Healthcare Rockford, IL Pop. 148,655

Genetic Counselor Salary in Rockford, Illinois

The median genetic counselor salary in Rockford, IL is $75,592 per year, which is 16% below the national median and 13.4% below the Illinois state average.

City Median
$75,592
vs State Avg
$-11,698
vs National
$-14,398
Cost of Living
82%

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

Rockford offers a median genetic counselor salary of $75,592, which is $11,698 below the Illinois state average of $87,290. Compared to the national median of $89,990, Rockford pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Rockford's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 82% of the national average. This means the $75,592 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $92,185 in an average-cost city. This makes Rockford an attractive option for genetic counselors seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for genetic counselors in Rockford spans from $50,400 at the 10th percentile to $109,200 at the 90th percentile — a $58,800 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $52,080, while senior genetic counselors with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $105,000. With a population of 148,655, Rockford is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Genetic Counselor Salary in Rockford by Experience

In Rockford, an entry-level genetic counselor earns around $52,080, while experienced professionals earn up to $105,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$52,080
$-9,920 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$76,440
$-14,560 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$105,000
$-20,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Rockford, IL

Percentile Rockford
10th Percentile $50,400
25th Percentile $62,160
Median (50th) $75,592
75th Percentile $90,720
90th Percentile $109,200

Genetic Counselor Salary in Other Illinois Cities

Naperville, IL
$98,989
Pop. 149,540
Chicago, IL
$98,089
Pop. 2,693,976
Aurora, IL
$87,290
Pop. 197,757
Springfield, IL
$78,291
Pop. 114,394

How to Become a Genetic Counselor in Rockford

Education

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

Find Genetic Counselor Jobs in Rockford

Browse open genetic counselor positions in Rockford, IL:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Genetic Counselor Salary in Rockford

How much does a Genetic Counselor make in Rockford, IL? ▼
The median genetic counselor salary in Rockford, Illinois is $75,592 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $89,990. Salaries range from $50,400 (10th percentile) to $109,200 (90th percentile).
How much does a Genetic Counselor make per hour in Rockford? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $75,592, a genetic counselor in Rockford earns approximately $36 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Rockford compare to the Illinois state average for genetic counselor pay? ▼
Rockford's median genetic counselor salary of $75,592 is 13.4% below the Illinois state average of $87,290. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Rockford, IL? ▼
Rockford has a cost of living index of 82% compared to the national average. This means a genetic counselor salary of $75,592 in Rockford has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a genetic counselor in Rockford? ▼
Most genetic counselor positions in Rockford 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.