the BLS employment projection and wage percentiles above for a complete career assessment.
Education & Entry Requirements
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 1. Schedule subjects for appointments, procedures, or inpatient stays as required by study protocols.
- 2. Perform specific protocol procedures such as interviewing subjects, taking vital signs, and performing electrocardiograms.
- 3. Assess eligibility of potential subjects through methods such as screening interviews, reviews of medical records, or discussions with physicians and nurses.
- 4. Prepare study-related documentation, such as protocol worksheets, procedural manuals, adverse event reports, institutional review board documents, or progress reports.
- 5. Inform patients or caregivers about study aspects and outcomes to be expected.
- 6. Perform hydrologic, hydraulic, or water quality modeling.
- 7. Record adverse event and side effect data and confer with investigators regarding the reporting of events to oversight agencies.
- 8. Monitor study activities to ensure compliance with protocols and with all relevant local, federal, and state regulatory and institutional polices.
- 9. Oversee subject enrollment to ensure that informed consent is properly obtained and documented.
- 10. Hire, supervise, or evaluate engineers, technicians, researchers, or other staff.
Key Skills Required
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Writing
- Speaking
- Critical Thinking
- Judgment and Decision Making
- Time Management
- Complex Problem Solving
- Systems Analysis
- Systems Evaluation
Knowledge Areas
- Engineering and Technology
- Mathematics
- Design
- Physics
- Computers and Electronics
- English Language
- Geography
- Building and Construction
- Law and Government
- Chemistry
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Natural sciences managers?
Natural sciences managers has an AI exposure score of 46%, indicating a high level of automation risk. Some tasks in this role can be augmented or partially automated by AI, but core responsibilities require human judgment.
What is the job outlook for Natural sciences managers?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Natural sciences managers is projected to grow by 3.7% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 104,300 workers.
What skills are needed for Natural sciences managers?
Key skills for Natural sciences managers include Reading Comprehension, Active Listening, Writing, and others. Typical entry-level education is Bachelor's degree.
How much do Natural sciences managers earn?
The median annual wage for Natural sciences managers is $161,180, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Actual earnings vary by location, experience, industry, and employer. The BLS publishes detailed wage percentiles by region in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Natural sciences managers?
The typical entry-level education for Natural sciences managers is Bachelor's degree. Employers generally expect 5 years or more of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves None. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Natural sciences managers?
Natural sciences managers roles exist across many industries and employers. Workforce composition is estimated from BLS industry-occupation employment distributions matched to SEC-registered public companies.
AI Exposure Rating
High automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. A moderate share of tasks may be augmented by AI tools.
Related Occupations
Career Guides
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Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).