How much does a genetic counselor make?
a year · about $48 an hour
A typical genetic counselor in the United States makes $100,040 a year, about $48 an hour, about 2× a typical US worker (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
What do they do?
They interview patients and map family health histories, then review test choices or results. They explain what the findings may mean, answer questions, offer emotional support, and share notes with the care team.
Did you know? A U.S. professional survey found that about 6 in 10 genetic counselors work in more than one specialty area, rather than focusing on just one.
Is that a lot?
Compared with jobs you knowIf 100 people had this job
Most earn between $78,270 and $138,760How do you become one?
In the U.S., earn a bachelor’s degree, then complete an ACGC-accredited master’s program, usually two years, with supervised clinical rotations. Pass the American Board of Genetic Counseling exam and get a state license where required.
School needed: Graduate degree or long training
Good for people who like figuring things out and helping and teaching
Why does pay differ?
In the United States, pay can differ with experience, certification, location, and the employer, such as a hospital or lab. Specialty, job duties and responsibility, and working part-time rather than full-time can also change what people earn.
Where does it pay most?
Highest in California ($137,650), lowest in Georgia ($82,750).
See every state
Top 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
Jobs like this
Data table and sources
| Lower earner (10th from bottom) | Typical person (median) | Higher earner (10th from top) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|---|
| $78,270 | $100,040 | $138,760 | about 4,000 |
| State | Typical person (median) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| California | $137,650 | about 440 |
| New Jersey | $117,750 | about 240 |
| New York | $107,450 | about 240 |
| Colorado | $106,100 | about 40 |
| Delaware | $106,010 | about 40 |
Official definition: Assess individual or family risk for a variety of inherited conditions, such as genetic disorders and birth defects. Provide information to other healthcare providers or to individuals and families concerned with the risk of inherited conditions. Advise individuals and families to support informed decisionmaking and coping methods for those at risk. May help conduct research related to genetic conditions or genetic counseling.
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025 (bls.gov); descriptions and related jobs from O*NET 31.0. Figures as of May 2025, full-time yearly pay (hourly × 2,080 hours). bls.gov/oes · O*NET OnLine
Pages used for the text
- www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/genetic-counselors.htm
- www.nsgc.org/BecomeaGC
- www.nsgc.org/About/About-Genetic-Counselors
- www.onetonline.org/link/summary/29-9092.00
- www.nsgc.org/Portals/0/2023%20PSS%20Executive%20Summary.pdf
- www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2015/article/wage-differences.htm
Data: US BLS OEWS, May 2025 · 1 USD = 150 JPY