Geneticists

SOC code 19-1029 · O*NET-SOC 19-1029.03 · Extensive preparation needed · Science and engineering

Geneticists pay

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

Median pay

$98,920

a year

Hourly

$47.56

per hour

10th$60,430Median$98,92090th$168,010

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

Average pay

$106,330

$51.12 per hour

Middle 50%

$76,800 – $127,670

25th to 75th percentile

Full spread

$60,430 – $168,010

10th to 90th percentile

People employed

55,850

nationwide

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

These pay and employment figures are for the broader BLS group “Biological Scientists, All Other”, not this job alone.

10th percentile: $60,430; $29.05/hr
25th percentile: $76,800; $36.92/hr
Median percentile: $98,920; $47.56/hr
75th percentile: $127,670; $61.38/hr
90th percentile: $168,010; $80.77/hr

What does a geneticist do?

Research and study the inheritance of traits at the molecular, organism or population level. May evaluate or treat patients with genetic disorders.

The tasks that matter most day to day

Supervise or direct the work of other geneticists, biologists, technicians, or biometricians working on genetics research projects.
Plan or conduct basic genomic and biological research related to areas such as regulation of gene expression, protein interactions, metabolic networks, and nucleic acid or protein complexes.
Prepare results of experimental findings for presentation at professional conferences or in scientific journals.
Maintain laboratory notebooks that record research methods, procedures, and results.
Write grants and papers or attend fundraising events to seek research funds.
Search scientific literature to select and modify methods and procedures most appropriate for genetic research goals.
Review, approve, or interpret genetic laboratory results.
Attend clinical and research conferences and read scientific literature to keep abreast of technological advances and current genetic research findings.

How to become a geneticist

Most people in this role hold post-doctoral training — 36% 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

Post-Doctoral Training36%
Master's Degree32%
Doctoral Degree20%
Bachelor's Degree4%

Common questions

How much does a geneticist earn?

The national median is $98,920 a year. The full range runs from $60,430 at the 10th percentile to $168,010 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 geneticist 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.

Skills and knowledge you need

Core skills

Reading Comprehension4.3/5
Science4.1/5
Active Listening4.0/5
Writing4.0/5
Speaking4.0/5
Critical Thinking4.0/5
Active Learning4.0/5
Mathematics3.9/5

Knowledge areas

Biology4.8/5
English Language4.3/5
Education and Training3.7/5
Mathematics3.7/5
Chemistry3.5/5
Computers and Electronics3.0/5
Medicine and Dentistry2.9/5
Administration and Management2.6/5

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