Median pay
$98,910
Median annual pay for Genetic Counselors.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
View source ↗
View source ↗
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.
10-year growth
9.3%
Projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
View source ↗
View source ↗
Annual openings
300
Projected annual openings, including growth and replacement demand.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
View source ↗
View source ↗
Employment
4,000
Estimated U.S. employment for Genetic Counselors in 2024.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
View source ↗
View source ↗
Jobs added or lost
+400
Projected numeric employment change from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
View source ↗
View source ↗
Entry preparation
Master's degree
Typical education needed to enter Genetic Counselors.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024 profile
View source ↗
View source ↗
O*NET occupation profile
What the work involves
Strongest O*NET signals first.
Essential skills
- 1Reading Comprehension
- 2Active Listening
- 3Active Learning
- 4Critical Thinking
- 5Speaking
- 6Writing
Knowledge areas
- 1Biology
- 2Psychology
- 3Medicine and Dentistry
- 4Therapy and Counseling
- 5English Language
- 6Customer and Personal Service
Abilities
- 1Written Comprehension
- 2Deductive Reasoning
- 3Inductive Reasoning
- 4Oral Comprehension
- 5Oral Expression
- 6Problem Sensitivity
Career interests
- 1Investigative
- 2Social
- 3Conventional
- 4Enterprising
- 5Artistic
- 6Realistic
Work styles
- 1Attention to Detail
- 2Empathy
- 3Dependability
- 4Cooperation
- 5Intellectual Curiosity
- 6Sincerity
Work activities
- 1Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others
- 2Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
- 3Getting Information
- 4Assisting and Caring for Others
- 5Documenting/Recording Information
- 6Working with Computers
Work context
- 1E-Mail
- 2Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
- 3Telephone Conversations
- 4Written Letters and Memos
- 5Contact With Others
- 6Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
Representative tasks
- 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.
Software and tools
Microsoft Excel · in demandMicrosoft PowerPoint · in demandMicrosoft Outlook · in demandMicrosoft Office software · in demandMicrosoft Word · hot technologyMicrosoft Access · hot technologySynDiagPrognosis Innovation Healthcare ChartAccessProgeny Software Progeny ClinicalPedigree drawing and management softwarePediDrawPedHunter
Sources
BLS provides national pay, employment, and projections. O*NET provides skills, interests, preparation, tasks, work context, and tools.