Career comparison
Biological Technician vs. Genetic Counselor
Side-by-side pay, training, growth and day-to-day duties to help you choose between two related careers.
Genetic counselors earn more at the median ($100,040 vs. $57,510), while biological technicians usually get to work faster (4 years of training). Biological technicians run experiments and lab work that power biology and biotech research. Genetic counselors help patients understand genetic risks and testing.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
| Biological Technician | Genetic Counselor | |
|---|---|---|
| Median pay | $57,510 ($27.65/hr) | $100,040 ($48.09/hr) |
| Pay range (10th–90th) | $40,330 – $84,940 | $78,270 – $138,760 |
| Job growth, 2025–35 | +7.4% (much faster than average) | +10.4% (much faster than average) |
| Openings per year | 9,400 | 300 |
| Typical entry education | Bachelor's degree | Master's degree |
| Training time | 4 years | 6 years |
| Key credential | ASCP Technologist in Molecular Biology | CGC (ABGC) |
| Work setting | Biological technicians work in labs, sometimes with biohazards and research animals.. | Genetic counselors work in hospitals, clinics, labs and via telehealth.. |
What each job does
Biological Technician
- Prepare samples and reagents
- Run experiments and assays
- Culture cells and microorganisms
- Operate lab instruments
- Record and analyze data
Genetic Counselor
- Take family histories
- Assess genetic risk
- Explain testing options
- Order and interpret genetic tests
- Explain results
How they’re similar
Both careers involve indoor work, working with information, and in-demand. They sit in different fields, science, engineering & lab and healthcare, but share transferable skills such as attention to detail and empathy.
Which should you choose?
Choose biological technician if…
- I love biology
- I like hands-on experiments
- I’m patient and precise
Choose genetic counselor if…
- I love genetics
- I’m a caring communicator
- I can explain complex ideas simply
Still torn? Take the Biological Technician fit quiz and the Genetic Counselor fit quiz, or the full Career Match Quiz.
Quick comparisons
Which pays more, biological technician or genetic counselor?
Genetic Counselors earn more at the median: $100,040 versus $57,510 for biological technicians, based on BLS May 2025 data.
Which takes less time to train for?
Biological Technicians typically train faster (4 years) than genetic counselors (6 years).
Which career has better job growth?
BLS projects genetic counselors to grow +10.4% from 2025–35, compared with +7.4% for biological technicians.