Find Affordable College Courses

What Do You Want to Study?

Genetic Counselors in District of Columbia

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
Salary ranges for Genetic Counselors in District of Columbia

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.

Genetic Counselors earnings in District of Columbia vs. the national average

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.

Genetic Counselors in District of Columbia vs. the average state Forecasted number of jobs for 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:

Reading Comprehension  4.1 / 5
0
5
Complex Problem Solving  4.0 / 5
0
5
Active Listening  4.0 / 5
0
5
Active Learning  3.9 / 5
0
5
Speaking  3.9 / 5
0
5
Critical Thinking  3.9 / 5
0
5

Knowledge Areas

Core knowledge areas for this occupation, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:

Biology  4.8 / 5
0
5
Psychology  4.6 / 5
0
5
Medicine and Dentistry  4.4 / 5
0
5
Therapy and Counseling  4.3 / 5
0
5
English Language  4.1 / 5
0
5
Customer and Personal Service  3.9 / 5
0
5

Abilities

Key abilities for genetic counselors, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:

Written Comprehension  4.2 / 5
0
5
Deductive Reasoning  4.1 / 5
0
5
Oral Expression  4.0 / 5
0
5
Problem Sensitivity  4.0 / 5
0
5
Oral Comprehension  4.0 / 5
0
5
Written Expression  4.0 / 5
0
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

Other careers like genetic counselors include:

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

Find Schools Near You

Our free school finder matches students with accredited colleges across the U.S.