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How much does a Genetic Counselor make?

The average salary for a Genetic Counselor is $87,903 per year in the US.

Genetic counselors play a vital role in the healthcare industry, guiding patients through complex genetic information. They earn a competitive salary that reflects their specialized skills. The average yearly salary for a genetic counselor is $87,903. This varies based on experience and location. For instance, newer counselors often start between $40,000 and $57,551 per year, while those with more experience can earn over $101,428 annually.

Several factors influence a genetic counselor's earnings. Experience, education, and the specific setting in which they work all play a role. Counselors who work in large hospitals or academic medical centers tend to earn more than those in smaller practices or community clinics. Geographic location also affects salary levels, with higher salaries often found in urban areas where the cost of living is greater. Career advancement opportunities also exist, leading to even higher salaries for those who take on leadership or specialized roles.

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What are the highest paying cities for a Genetic Counselor?

Job seekers looking to become Genetic Counselors can expect higher earnings in several major cities. San Francisco, CA, offers the highest average salary at $112,992 per year. Other top-paying cities include Seattle, WA, and Los Angeles, CA, with average salaries of $109,426 and $107,865, respectively. Consider these cities for greater earning potential as you explore Genetic Counseling positions.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Genetic Counselor jobs, highlighting San Francisco, CA with the highest at $112,992 and Houston, TX with the lowest at $82,328.
  1. San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $112,992
    San Francisco offers many opportunities for those in the genetic field. Renowned companies like Kaiser Permanente and UCSF provide excellent environments. The city's tech scene also adds a unique twist to genetic research.
    Find Genetic Counselor jobs in San Francisco, CA


  2. Seattle, WA
    Average Salary: $109,426
    Seattle is known for its advanced healthcare facilities. Companies like Seattle Children’s Hospital and Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center are leaders. The vibrant community here supports innovative genetic research.
    Find Genetic Counselor jobs in Seattle, WA


  3. Los Angeles, CA
    Average Salary: $107,865
    Los Angeles has a diverse healthcare sector. Hospitals like Cedars-Sinai and UCLA Health offer excellent genetic services. Working here means access to cutting-edge research and a multicultural patient base.
    Find Genetic Counselor jobs in Los Angeles, CA


  4. Portland, OR
    Average Salary: $90,824
    Portland offers a close-knit community feel with strong healthcare networks. OHSU and Kaiser Permanente provide great opportunities. The city’s emphasis on wellness aligns well with genetic counseling.
    Find Genetic Counselor jobs in Portland, OR


  5. Chicago, IL
    Average Salary: $89,437
    Chicago’s robust healthcare system includes top institutions like Northwestern Memorial Hospital. The city’s size and diversity offer ample patients needing genetic services. Research opportunities are plentiful.
    Find Genetic Counselor jobs in Chicago, IL


  6. Philadelphia, PA
    Average Salary: $87,340
    Philadelphia has a rich history in healthcare. Hospitals like Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and Penn Medicine are prominent. Working here means being part of significant genetic advancements.
    Find Genetic Counselor jobs in Philadelphia, PA


  7. Washington, DC
    Average Salary: $85,928
    In Washington, DC, genetics professionals find themselves at the heart of medical research. NIH and George Washington University Hospital lead in genetic studies. The city’s focus on health policy also benefits genetic counselors.
    Find Genetic Counselor jobs in Washington, DC


  8. Baltimore, MD
    Average Salary: $83,831
    Baltimore offers a blend of urban and suburban living. Johns Hopkins University and the Kennedy Krieger Institute are top employers. The city’s strong medical programs provide excellent growth opportunities.
    Find Genetic Counselor jobs in Baltimore, MD


  9. Lexington, KY
    Average Salary: $82,675
    Lexington’s healthcare sector is growing. The University of Kentucky and its medical center are key players. The community’s support for health initiatives creates a positive work environment.
    Find Genetic Counselor jobs in Lexington, KY


  10. Houston, TX
    Average Salary: $82,328
    Houston’s medical facilities, including Texas Children’s Hospital, offer exciting opportunities. The city’s size and diversity make it a great place for genetic research. The strong economy also supports career growth.
    Find Genetic Counselor jobs in Houston, TX

What are the best companies a Genetic Counselor can work for?

Northwell Health offers one of the best salaries for Genetic Counselors, averaging over $101,000 a year. LabCorp also provides a competitive wage, just slightly below Northwell Health. UPMC and GeneDx follow with good salaries, around $77,000 and $74,000 respectively.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Genetic Counselor jobs, highlighting Northwell Health with the highest at $101,315 and GeneDx with the lowest at $73,850.
  1. Northwell Health
    Average Salary: $101,315
    Northwell Health offers rewarding opportunities for Genetic Counselors. They work in various locations across New York, including Manhasset and New York City. Here, Genetic Counselors provide care for patients with genetic conditions, helping them understand their diagnosis and treatment options.


  2. LabCorp
    Average Salary: $92,909
    At LabCorp, Genetic Counselors find a supportive environment with a national presence. They serve locations across the United States, providing essential genetic testing and counseling services. LabCorp values the expertise of Genetic Counselors, offering them many growth opportunities.


  3. UPMC
    Average Salary: $77,423
    UPMC is a leading healthcare provider offering great roles for Genetic Counselors. They operate in Pennsylvania and other areas in the Northeast. UPMC emphasizes patient care, and Genetic Counselors here play a key role in helping families navigate genetic information.


  4. GeneDx
    Average Salary: $73,850
    GeneDx focuses on genetic diagnosis and research, offering positions for Genetic Counselors. They are located in Maryland and other parts of the U.S. At GeneDx, Genetic Counselors work closely with patients and their families to interpret complex genetic results.

How to earn more as a Genetic Counselor?

Genetic counselors help people understand their risk of genetic conditions. They can earn good pay by gaining skills and experience. Working in busy hospitals, research centers, and private clinics offers more opportunities for higher earnings. Staying current with the latest genetic research and technologies also helps increase income.

Specializing in a certain area can lead to higher pay. Areas like cancer genetics, pediatric genetics, and prenatal genetics often have higher demand. Networking with other professionals and attending conferences helps to learn about these specialized roles. Getting certifications in these areas adds value to a genetic counselor's resume.

  1. Gain experience in high-demand areas.
  2. Specialize in fields like cancer or prenatal genetics.
  3. Attend conferences and network with professionals.
  4. Obtain additional certifications.
  5. Stay updated with the latest genetic research and technologies.

Currently 88 Genetic Counselor job openings, nationwide.

How's the job market for a Genetic Counselor in the US?

Learn what a Genetic Counselor does, how to become one, and understand the job outlook. Get simple steps to start your career as a Genetic Counselor today.
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Genetic Counselor
88 Job Openings