SOC 299092

Genetic Counselors

Assess individual or family risk for a variety of inherited conditions, such as genetic disorders and birth defects. Provide information to other healthcare providers or to individuals and families concerned with the risk of inherited conditions. Advise individuals and families to support informed decisionmaking and coping methods for those at risk. May help conduct research related to genetic conditions or genetic counseling.

National Median

$98,910

per year

National Salary Overview

Median Annual

$98,910

Entry Level (10th pct)

$78,680

Experienced (90th pct)

$137,780

Total Employed

3,510

Salary Distribution

Salary percentiles show the range from entry-level (10th) to top earners (90th)

Salary by Experience Level

Experience Level	Estimated Salary Range
Entry Level0-2 years experience	$78,680 - $87,060
Mid Career2-8 years experience	$87,060 - $113,220
Senior / Expert8+ years experience	$113,220 - $137,780

Highest Paying Locations for Genetic Counselors

San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA

$159,960

+61.7% vs national

San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA

$149,850

+51.5% vs national

California

$135,090

+36.6% vs national

Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA

$130,310

+31.7% vs national

New Jersey

$120,550

+21.9% vs national

Genetic Counselors Salary by Location

Compare salaries across 44 metropolitan areas

Metropolitan Area	Median Salary	Employed
San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA	$159,960	90
San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA	$149,850	130
California	$135,090	440
Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA	$130,310	100
New Jersey	$120,550	220
Virginia	$106,060	130
Vermont	$106,000	30
South Carolina	$105,500	40
Colorado	$104,840	30
Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN	$104,790	50
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV	$104,100	90
New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ	$103,060	410
Maryland	$102,960	40
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA	$100,690	100
New York	$100,110	320
Washington	$99,820	130
Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD	$99,330	120
Arizona	$99,270	40
Florida	$99,110	90
Minnesota	$99,090	170
Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI	$98,440	100
Texas	$97,480	80
Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC	$94,000	40
Connecticut	$93,920	50
Massachusetts	$93,910	240
Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH	$93,770	200
Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD	$92,720	40
Pennsylvania	$92,320	210
Ohio	$92,310	130
Madison, WI	$91,820	30
Utah	$91,620	50
Salt Lake City-Murray, UT	$91,620	40
Tennessee	$90,780	N/A
Michigan	$90,660	50
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN	$89,980	80
Illinois	$89,980	90
Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX	$89,950	40
Missouri	$88,130	30
North Carolina	$87,850	110
District of Columbia	$87,520	40
Wisconsin	$87,240	100
Pittsburgh, PA	$85,950	80
Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI	$82,060	40
Indiana	$81,760	40

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average salary for a Genetic Counselors?

The national median annual salary for Genetic Counselors is $98,910, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data. This means half of workers in this occupation earn more, and half earn less.

Where do Genetic Counselorss earn the most?

The highest-paying metro area for Genetic Counselorss is San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA, with a median salary of $159,960.

How much can an experienced Genetic Counselors make?

Top-earning Genetic Counselorss (90th percentile) make $137,780 or more annually. This typically reflects workers with significant experience, specialized skills, or positions in high-paying regions.