Genetic Counselor Salary in Tuscaloosa, AL: $79,191 (2026)

Genetic Counselor Pay in Tuscaloosa: What to Expect (2026)

Tuscaloosa offers a median genetic counselor salary of $79,191, which is $900 above the Alabama state average of $78,291. Compared to the national median of $89,990, Tuscaloosa pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Tuscaloosa's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $79,191 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $89,990 in an average-cost city. This makes Tuscaloosa an attractive option for genetic counselors seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for genetic counselors in Tuscaloosa spans from $52,800 at the 10th percentile to $114,400 at the 90th percentile — a $61,600 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $54,560, while senior genetic counselors with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $110,000. With a population of 101,129, Tuscaloosa is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Genetic Counselor Salary in Tuscaloosa by Experience

In Tuscaloosa, an entry-level genetic counselor earns around $54,560, while experienced professionals earn up to $110,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$54,560

$-7,440 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$80,080

$-10,920 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$110,000

$-15,000 vs national

Percentile	Tuscaloosa	AL State	National
10th Percentile	$52,800	$52,200	$60,000
25th Percentile	$65,120	$64,380	$74,000
Median (50th)	$79,191	$78,291	$89,990
75th Percentile	$95,040	$93,960	$108,000
90th Percentile	$114,400	$113,100	$130,000

Percentile

Tuscaloosa

10th Percentile

$52,800

25th Percentile

$65,120

Median (50th)

$79,191

75th Percentile

$95,040

90th Percentile

$114,400

How to Become a Genetic Counselor in Tuscaloosa

Education

Most genetic counselor positions require a master's degree. Tuscaloosa and the surrounding Alabama area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

GeneticsPatient CounselingPedigree AnalysisGenetic TestingCommunicationEthics

Job Outlook

Nationally, genetic counselor employment is projected to grow 26% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in Tuscaloosa may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Genetic Counselor Salary in Tuscaloosa

How much does a Genetic Counselor make in Tuscaloosa, AL? ▼

The median genetic counselor salary in Tuscaloosa, Alabama is $79,191 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $89,990. Salaries range from $52,800 (10th percentile) to $114,400 (90th percentile).

How much does a Genetic Counselor make per hour in Tuscaloosa? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $79,191, a genetic counselor in Tuscaloosa earns approximately $38 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Tuscaloosa compare to the Alabama state average for genetic counselor pay? ▼

Tuscaloosa's median genetic counselor salary of $79,191 is 1.1% above the Alabama state average of $78,291. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Tuscaloosa, AL? ▼

Tuscaloosa has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a genetic counselor salary of $79,191 in Tuscaloosa has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a genetic counselor in Tuscaloosa? ▼

Most genetic counselor positions in Tuscaloosa require a master's degree. Key skills include Genetics, Patient Counseling, Pedigree Analysis, Genetic Testing. The job market is projected to grow 26% nationally over the next decade.

Genetic Counselor Salary in Tuscaloosa, Alabama