Genetic Counselors in Washington
Want to work as a Genetic Counselors in Washington? 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 Washington?
The genetic counselors working in Washington, wages run about $99,820 per year (or roughly $47.99/hour).Pay can range from $71,410 at the 10th percentile to $128,610 at the 90th percentile.
| Wage Statistic | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $71,410 | $34.33 |
| 25th percentile | $92,170 | $44.31 |
| Median (50th) | $99,820 | $47.99 |
| 75th percentile | $117,210 | $56.35 |
| 90th percentile | $128,610 | $61.83 |
Location quotient — how concentrated this career is in Washington nationwide is 1.61, 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), above the Washington median.
Employment Outlook
Nationally, total employment in this occupation is 2,900,579 genetic counselors in the U.S.. In Washington alone, about 130 people work in this role. That puts the state above the typical state, which employs around 90 genetic counselors.
Top Washington Metros for Genetic Counselors
These are the Washington metros with the most genetic counselors in Washington.
| Metro Area | Number Employed | Annual Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | 100 | $100,690 |
Top States for Genetic Counselors Employment
These states have the highest employment of 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
These states pay the most 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
Key genetic counselors skills, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Knowledge Areas
Key knowledge areas for this occupation, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Abilities
Top 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
- Assisting and Caring for Others
- Documenting/Recording Information
- 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
Software and systems commonly involved: Hot technologies: Microsoft Access In-demand technologies: Microsoft Excel
What Major Will Prepare You For This Career?
Programs that train for this career include:
- Genetics
- Mental & Social Health Services
- Public Health
Featured schools near , edit
Related Careers
Careers similar to 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
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