Healthcare Columbia, MD Pop. 104,681

Genetic Counselor Salary in Columbia, Maryland

The median genetic counselor salary in Columbia, MD is $109,788 per year, which is 22.0% above the national median and 7.0% above the Maryland state average.

City Median
$109,788
vs State Avg
+$7,199
vs National
+$19,798
Cost of Living
118%

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

Columbia offers a median genetic counselor salary of $109,788, which is $7,199 above the Maryland state average of $102,589. Compared to the national median of $89,990, Columbia pays above average for this role.

However, Columbia's cost of living index is 118%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $109,788 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $93,041. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Columbia should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for genetic counselors in Columbia spans from $73,200 at the 10th percentile to $158,600 at the 90th percentile — a $85,400 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $75,640, while senior genetic counselors with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $152,500. With a population of 104,681, Columbia is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Genetic Counselor Salary in Columbia by Experience

In Columbia, an entry-level genetic counselor earns around $75,640, while experienced professionals earn up to $152,500 per year. The local cost of living index is 118% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$75,640
+$13,640 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$111,020
+$20,020 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$152,500
+$27,500 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Columbia, MD

Percentile Columbia
10th Percentile $73,200
25th Percentile $90,280
Median (50th) $109,788
75th Percentile $131,760
90th Percentile $158,600

Genetic Counselor Salary in Other Maryland Cities

Silver Spring, MD
$113,387
Pop. 81,015
Germantown, MD
$107,088
Pop. 90,676
Baltimore, MD
$100,789
Pop. 585,708
Waldorf, MD
$98,089
Pop. 77,000

How to Become a Genetic Counselor in Columbia

Education

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

Find Genetic Counselor Jobs in Columbia

Browse open genetic counselor positions in Columbia, MD:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Genetic Counselor Salary in Columbia

How much does a Genetic Counselor make in Columbia, MD? ▼
The median genetic counselor salary in Columbia, Maryland is $109,788 per year, which is 22.0% above the national median of $89,990. Salaries range from $73,200 (10th percentile) to $158,600 (90th percentile).
How much does a Genetic Counselor make per hour in Columbia? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $109,788, a genetic counselor in Columbia earns approximately $53 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Columbia compare to the Maryland state average for genetic counselor pay? ▼
Columbia's median genetic counselor salary of $109,788 is 7.0% above the Maryland state average of $102,589. The local cost of living index is 118% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Columbia, MD? ▼
Columbia has a cost of living index of 118% compared to the national average. This means a genetic counselor salary of $109,788 in Columbia has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a genetic counselor in Columbia? ▼
Most genetic counselor positions in Columbia 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.