As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Genetic Counselor in the United States is $101,215 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $49.
However, a Genetic Counselor's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Genetic 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 Genetic 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 Genetic Counselor | $97,163 |
| Intermediate Level Genetic Counselor | $97,432 |
| Senior Level Genetic Counselor | $101,215 |
| Specialist Level Genetic Counselor | $107,368 |
| Expert Level Genetic Counselor | $107,808 |
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 Genetic 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
|
$115,385 |
14%
|
|
Billing
|
$109,312 |
8%
|
|
Collaboration
|
$108,300 |
7%
|
|
Health Sciences
|
$108,300 |
7%
|
|
Project Management
|
$107,288 |
6%
|
|
Leadership
|
$107,288 |
6%
|
For Genetic Counselor roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 50% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Healthcare, offers compensation 25% above the average. Conversely, Genetic Counselor positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Genetic Counselor as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare | $126,519 | $61.0 | 25% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Genetic 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 Genetic Counselor with a Master's Degree or MBA is between $83,809 and $88,753).
Genetic 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 Genetic 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 July 01, 2026Salaries for a Genetic Counselor can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $123,607 in 2023 to around $123,311 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Genetic Counselor salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $123,607 |
| 2024 | $124,572 |
| 2025 | $123,311 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Healthcare industry offers the highest average compensation for Genetic Counselor roles, with salaries approximately 25% above the market median.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
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