Medical genetics director vs genetic counselor

The differences between medical genetics directors and genetic counselors can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a medical genetics director has an average salary of $198,214, which is higher than the $74,761 average annual salary of a genetic counselor.

The top three skills for a medical genetics director include human genetic data, clinical utility and NGS. The most important skills for a genetic counselor are patients, test results, and family history.

Medical genetics director vs genetic counselor overview

	Medical Genetics Director	Genetic Counselor
Yearly salary	$198,214	$74,761
Hourly rate	$95.30	$35.94
Growth rate	28%	18%
Number of jobs	51,409	27,215
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 53%	Bachelor's Degree, 56%
Average age	40	40
Years of experience	2	-

Medical genetics director vs genetic counselor salary

Medical genetics directors and genetic counselors have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Medical Genetics Director	Genetic Counselor
Average salary	$198,214	$74,761
Salary range	Between $94,000 And $417,000	Between $38,000 And $143,000
Highest paying City	-	San Francisco, CA
Highest paying state	-	California
Best paying company	-	Hoag
Best paying industry	-	Non Profits

Differences between medical genetics director and genetic counselor education

There are a few differences between a medical genetics director and a genetic counselor in terms of educational background:

	Medical Genetics Director	Genetic Counselor
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 53%	Bachelor's Degree, 56%
Most common major	Cell Biology And Anatomical Science	Mental Health Counseling
Most common college	Stanford University	Johns Hopkins University

Medical genetics director vs genetic counselor demographics

Here are the differences between medical genetics directors' and genetic counselors' demographics:

	Medical Genetics Director	Genetic Counselor
Average age	40	40
Gender ratio	Male, 70.0% Female, 30.0%	Male, 11.9% Female, 88.1%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 2.3% Unknown, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino, 6.3% Asian, 11.1% White, 74.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6%	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%
LGBT Percentage	10%	10%

Differences between medical genetics director and genetic counselor duties and responsibilities

Medical genetics director example responsibilities.

Manage budget planning, forecasting and accruals for improve financial management.
Discover a novel cytochrome P450.
Follow up as needed with medical facilities/personnel regarding patient information such as treatment plans, medications, rehabilitation, etc.
Handle all aspects of health and safety on board production oil/gas rig and directly overseeing a crew of forty two.

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.

Medical genetics director vs genetic counselor skills

Common medical genetics director skills

Human Genetic Data, 53%
Clinical Utility, 36%
NGS, 11%

Common genetic counselor skills

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

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Medical Genetics Director
Medical Genetics Director vs Genetic Counselor

Updated January 8, 2025

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