Healthcare Columbia, MO Pop. 126,254

Genetic Counselor Salary in Columbia, Missouri

The median genetic counselor salary in Columbia, MO is $79,191 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 0.0% above the Missouri state average.

City Median
$79,191
vs State Avg
+$0
vs National
$-10,799
Cost of Living
88%

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

Columbia offers a median genetic counselor salary of $79,191, which is $0 above the Missouri state average of $79,191. Compared to the national median of $89,990, Columbia pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Columbia'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 Columbia an attractive option for genetic counselors seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for genetic counselors in Columbia 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 126,254, 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 $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 Columbia, MO

Percentile Columbia
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 Missouri Cities

Kansas City, MO
$82,791
Pop. 508,090
Saint Louis, MO
$80,991
Pop. 301,578
Independence, MO
$76,492
Pop. 123,011
Springfield, MO
$73,792
Pop. 169,176

How to Become a Genetic Counselor in Columbia

Education

Most genetic counselor positions require a master's degree. Columbia and the surrounding Missouri 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, MO:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Genetic Counselor Salary in Columbia

How much does a Genetic Counselor make in Columbia, MO? ▼
The median genetic counselor salary in Columbia, Missouri 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 Columbia? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $79,191, a genetic counselor in Columbia earns approximately $38 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Columbia compare to the Missouri state average for genetic counselor pay? ▼
Columbia's median genetic counselor salary of $79,191 is 0.0% above the Missouri state average of $79,191. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Columbia, MO? ▼
Columbia has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a genetic counselor salary of $79,191 in Columbia has more 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.