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Average Genetic Counselors Salary in California

Genetic Counselors in California earn a substantial average annual salary of $140,010, significantly outpacing the national average of $102,620. This elevated compensation is largely driven by California's robust healthcare sector, high demand for specialized medical professionals, and the state's generally higher cost of living, which necessitates competitive pay to attract and retain talent.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $140,010 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 16.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $171,910.
  • Outlook: With a total local workforce of 440 Genetic Counselors and a Location Quotient of 1.08, California demonstrates a slightly above-average concentration of these professionals compared to the national landscape. This indicates a stable and potentially growing demand for genetic counseling services within the state, suggesting a healthy job market for those in this specialized field.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$140,010

The average Genetic Counselors in California earns+36.4%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$67.3

Weekly

$2,693

Monthly

$11,668

Genetic Counselors Salary Distribution in California

Salary progression for Genetic Counselors in California typically scales significantly with experience. Entry-level positions may start at a lower percentile, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized skills can command salaries well into the higher percentiles. The gap between entry-level and senior roles signifies clear career advancement opportunities and increased earning potential.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience.10% (Entry)$101,900$49
Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures.25% (Junior)$105,008$50.5
Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification.50% (Median)$135,090$64.9
SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases.75% (Senior)$175,013$84.1
Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider.90% (Expert)$171,910$82.6

Detailed Genetic Counselors Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$140,010

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$101,090

Adjusted for COL (138.5)

While the nominal salary of $140,010 appears high, it must be considered against California's Cost of Living Index of 138.5, which is considerably above the national average. This means that while the take-home pay is substantial, the purchasing power may be somewhat diminished due to the higher expenses associated with living in the state, particularly in major metropolitan areas.

Job Market Context

440

Total Jobs

0.025

Per 1K Jobs

1.08

Location Quotient

Above Average

With a location quotient of 1.08, California has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Genetic Counselors roles compared to the national norm.

A Location Quotient of 1.08 suggests that California has a slightly higher concentration of Genetic Counselors relative to its overall workforce compared to the national average. This indicates a moderately competitive market where demand is present, but perhaps not overwhelmingly saturated, offering a balanced environment for job seekers and employers alike.

Nearby Job Markets

Hiring Genetic Counselorss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Genetic Counselors make in California?

The median annual salary for a Genetic Counselors in California is $140,010. This typically ranges from $101,900 for entry-level positions to $171,910 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in California is 36.4% higher than the national median of $102,620.

Is California a lucrative place for Genetic Counselors?

Yes, California is a lucrative place for Genetic Counselors.The average salary of $140,010 is significantly higher than the national average, reflecting strong demand and compensation for the role within the state.

Is California a good place to live for Genetic Counselors?

The Cost of Living Index in California is 138.5. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

How does California's average salary compare to the national average for Genetic Counselors?

Genetic Counselors in California earn an average of $140,010 annually, which is approximately $37,390 more than the national average of $102,620.

What is the concentration of Genetic Counselors in California?

California has a Location Quotient of 1.08 for Genetic Counselors, indicating a slightly higher concentration of these professionals than the national average.

How does the cost of living in California affect a Genetic Counselor's salary?

With a Cost of Living Index of 138.5, California is significantly more expensive than the national average. While the $140,010 salary is high, its purchasing power is reduced by these elevated living costs.

What does the total workforce number suggest about the job market?

A total local workforce of 440 Genetic Counselors suggests a substantial, established presence of the profession in California, supporting the idea of ongoing demand and opportunities.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 440 employees in the California area with a job density of 0.025 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Genetic Counselors • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in California