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Genetic Counseling Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Genetics Counselor

Beltsville, MD · On-site

$69K - $106K/yr

Responsibilities ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: -Provides genetic counseling to individuals with a family history of cancer, including information pertaining to risk factors, genetic concepts ...

Genetics Tutor

Rockville, MD · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

... genetic counseling, forensic science, evolutionary biology, and personalized medicine applications. * Curriculum Awareness & Adaptive Instruction: Familiar with genetics curricula at undergraduate ...

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Genetic Counseling information

See Washington salary details

$37.4K

$99.5K

$243.5K

How much do genetic counseling jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for genetic counseling in Washington is $99,460.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $71,400.00 and $107,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is genetic counseling?

A genetic counseling job involves assessing an individual's risk for inherited conditions and providing guidance on genetic testing, family planning, and health management. Genetic counselors work with patients, families, and healthcare professionals to interpret genetic information and support informed decision-making. They are trained in both genetics and counseling to help individuals understand complex genetic data and its implications. Genetic counselors often specialize in areas such as prenatal, pediatric, oncology, or neurogenetics.

What does a genetic counselor do?

Genetic counselors typically spend their days meeting with patients and families to assess inherited risk for various conditions, interpreting genetic test results, and providing clear, empathetic explanations of complex genetic information. They collaborate closely with physicians, laboratory specialists, and other healthcare professionals to develop personalized care plans and ensure patients receive comprehensive support. The role often includes detailed case documentation, ongoing education to stay current with advances in genetics, and participation in team meetings or multidisciplinary case discussions. This dynamic environment allows genetic counselors to make a significant impact on patient care and well-being.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a genetic counselor?

To thrive as a Genetic Counselor, you generally need a master's degree in genetic counseling or genetics, along with board certification and a strong understanding of medical genetics. Proficiency in pedigree analysis software, genetic testing databases, and electronic medical records is typically expected. Exceptional interpersonal skills, cultural sensitivity, and the ability to communicate complex information clearly are crucial soft skills for this role. These competencies allow genetic counselors to accurately interpret genetic data, provide compassionate guidance, and support patients and families in making informed healthcare decisions.

Is genetic counseling a good career?

Genetic counseling is a growing healthcare profession that involves helping patients understand genetic conditions and testing options. It requires strong communication skills, a master's degree in genetic counseling, and certification through the American Board of Genetic Counseling. The field offers a meaningful career with increasing demand due to advances in genetics and personalized medicine.

What can you do with a genetic counseling degree?

A genetic counseling degree prepares individuals to assess and interpret genetic information, provide risk assessments, and support patients in understanding genetic conditions. Graduates often work in healthcare settings such as hospitals, clinics, or research institutions, and may need certification from organizations like the American Board of Genetic Counseling. The role involves communication skills, knowledge of genetics, and often collaboration with medical teams.

What is the average pay of a genetic counselor?

The average salary of a genetic counselor in the United States is around $80,000 to $90,000 per year, with experienced professionals earning over $100,000. Salaries can vary based on location, experience, and work setting, and certification through the American Board of Genetic Counseling can enhance earning potential.

What qualifications do you need to be a genetic counselor?

To become a genetic counselor, individuals typically need a master's degree in genetic counseling or a related field from an accredited program, along with certification from the American Board of Genetic Counseling (ABGC). Strong communication skills, knowledge of genetics, and clinical experience are also important for the role.

What are the most commonly searched types of Genetic Counseling jobs in Washington?

The most popular types of Genetic Counseling jobs in Washington are:

What cities in Washington are hiring for Genetic Counseling jobs?

Cities in Washington with the most Genetic Counseling job openings:

Infographic showing various Genetic Counseling job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $99,460 per year, or $47.8 per hour.

Perinatal Genetic Counselor

Johns Hopkins Health System

Columbia, MD • On-site

Full-time

This job post has expired 3 days ago. Applications are no longer accepted.


