Healthcare Des Moines, IA Pop. 214,133

Genetic Counselor Salary in Des Moines, Iowa

The median genetic counselor salary in Des Moines, IA is $82,791 per year, which is 8% below the national median and 3.4% above the Iowa state average.

City Median
$82,791
vs State Avg
+$2,700
vs National
$-7,199
Cost of Living
92%

Genetic Counselor Pay in Des Moines: What to Expect (2026)

Des Moines offers a median genetic counselor salary of $82,791, which is $2,700 above the Iowa state average of $80,091. Compared to the national median of $89,990, Des Moines pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Des Moines's cost of living is 92% 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 Des Moines spans from $55,200 at the 10th percentile to $119,600 at the 90th percentile — a $64,400 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $57,040, while senior genetic counselors with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $115,000. With a population of 214,133, Des Moines is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Genetic Counselor Salary in Des Moines by Experience

In Des Moines, an entry-level genetic counselor earns around $57,040, while experienced professionals earn up to $115,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$57,040
$-4,960 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$83,720
$-7,280 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$115,000
$-10,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Des Moines, IA

Percentile Des Moines
10th Percentile $55,200
25th Percentile $68,080
Median (50th) $82,791
75th Percentile $99,360
90th Percentile $119,600

Genetic Counselor Salary in Other Iowa Cities

Iowa City, IA
$85,491
Pop. 74,828
Cedar Rapids, IA
$79,191
Pop. 137,710
Davenport, IA
$77,391
Pop. 101,724
Sioux City, IA
$75,592
Pop. 85,797

How to Become a Genetic Counselor in Des Moines

Education

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

Find Genetic Counselor Jobs in Des Moines

Browse open genetic counselor positions in Des Moines, IA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Genetic Counselor Salary in Des Moines

How much does a Genetic Counselor make in Des Moines, IA? ▼
The median genetic counselor salary in Des Moines, Iowa is $82,791 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $89,990. Salaries range from $55,200 (10th percentile) to $119,600 (90th percentile).
How much does a Genetic Counselor make per hour in Des Moines? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $82,791, a genetic counselor in Des Moines earns approximately $40 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Des Moines compare to the Iowa state average for genetic counselor pay? ▼
Des Moines's median genetic counselor salary of $82,791 is 3.4% above the Iowa state average of $80,091. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Des Moines, IA? ▼
Des Moines has a cost of living index of 92% compared to the national average. This means a genetic counselor salary of $82,791 in Des Moines has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a genetic counselor in Des Moines? ▼
Most genetic counselor positions in Des Moines 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.