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How much does a Genetic Counselor make?

The average salary for a Genetic Counselor is $91,643 per year in the US.

Genetic counselors play a key role in helping people understand their genetic risks. The average salary for a genetic counselor is around $91,643 per year. This figure represents the middle of the income range, where half of genetic counselors earn more and half earn less. It is important to note that salaries can vary based on experience, location, and type of employer.

If you are just starting out, you might expect to earn around $40,080. With more experience, this number can rise significantly. At the higher end of the scale, seasoned genetic counselors can earn up to $141,180 annually. This wide range reflects the variety of roles and responsibilities within the field. For example, those working in hospitals or large clinics may have access to higher salaries compared to those in smaller practices or academic settings. Additionally, geographic location plays a big role, with cities offering more opportunities and higher wages.

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What are the highest paying cities for a Genetic Counselor?

Job seekers in the field of genetic counseling can find some of the best opportunities in major cities with higher salaries. San Francisco and Los Angeles in California top the list, offering some of the highest average salaries. These cities provide top-tier healthcare facilities and a demand for genetic counselors, making them attractive places to work. Other cities, like Seattle, Portland, and Chicago, also offer competitive salaries. These locations boast vibrant job markets and excellent living conditions, drawing genetic counselors from across the country. Baltimore, Philadelphia, and Washington, DC, round out the list with attractive salaries and a strong demand for genetic counseling services.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Genetic Counselor jobs, highlighting San Francisco, CA with the highest at $114,835 and Salt Lake City, UT with the lowest at $80,466.
  1. San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $114,835
    In San Francisco, professionals work in leading biotech firms. The city offers many opportunities to make a real impact. Renowned companies like Genentech and Illumina hire top talent.
    Find Genetic Counselor jobs in San Francisco, CA


  2. Los Angeles, CA
    Average Salary: $113,170
    Los Angeles provides a dynamic environment for genetic counselors. The city's diverse population offers unique challenges. Leading healthcare institutions like UCLA Health hire experienced counselors.
    Find Genetic Counselor jobs in Los Angeles, CA


  3. Seattle, WA
    Average Salary: $110,762
    Seattle stands out for its strong healthcare system. Counselors here benefit from a supportive community. Companies like Seattle Children’s Hospital provide excellent career growth.
    Find Genetic Counselor jobs in Seattle, WA


  4. Portland, OR
    Average Salary: $91,769
    Portland offers a peaceful setting with modern healthcare facilities. Counselors can find rewarding work here. Organizations like Oregon Health & Science University hire skilled professionals.
    Find Genetic Counselor jobs in Portland, OR


  5. Chicago, IL
    Average Salary: $91,473
    Chicago has a vibrant job market for genetic counselors. The city’s large population offers diverse cases. Institutions like Northwestern Memorial Hospital provide top-notch opportunities.
    Find Genetic Counselor jobs in Chicago, IL


  6. Philadelphia, PA
    Average Salary: $88,307
    Philadelphia offers rich opportunities in the medical field. The city’s healthcare sector is booming. Employers like Penn Medicine hire dedicated professionals.
    Find Genetic Counselor jobs in Philadelphia, PA


  7. Washington, DC
    Average Salary: $85,800
    Washington, DC, presents a unique mix of research and clinical work. The city’s many research centers create ample job options. NIH and local hospitals offer varied roles.
    Find Genetic Counselor jobs in Washington, DC


  8. Baltimore, MD
    Average Salary: $85,732
    Baltimore is a growing hub for genetic counseling. The city’s medical schools and hospitals provide solid job prospects. Johns Hopkins University offers many career advancement opportunities.
    Find Genetic Counselor jobs in Baltimore, MD


  9. Houston, TX
    Average Salary: $82,640
    Houston provides a dynamic work environment with many healthcare facilities. The city’s diverse population offers rich experiences. Institutions like Baylor College of Medicine hire skilled counselors.
    Find Genetic Counselor jobs in Houston, TX


  10. Salt Lake City, UT
    Average Salary: $80,466
    Salt Lake City offers a friendly community with strong healthcare services. Counselors here enjoy a balanced lifestyle. Employers like Primary Children’s Hospital provide excellent career growth.
    Find Genetic Counselor jobs in Salt Lake City, UT

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

LabCorp leads the way for genetic counselor salaries, offering an average pay of $93,833. The University of Utah provides a strong salary of about $80,000, making it a competitive employer. UPMC also offers an attractive average salary of around $79,379. These companies recognize the value of genetic counselors and reward them with good pay.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Genetic Counselor jobs, highlighting LabCorp with the highest at $93,833 and UPMC with the lowest at $79,379.
  1. LabCorp
    Average Salary: $93,833
    LabCorp is one of the top employers offering rewarding positions for Genetic Counselors. They operate across the United States with multiple locations, providing a wide range of genetic testing services. Their role involves analyzing genetic data to offer personalized healthcare advice, making a significant impact on patient care.


  2. University of Utah
    Average Salary: $79,984
    The University of Utah Health provides excellent opportunities for Genetic Counselors. Located in Salt Lake City, this institution combines clinical work with teaching and research. Genetic Counselors here focus on patient care, education, and advancing genetic medicine. They collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to offer comprehensive genetic services.


  3. UPMC
    Average Salary: $79,379
    UPMC offers promising positions for Genetic Counselors across its various locations in Pennsylvania and Maryland. UPMC is known for its robust healthcare services and cutting-edge research. Genetic Counselors work within the health system to interpret genetic information and provide guidance to patients, integrating clinical work with research opportunities.

How to earn more as a Genetic Counselor?

To increase earnings as a genetic counselor, consider focusing on the following avenues. Specialization can lead to higher pay as it allows a counselor to work in niche areas like pediatric genetics or oncology. Certification in specialized fields can also enhance credibility and marketability.

Pursuing advanced degrees can open doors to higher-paying positions. A master's degree is standard, but a Ph.D. or additional certifications can lead to roles in research or academia that offer higher salaries. Networking with other professionals can lead to opportunities that are not publicly advertised, which can include higher-paying positions.

Consider these factors to maximize income potential:

  • Specialization in a high-demand area
  • Pursuing advanced degrees and certifications
  • Networking within the industry
  • Seeking positions in high-cost-of-living areas
  • Gaining experience in research or academia

Currently 89 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
89 Job Openings