Career comparison
Genetic Counselor vs. Obstetrician-Gynecologist
Side-by-side pay, training, growth and day-to-day duties to help you choose between two related careers.
Obstetrician-gynecologists earn more at the median ($292,910 vs. $100,040), while genetic counselors usually get to work faster (6 years of training). Genetic counselors help patients understand genetic risks and testing. Obstetrician-gynecologists care for women’s reproductive health, pregnancy and childbirth.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
| Genetic Counselor | Obstetrician-Gynecologist | |
|---|---|---|
| Median pay | $100,040 ($48.09/hr) | $292,910 ($140.82/hr) |
| Pay range (10th–90th) | $78,270 – $138,760 | $94,680 – $437,300 |
| Job growth, 2025–35 | +10.4% (much faster than average) | +1.7% (slower than average) |
| Openings per year | 300 | 500 |
| Typical entry education | Master's degree | Doctoral or professional degree |
| Training time | 6 years | 12 years after high school |
| Key credential | CGC (ABGC) | ABOG board certification |
| Work setting | Genetic counselors work in hospitals, clinics, labs and via telehealth.. | OB-GYNs work in clinics, hospitals, labor and delivery units and operating rooms.. |
What each job does
Genetic Counselor
- Take family histories
- Assess genetic risk
- Explain testing options
- Order and interpret genetic tests
- Explain results
Obstetrician-Gynecologist
- Provide prenatal care
- Deliver babies and perform cesarean sections
- Manage high-risk pregnancies
- Perform gynecologic exams and screenings
- Treat reproductive conditions
How they’re similar
Both careers involve helping others, working with people, and high-pay. Both are part of the healthcare field, so many skills transfer between them.
Which should you choose?
Choose genetic counselor if…
- I love genetics
- I’m a caring communicator
- I can explain complex ideas simply
Choose obstetrician-gynecologist if…
- I want to care for women’s health
- I like both clinic and surgery
- I stay calm in emergencies
Still torn? Take the Genetic Counselor fit quiz and the Obstetrician-Gynecologist fit quiz, or the full Career Match Quiz.
Quick comparisons
Which pays more, genetic counselor or obstetrician-gynecologist?
Obstetrician-Gynecologists earn more at the median: $292,910 versus $100,040 for genetic counselors, based on BLS May 2025 data.
Which takes less time to train for?
Genetic Counselors typically train faster (6 years) than obstetrician-gynecologists (12 years after high school).
Which career has better job growth?
BLS projects genetic counselors to grow +10.4% from 2025–35, compared with +1.7% for obstetrician-gynecologists.