Healthcare Los Angeles, CA Pop. 3,898,747

Genetic Counselor Salary in Los Angeles, California

The median genetic counselor salary in Los Angeles, CA is $138,585 per year, which is 54.0% above the national median and 5.5% above the California state average.

City Median
$138,585
vs State Avg
+$7,200
vs National
+$48,595
Cost of Living
146%

Genetic Counselor Pay in Los Angeles: What to Expect (2026)

Los Angeles offers a median genetic counselor salary of $138,585, which is $7,200 above the California state average of $131,385. Compared to the national median of $89,990, Los Angeles pays above average for this role.

However, Los Angeles's cost of living index is 146%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $138,585 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $94,921. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Los Angeles should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for genetic counselors in Los Angeles spans from $92,400 at the 10th percentile to $200,200 at the 90th percentile — a $107,800 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $95,480, while senior genetic counselors with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $192,500. As a major metro area with a population of 3,898,747, Los Angeles typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Genetic Counselor Salary in Los Angeles by Experience

In Los Angeles, an entry-level genetic counselor earns around $95,480, while experienced professionals earn up to $192,500 per year. The local cost of living index is 146% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$95,480
+$33,480 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$140,140
+$49,140 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$192,500
+$67,500 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Los Angeles, CA

Percentile Los Angeles
10th Percentile $92,400
25th Percentile $113,960
Median (50th) $138,585
75th Percentile $166,320
90th Percentile $200,200

Genetic Counselor Salary in Other California Cities

San Francisco, CA
$170,981
Pop. 873,965
San Jose, CA
$158,382
Pop. 1,013,240
San Diego, CA
$134,985
Pop. 1,386,932
Sacramento, CA
$113,387
Pop. 524,943

How to Become a Genetic Counselor in Los Angeles

Education

Most genetic counselor positions require a master's degree. Los Angeles and the surrounding California 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 Los Angeles may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Genetic Counselor Jobs in Los Angeles

Browse open genetic counselor positions in Los Angeles, CA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Genetic Counselor Salary in Los Angeles

How much does a Genetic Counselor make in Los Angeles, CA? ▼
The median genetic counselor salary in Los Angeles, California is $138,585 per year, which is 54.0% above the national median of $89,990. Salaries range from $92,400 (10th percentile) to $200,200 (90th percentile).
How much does a Genetic Counselor make per hour in Los Angeles? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $138,585, a genetic counselor in Los Angeles earns approximately $67 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Los Angeles compare to the California state average for genetic counselor pay? ▼
Los Angeles's median genetic counselor salary of $138,585 is 5.5% above the California state average of $131,385. The local cost of living index is 146% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Los Angeles, CA? ▼
Los Angeles has a cost of living index of 146% compared to the national average. This means a genetic counselor salary of $138,585 in Los Angeles has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a genetic counselor in Los Angeles? ▼
Most genetic counselor positions in Los Angeles 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.