Genetic Counselor salary in California
Genetic Counselors in California earn a median of $137,650 a year ($66.18 an hour), based on BLS data for 440 workers.
Pay ranges from $105,810 for the lowest-paid 10% to $178,040 for the top 10%. That is 38% higher than the national median of $100,040. California ranks 1st of 28 states for genetic counselors pay, one of the best-paying states for this job. There are 0.02 genetic counselors per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $143,090, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for genetic counselors in California
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $105,810 | $50.87 |
| 25th percentile | $117,700 | $56.59 |
| Median | $137,650 | $66.18 |
| 75th percentile | $170,450 | $81.95 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $178,040 | $85.60 |
| Average (mean) | $143,090 | $68.79 |
Half of genetic counselors earn more than the median and half earn less. Percentiles show the spread: 10% earn less than the 10th percentile, and 10% earn more than the 90th.
Median paycheck, before taxes
| Pay period | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly | $11,470.83 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $5,735.42 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $5,294.23 |
| Weekly | $2,647.12 |
| Hourly | $66.18 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $137,650 salary, see how much house you can afford in California at today's mortgage rates, or work out a payment with the mortgage calculator.
Genetic Counselor salary in cities in California
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA | $177,990 | 120 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $165,920 | 80 |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA | $120,560 | 130 |
Highest-paying states for genetic counselors
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| California | $137,650 |
| New Jersey | $117,750 |
| New York | $107,450 |
| Colorado | $106,100 |
| Delaware | $106,010 |
| Washington | $102,920 |
| Arizona | $102,730 |
| Florida | $102,330 |
| Minnesota | $102,010 |
| Connecticut | $101,640 |
Related jobs in California
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Workers, All Other | $75,800 | $36.44 |
| Health Information Technologists and Medical Registrars | $90,750 | $43.63 |
| Athletic Trainer | $78,490 | — |
| Surgical Assistant | $62,540 | $30.07 |
| Registered Nurse | $140,270 | $67.44 |
| Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses | $79,750 | $38.34 |
| Pharmacy Technician | $55,110 | $26.50 |
| Pharmacist | $164,610 | $79.14 |
| Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians | $76,010 | $36.54 |
| Physical Therapist | $124,190 | $59.71 |
| Health Technologists and Technicians, All Other | $60,390 | $29.03 |
| Physicians, All Other | $281,590 | $135.38 |
| Nurse Practitioner | $168,520 | $81.02 |
| Dental Hygienist | $124,930 | $60.06 |
More: Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations · all salaries in California
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation code 29-9092. Wages include base pay, tips, commissions and shift pay, but not overtime, bonuses or benefits, and exclude the self-employed.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a genetic counselor make in California?
The median salary for genetic counselors in California is $137,650 a year, or $66.18 an hour. Pay ranges from $105,810 for the lowest-paid 10% to $178,040 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid genetic counselors make in California?
The top 10% of genetic counselors in California earn at least $178,040 a year. The top 25% earn $170,450 or more.
What is the starting pay for genetic counselors in California?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $105,810 a year, and a quarter of genetic counselors earn $117,700 or less.
How many genetic counselors work in California?
About 440 genetic counselors are employed in California, not counting the self-employed.