Genetic Counselors

SOC code 29-9092 · O*NET-SOC 29-9092.00 · Extensive preparation needed · Healthcare

Bright Outlook — O*NET expects rapid growth for this occupation

Genetic Counselors pay

U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number

Median pay

$100,040

a year

Hourly

$48.09

per hour

10th$78,270Median$100,04090th$138,760

The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.

Average pay

$104,620

$50.30 per hour

Middle 50%

$88,900 – $116,140

25th to 75th percentile

Full spread

$78,270 – $138,760

10th to 90th percentile

People employed

3,740

nationwide

National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.

10th percentile: $78,270; $37.63/hr
25th percentile: $88,900; $42.74/hr
Median percentile: $100,040; $48.09/hr
75th percentile: $116,140; $55.84/hr
90th percentile: $138,760; $66.71/hr

Job outlook · federal projection 2024–34

+9%

Growing much faster than average

4,000

jobs in 2024

4,300

projected for 2034

About 300 more jobs

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics employment projections, 2024–34. Projections describe the broader occupation group and are estimates, not guarantees.

What does a genetic counselor do?

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.

The tasks that matter most day to day

Provide counseling to patient and family members by providing information, education, or reassurance.
Analyze genetic information to identify patients or families at risk for specific disorders or syndromes.
Provide genetic counseling in specified areas of clinical genetics, such as obstetrics, pediatrics, oncology and neurology.
Discuss testing options and the associated risks, benefits and limitations with patients and families to assist them in making informed decisions.
Interview patients or review medical records to obtain comprehensive patient or family medical histories, and document findings.
Provide patients with information about the inheritance of conditions such as cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer's disease, diabetes, and various forms of cancer.
Interpret laboratory results and communicate findings to patients or physicians.
Write detailed consultation reports to provide information on complex genetic concepts to patients or referring physicians.

How to become a genetic counselor

Most people in this role hold master's degree — 90% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.

Preparation level: zone 5 — Extensive preparation needed

Education: Most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree).
Experience: Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience. For example, surgeons must complete four years of college and an additional five to seven years of specialized medical training to be able to do their job.
Training: Employees may need some on-the-job training, but most of these occupations assume that the person will already have the required skills, knowledge, work-related experience, and/or training.

See all zone 5 occupations →

Education reported by people doing this job

Master's Degree90%
Post-Master's Certificate5%
First Professional Degree - awarded for completion of a program that: requires at least 2 years of college work before entrance into the program, includes a total of at least 6 academic years of work to complete, and provides all remaining academic requirements to begin practice in a profession.5%

Common questions

How much does a genetic counselor earn?

The national median is $100,040 a year. The full range runs from $78,270 at the 10th percentile to $138,760 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.

Can you become a genetic counselor without a degree?

Not usually — this occupation sits in preparation zone 5, where the typical entry route is most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree). The education breakdown above shows what people in the role actually reported.

Is genetic counselor in demand?

Federal projections expect employment to grow by about 9% between 2024 and 2034 — growing much faster than average. Openings also come from people retiring or changing jobs, which the growth figure does not count.

Skills and knowledge you need

Core skills

Reading Comprehension4.1/5
Active Listening4.1/5
Writing4.0/5
Speaking4.0/5
Critical Thinking4.0/5
Active Learning4.0/5
Learning Strategies3.1/5

Knowledge areas

Biology4.8/5
Therapy and Counseling4.6/5
Psychology4.5/5
Medicine and Dentistry4.5/5
English Language4.5/5
Customer and Personal Service4.0/5
Education and Training3.6/5
Mathematics3.5/5

Transferable strengths: Social Perceptiveness, Complex Problem Solving, Judgment and Decision Making.