How much does a genetic counselor make?
The median genetic counselor in the United States earns $100,040 per year, about $48.09 an hour. That is the midpoint of the profession: half of all genetic counselors earn more, and half earn less.
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025. SOC code 29-9092.
Genetic counselor salary range
Pay for genetic counselors spans a wide band. The lowest paid 10 percent earn under $78,270 a year, while the highest paid 10 percent take home more than $138,760. The average (mean) wage of $104,620 runs a bit higher than the median, which is normal for jobs where a group of top earners pulls the average up.
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $78,270 | $37.63 | Lowest paid |
| 25th percentile | $88,900 | $42.74 | |
| Median (50th) | $100,040 | $48.09 | Midpoint |
| 75th percentile | $116,140 | $55.84 | |
| 90th percentile | $138,760 | $66.71 | Highest paid |
Figures are national wage estimates for genetic counselors (SOC 29-9092), U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS, May 2025.
Genetic counselor salary by state
Where you work changes the paycheck. Genetic counselors earn the most in California at $137,650 a year, and the least in Georgia at $82,750. The table below lists every state with published data, ranked by median annual salary.
| State | Median annual | Employed |
|---|---|---|
| California | $137,650 | 440 |
| New Jersey | $117,750 | 240 |
| New York | $107,450 | 240 |
| Colorado | $106,100 | 40 |
| Delaware | $106,010 | 40 |
| Washington | $102,920 | 100 |
| Arizona | $102,730 | 50 |
| Florida | $102,330 | 100 |
| Minnesota | $102,010 | 160 |
| Connecticut | $101,640 | 50 |
| Ohio | $100,670 | 120 |
| District of Columbia | $100,380 | 40 |
| Virginia | $99,960 | 100 |
| Kentucky | $99,770 | 50 |
| Texas | $99,450 | N/A |
| Utah | $98,430 | 50 |
| Massachusetts | $97,240 | 200 |
| Illinois | $95,880 | 90 |
| Pennsylvania | $94,930 | 230 |
| Tennessee | $94,380 | 340 |
| Maryland | $94,050 | 50 |
| South Carolina | $93,600 | 40 |
| North Carolina | $93,570 | 80 |
| Wisconsin | $92,170 | 110 |
| Indiana | $89,640 | 40 |
| Michigan | $84,970 | 80 |
| Missouri | $83,980 | 40 |
| Georgia | $82,750 | N/A |
State median wages for genetic counselors (SOC 29-9092), U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS state files, May 2025. States where the BLS does not publish a median are not shown.
Job outlook for genetic counselors
The BLS projects employment of genetic counselors to grow 10.4% from 2025 to 2035. That is faster than the 3.5% average for all occupations. That works out to roughly 4,200 jobs in 2025 moving toward 4,600 by 2035.
Across the decade, the BLS expects about 300 openings a year for genetic counselors. Most come from the need to replace workers who move to other jobs or leave the workforce, on top of any new positions from growth.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program, 2025-35 (Table 1.2, Occupational projections and worker characteristics).
How to become a genetic counselor
The typical entry-level education for genetic counselors is a master's degree, according to the BLS.
Education, training, and experience data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program.
What affects how much a genetic counselor earns
Specialty, work setting, shift differentials, certifications, and region drive the numbers. Hospitals, surgical settings, and high cost metros pay above clinics and rural facilities.
Location is one of the clearest factors. The gap between the top paying state (California, $137,650) and the lowest (Georgia, $82,750) shows how much geography alone can move the number, before experience or specialization.
About 3,740 people work as genetic counselors in the United States. At $100,040 a year, the job pays above the $50,980 median for all U.S. jobs.
Genetic counselor salary FAQ
How much does a genetic counselor make an hour?
The median hourly wage for a genetic counselor is $48.09. The middle half of genetic counselors earn between $42.74 and $55.84 per hour.
What is the highest genetic counselor salary?
The highest paid 10 percent of genetic counselors earn more than $138,760 per year. Top earners usually have the most experience and work in the best paying regions and industries.
How much does a genetic counselor make a year?
The median annual salary for a genetic counselor is $100,040. The average (mean) wage of $104,620 runs a bit higher than the median, which is normal for jobs where a group of top earners pulls the average up.
Is being a genetic counselor a well paid job?
At $100,040 a year, a genetic counselor earns above the $50,980 median for all U.S. jobs. About 3,740 people work as genetic counselors in the United States.
Which state pays genetic counselors the most?
California has the highest median salary for genetic counselors at $137,650 a year. New Jersey ($117,750) and New York ($107,450) follow. State medians come from the BLS OEWS state files, May 2025.
Is being a genetic counselor a good career?
Employment of genetic counselors is projected to grow 10.4% from 2025 to 2035, faster than the 3.5% average for all occupations. The BLS projects about 300 openings each year, from growth and from workers leaving the occupation.
Do you need a degree to become a genetic counselor?
The BLS lists the typical entry-level education for genetic counselors as a master's degree, so a college degree is usually expected.
Related salaries
See more in Healthcare salaries or browse the highest paying jobs in the U.S.