Healthcare career

Genetic Counselor

Also called: Certified Genetic Counselor · CGC · Prenatal Genetic Counselor · Cancer Genetic Counselor

What genetic counselors do, what they earn, how long training takes and how to get started, with official BLS pay data and practical, job-level detail.

Updated By the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team
What does a genetic counselor do?

Genetic counselors assess individual or family risk for inherited conditions, explain genetic testing and results, and support patients in making decisions. The median pay is $100,040 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about 6 years, and employment is projected to grow +10.4% from 2025–35.

Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026

  • Median pay
    $100,040
    $48.09/hour · May 2025
  • Job growth
    +10.4%
    2025–35, much faster than average
  • Openings per year
    300
    Average, 2025–35
  • Typical entry education
    Master's degree
    BLS classification
  • Time to train
    6 years
    Typical program length
  • U.S. jobs
    4,200
    Employment, 2025

What genetic counselors do

Genetic counselors translate genetics into decisions. They review family histories, assess risk for inherited cancers, heart conditions and birth defects, explain testing options, interpret results and support patients emotionally. They work in prenatal, cancer, pediatric and cardiology clinics and in testing laboratories.

They need a master’s degree in genetic counseling and board certification. BLS projects much faster than average growth.

Typical duties

  • Take family histories
  • Assess genetic risk
  • Explain testing options
  • Order and interpret genetic tests
  • Explain results
  • Provide emotional support
  • Coordinate with physicians

Work environment and schedule

Genetic counselors work in hospitals, clinics, labs and via telehealth.

Schedule: Most work full-time weekday hours; many roles are remote.

A day in the life

  1. Review family history for a new patient.
  2. Counsel a patient about hereditary cancer testing.
  3. Explain prenatal screening results.
  4. Review a lab report.

See a full day in the life of a genetic counselor →

Genetic Counselor salary

Half of genetic counselors earned more than $100,040 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $78,270 for the lowest 10% to $138,760 for the top 10%.

Full genetic counselor pay scale and hourly rates →

How to become a genetic counselor

  1. Earn a bachelor’s degree
  2. Gain advocacy experience
  3. Complete a GC master’s
  4. Pass the ABGC exam
  5. Get licensed

A master’s degree in genetic counseling from an accredited program and board certification are required.

Step-by-step guide to becoming a genetic counselor →

Skills and tools

Technical skills

  • Genetics
  • Risk assessment
  • Pedigree analysis
  • Test interpretation
  • Counseling

People skills

  • Empathy
  • Clear communication
  • Listening
  • Nonjudgment

All genetic counselor skills and tools →

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Much faster-than-average growth
  • Remote options
  • Meaningful counseling
  • Science-focused

Cons

  • Master’s degree required
  • Emotional conversations
  • Rapidly changing science
  • Insurance barriers to testing

Certifications and licenses

  • CGC (ABGC): Certified Genetic Counselor.
  • State license: Required in many states.
  • Continuing education: To maintain certification.
  • Specialty training: Cancer or prenatal focus.

Career path

  1. Genetic Counselor: Counsel patients.
  2. Senior Counselor: Specialize.
  3. Program Lead: Lead services.
  4. Lab or Industry Leader: Lead testing programs.

Learn the job before day one

Our Genetic Counselor training (12 hours, $109.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as draw a three-generation pedigree and disclose a positive result, safety and how to land your first job.

View Genetic Counselor trainingIs this career right for me?

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Genetic Counselor FAQ

Do genetic counselors need a master’s?

Yes, plus board certification.

Can genetic counselors work remotely?

Many do, especially for testing labs and telehealth.

Is the field growing?

Yes, BLS projects much faster than average growth.

How much does a genetic counselor make?

The median annual wage for genetic counselors was $100,040 ($48.09 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $78,270 and the highest 10% earned more than $138,760.

How long does it take to become a genetic counselor?

Most people need about 6 years of training. A master’s degree in genetic counseling from an accredited program and board certification are required.

Do you need a degree to be a genetic counselor?

Yes. BLS lists a master's degree as the typical entry-level education, and you also need a state license to practice.

More genetic counselor questions →

Sources

Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.

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