SalaryMap USA

Genetic Counselors Salary in the United States

The median annual wage for genetic counselors in the U.S. is $100,040 ($48.09 per hour), according to the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program, May 2025 estimates.

Median annual wage
$100,040
Mean annual wage
$104,620
Median hourly wage
$48.09
Employment
3,740

3,740 employed

Wage percentiles

U.S. wage distribution for genetic counselors (OEWS May 2025).
PercentileAnnual wageHourly wage
10th percentile$78,270$37.63
25th percentile$88,900$42.74
Median (50th)$100,040$48.09
75th percentile$116,140$55.84
90th percentile$138,760$66.71

Highest-paying states for genetic counselors

StateMedian annual wageEmployment
California$137,650440
New Jersey$117,750240
New York$107,450240
Colorado$106,10040
Delaware$106,01040
Washington$102,920100
Arizona$102,73050
Florida$102,330100
Minnesota$102,010160
Connecticut$101,64050

Lowest-paying states

  • Georgia: $82,750 median annual wage
  • Missouri: $83,980 median annual wage
  • Michigan: $84,970 median annual wage
  • Indiana: $89,640 median annual wage
  • Wisconsin: $92,170 median annual wage

About this occupation

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.

Typical tasks

  • Provide genetic counseling in specified areas of clinical genetics, such as obstetrics, pediatrics, oncology and neurology.
  • Design and conduct genetics training programs for physicians, graduate students, other health professions or the general community.
  • Write detailed consultation reports to provide information on complex genetic concepts to patients or referring physicians.
  • Identify funding sources and write grant proposals for eligible programs or services.
  • Discuss testing options and the associated risks, benefits and limitations with patients and families to assist them in making informed decisions.
  • Read current literature, talk with colleagues, or participate in professional organizations or conferences to keep abreast of developments in genetics.

Education of the current workforce — typical entry: Master's degree

Education levelShare of workers
Less than high school diploma0.8%
High school diploma or equivalent6.5%
Some college, no degree12.0%
Associate's degree8.5%
Bachelor's degree30.8%
Master's degree34.9%
Doctoral or professional degree6.5%

CareerOneStopOccupation profile data from CareerOneStop, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor.

Related occupations

About this data

  • Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics — data period May 2025, retrieved August 13, 2026.
  • Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics — data period May 2025, retrieved August 13, 2026.
  • CareerOneStop Occupation Profiles — data period 2026-08, retrieved August 14, 2026.

Figures are shown exactly as published by the source or derived by the documented formulas on our methodology page. Where a source suppresses an estimate, we show “—” rather than a substitute value.