Healthcare Sacramento, CA Pop. 524,943

Genetic Counselor Salary in Sacramento, California

The median genetic counselor salary in Sacramento, CA is $113,387 per year, which is 26.0% above the national median and 13.7% below the California state average.

City Median
$113,387
vs State Avg
$-17,998
vs National
+$23,397
Cost of Living
118%

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

Sacramento offers a median genetic counselor salary of $113,387, which is $17,998 below the California state average of $131,385. Compared to the national median of $89,990, Sacramento pays above average for this role.

However, Sacramento's cost of living index is 118%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $113,387 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $96,091. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Sacramento should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for genetic counselors in Sacramento spans from $75,600 at the 10th percentile to $163,800 at the 90th percentile — a $88,200 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $78,120, while senior genetic counselors with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $157,500. As a major metro area with a population of 524,943, Sacramento typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Genetic Counselor Salary in Sacramento by Experience

In Sacramento, an entry-level genetic counselor earns around $78,120, while experienced professionals earn up to $157,500 per year. The local cost of living index is 118% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$78,120
+$16,120 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$114,660
+$23,660 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$157,500
+$32,500 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Sacramento, CA

Percentile Sacramento
10th Percentile $75,600
25th Percentile $93,240
Median (50th) $113,387
75th Percentile $136,080
90th Percentile $163,800

Genetic Counselor Salary in Other California Cities

How to Become a Genetic Counselor in Sacramento

Education

Most genetic counselor positions require a master's degree. Sacramento 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 Sacramento may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Genetic Counselor Jobs in Sacramento

Browse open genetic counselor positions in Sacramento, CA:

Frequently Asked Questions: Genetic Counselor Salary in Sacramento

How much does a Genetic Counselor make in Sacramento, CA? ▼
The median genetic counselor salary in Sacramento, California is $113,387 per year, which is 26.0% above the national median of $89,990. Salaries range from $75,600 (10th percentile) to $163,800 (90th percentile).
How much does a Genetic Counselor make per hour in Sacramento? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $113,387, a genetic counselor in Sacramento earns approximately $55 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Sacramento compare to the California state average for genetic counselor pay? ▼
Sacramento's median genetic counselor salary of $113,387 is 13.7% below the California state average of $131,385. The local cost of living index is 118% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Sacramento, CA? ▼
Sacramento has a cost of living index of 118% compared to the national average. This means a genetic counselor salary of $113,387 in Sacramento has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a genetic counselor in Sacramento? ▼
Most genetic counselor positions in Sacramento 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.