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$33K

$87.8K

$215K

How much do genetics counseling jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for genetics counseling in the United States is $87,816.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $63,000.00 and $95,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Genetics Counseling vs Genetic Testing Specialist?

AspectGenetics CounselingGenetic Testing Specialist
Required CredentialsMaster's degree in genetics or related field, certification (ABGC or NSGC)Relevant certifications, often with a background in laboratory sciences or genetics
Work EnvironmentClinics, hospitals, private practices, counseling settingsLaboratories, testing facilities, research labs
Employer & Industry UsageHealthcare providers, hospitals, clinicsGenetic testing laboratories, biotech companies
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding counseling roles, patient support, risk assessmentTesting procedures, laboratory work, sample analysis

Genetics Counseling focuses on guiding patients through genetic information, risk assessment, and emotional support, often requiring counseling skills and certification. In contrast, Genetic Testing Specialists primarily work in laboratories analyzing genetic samples, emphasizing technical expertise in testing procedures. Both roles are integral to genetic healthcare but differ in their work environment, responsibilities, and required credentials.

What can I do with a genetic counseling degree?

A genetic counseling degree prepares individuals to work as genetic counselors, providing risk assessment, education, and support to patients with genetic conditions. Graduates can work in hospitals, clinics, research settings, or public health, often requiring certification from relevant professional boards. The role involves counseling patients, interpreting genetic tests, and collaborating with healthcare teams.

What are the career paths for genetic counselors?

Genetic counselors can pursue various career paths including clinical practice in hospitals, clinics, or private practices, where they assess genetic risks and provide counseling. They may also work in research, education, or industry roles such as genetic testing companies, often requiring certification and specialized training in genetics and counseling skills.

What is genetics counseling?

Genetics counseling is a process where trained professionals help individuals and families understand and adapt to the medical, psychological, and familial implications of genetic contributions to disease. Genetic counselors assess the risk of inherited conditions, explain testing options, and provide support for decision-making. They work with people who may be at risk for a variety of genetic disorders, helping them make informed choices about their health care and family planning.

What are some typical challenges faced by genetics counselors when communicating complex genetic information to patients?

Genetics counselors often face the challenge of translating complex genetic concepts into language that patients without a scientific background can understand. Navigating emotional responses and providing support during discussions about sensitive topics, such as hereditary risks or potential outcomes, is also a key aspect of the role. Counselors must tailor their communication style to each patient's needs, ensuring informed decision-making while remaining empathetic and clear. Collaborating closely with physicians, laboratory staff, and other healthcare professionals is essential to provide accurate and comprehensive care.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Genetic Counselor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Genetic Counselor, you need a master's degree in genetic counseling or genetics, knowledge of human genetics, and board certification. Familiarity with genetic testing technologies, pedigree analysis software, and patient data management systems is crucial. Strong interpersonal, communication, and empathetic counseling skills help build trust and effectively guide patients through complex information. These abilities are essential for providing accurate risk assessments and emotional support to individuals making important healthcare decisions.

How much money does a genetics counselor make?

Genetics counselors typically earn a median annual salary of around $85,000, with salaries ranging from approximately $60,000 to over $120,000 depending on experience, location, and work setting. Certification and advanced training can influence earning potential, and many work in healthcare or research environments with regular schedules.

Is genetic counseling a good career?

Genetic counseling is a growing healthcare field that involves helping patients understand genetic conditions and testing results. It requires strong communication skills, a master's degree in genetic counseling, and certification. The profession offers a meaningful career with increasing demand due to advances in genetics and personalized medicine.
More about Genetics Counseling jobs
What cities are hiring for Genetics Counseling jobs? Cities with the most Genetics Counseling job openings:
What states have the most Genetics Counseling jobs? States with the most job openings for Genetics Counseling jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Genetics Counseling jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Genetics Counseling jobs are:
Genetics Counseling jobs near you
Infographic showing various Genetics Counseling job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, and 10% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $87,816 per year, or $42.2 per hour.
Genetic Counselor - Clinical Genetics

