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Genetic Counselor Salary, Job Duties, and Education Requirements

Genetic counselors work with individuals and families to search for a variety of inherited conditions, such as genetic disorders and birth defects. They provide information and support to other healthcare providers, or to individuals and families concerned with the risk of inherited conditions.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2014, genetic counselors earned an average salary of $69,540 per year and an average hourly wage of $33.43. Although genetic counseling is a relatively new career field with few individuals employed in the United States (2,180 as of 2014), this career does hold some exciting prospects for the future.

In this article, you’ll learn the job duties of a genetic counselor (“a day in the life”), the education requirements (“how to become a genetic counselor), and detailed salary statistics (“how much money do they make?”).

Genetic Counselor Job Duties

Genetic counselors work with individuals and families to help determine risks for certain birth defects and genetic disorders. Here are some of the daily tasks a genetic counselor will perform:

  • They meet with patients to obtain comprehensive individual family and medical histories.
  • They study and evaluate genetic information from DNA laboratory tests to identify patients or families at risk for specific genetic risks.
  • They create detailed consultation reports to provide information on complex genetic concepts for patients or referring physicians.
  • They discuss testing options and the associated risks, benefits, and limitations with patients and families.
  • They counsel patients and family members by providing information, education, or reassurance regarding genetic risks and inherited conditions.
  • They participate in professional organizations or conferences to keep abreast of developments in genetics and genomics.

Genetic counselors identify specific genetic disorders or risks through the study of genetics. A genetic disorder or syndrome is inherited. For parents who are expecting children, counselors use genetics to predict whether a baby is likely to have hereditary disorders, such as Down syndrome and cystic fibrosis, among others.

Another example is that of actress Angelina Jolie. Her mother died from cancer at a relatively young age, and her doctor recommended genetic counseling. She eventually realized that she had a high risk for certain cancers, and opted to have surgery to remove her breasts, ovaries, and fallopian tubes.

Education Requirements for Genetic Counselors

To become a genetic counselor, you’ll need a bachelor’s degree, which takes about 3-4 years. Next, students must complete a master’s degree in genetic counseling or genetics, which takes about 2-3 additional years.

n 2014, there were 31 master’s degree programs in the United States that were accredited by the Accreditation Council for Genetic Counseling. It is important that students attend an accredited program so that they can become certified and/or licensed upon graduation.

Certification and licensing for Genetic Counselors

The American Board of Genetic Counseling provides certification for genetic counselors. To become certified, a student must complete an accredited master’s degree program and pass an exam. Counselors must complete continuing education courses to maintain their board certification.

Licensing requirements vary by state. As of 2015, 20 states required genetic counselors to be licensed, and other states have pending legislation for licensure. Certification is typically needed to get a license. For specific licensing requirements, contact the state’s medical board.

Pros and Cons of Working as a Genetic Counselor

Most genetic counselors report high job satisfaction. Nevertheless, all jobs have their pros and cons.

Here’s what most genetic counselors like about their jobs:

  • They enjoy counseling individuals and helping them identify potential risks.
  • They like knowing they can potentially save lives by warning patients of unforeseen risks.
  • They are paid a competitive salary.
  • Most find science and genetics to be very fascinating areas of study.

Here’s what most genetic counselors dislike about their jobs:

  • Not all news is good news. Genetic counselors hate having to give bad news about the condition of a baby in the womb.
  • While some diseases may be preventative, sometimes patients wait until it’s too late.
  • Insurance doesn’t always cover genetic testing or counseling, which can be frustrating.

Job Outlook for Genetic Counselors

What is the job outlook for genetic counselors? According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, “The employment of genetic counselors is projected to grow 29 percent from 2014 to 2024, much faster than the average for all occupations.” The only unfortunate part is that this is still a relatively small profession, which means that about 700 jobs will be added over that 10-year period.

Genetic Counselor Salary

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2014, genetic counselors earned an average salary of $69,540 per year and an average hourly wage of $33.43. Additional salary statistics can be found below.

Employment estimate and mean wage estimates for genetic counselors:

Employment Employment
RSE
Mean hourly
wage
Mean annual
wage
Wage RSE
2,180 11.2 % $33.43 $69,540 2.6 %

Percentile wage estimates for genetic counselors:

Percentile 10% 25% 50%
(Median)
75% 90%
Hourly Wage $21.13 $26.59 $32.45 $39.78 $48.07
Annual Wage $43,950 $55,310 $67,500 $82,750 $99,980

Industries with the highest levels of employment in this occupation:

Industry Employment Percent of industry employment Hourly mean wage Annual mean wage
General Medical and Surgical Hospitals 800 0.02 $32.65 $67,900
Offices of Physicians 480 0.02 $33.23 $69,120
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools 210 0.01 $29.04 $60,390
Management of Companies and Enterprises 60 0.00 $39.70 $82,570
Offices of Other Health Practitioners 40 0.01 $24.54 $51,050

Top paying industries for genetic counselors:

Industry Employment Percent of industry employment Hourly mean wage Annual mean wage
Medical and Diagnostic Laboratories n/a n/a $42.82 $89,060
Management of Companies and Enterprises 60 n/a $39.70 $82,570
Specialty (except Psychiatric and Substance Abuse) Hospitals n/a n/a $34.05 $70,820
Offices of Physicians 480 0.02 $33.23 $69,120
General Medical and Surgical Hospitals 800 0.02 $32.65 $67,900

Top paying states for genetic counselors:

State Employment Employment per thousand jobs Location quotient Hourly mean wage Annual mean wage
Maryland n/a n/a n/a $44.28 $92,100
Colorado 40 0.02 1.14 $38.14 $79,330
New Jersey 50 0.01 0.72 $37.56 $78,130
New York 70 0.01 0.49 $37.12 $77,210
California 380 0.03 1.56 $37.06 $77,080

Lowest paying states:

State Hourly mean wage Annual mean wage
Oklahoma $18.72 $38,940
Michigan $24.40 $50,740
Georgia $25.21 $52,440
North Carolina $26.75 $55,640
Tennessee $28.63 $59,550
Virginia $28.92 $60,150
Wisconsin $29.29 $60,920

Genetic counselor salary statistics for other states (not all 50 states were provided):

State Hourly mean wage Annual mean wage
California $37.06 $77,080
Colorado $38.14 $79,330
Florida $36.88 $76,710
Georgia $25.21 $52,440
Illinois $36.16 $75,220
Indiana $31.98 $66,510
Maryland $44.28 $92,100
Massachusetts $32.61 $67,830
Michigan $24.40 $50,740
Minnesota $32.42 $67,430
New Jersey $37.56 $78,130
New York $37.12 $77,210
North Carolina $26.75 $55,640
Ohio $30.50 $63,430
Oklahoma $18.72 $38,940
Pennsylvania $30.00 $62,400
Tennessee $28.63 $59,550
Texas $30.93 $64,340
Virginia $28.92 $60,150
Washington $36.16 $75,220
Wisconsin $29.29 $60,920

References:

Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2014-15 Edition, Genetic Counselor, on the Internet at bls.gov.

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