Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, aged to 2026 using compounded market movement. State selections show BLS state-level figures where published. Actual pay varies with experience, industry, and organization size.
Interpret laboratory results and communicate findings to patients or physicians.
Discuss testing options and the associated risks, benefits and limitations with patients and families to assist them in making informed decisions.
Analyze genetic information to identify patients or families at risk for specific disorders or syndromes.
Provide counseling to patient and family members by providing information, education, or reassurance.
Write detailed consultation reports to provide information on complex genetic concepts to patients or referring physicians.
Top skills:Reading ComprehensionComplex Problem SolvingActive ListeningWritingSpeakingSocial Perceptiveness
Includes information from O*NET OnLine by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (CC BY 4.0).
Genetic Counselor pay by experience level
Entry level$81,000
Typical starting pay (about the 10th percentile)
Early career$92,000
A few years in (about the 25th percentile)
Experienced$103,500
Mid-career median pay
Senior$120,000
Seasoned professionals (about the 75th percentile)
Top earners$143,500
Highest earners (about the 90th percentile)
Experience tiers are derived from the BLS wage percentile distribution for this occupation, aged to 2026. Actual pay varies by employer, location, and specialization.
Job outlook
+9.3%
projected change in jobs, 2024–2034
300
projected openings per year
Growing faster than average
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program (2024–2034). Openings include growth and replacement needs.
Genetic Counselor salary by industry
Ambulatory Health Care Services
1,610 workers
$109,500
Hospitals
1,540 workers
$107,500
General Medical and Surgical Hospitals
1,430 workers
$107,500
Hospitals, Privately Owned
1,330 workers
$106,500
Offices of Physicians
1,160 workers
$101,500
Educational Services
270 workers
$105,000
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools
260 workers
$105,000
Outpatient Care Centers
230 workers
$148,000
Medical and Diagnostic Laboratories
180 workers
$115,500
Hospitals, State Government Owned
170 workers
$118,500
National sector-level figures, BLS OEWS May 2025, aged to 2026.
Related occupations from O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a Genetic Counselor make?
The average base salary for a Genetic Counselor in the United States is $108,500 per year, or about $52.16 per hour.
What is the typical salary range?
Pay typically falls between $92,000 and $120,000 per year (25th to 75th percentile) depending on experience, location, industry, and organization size.
How does this compare with other Healthcare Practitioners and Technical roles?
The Healthcare Practitioners and Technical job family averages $162,000 across 91 roles tracked by WePayFairly.
Need a defensible market price for this role? WePayFairly data is compiled from published survey sources and maintained by compensation professionals.
Need Genetic Counselor pay benchmarked for your organization, or defensible compensation analysis for a dispute or valuation? Grahall builds it from primary sources, backed by an expert who testifies.
