Genetic Counselor Salary in 2026
Help individuals understand genetic conditions, assess hereditary risks, and make informed healthcare decisions.
Median Salary
$100,040
$8,337/mo
Entry Level
$76,500
starting pay
Senior Level
$127,100
experienced
Job Growth
+26%
10-yr outlook
BLS OEWS May 2025 · official national figures
BLS reports Genetic Counselors (SOC 29-9092) at a national median of $100,040 per year (mean $104,620), or $48.09 per hour, with 3,740 people employed nationwide. The median above is this BLS figure; the entry, senior and top tiers are Salario estimates calibrated to it. Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 release.
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)
4K
5-Year Growth
+16%
Category
Healthcare
Hourly Rate
$48.09/hr
Monthly Pay
$8,337
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
$110,000
$9,167/month · $4,231/biweekly · $52.88/hr
Genetic Counselor Salary Range
Salary distribution from entry-level to top earners in the Genetic Counselor field.
Entry-level Genetic Counselors earn around $76,500, while the top 10% earn $138,850 or more.
Top Paying States for Genetic Counselors
| State | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| California | $118,000 | +$17,960 |
| New York | $115,000 | +$14,960 |
| Massachusetts | $112,000 | +$11,960 |
| Pennsylvania | $100,000 | $-40 |
| Texas | $98,000 | $-2,040 |
Top Paying Cities for Genetic Counselors
| City | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| New York | $118,000 | +$17,960 |
| Boston | $112,000 | +$11,960 |
| Los Angeles | $112,000 | +$11,960 |
| Philadelphia | $102,000 | +$1,960 |
| Houston | $99,000 | $-1,040 |
City figures are Salario estimates that scale the national median by a city cost-of-labor multiplier; BLS does not publish a metro-level series for this title.
Genetic Counselor Salary by City
Published city-level wage and take-home pay guides for Genetic Counselor.
Required Skills & Certifications
Key Skills
Certifications
Genetic Counselor Career Progression
Typical salary growth path for a Genetic Counselor from entry level to expert.
$76,500
0-2 years
$102,000
3-7 years
$127,100
8-14 years
$150,600
15+ years
Related Healthcare Jobs
Home Health Aide
Registered Nurse
Occupational Health Nurse
Medical Assistant
Hospital Administrator
Substance Abuse Counselor
Pharmacy Technician
Dental Assistant
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 $100,040 per year, the BLS OEWS May 2025 national median for Genetic Counselors (SOC 29-9092); the mean is $104,620. Salario's calibrated tiers put entry-level positions around $76,500, senior professionals around $127,100, and top earners at $150,600 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 4K 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 $118,000. 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 $76,500 to $127,100 or more.
Methodology & Data Sources: Genetic Counselor Salary
How we calculate Genetic Counselor salary data: The national median is the official BLS OEWS May 2025 annual median wage for Genetic Counselors (SOC 29-9092), retrieved from the BLS Public Data API. The entry, senior and top tiers are a Salario model: the shape of the distribution is Salario's, rescaled so that its median equals the BLS median. State and most city figures are Salario estimates that apply cost-of-labor multipliers to that median.
- National median salary: $100,040, BLS OEWS May 2025 annual median for Genetic Counselors; BLS mean $104,620; BLS hourly median $48.09.
- Entry-level ($76,500) and senior-level ($127,100) are Salario tiers calibrated to the BLS median; they are not BLS percentiles. BLS publishes P10/P25/P75/P90 wages for this occupation in its OEWS tables.
- Job outlook: +26% projected growth is Salario's outlook figure; compare with the BLS Employment Projections program. BLS OEWS May 2025 counts 3,740 Genetic Counselors jobs nationwide.
- 5-year salary growth: 16% is a Salario estimate of past 5-year wage growth for the Healthcare sector, informed by the BLS Employment Cost Index.
- Education requirement: Master's Degree, per BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook entry for this occupation.
- State and city estimates apply Salario cost-of-labor multipliers to the national median of $100,040; city rows marked "BLS metro" are real OEWS metropolitan-area medians instead.
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 Harlan Voss · Last updated May 17, 2026 · BLS figures: OEWS May 2025 release (published May 2026), retrieved from the BLS API on September 17, 2026
Explore More Job Salaries
Compare salary data for hundreds of jobs across all industries. Find out what you should be earning.