Genetic counselor vs certified genetic counselor

The differences between genetic counselors and certified genetic counselors can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a genetic counselor has an average salary of $74,761, which is higher than the $65,616 average annual salary of a certified genetic counselor.

The top three skills for a genetic counselor include patients, test results and family history. The most important skills for a certified genetic counselor are clinical research, , and .

Genetic counselor vs certified genetic counselor overview

	Genetic Counselor	Certified Genetic Counselor
Yearly salary	$74,761	$65,616
Hourly rate	$35.94	$31.55
Growth rate	18%	18%
Number of jobs	27,215	61,195
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 56%	Bachelor's Degree, 57%
Average age	40	40
Years of experience	-	-

Genetic counselor vs certified genetic counselor salary

Genetic counselors and certified genetic counselors have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Genetic Counselor	Certified Genetic Counselor
Average salary	$74,761	$65,616
Salary range	Between $38,000 And $143,000	Between $30,000 And $142,000
Highest paying City	San Francisco, CA	-
Highest paying state	California	-
Best paying company	Hoag	-
Best paying industry	Non Profits	-

Differences between genetic counselor and certified genetic counselor education

There are a few differences between a genetic counselor and a certified genetic counselor in terms of educational background:

	Genetic Counselor	Certified Genetic Counselor
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 56%	Bachelor's Degree, 57%
Most common major	Mental Health Counseling	Mental Health Counseling
Most common college	Johns Hopkins University	University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Genetic counselor vs certified genetic counselor demographics

Here are the differences between genetic counselors' and certified genetic counselors' demographics:

	Genetic Counselor	Certified Genetic Counselor
Average age	40	40
Gender ratio	Male, 11.9% Female, 88.1%	Male, 15.4% Female, 84.6%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 9.5% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 15.1% Asian, 8.4% White, 61.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.5%	Black or African American, 6.5% Unknown, 3.8% Hispanic or Latino, 11.2% Asian, 7.6% White, 69.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.5%
LGBT Percentage	10%	10%

Differences between genetic counselor and certified genetic counselor duties and responsibilities

Genetic counselor example responsibilities.

Maintain IRB and human subjects data.
Coordinate, interpret and summarize results of DNA linkage analysis and chromosome studies.
Maintain all documents including regulatory binders, IRB protocols, consent forms, and other study relate material.
Coordinate and facilitate genetic testing for all patients interest in pursuing testing.
Provide patients with case management and disease management including community resources, advocacy, and education.
Study the molecular link between carcinoma, melanoma, and inflammation using different nonclinical model systems.

Certified genetic counselor example responsibilities.

Study the molecular link between carcinoma, melanoma, and inflammation using different nonclinical model systems.
Study the molecular link between carcinoma, melanoma, and inflammation using different nonclinical model systems.

Genetic counselor vs certified genetic counselor skills

Common genetic counselor skills

Patients, 38%
Test Results, 10%
Family History, 10%
Genetic Disorders, 7%
Informed Consent, 5%
Genetic Services, 3%

Common certified genetic counselor skills

Clinical Research, 100%

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Genetic Counselor
Genetic Counselor vs Certified Genetic Counselor

Updated January 8, 2025

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