Genetic Counselors Salary in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
The median pay for a genetic counselors in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV is $104,100/year ($50.05/hour), per BLS data. The range runs from $82K at the entry level to $145K for experienced workers. Prices run high here (RPP 108.88), so that salary is closer to $95,610 in real purchasing power. A 2-bedroom apartment runs $2,246/month — about 35.1% of take-home, which is tight.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $104K get you in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria?
About genetic counselors
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
Entry-level genetic counselors (10th percentile) start around $82K. Mid-career wages sit at $104K.Top earners bring in $145K or more - a $64K spread from bottom to top.
Genetic Counselors pay across states
Median income ranked highest to lowest, compared to the national figure
| State | Median salary | vs. national | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | $135K | +37% | 440 |
| New Jersey | $121K | +22% | 220 |
| Virginia | $106K | +7% | 130 |
| Vermont | $106K | +7% | 30 |
| South Carolina | $106K | +7% | 40 |
| Maryland | $103K | +4% | 40 |
| New York | $100K | +1% | 320 |
| Washington | $100K | +1% | 130 |
| Arizona | $99K | +0% | 40 |
| Florida | $99K | +0% | 90 |
| Minnesota | $99K | +0% | 170 |
| Texas | $97K | -1% | 80 |
| Connecticut | $94K | -5% | 50 |
| Massachusetts | $94K | -5% | 240 |
| Pennsylvania | $92K | -7% | 210 |
Track genetic counselors salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when Washington-Arlington-Alexandria numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do genetic counselors make in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV?
The median is $104,100 a year - that works out to about $50.05 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $81,630, and experienced genetic counselors can clear $145,360. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $104K enough to live in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $6,301/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $2,246/month (HUD Fair Market Rent), which eats 35.6% of your paycheck. That's above the 30% rule of thumb - housing will be a stretch at the median salary, though you can manage with roommates or a smaller place.
How far does a genetic counselors salary go in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria?
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria has a Regional Price Parity of 108.88 (100 is the national average). Prices are above average here, so your dollar buys less than the same salary would in a cheaper metro. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median genetic counselors salary is worth about $95,610 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do genetic counselors get paid the most?
The table above ranks every state by median pay for this role. Keep in mind that the highest-paying states tend to have the highest costs of living, so the top salary doesn't always mean the most money in your pocket.