Genetic Counselors Salary in California

Genetic counselors in California earn the most in San Francisco (average $159,680 a year) and the least in Los Angeles ($126,530), across the 3 California metro areas we cover. Statewide, BLS puts the genetic counselors average at $143,090 and the median at $137,650 for 440 workers. The U.S. average for this job is $104,620.

Genetic Counselors average salary by city in California

San Francisco$159,680
San Jose$155,940
Los Angeles$126,530

Pay, take-home pay and cost of living

City	Average	Median	25th pct.	Take-home*	Cost of living
San Francisco	$159,680	$177,990	$133,980	$109,649	116
San Jose	$155,940	$165,920	$136,440	$107,441	110
Los Angeles	$126,530	$120,560	$108,590	$90,074	114

*Average salary after federal and state taxes for a single filer; California State Disability Insurance (1.3% of wages, paid by employees) is not included. Cost of living: BEA price parity, U.S. = 100.

Genetic Counselors salary in other states

Genetic Counselors salary by city and state

More about pay in California

Sources and how to read this page

Wages: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 estimates for metropolitan areas. SOC code 29-9092.
U.S. and statewide figures: BLS OEWS national and state estimates, May 2025, every employer including rural areas.
Cost of living: Bureau of Economic Analysis regional price parities (RPP), 2024; 100 = U.S. average.

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