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Natural Sciences Managers vs Purchasing Managers: Salary Comparison

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:

Side-by-side salary data across all 50 states. Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2025).

National Salary Overview

Natural Sciences Managers

Median Salary
$139,938
Average (Mean)
$151,197
Employed Nationwide
103,940
VS

Purchasing Managers

Median Salary
$139,842
Average (Mean)
$146,959
Employed Nationwide
84,150
Natural Sciences Managers earns $96 more (0.1%)
Natural Sciences Managers vs Purchasing Managers national median (BLS 2025)Ranked horizontal bars comparing 2 entries.Natural Sciences ManagersNatural Sciences ManagersNatural Sciences Managers: $139,939$139,939Purchasing ManagersPurchasing ManagersPurchasing Managers: $139,843$139,843

Key Metrics Compared

Median Salary $139,938 $139,842
Average (Mean) Salary $151,197 $146,959
Total Employment 103,940 84,150
States with Higher Pay 17 31

Salary by State: Natural Sciences Managers vs Purchasing Managers

Showing 48 states where both occupations have BLS data. Natural Sciences Managers pays more in 17 states; Purchasing Managers pays more in 31.

State Natural Sciences Managers Purchasing Managers Difference
Alabama $133,470
$130,710
+$2,760
Alaska $130,590
$114,650
+$15,940
Arizona $124,920
$138,940
$-14,020
Arkansas $119,430
$156,450
$-37,020
California $210,230
$159,830
+$50,400
Colorado $152,730
$171,250
$-18,520
Connecticut $210,670
$138,680
+$71,990
District of Columbia $156,730
$175,720
$-18,990
Florida $112,220
$133,410
$-21,190
Hawaii $107,810
$113,490
$-5,680
Idaho $124,800
$136,970
$-12,170
Illinois $159,670
$153,370
+$6,300
Indiana $108,250
$126,880
$-18,630
Iowa $109,760
$121,580
$-11,820
Kansas $153,820
$159,850
$-6,030
Kentucky $126,440
$124,350
+$2,090
Louisiana $115,950
$109,630
+$6,320
Maine $141,360
$135,970
+$5,390
Maryland $168,620
$161,470
+$7,150
Massachusetts $267,290
$170,750
+$96,540
Michigan $129,070
$142,120
$-13,050
Minnesota $136,450
$144,810
$-8,360
Mississippi $119,430
$122,940
$-3,510
Missouri $129,410
$132,100
$-2,690
Montana $119,430
$123,480
$-4,050
Nebraska $120,620
$124,010
$-3,390
Nevada $112,260
$120,270
$-8,010
New Hampshire $134,010
$162,900
$-28,890
New Jersey $207,030
$174,520
+$32,510
New York $134,680
$166,300
$-31,620
North Carolina $173,870
$138,710
+$35,160
North Dakota $131,370
$130,110
+$1,260
Ohio $137,170
$134,580
+$2,590
Oklahoma $112,260
$119,310
$-7,050
Oregon $143,120
$137,190
+$5,930
Pennsylvania $137,900
$141,790
$-3,890
Rhode Island $130,480
$134,560
$-4,080
South Carolina $131,140
$131,720
$-580
South Dakota $128,140
$128,670
$-530
Tennessee $124,530
$137,060
$-12,530
Texas $129,960
$134,670
$-4,710
Utah $119,430
$125,940
$-6,510
Vermont $131,290
$135,720
$-4,430
Virginia $150,570
$166,230
$-15,660
Washington $182,480
$162,730
+$19,750
West Virginia $138,010
$147,220
$-9,210
Wisconsin $128,890
$124,990
+$3,900
Wyoming $109,300
$123,380
$-14,080

Explore This Comparison by State

Dive deeper — see how Natural Sciences Managers vs Purchasing Managers salaries differ in each state, with local data and national benchmarks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who makes more: Natural Sciences Managers or Purchasing Managers?
On average across all states, a Natural Sciences Managers earns more than a Purchasing Managers. The national median salary difference is $96 (0.1%) based on 2025 BLS data.
In how many states does a Natural Sciences Managers earn more than a Purchasing Managers?
A Natural Sciences Managers earns a higher median salary than a Purchasing Managers in 17 out of 48 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Purchasing Managers pays more in 31 states.
What is the median salary for a Natural Sciences Managers vs Purchasing Managers?
The national median salary for a Natural Sciences Managers is $139,938 per year, compared to $139,842 for a Purchasing Managers, according to 2025 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Natural Sciences Managers or Purchasing Managers?
There are more people employed as Natural Sciences Managers. BLS reports approximately 103,940 Natural Sciences Managers positions and 84,150 Purchasing Managers positions nationwide (2025).
Should I become a Natural Sciences Managers or Purchasing Managers?
Both Natural Sciences Managers and Purchasing Managers are viable career paths. Beyond salary, consider factors like job availability in your state, work-life balance, education requirements, growth potential, and personal interests. Visit each occupation's salary page for state-specific data and career insights.

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