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.
Also called: Cancer Genetic Counselor, Cancer Program Consultant, Cardiovascular Genetics Counselor, Certified Genetic Counselor (CGC), Chromosomal Disorders Counselor, Clinical Genetic Counselor
Median pay
$100,040
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$78,270 – $138,760
People employed
3,740
Holland code
ISC
Investigative · Social · Conventional
Updated October 2026 · Data: O*NET 31.0 and BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
Is this career right for you?
These are the things that stand out in this job compared with other U.S. jobs (O*NET 31.0 work context). Answer honestly.
- 1.Do you want the same hours every week?
- 2.Do you prefer working indoors?
- 3.Do you enjoy serving customers or the public?
- 4.Do you want variety, with new tasks often?
- 5.Are you comfortable sitting at a desk most of the day?
The hard parts
- Tight deadlines are common
- Mistakes can have serious consequences
Genetic Counselors pay by state
Highest-paying states
Annual median pay by state (27 states and DC with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
What genetic counselors do
- 01Provide counseling to patient and family members by providing information, education, or reassurance.
- 02Analyze genetic information to identify patients or families at risk for specific disorders or syndromes.
- 03Provide genetic counseling in specified areas of clinical genetics, such as obstetrics, pediatrics, oncology and neurology.
- 04Discuss testing options and the associated risks, benefits and limitations with patients and families to assist them in making informed decisions.
- 05Interview patients or review medical records to obtain comprehensive patient or family medical histories, and document findings.
- 06Provide patients with information about the inheritance of conditions such as cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer's disease, diabetes, and various forms of cancer.
Skills that matter most
- Active Listening
- Reading Comprehension
- Speaking
- Writing
- Critical Thinking
- Active Learning
Knowledge
- Biology
- Therapy and Counseling
- Medicine and Dentistry
- English Language
- Psychology
Work styles that stand out
- Attention to Detail
- Integrity
- Cautiousness
- Intellectual Curiosity
- Cooperation
Education and first steps
Share of workers by required education, as reported to O*NET.
How people get started
- Usually needs a graduate degree (O*NET Job Zone 5).
- Related work experience: none.
- On-the-job training: over 1 month, up to and including 3 months.
- A professional certification is often expected.
Most common answers from O*NET 31.0 Education, Training and Experience.
Interest fit (Holland code)
O*NET occupational interest scores, scale 1–7. Take the Free Career Test to compare with your own.
Career changes
Change from genetic counselors
- Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurses96% · group pay
- Clinical Nurse Specialists91% · group pay
- Speech-Language Pathologists79% · −2%
- Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary78% · +7%
- Epidemiologists75% · −13%
Change into genetic counselors
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Clinical Neuropsychologists89% · $110,840
- Neuropsychologists88% · $110,840
- Clinical and Counseling Psychologists87% · $100,580
- Dietitians and Nutritionists87% · $76,400
- Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurses86% · $97,550
Majors that lead here
- Genetics, General
- Molecular Genetics
- Human/Medical Genetics
- Genome Sciences/Genomics
- Genetics, Other
- Genetic Counseling/Counselor
- Public Health Genetics
From the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk.