Top Skills for This Career
BLS identifies these as the three highest-rated skills for this detailed occupation. TrustInEd adds the plain-language explanations so visitors understand what each skill means.
Adjusting effectively when priorities, conditions, tools, or expectations change.
Understanding written information and communicating ideas clearly in writing.
Working effectively with people by building relationships, understanding others, and responding appropriately.
How Do You Prepare for This Career?
BLS describes the typical preparation for this occupation. Requirements can vary by employer, state, licensing rules and individual circumstances.
How to Become One
Genetic counselors typically need a master’s degree in genetic counseling. Nearly all states require genetic counselors to be licensed, and licensure typically requires board certification. PayThe median annual wage for genetic counselors was $100,040 in May 2025. Job Outlook Employment of genetic counselors is projected to grow 10 percent from 2025 to 2035, much faster than the average for all occupations. About 300 openings for genetic counselors are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for genetic counselors. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of genetic counselors with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about genetic counselors by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Your Next Step
Compare colleges and education options that can support the typical entry-level education for this career.
Pay
The median annual wage for genetic counselors was $100,040 in May 2025. Job Outlook Employment of genetic counselors is projected to grow 10 percent from 2025 to 2035, much faster than the average for all occupations. About 300 openings for genetic counselors are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for genetic counselors. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of genetic counselors with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about genetic counselors by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Job Outlook
Employment of genetic counselors is projected to grow 10 percent from 2025 to 2035, much faster than the average for all occupations. About 300 openings for genetic counselors are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for genetic counselors. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of genetic counselors with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about genetic counselors by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
What They Do
Genetic counselors assess clients' risk for a variety of inherited conditions, such as birth defects.
Work Environment
Genetic counselors work primarily in hospitals, physicians’ offices, outpatient care centers, university medical centers, and diagnostic laboratories. Most work full time.
How to Become a Genetic Counselor
Genetic counselors typically need a master’s degree in genetic counseling. Nearly all states require genetic counselors to be licensed, and licensure typically requires board certification.
Pay
The median annual wage for genetic counselors was $100,040 in May 2025.
Job Outlook
Employment of genetic counselors is projected to grow 10 percent from 2025 to 2035, much faster than the average for all occupations.
About 300 openings for genetic counselors are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for genetic counselors.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of genetic counselors with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about genetic counselors by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Work Environment
Genetic counselors work primarily in hospitals, physicians’ offices, outpatient care centers, university medical centers, and diagnostic laboratories. Most work full time.
How to Become a Genetic Counselor
Genetic counselors typically need a master’s degree in genetic counseling. Nearly all states require genetic counselors to be licensed, and licensure typically requires board certification.
Pay
The median annual wage for genetic counselors was $100,040 in May 2025.
Job Outlook
Employment of genetic counselors is projected to grow 10 percent from 2025 to 2035, much faster than the average for all occupations.
About 300 openings for genetic counselors are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for genetic counselors.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of genetic counselors with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about genetic counselors by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for genetic counselors.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of genetic counselors with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about genetic counselors by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
More Information
Learn more about genetic counselors by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Take the Next Step
Find Education Programs
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Start with ED →Career data and occupational profile text are sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook and Employment Projections program. Education requirements are typical entry-level requirements and may vary by employer, state, occupation or individual circumstance. View the official BLS profile.