How much does a genetic counselor make?

The median pay is $48.09 per hour — roughly $100,000 a year, with the real range running from about $37.63/hr (10th percentile) to $66.71/hr (90th percentile). Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Do you need a degree to be a genetic counselor?

The typical entry-level education is: Master's degree. Overall preparation level: extensive preparation (Job Zone 5 of 5).

What does a genetic counselor actually do all day?

Interpret laboratory results and communicate findings to patients or physicians. Discuss testing options and the associated risks, benefits and limitations with patients and families to assist them in making informed decisions. Analyze genetic information to identify patients or families at risk for specific disorders or syndromes.

Health Care

Genetic Counselors

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.

What it pays
Genetic Counselors earn a median of $48.09/hr — about $100,000 a year. The lowest-paid 10% earn $37.63/hr; the top 10% earn $66.71/hr. (Annual figures are approximate: hourly × 2,080.)

What you'd actually do

Interpret laboratory results and communicate findings to patients or physicians.
Discuss testing options and the associated risks, benefits and limitations with patients and families to assist them in making informed decisions.
Analyze genetic information to identify patients or families at risk for specific disorders or syndromes.
Provide counseling to patient and family members by providing information, education, or reassurance.
Write detailed consultation reports to provide information on complex genetic concepts to patients or referring physicians.
Provide genetic counseling in specified areas of clinical genetics, such as obstetrics, pediatrics, oncology and neurology.

How you get there

Typical entry-level education: Master's degree. Overall preparation: extensive preparation (Job Zone 5 of 5).

The feel of the work

The work is mostly indoors. (Compared against the other 818 careers in the guide.)

Working for yourself

About 8.1% of genetic counselors are self-employed.

Who it tends to fit

This work tends to fit people who are analytical, people-focused and organized and detail-focused.

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Quick questions

How much does a genetic counselor make?: The median pay is $48.09 per hour — roughly $100,000 a year, with the real range running from about $37.63/hr (10th percentile) to $66.71/hr (90th percentile). Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Do you need a degree to be a genetic counselor?: The typical entry-level education is: Master's degree. Overall preparation level: extensive preparation (Job Zone 5 of 5).
What does a genetic counselor actually do all day?: Interpret laboratory results and communicate findings to patients or physicians. Discuss testing options and the associated risks, benefits and limitations with patients and families to assist them in making informed decisions. Analyze genetic information to identify patients or families at risk for specific disorders or syndromes.

Wages: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS. Tasks & interests: O*NET. Career pathways shown in the app are draft archetypes — verify before relying on them. Trailhead is a free career guide for students — honest numbers, no hype.

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