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.