Genetic Counselor Salary in Iowa City, IA: $85,491 (2026)

Genetic Counselor Pay in Iowa City: What to Expect (2026)

Iowa City offers a median genetic counselor salary of $85,491, which is $5,400 above the Iowa state average of $80,091. Compared to the national median of $89,990, Iowa City pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Iowa City's cost of living is 95% 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 Iowa City spans from $57,000 at the 10th percentile to $123,500 at the 90th percentile — a $66,500 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $58,900, while senior genetic counselors with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $118,750. Iowa City is a smaller market (pop. 74,828), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Genetic Counselor Salary in Iowa City by Experience

In Iowa City, an entry-level genetic counselor earns around $58,900, while experienced professionals earn up to $118,750 per year. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$58,900

$-3,100 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$86,450

$-4,550 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$118,750

$-6,250 vs national

Percentile	Iowa City	IA State	National
10th Percentile	$57,000	$53,400	$60,000
25th Percentile	$70,300	$65,860	$74,000
Median (50th)	$85,491	$80,091	$89,990
75th Percentile	$102,600	$96,120	$108,000
90th Percentile	$123,500	$115,700	$130,000

Percentile

Iowa City

10th Percentile

$57,000

25th Percentile

$70,300

Median (50th)

$85,491

75th Percentile

$102,600

90th Percentile

$123,500

How to Become a Genetic Counselor in Iowa City

Education

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

Frequently Asked Questions: Genetic Counselor Salary in Iowa City

How much does a Genetic Counselor make in Iowa City, IA? ▼

The median genetic counselor salary in Iowa City, Iowa is $85,491 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $89,990. Salaries range from $57,000 (10th percentile) to $123,500 (90th percentile).

How much does a Genetic Counselor make per hour in Iowa City? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $85,491, a genetic counselor in Iowa City earns approximately $41 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Iowa City compare to the Iowa state average for genetic counselor pay? ▼

Iowa City's median genetic counselor salary of $85,491 is 6.7% above the Iowa state average of $80,091. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Iowa City, IA? ▼

Iowa City has a cost of living index of 95% compared to the national average. This means a genetic counselor salary of $85,491 in Iowa City has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a genetic counselor in Iowa City? ▼

Most genetic counselor positions in Iowa City 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.

Genetic Counselor Salary in Iowa City, Iowa