Genetic Counselor - Clinical Genetics

University of California, Los Angeles

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

Other

Posted 29 days ago

UCLA rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 73 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

150th of 538 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Position description
The Division of Clinical Genetics of the Department of Human Genetics at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA is seeking a Genetic Counselor with experience in the evaluation, diagnosis, and familiarity with treatment of patients with pediatric and adult genetic disorders for a position as Health Sciences Assistant Clinical Professor (Clinical). Candidates who are ABGC board certified will join an existing experienced faculty with established expertise in clinical and biochemical genetics and will have the opportunity to work collaboratively across multiple practice areas in the Division of Clinical Genetics. We seek candidates who are enthusiastic about engaging in academically productive scientific inquiry, educating genetic counseling student and serving the university community. Academic appointment level and track series will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.
The responsibilities of the position will include inpatient consultations and outpatient medical genetics clinics, which together with an area of focus will be tailored to the candidate's clinical interests and experience within pediatric genetics. This position will support in part the Genetic Counseling MS Program at UCLA .
Opportunities are available for clinical research, clinical trials, and collaboration with basic science researchers. There are also strong institution-wide genomics initiatives through the Institute for Precision Health. The Division of Clinical Genetics hosts an ABMGG-accredited Medical Genetics residency, a T32 training grant, a Masters in Genetic Counseling program, and multiple ABMGG-accredited Laboratory Genetics training programs. Faculty members have numerous opportunities for teaching across a variety of academic programs. Teaching and supervising of medical students, residents, fellows, and genetic counseling trainees are expected.
A successful candidate(s) will have the following qualifications: (1) Completion of and ACGC-approved training program and Board Certification by ABGC. (2) Eligibility for licensure as California Genetic Counselor by CDPH. (3) Ability to work in a collaborative interdisciplinary environment. (4) Previous experience in pediatric and general medical genetics. (5) Experience in supervising genetic counseling students. (6) Experience in training genetic counseling assistants.
Qualifications
Basic qualifications
Candidates must possess a Master's in Genetic Counselor degree and must be board-certified with the American Board of Genetic Counseling. Candidates must also be eligible to obtain a genetic counselor license in the state of California.
Preferred qualifications
Experience in supervising genetic counseling assistants and in a genetic counseling training program.
Application Requirements
Document requirements
  • Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.
  • Cover Letter
  • Reference check authorization release form - Complete and upload the reference check authorization release form
  • UCLA Mission Statement - As the nation's premier public research university, UC's mission is the creation, dissemination, preservation and application of knowledge for the betterment of our global society. We have a particular responsibility to the people of California which we express in the excellence of the education we provide, the impact of the research we do, the comprehensive, life-saving medical services we provide, and the public service mission we are devoted to. The University of California promotes the social mobility of its students, equips them with the tools and experience that furthers their ambitions, and regards their accomplishments across the life span as evidence of the profoundly positive impact of higher education.
    The UCLA campus has expressed these goals in its strategic plan as follows:
    Deepen our engagement with Los Angeles
    Expand our reach as a global university
    Enhance our research and creative activities
    Elevate how we teach
    Become a more effective institution
    Prompt for candidates for recruitment:
    Reflecting on your personal and professional experiences, highlight your past contributions and future commitments to advancing UCLA's mission as embodied in the 2023-28 strategic plan. These accomplishments and ambitions may be discussed in the context of describing your teaching, scholarship, and service
  • Misc / Additional (Optional)

Reference requirements
  • 3-5 required (contact information only)

Submit the names and contact information for three references.
Apply link: https://recruit.apo.ucla.edu/JPF10945
Help contact: jkeh@mednet.ucla.edu
About UCLA
As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements.
The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.
As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct.
  • "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer.
  • UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
  • UC Anti-Discrimination Policy for Employees, Students and Third Parties
  • APM - 035: Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment

Job location
Los Angeles, CA

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