Johns Hopkins Medicine rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 233 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

189th of 895 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Howard County General Hospital: A Member of Johns Hopkins Medicine is a not-for-profit health care provider with 225 licensed beds located in Columbia, Maryland. A comprehensive, acute-care medical center, Howard County General offers a full range of services specializing in women's and children's services, surgery, cardiology, oncology, orthopedics, gerontology, psychiatry, emergency services, and community health education.
What Awaits You?
  • Career growth and development
  • Tuition Assistance for you and your dependent child
  • Diverse and collaborative working environment
  • Affordable and comprehensive benefits package
  • Free parking

Position Summary:
The Perinatal Genetic Counselor is responsible for providing genetic counseling, education, and management for high-risk obstetrical patients as well as act as a resource under the direction of the Maternal Fetal Medicine Center's physicians. The counselor performs case preparation, follow up and management for each patient. Must be able to accurately and completely document interactions and findings of counseling session(s) to provide information to other
clinicians and physicians. Ability to work independently, and with minimal supervision to assure safe, timely, and efficient delivery of service.
Major Responsibilities:
  • Ability to function independently as the sole genetic counselor in a high-volume clinical setting.
  • Constructs, analyzes, and conveys findings of family pedigree in the case of high-risk pregnancies.
  • Discusses options with patients and physicians regarding genetic risk factors of prenatal patients.
  • Conveys risk of a genetic condition with total accuracy to the patient, requiring a depth of knowledge of genetics and good communication skills.
  • Assists with decision making utilizing counseling skills and a non-directive approach that is respectful of patient's feelings and beliefs.
  • Consults with medical staff to obtain or provide pertinent patient information.
  • Prepares and updates materials used in patient education for individual patients and all educational programs.
  • Orders, coordinates, and follows up on a full range of prenatal genetic testing including NIPT, carrier screening, single-gene testing, and various prenatal diagnostic tests across multiple reference laboratories.
  • Independently manages prior authorization requests for genetic testing across commercial, Medicaid, and federal insurance plans, including drafting letters of medical necessity.
  • Discloses results of all prenatal genetic testing, including diagnostic and complex findings, to patients and families; coordinates with MFM physicians on clinical management and counseling follow-up.
  • Coordinates referrals for invasive prenatal diagnosis (CVS and amniocentesis), including patient consent, procedure-day coordination, and specimen management.
  • Prepares and presents the monthly perinatal/NICU case conference, including periodic educational presentations for the multidisciplinary team and participates in regular multi-disciplinary team conferences.
  • Coordinates pregnancy management options and referrals for complex prenatal diagnoses and provides ongoing psychosocial support to patients navigating pregnancy loss.
  • Manage inventory, accounts, and relationships across multiple genetic testing laboratory partners.

Additional Responsibilities:
  • Performs duties in a manner that is consistent with the hospital's core values and the language of caring habits.
  • Attends mandatory departmental meetings, hospital in-services, and continuing education programs to keep informed of new developments affecting hospital initiatives and his/her area of expertise.
  • Participates on Continuous Improvement Teams as required. Performs tasks necessary for maintenance and improvement of his/her functional area within the department.
  • Maintains effective, timely lines of communication with his/her supervisor and co-workers.
  • Maintains acceptable attendance and punctuality in order to maximize his/her contribution to the organization in accordance with hospital policy.
  • Acknowledges his/her ultimate responsibility is to directly or indirectly serve the needs of every patient as defined in the JHHCMC Mission Statement.

Highly Valued Skills:
  • Proficiency with Epic EMR, including documentation, order entry, charge capture, and patient communication via MyChart.
  • Familiarity with genetic testing laboratory ordering portals and result management systems (e.g., Natera connect, LabcorpLink, GeneDx portal).
  • Experience with insurance prior authorization workflows for genetic testing across commercial and government payers.

Minimum Qualifications:
  • Master's degree (M.S.) from a graduate program accredited by the American Board of Genetic Counseling (A.B.G.C.).
  • Experience in prenatal genetic counseling required. 2-3 years of perinatal genetic counseling experience preferred.
  • Maryland licensure and American Board of Genetic Counseling (ABGC) certification as a genetic counselor, or for new graduates Maryland licensure as a supervised genetic counselor with ABGC certification within one year of employment.

Salary Range: Minimum 34.62/hour - Maximum 57.19/hour. Compensation will be commensurate with equity and experience for roles of similar scope and responsibility. In cases where the range is displayed as a $0 amount, salary discussions will occur during candidate screening calls, before any subsequent compensation discussion is held between the candidate and any hiring authority.
The Hospital reserves the right to modify employee schedules as needed.
We are committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment, where we embrace and celebrate our differences, where all employees feel valued, contribute to our mission of serving the community, and engage in equitable healthcare delivery and workforce practices.
Johns Hopkins Health System and its affiliates are an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, age, national origin, mental or physical disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law.
Johns Hopkins Health System and its affiliates are drug-free workplace employers.

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