What is the Job Outlook for Genetic Counselors?
The future is bright for GCs. The BLS reports growth for roles and the survey data from the NGCS shows positive earnings growth and high career satisfaction.
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What is the Job Outlook for Genetic Counselors?
The field of genetic counseling is booming, with a predicted increase of 28 percent in the number of genetic counselors in the U.S. by 2026 - largely due to tremendous advances made in genetic testing over the past decade. These professionals' diverse work settings vary from university medical centers and private and public hospitals/medical facilities, to diagnostic laboratories, health maintenance organizations, not-for-profit organizations, and government organizations and agencies.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that 500 new job opportunities will become available over the 10-year period between 2021 and 2031, representing an impressive 18.2% growth in employment for genetic counselors.
Highlights from the NGCS Professional Status Survey
The average salary for a full-time genetic counselor is $102,028, but can exceed $250,000 USD, depending on specialty area, training, and experience.
The genetic counseling profession has grown by over 100% in the last ten years and is expected to grow another 100% over the next ten years.
By 2025 there should be nearly 7,500 certified genetic counselors, and by 2030 there are likely to be over 10,000.
The Accreditation Council for Genetic Counseling (ACGC) accredits genetic counseling training programs. As of April 2022, there are 56 accredited training programs in the U.S. and Canada
Ninety-eight percent of genetic counselors have a Master’s degree in human genetics or genetic counseling.
Eight out of ten genetic counselors (83%) report they are satisfied with their current job and 88% of genetic counselors report being satisfied with the profession.
53% of genetic counselors are employed in direct patient care roles, 25% in non-direct patient care roles, and the remaining 22% straddle both.
A vast majority of genetic counselors (78%) are employed by hospital/medical facilities (academic, private, or public) or commercial, non-academic diagnostic laboratories.
Most genetic counselors have the flexibility to work remotely for part or all of their employment.
