Genetic counselors
SOC Code: 29-9092Also known as:
Cancer Genetic Counselor, Cancer Program Consultant, Certified Genetic Counselor, Chromosomal Disorders Counselor, Genetic Coordinator
Median Annual Salary
$98,910
+9.3% growth (2024-2034)
300
Openings/Year
4K
Current Jobs
What Genetic counselors Do
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.
💰 Salary
$98,910
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
+9.3%
Much faster than average
🎓 Education
Master's degree
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
300
Projected average per year
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
4,000
Projected Employment (2034)
4,300
Related Careers
Registered nurses
$93,600 •
+4.9% growth
Family medicine physicians
$238,380 •
+2.7% growth
Pediatricians, general
$210,130 •
+0.8% growth
Psychiatrists
N/A •
+6.1% growth
Top Skills Required
Reading Comprehension
Active Listening
Complex Problem Solving
Writing
Speaking
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- Interpret laboratory results and communicate findings to patients or physicians.
- Discuss testing options and the associated risks, benefits and limitations with patients and families to assist them in making informed decisions.
- Analyze genetic information to identify patients or families at risk for specific disorders or syndromes.
- Provide counseling to patient and family members by providing information, education, or reassurance.
- Write detailed consultation reports to provide information on complex genetic concepts to patients or referring physicians.
- Provide genetic counseling in specified areas of clinical genetics, such as obstetrics, pediatrics, oncology and neurology.
- Determine or coordinate treatment plans by requesting laboratory services, reviewing genetics or counseling literature, and considering histories or diagnostic data.
- Interview patients or review medical records to obtain comprehensive patient or family medical histories, and document findings.
- Assess patients' psychological or emotional needs, such as those relating to stress, fear of test results, financial issues, and marital conflicts to make referral recommendations or assist patients in managing test outcomes.
- Provide patients with information about the inheritance of conditions such as cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer's disease, diabetes, and various forms of cancer.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
Master's degree
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
Master's Degree
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Genetic counselors
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a genetic counselors:
Genetics, General
730 degrees awarded •
37 colleges offer this program
Human/Medical Genetics
424 degrees awarded •
34 colleges offer this program
Genetic Counseling/Counselor
378 degrees awarded •
35 colleges offer this program
Molecular Genetics
278 degrees awarded •
15 colleges offer this program
Genome Sciences/Genomics
199 degrees awarded •
20 colleges offer this program
Genetics, Other
11 degrees awarded •
1 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Genetic counselors
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become genetic counselors.
| # | College | Location | Related Degrees | Repit Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Michigan-Ann Arbor | Ann Arbor, MI | 29 | A+ |
| 2 | University of California-Los Angeles | Los Angeles, CA | 15 | A+ |
| 3 | University of Georgia | Athens, GA | 60 | A |
| 4 | Johns Hopkins University | Baltimore, MD | 48 | A |
| 5 | Yale University | New Haven, CT | 43 | A |
| 6 | University of Chicago | Chicago, IL | 29 | A |
| 7 | Columbia University in the City of New York | New York, NY | 29 | A |
| 8 | Duke University | Durham, NC | 28 | A |
| 9 | Washington University in St Louis | Saint Louis, MO | 27 | A |
| 10 | Stanford University | Stanford, CA | 23 | A |
| 11 | University of Pennsylvania | Philadelphia, PA | 18 | A |
| 12 | Northwestern University | Evanston, IL | 17 | A |
| 13 | Boston University | Boston, MA | 17 | A |
| 14 | University of California-Irvine | Irvine, CA | 16 | A |
| 15 | Vanderbilt University | Nashville, TN | 15 | A |
| 16 | Cornell University | Ithaca, NY | 13 | A |
| 17 | Emory University | Atlanta, GA | 13 | A |
| 18 | University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill | Chapel Hill, NC | 7 | A |
| 19 | University of Florida | Gainesville, FL | 5 | A |
| 20 | Tufts University | Medford, MA | 3 | A |
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do genetic counselors make?
The median annual salary for genetic counselors is $98,910.
What education do genetic counselors need?
Most genetic counselors positions require a master's degree.
Common degree programs include Genetics, General, Human/Medical Genetics, Genetic Counseling/Counselor.
Is becoming genetic counselors a good career choice?
Genetic counselors is projected to see +9.3% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which is faster than average for all occupations. With approximately 300 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for genetic counselors?
Top colleges for aspiring genetic counselors include
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, University of California-Los Angeles, University of Georgia, Johns Hopkins University, Yale University.
These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to genetic counselors?
Genetic counselors may also be known as: Cancer Genetic Counselor, Cancer Program Consultant, Certified Genetic Counselor, Chromosomal Disorders Counselor, Genetic Coordinator, Genetic Counseling Medical Specialist, Genetic Counselor, Genetics Counselor, Medical Science Liaison, Mitochondrial Disorders Counselor, Pediatric Genetic Counselor, Prenatal and Pediatric Genetic Counselor, Prenatal Genetic Counselor, Reproductive Genetic Counseling Coordinator.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.