Genetic Counselors
Genetic counselors assess whether individuals and families face risks for inherited conditions like genetic disorders and birth defects. They work in hospitals, clinics, and medical offices, providing information to patients and healthcare providers to support decision-making about testing, treatment, and family planning.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against genetic counselors and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
Genetic counselors meet with patients to review personal and family medical history, explain inheritance patterns and test options, and discuss the implications of genetic results. They prepare case summaries, consult with physicians and other specialists, document findings in patient records, and sometimes present findings at medical conferences or team meetings.
Who this work suits
Holland code ISC. Investigative work is figuring things out: analysis, research, problem-solving. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You tend to be curious about how genetic science applies to individual health and enjoy working directly with people through difficult decisions. You're comfortable with complex medical information and drawn to helping others understand risks and options in a clear, supportive way.
What it takes
Preparation: Extensive preparation (graduate degree and/or many years of experience). Most people in this occupation hold a master’s degree.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Who is hiring
Openings right now
- Genetic Counselor · Military Treatment Facilities under DHA · Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington · $100602–$130786
Openings are read from employers’ own career pages and public job boards and change daily. Search all openings (free account) to filter by distance, pay and how well you qualify.
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | $117,700 | $137,650 | $170,450 | 440 |
| New Jersey | $86,250 | $117,750 | $135,310 | 240 |
| New York | $100,600 | $107,450 | $120,440 | 240 |
| Colorado | $94,990 | $106,100 | $122,290 | 40 |
| Delaware | $89,480 | $106,010 | $119,750 | 40 |
| Washington | $98,910 | $102,920 | $127,630 | 100 |
| Arizona | $99,560 | $102,730 | $109,630 | 50 |
| Florida | $83,310 | $102,330 | $114,500 | 100 |
| Minnesota | $95,320 | $102,010 | $104,950 | 160 |
| Connecticut | $74,430 | $101,640 | $129,770 | 50 |
| Ohio | $83,760 | $100,670 | $108,940 | 120 |
| District of Columbia | $77,450 | $100,380 | $100,380 | 40 |
All 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico
Certifications people in this field hold
- Certified Genetics Counselor (CGC) — American Board of Genetic Counseling
- Certification in Pathology: Molecular Genetic Pathology (MGP) — American Board of Pathology
- Cancer Genetic Risk Assessment (CGRA) — National Consortium of Breast Centers, Inc.
- Clinical Genetics and Genomics — American Board of Medical Genetics and Genomics
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against genetic counselors and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 29-9092.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.