Healthcare Lake Charles, LA Pop. 80,000

Genetic Counselor Salary in Lake Charles, Louisiana

The median genetic counselor salary in Lake Charles, LA is $77,391 per year, which is 14% below the national median and 5.5% below the Louisiana state average.

City Median
$77,391
vs State Avg
$-4,500
vs National
$-12,599
Cost of Living
86%

Genetic Counselor Pay in Lake Charles: What to Expect (2026)

Lake Charles offers a median genetic counselor salary of $77,391, which is $4,500 below the Louisiana state average of $81,891. Compared to the national median of $89,990, Lake Charles pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Lake Charles's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 86% of the national average. This means the $77,391 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $89,990 in an average-cost city. This makes Lake Charles an attractive option for genetic counselors seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for genetic counselors in Lake Charles spans from $51,600 at the 10th percentile to $111,800 at the 90th percentile — a $60,200 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $53,320, while senior genetic counselors with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $107,500. Lake Charles is a smaller market (pop. 80,000), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Genetic Counselor Salary in Lake Charles by Experience

In Lake Charles, an entry-level genetic counselor earns around $53,320, while experienced professionals earn up to $107,500 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$53,320
$-8,680 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$78,260
$-12,740 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$107,500
$-17,500 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Lake Charles, LA

Percentile Lake Charles
10th Percentile $51,600
25th Percentile $63,640
Median (50th) $77,391
75th Percentile $92,880
90th Percentile $111,800

Genetic Counselor Salary in Other Louisiana Cities

New Orleans, LA
$88,190
Pop. 383,997
Baton Rouge, LA
$82,791
Pop. 227,470
Lafayette, LA
$79,191
Pop. 121,374
Shreveport, LA
$76,492
Pop. 187,593

How to Become a Genetic Counselor in Lake Charles

Education

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

Find Genetic Counselor Jobs in Lake Charles

Browse open genetic counselor positions in Lake Charles, LA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Genetic Counselor Salary in Lake Charles

How much does a Genetic Counselor make in Lake Charles, LA? ▼
The median genetic counselor salary in Lake Charles, Louisiana is $77,391 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $89,990. Salaries range from $51,600 (10th percentile) to $111,800 (90th percentile).
How much does a Genetic Counselor make per hour in Lake Charles? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $77,391, a genetic counselor in Lake Charles earns approximately $37 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Lake Charles compare to the Louisiana state average for genetic counselor pay? ▼
Lake Charles's median genetic counselor salary of $77,391 is 5.5% below the Louisiana state average of $81,891. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Lake Charles, LA? ▼
Lake Charles has a cost of living index of 86% compared to the national average. This means a genetic counselor salary of $77,391 in Lake Charles has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a genetic counselor in Lake Charles? ▼
Most genetic counselor positions in Lake Charles 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.