Genetic Counselor Salary
Genetic Counselors earn a median $100,040 a year nationally. Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations
What genetic counselors do
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.
- Typical education
- Master's degree
- Work experience
- None required
- On-the-job training
- None
- Job outlook, 2025–35
- +10.4% (much faster than average)
- Openings per year
- 300
- Self-employed
- 8%
Employment of genetic counselors is projected to grow 10.4% from 2025 to 2035, faster than the 3.5% average for all occupations. About 300 openings are expected each year, on average, including jobs left by workers who retire or switch careers.
Source: BLS Standard Occupational Classification and Employment Projections, 2025–35.
Genetic Counselor take-home pay calculator
Starts at the national median. Pick your state to see your real paycheck.
- Federal income tax$13,179
- Social Security (6.2%)$6,202
- Medicare (1.45%)$1,451
- Texas income tax$0
- Take-home pay$79,208
Marginal rate: 22% federal + 0.00% state
Pay by experience
| Percentile | Salary | Hourly | Take-home (no state tax) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $78,270 | $37.63 | $63,893 |
| 25th percentile | $88,900 | $42.74 | $71,371 |
| Median (50th) | $100,040 | $48.10 | $79,208 |
| 75th percentile | $116,140 | $55.84 | $90,534 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $138,760 | $66.71 | $106,108 |
Genetic Counselor salary by state
| State | Median | 1-yr change | Take-home | Range | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | $137,650 | +1.9% | $94,988 | $105,810 – $178,040 | 440 |
| New Jersey | $117,750 | −2.3% | $86,356 | $59,000 – $164,060 | 240 |
| New York | $107,450 | +7.3% | $79,122 | $88,530 – $141,430 | 240 |
| Colorado | $106,100 | +1.2% | $79,511 | $77,700 – $125,920 | 40 |
| Delaware | $106,010 | — | $77,752 | $83,850 – $146,450 | 40 |
| Washington | $102,920 | +3.1% | $81,234 | $65,470 – $133,410 | 100 |
| Arizona | $102,730 | +3.5% | $78,741 | $81,560 – $138,830 | 50 |
| Florida | $102,330 | +3.2% | $80,819 | $74,860 – $124,950 | 100 |
| Minnesota | $102,010 | +2.9% | $75,181 | $82,580 – $111,520 | 160 |
| Connecticut | $101,640 | +8.2% | $76,319 | $72,290 – $129,990 | 50 |
| Ohio | $100,670 | +9.1% | $77,665 | $80,860 – $108,940 | 120 |
| District of Columbia | $100,380 | +14.7% | $73,884 | $77,450 – $114,960 | 40 |
| Virginia | $99,960 | −5.8% | $74,218 | $73,610 – $134,220 | 100 |
| Kentucky | $99,770 | — | $75,644 | $80,410 – $114,290 | 50 |
| Texas | $99,450 | +2.0% | $78,793 | $76,380 – $118,840 | — |
| Utah | $98,430 | +7.4% | $74,612 | $84,170 – $134,920 | 50 |
| Massachusetts | $97,240 | +3.5% | $72,596 | $81,510 – $145,310 | 200 |
| Illinois | $95,880 | +6.6% | $71,680 | $83,840 – $116,140 | 90 |
| Pennsylvania | $94,930 | +2.8% | $72,699 | $81,790 – $121,120 | 230 |
| Tennessee | $94,380 | +4.0% | $75,226 | $94,380 – $94,380 | 340 |
| Maryland | $94,050 | −8.7% | $70,890 | $81,800 – $130,870 | 50 |
| South Carolina | $93,600 | −11.3% | $70,219 | $79,240 – $114,110 | 40 |
| North Carolina | $93,570 | +6.5% | $71,432 | $79,540 – $111,840 | 80 |
| Wisconsin | $92,170 | +5.7% | $70,167 | $55,090 – $112,270 | 110 |
| Indiana | $89,640 | +9.6% | $69,277 | $50,900 – $115,250 | 40 |
| Michigan | $84,970 | −6.3% | $65,246 | $73,750 – $107,960 | 80 |
| Missouri | $83,980 | −4.7% | $64,900 | $78,090 – $110,260 | 40 |
| Georgia | $82,750 | — | $63,373 | $40,450 – $131,150 | — |
Related jobs
| Job | Median salary | Education | Growth 2025–35 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Surgical Assistant | $66,800 | Postsecondary nondegree award | +6.1% |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Workers, All Other | $65,790 | Postsecondary nondegree award | +5.1% |
| Athletic Trainer | $62,520 | Master's degree | +12.7% |
| Health Information Technologist and Medical Registrar | $68,020 | Associate's degree | +15.9% |
| Occupational Therapist | $100,330 | Master's degree | +14.8% |
| Nuclear Medicine Technologist | $101,370 | Associate's degree | +4.4% |
| Dental Hygienist | $98,100 | Associate's degree | +8.0% |
| Speech-Language Pathologist | $97,870 | Master's degree | +16.6% |
| Registered Nurse | $97,550 | Bachelor's degree | +5.6% |
| Physical Therapist | $102,760 | Doctoral or professional degree | +11.9% |
Frequently asked questions
How much does a genetic counselor make?
The national median salary for genetic counselors is $100,040 a year ($48.10 an hour). The lowest-paid 10% earn under $78,270 and the top 10% earn over $138,760. Source: BLS, May 2025.
Which state pays genetic counselors the most?
California has the highest median pay at $137,650.
How many genetic counselors are there in the U.S.?
About 3,740 people work as genetic counselors nationwide.