Genetic Counselors

Health Science In demand
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.

What a genetic counselor does

Become a genetic counselor

If you enjoy doing these activities, you might make a good genetic counselor

  • Reading work related information.
  • Listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions.
  • Noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it.
  • Understanding people's reactions.
  • Looking for ways to help people.

Discover what you could earn in Washington

  • Average hourly rate is $43 per hour with an average salary of $89,900 per year.
  • Half of workers earn between $38 and $50 per hour.
  • Half of workers earn an annual salary between $79,700 and $104,400 per year.

Genetic Counselor job outlook

  • There are 117 workers in this occupation in Washington.
  • There are 11 openings per year in this occupation in Washington.

Growth rate by year

Education needed

Most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree).

Programs to get you there

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