Genetic Counselor Salary in 2026
How Much Do Genetic Counselors Make?
Genetic Counselors earn a median annual salary of $98,910 as of 2026, based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) data. Wages span from $78,680 at the 10th percentile to $137,780 at the 90th percentile — a range of $59,100. The highest-paying state is California at $135,090.
| Percentile | Annual salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $78,680 |
| 25th percentile | $87,060 |
| Median (50th) | $98,910 |
| 75th percentile | $113,220 |
| 90th percentile | $137,780 |
Genetic Counselor Salary by State
Median annual salary across all 50 states. Click a column to sort.
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Californiatop | $135,090 |
| New Jersey | $120,550 |
| Virginia | $106,060 |
| Vermont | $106,000 |
| South Carolina | $105,500 |
| Colorado | $104,840 |
| Maryland | $102,960 |
| New York | $100,110 |
| Washington | $99,820 |
| Arizona | $99,270 |
| Florida | $99,110 |
| Minnesota | $99,090 |
| Texas | $97,480 |
| Connecticut | $93,920 |
| Massachusetts | $93,910 |
| Pennsylvania | $92,320 |
| Ohio | $92,310 |
| Utah | $91,620 |
| Tennessee | $90,780 |
| Michigan | $90,660 |
| Illinois | $89,980 |
| Missouri | $88,130 |
| North Carolina | $87,850 |
| District of Columbia | $87,520 |
| Wisconsin | $87,240 |
| Indiana | $81,760 |
Highest-Paying Metros for Genetic Counselors
Genetic Counselor Salary by Experience
Estimated salary ranges derived from BLS wage percentiles. Entry level corresponds to P10–P25, mid-career to the median, experienced to P75, and senior to P90+.
| Experience level | Estimated salary |
|---|---|
| Entry level (0–2 yrs) | ~$78,680 – $87,060 |
| Mid career (3–7 yrs) | ~$98,910 |
| Experienced (8–15 yrs) | ~$113,220 |
| Senior (15+ yrs) | $137,780+ |
How to Earn More as a Genetic Counselor
Location is the single biggest salary lever: Genetic Counselors in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA earn $149,850 — $50,940 above the national median. An advanced credential — such as a graduate degree or specialized certification — is consistently associated with higher earnings in this field. Reaching the 75th percentile ($113,220) typically requires 5–10 years of experience plus specialization in a high-demand area.
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Genetic Counselor Salary vs Similar Careers
| Career | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Genetic Counselorthis career | $98,910 |
| Clinical and Counseling Psychologist | $95,830 |
| Clinical Neuropsychologist | $117,580 |
| Physician Assistant | $133,260 |
| Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurse | $93,600 |
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SOC: 29-9092.00 · Data: BLS OEWS 2026, O*NET 29.1 · Salary figures are national medians unless otherwise noted.