Healthcare Lafayette, LA Pop. 121,374

Genetic Counselor Salary in Lafayette, Louisiana

The median genetic counselor salary in Lafayette, LA is $79,191 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 3.3% below the Louisiana state average.

City Median
$79,191
vs State Avg
$-2,700
vs National
$-10,799
Cost of Living
88%

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

Lafayette offers a median genetic counselor salary of $79,191, which is $2,700 below the Louisiana state average of $81,891. Compared to the national median of $89,990, Lafayette pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Lafayette's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $79,191 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $89,990 in an average-cost city. This makes Lafayette an attractive option for genetic counselors seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for genetic counselors in Lafayette spans from $52,800 at the 10th percentile to $114,400 at the 90th percentile — a $61,600 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $54,560, while senior genetic counselors with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $110,000. With a population of 121,374, Lafayette is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Genetic Counselor Salary in Lafayette by Experience

In Lafayette, an entry-level genetic counselor earns around $54,560, while experienced professionals earn up to $110,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$54,560
$-7,440 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$80,080
$-10,920 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$110,000
$-15,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Lafayette, LA

Percentile Lafayette
10th Percentile $52,800
25th Percentile $65,120
Median (50th) $79,191
75th Percentile $95,040
90th Percentile $114,400

Genetic Counselor Salary in Other Louisiana Cities

New Orleans, LA
$88,190
Pop. 383,997
Baton Rouge, LA
$82,791
Pop. 227,470
Lake Charles, LA
$77,391
Pop. 80,000
Shreveport, LA
$76,492
Pop. 187,593

How to Become a Genetic Counselor in Lafayette

Education

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

Find Genetic Counselor Jobs in Lafayette

Browse open genetic counselor positions in Lafayette, LA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Genetic Counselor Salary in Lafayette

How much does a Genetic Counselor make in Lafayette, LA? ▼
The median genetic counselor salary in Lafayette, Louisiana is $79,191 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $89,990. Salaries range from $52,800 (10th percentile) to $114,400 (90th percentile).
How much does a Genetic Counselor make per hour in Lafayette? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $79,191, a genetic counselor in Lafayette earns approximately $38 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Lafayette compare to the Louisiana state average for genetic counselor pay? ▼
Lafayette's median genetic counselor salary of $79,191 is 3.3% below the Louisiana state average of $81,891. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Lafayette, LA? ▼
Lafayette has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a genetic counselor salary of $79,191 in Lafayette has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a genetic counselor in Lafayette? ▼
Most genetic counselor positions in Lafayette 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.