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Healthcare

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.

Median salary (BLS)

$100,040

10th–90th percentile (BLS)

$78k – $139k

Job outlook

+9% (faster than average)

AI exposure

Early-career check: graduates of the matching programs below typically earn $93,000 ten years after starting college — an early-career figure, vs. the all-experience BLS median above. Source: U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard.

Plan a path to Genetic Counselors

Qualification costsStack incomeBest cities/statesSchool ROIJob-posting fitTailored resume

Education

Typical entry: Master's degree

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How to qualify

EstimateLicense required

Cost to qualify

$64,200–$231,000

Time to qualify

6.2 yr

Renewal

$75/yr

  1. 1

    Bachelor's degree

    Degree

    Four years at public in-state rates — average published tuition & fees ≈ $11,610/yr, plus books. Private and out-of-state run higher; grant aid lowers most students' actual net price.

    $40,000–$150,000 · 4 years source

  2. 2

    Master's degree

    Degree

    Typically two years; average graduate tuition ≈ $20,000/yr at public universities (NCES).

    $24,000–$80,000 · 2 years source

  3. 3

    National & state licensure

    License

    A national board/registry exam plus a state license application (the NCLEX pattern). Exact exam and fees depend on the role and state.

    $200–$1,000 · 2 months · varies by state · renews every 2 yr source

Estimated typical U.S. route for "Genetic Counselors" — built from BLS education requirements and College Board 2024–25 average published prices (public, in-state tuition + fees + books). Not yet verified against a specific state's licensing rules — confirm with your state licensing board or program.

Typical progression

  1. Junior Genetic Counselors

    Entry / Junior

    $78,270

    ~2 yrs to advance

  2. Genetic Counselors

    Established

    $100,040

    ~3 yrs to advance

  3. Senior Genetic Counselors

    Senior

    $119,400

Key skills

A typical day

  • •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.

Fields of study

Any field

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Reputation-based selection; stats shown are outcome data per school.