Healthcare Chicago, IL Pop. 2,693,976

Genetic Counselor Salary in Chicago, Illinois

The median genetic counselor salary in Chicago, IL is $98,089 per year, which is 9.0% above the national median and 12.4% above the Illinois state average.

City Median
$98,089
vs State Avg
+$10,799
vs National
+$8,099
Cost of Living
107%

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

Chicago offers a median genetic counselor salary of $98,089, which is $10,799 above the Illinois state average of $87,290. Compared to the national median of $89,990, Chicago pays above average for this role.

Chicago's cost of living is 107% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for genetic counselors in Chicago spans from $65,400 at the 10th percentile to $141,700 at the 90th percentile — a $76,300 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $67,580, while senior genetic counselors with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $136,250. As a major metro area with a population of 2,693,976, Chicago typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Genetic Counselor Salary in Chicago by Experience

In Chicago, an entry-level genetic counselor earns around $67,580, while experienced professionals earn up to $136,250 per year. The local cost of living index is 107% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$67,580
+$5,580 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$99,190
+$8,190 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$136,250
+$11,250 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Chicago, IL

Percentile Chicago
10th Percentile $65,400
25th Percentile $80,660
Median (50th) $98,089
75th Percentile $117,720
90th Percentile $141,700

Genetic Counselor Salary in Other Illinois Cities

Naperville, IL
$98,989
Pop. 149,540
Aurora, IL
$87,290
Pop. 197,757
Springfield, IL
$78,291
Pop. 114,394
Rockford, IL
$75,592
Pop. 148,655

How to Become a Genetic Counselor in Chicago

Education

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

Find Genetic Counselor Jobs in Chicago

Browse open genetic counselor positions in Chicago, IL:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Genetic Counselor Salary in Chicago

How much does a Genetic Counselor make in Chicago, IL? ▼
The median genetic counselor salary in Chicago, Illinois is $98,089 per year, which is 9.0% above the national median of $89,990. Salaries range from $65,400 (10th percentile) to $141,700 (90th percentile).
How much does a Genetic Counselor make per hour in Chicago? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $98,089, a genetic counselor in Chicago earns approximately $47 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Chicago compare to the Illinois state average for genetic counselor pay? ▼
Chicago's median genetic counselor salary of $98,089 is 12.4% above the Illinois state average of $87,290. The local cost of living index is 107% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Chicago, IL? ▼
Chicago has a cost of living index of 107% compared to the national average. This means a genetic counselor salary of $98,089 in Chicago has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a genetic counselor in Chicago? ▼
Most genetic counselor positions in Chicago 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.