Genetic Counselor Salary in 2026
Help individuals understand genetic conditions, assess hereditary risks, and make informed healthcare decisions.
Median Salary
$85,000
$7,083/mo
Entry Level
$65,000
starting pay
Senior Level
$108,000
experienced
Job Growth
+26%
10-yr outlook
Genetic Counselor Overview
Help individuals understand genetic conditions, assess hereditary risks, and make informed healthcare decisions.
Education
Master's Degree
Experience
0-2 years
Industry
Healthcare
Total Jobs (US)
5K
5-Year Growth
+16%
Category
Healthcare
Hourly Rate
$40.87/hr
Monthly Pay
$7,083
Genetic Counselor Salary Calculator
Adjust your state and experience level to see the estimated Genetic Counselor salary in your area.
Mid Career (5-9 yrs)
Estimated Genetic Counselor Salary
$93,000
$7,750/month · $3,577/biweekly · $44.71/hr
Genetic Counselor Salary Range
Salary distribution from entry-level to top earners in the Genetic Counselor field.
Entry-level Genetic Counselors earn around $65,000, while the top 10% earn $118,000 or more.
Top Paying States for Genetic Counselors
| State | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| California | $100,000 | +$15,000 |
| New York | $98,000 | +$13,000 |
| Massachusetts | $95,000 | +$10,000 |
| Pennsylvania | $85,000 | $0 |
| Texas | $83,000 | $-2,000 |
Top Paying Cities for Genetic Counselors
| City | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| New York | $100,000 | +$15,000 |
| Boston | $95,000 | +$10,000 |
| Los Angeles | $95,000 | +$10,000 |
| Philadelphia | $87,000 | +$2,000 |
| Houston | $84,000 | $-1,000 |
Required Skills & Certifications
Key Skills
Certifications
Genetic Counselor Career Progression
Typical salary growth path for a Genetic Counselor from entry level to expert.
$65,000
0-2 years
$87,000
3-7 years
$108,000
8-14 years
$128,000
15+ years
Related Healthcare Jobs
Genetic Counselor Salary FAQ
How much does a Genetic Counselor make in 2026?
The median salary for a Genetic Counselor in the United States is $85,000 per year in 2026. Entry-level positions start around $65,000, while senior professionals earn up to $108,000. Top earners in the field can make $128,000 or more annually.
What education is needed to become a Genetic Counselor?
A Genetic Counselor typically requires a Master's Degree with 0-2 years of experience. Key skills include Genetic Testing, Risk Assessment, Patient Counseling. Relevant certifications such as CGC (ABGC) can boost earning potential and career advancement.
What is the job outlook for Genetic Counselors?
The job market for Genetic Counselors is projected to grow by 26% over the next decade. There are currently approximately 5K Genetic Counselor positions in the US. Salary growth over the past 5 years has been approximately 16%, reflecting strong demand for this role.
Which states pay Genetic Counselors the most?
The highest-paying states for Genetic Counselors include California, New York, Massachusetts. In California, the median salary is approximately $100,000. However, cost of living varies significantly, so adjusted purchasing power should be considered when comparing salaries across states.
How can I increase my Genetic Counselor salary?
To increase your Genetic Counselor salary, focus on gaining expertise in high-demand skills like Genetic Testing and Risk Assessment. Pursue certifications such as CGC (ABGC). Consider relocating to higher-paying markets like New York. With 0-2 years of experience, you can progress from $65,000 to $108,000 or more.
Methodology & Data Sources — Genetic Counselor Salary
How we calculate Genetic Counselor salary data: Our figures combine BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) for the national salary baseline, adjusted by cost-of-living multipliers from the C2ER Cost of Living Index. State-level estimates use BLS regional wage survey data weighted by occupation employment counts. We calibrate entry/senior/top-level tiers against BLS percentile distributions (P10, P25, P75, P90) for this occupation.
- National median salary: $85,000 — sourced from BLS OEWS for SOC code corresponding to Genetic Counselor in the Healthcare sector.
- Entry-level ($65,000) and senior-level ($108,000) figures reflect BLS P25 and P75 percentile wage estimates adjusted for experience.
- Job outlook: +26% projected growth through 2034, from BLS Employment Projections program. Approximately 5K total positions nationwide.
- 5-year salary growth: 16% over the past 5 years, derived from BLS Employment Cost Index for Healthcare sector wages.
- Education requirement: Master's Degree, per BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook entry for this occupation.
- State-level estimates use BLS regional CPI-U data and OEWS metropolitan area wage surveys, normalized to the national median of $85,000.
Authoritative US data sources for Genetic Counselor compensation:
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) — national and metro-area salary data
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook — Genetic Counselor job projections, education, and career outlook
- BLS Employment Projections — 10-year occupation growth and decline data
- BLS Employment Cost Index — quarterly compensation trend data for Healthcare
- BLS Consumer Price Index (CPI-U) — regional inflation for cost-of-living wage adjustments
- IRS Revenue Procedure 2025-32 summary — 2026 federal tax brackets and standard deductions
Disclaimer: Genetic Counselor salary figures are statistical estimates for general guidance. Actual compensation depends on employer, location, negotiation, specific skills (Genetic Testing, Risk Assessment, Patient Counseling), certifications, and industry conditions. Always verify with multiple sources including current job listings, recruiter data, and direct employer offers before making career decisions.
Reviewed by Brazora Monk · Last updated May 17, 2026 · BLS data current as of latest OEWS annual release
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