Genetic Counselors in District of Columbia
Considering working as a Genetic Counselors in District of Columbia? Here’s what the data says. Assess individual or family risk for a variety of inherited conditions, such as genetic disorders and birth defects. Provide information to other healthcare providers or to individuals and families concerned with the risk of inherited conditions. Advise individuals and families to support informed decisionmaking and coping methods for those at risk. May help conduct research related to genetic conditions or genetic counseling.
What do Genetic Counselors Make in District of Columbia?
The genetic counselors working in District of Columbia, wages run about $87,520 per year (or about $42.08/hour).Annual wages span from $70,290 at the 10th percentile to $126,810 at the 90th percentile.
| Wage Statistic | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $70,290 | $33.79 |
| 25th percentile | $87,520 | $42.08 |
| Median (50th) | $87,520 | $42.08 |
| 75th percentile | $110,820 | $53.28 |
| 90th percentile | $126,810 | $60.97 |
The job concentration index in District of Columbia relative to the national average — is 2.66, suggesting that genetic counselors are more concentrated here than the national average.
National Wage Comparison
Nationally, genetic counselors earn a median of $58,726 per year ($28.23/hour), exceeding the District of Columbia median.
Employment Outlook
There are roughly 2,900,579 genetic counselors in the U.S.. In District of Columbia alone, approximately 40 people work in this role. That’s fewer than the typical state, which employs around 90 genetic counselors.
Top District of Columbia Metros for Genetic Counselors
The largest metro-area employers of genetic counselors in District of Columbia.
| Metro Area | Number Employed | Annual Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV | 90 | $104,100 |
Top States for Genetic Counselors Employment
View the states that employ the most genetic counselors work.
| State | Number Employed |
|---|---|
| California | 440 |
| New York | 320 |
| Massachusetts | 240 |
| New Jersey | 220 |
| Pennsylvania | 210 |
| Minnesota | 170 |
| Washington | 130 |
| Ohio | 130 |
| Virginia | 130 |
| North Carolina | 110 |
| Wisconsin | 100 |
| Illinois | 90 |
| Florida | 90 |
| Texas | 80 |
| Michigan | 50 |
| Connecticut | 50 |
| Utah | 50 |
| Indiana | 40 |
| Delaware | 40 |
| District of Columbia | 40 |
Highest-Paying States for Genetic Counselors
The highest-paying states for genetic counselors.
| State | Annual Median Salary |
|---|---|
| California | $135,090 |
| New Jersey | $120,550 |
| Virginia | $106,060 |
| Vermont | $106,000 |
| South Carolina | $105,500 |
| Colorado | $104,840 |
| Maryland | $102,960 |
| New York | $100,110 |
| Washington | $99,820 |
| Arizona | $99,270 |
Skills
Top genetic counselors skills, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Knowledge Areas
Core knowledge areas for this occupation, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Abilities
Key abilities for genetic counselors, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Daily Tasks
Day-to-day, genetic counselors typically:
- Interpret laboratory results and communicate findings to patients or physicians.
- Discuss testing options and the associated risks, benefits and limitations with patients and families to assist them in making informed decisions.
- Analyze genetic information to identify patients or families at risk for specific disorders or syndromes.
- Provide counseling to patient and family members by providing information, education, or reassurance.
- Write detailed consultation reports to provide information on complex genetic concepts to patients or referring physicians.
- Provide genetic counseling in specified areas of clinical genetics, such as obstetrics, pediatrics, oncology and neurology.
- Determine or coordinate treatment plans by requesting laboratory services, reviewing genetics or counseling literature, and considering histories or diagnostic data.
- Interview patients or review medical records to obtain comprehensive patient or family medical histories, and document findings.
- Assess patients' psychological or emotional needs, such as those relating to stress, fear of test results, financial issues, and marital conflicts to make referral recommendations or assist patients in managing test outcomes.
- Provide patients with information about the inheritance of conditions such as cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer's disease, diabetes, and various forms of cancer.
- Read current literature, talk with colleagues, or participate in professional organizations or conferences to keep abreast of developments in genetics.
- Prepare or provide genetics-related educational materials to patients or medical personnel.
Work Activities
- Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
- Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others
- Getting Information
- Documenting/Recording Information
- Assisting and Caring for Others
- Working with Computers
- Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
- Communicating with People Outside the Organization
- Making Decisions and Solving Problems
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
- Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
- Processing Information
Tools & Technology
Common tools and software used in this occupation include: Hot technologies: Microsoft Access In-demand technologies: Microsoft Excel
What Major Will Prepare You For This Career?
Several college majors map to this occupation:
- Genetics
- Mental & Social Health Services
- Public Health
Featured schools near , edit
Related Careers
Other careers like genetic counselors include:
- Clinical and Counseling Psychologists
- Clinical Neuropsychologists
- Physician Assistants
- Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurses
- Clinical Nurse Specialists
- Nurse Midwives
Also Known As
Cancer Genetic Counselor, Cancer Program Consultant, Certified Genetic Counselor, Chromosomal Disorders Counselor, Clinical Reviewer, Genetic Coordinator, Genetic Counseling Medical Specialist, Genetic Counselor, Genetics Counselor, Medical Science Liaison, Mitochondrial Disorders Counselor, Pediatric Genetic Counselor, Prenatal Genetic Counselor, Prenatal and Pediatric Genetic Counselor, Reproductive Genetic Counseling Coordinator.
References
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics — https://www.bls.gov/oes/
- O*NET Online — https://www.onetonline.org/
- BLS Employment Projections — https://www.bls.gov/emp/
- O*NET-SOC code: 29-9092.00