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The differences between genetic counselors and 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 $36,225 average annual salary of a counselor.
The top three skills for a genetic counselor include patients, test results and family history. The most important skills for a counselor are patients, crisis intervention, and substance abuse.
| Genetic Counselor | Counselor | |
| Yearly salary | $74,761 | $36,225 |
| Hourly rate | $35.94 | $17.42 |
| Growth rate | 18% | 10% |
| Number of jobs | 27,215 | 77,536 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 2 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 56% | Bachelor's Degree, 59% |
| Average age | 40 | 44 |
| Years of experience | - | - |
A genetic counselor is a healthcare professional who is responsible for providing risk assessment, education, and support to individuals and families who are at risk for a variety of inherited conditions. Using their specialization in medical genetics and counseling, genetic counselors empower their patients by helping them understand the ways genetics can affect life. They provide emotional support to individuals and families by offering genetic counseling. Genetic counselors must also interpret genetic testing and explain information to their patients in a way that is easy to understand.
Often, counselors are known to be the go-to person in times we are in need of emotional and psychological support. They help people to manage and overcome the issues which affect their mental health and well-being. Counselors face different kind of situations which may involve trauma, addiction, disabilities, abuse, suicide, anger management, career, and even personal relationships. They provide care, counseling, rehabilitation, and support services. Every counseling requires collaborative effort both from the counselor and client to become effective.
Genetic counselors and counselors have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Genetic Counselor | Counselor | |
| Average salary | $74,761 | $36,225 |
| Salary range | Between $38,000 And $143,000 | Between $19,000 And $67,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | - |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | Hoag | - |
| Best paying industry | Non Profits | Education |
There are a few differences between a genetic counselor and a counselor in terms of educational background:
| Genetic Counselor | Counselor | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 56% | Bachelor's Degree, 59% |
| Most common major | Mental Health Counseling | Psychology |
| Most common college | Johns Hopkins University | University of Pennsylvania |
Here are the differences between genetic counselors' and counselors' demographics:
| Genetic Counselor | Counselor | |
| Average age | 40 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 11.9% Female, 88.1% | Male, 38.5% Female, 61.5% |
| 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, 15.6% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 11.1% Asian, 3.5% White, 63.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 10% | 9% |