As of April 01, 2026, the average salary for a Genetics Counselor in the United States is $98,279 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $47.
However, a Genetics Counselor's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Genetics Counselor's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Genetics Counselor's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Genetics Counselor | $95,353 |
| Intermediate Level Genetics Counselor | $95,619 |
| Senior Level Genetics Counselor | $99,344 |
| Specialist Level Genetics Counselor | $105,311 |
| Expert Level Genetics Counselor | $105,737 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Genetics Counselors. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 3.58% |
| Case Management | 2.02% |
| Direct Patient Care | 1.03% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Cardiac
|
$112,038 |
14%
|
|
Billing
|
$106,141 |
8%
|
|
Collaboration
|
$105,159 |
7%
|
|
Health Sciences
|
$105,159 |
7%
|
|
Project Management
|
$104,176 |
6%
|
|
Leadership
|
$104,176 |
6%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Genetics Counselors enter the field with a Master's Degree or MBA degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Genetics Counselor with a Master's Degree or MBA is between $83,809 and $88,753).
Genetics Counselor Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 1.1% |
| High School | 3.4% |
| Associates | 7.9% |
| Bachelors | 7.9% |
| Masters | 76.4% |
| Doctorate | 11.2% |
Understanding how a Genetics Counselor's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on April 01, 2026Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Genetics Counselor, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.
| Next Step Role | Estimate Salary | Projected Raise |
|---|---|---|
| Audiology and Speech Therapy Manager | $142,145 | 45% |
| Sleep Center Manager | $98,548 | 0% |
Salaries for a Genetics Counselor can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $121,374 in 2023 to around $121,083 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Genetics Counselor salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $121,374 |
| 2024 | $122,321 |
| 2025 | $121,083 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Genetics Counselor job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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A Genetics Counselor's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, a Genetics Counselor earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Genetics Counselor is $123,959.
The highest pay for Genetics Counselor is $125,554.
The lowest pay for Genetics Counselor is $81,257.
Provides genetic counseling and education to individuals and families. Obtains and analyzes family medical history to identify patients at risk for specific disorders or syndromes. Explains testing options, benefits, and limitations. Recommends genetic testing as warranted and counsels patients on test results, treatment, and alternative coping methods. May provide crisis intervention as needed. Requires a master's degree in genetics counseling. Requires certification as a Certified Genetic Counselor (CGC) from the American Board of Genetic Counseling (ABGC). Typically reports to a manager. Work is generally independent and collaborative in nature. Contributes to moderately complex aspects of a project. Typically requires 4-7 years of related experience.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
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