Healthcare Independence, MO Pop. 123,011

Genetic Counselor Salary in Independence, Missouri

The median genetic counselor salary in Independence, MO is $76,492 per year, which is 15% below the national median and 3.4% below the Missouri state average.

City Median
$76,492
vs State Avg
$-2,699
vs National
$-13,498
Cost of Living
85%

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

Independence offers a median genetic counselor salary of $76,492, which is $2,699 below the Missouri state average of $79,191. Compared to the national median of $89,990, Independence pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Independence's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 85% of the national average. This means the $76,492 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $89,991 in an average-cost city. This makes Independence an attractive option for genetic counselors seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for genetic counselors in Independence spans from $51,000 at the 10th percentile to $110,500 at the 90th percentile — a $59,500 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $52,700, while senior genetic counselors with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $106,250. With a population of 123,011, Independence is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Genetic Counselor Salary in Independence by Experience

In Independence, an entry-level genetic counselor earns around $52,700, while experienced professionals earn up to $106,250 per year. The local cost of living index is 85% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$52,700
$-9,300 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$77,350
$-13,650 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$106,250
$-18,750 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Independence, MO

Percentile Independence
10th Percentile $51,000
25th Percentile $62,900
Median (50th) $76,492
75th Percentile $91,800
90th Percentile $110,500

Genetic Counselor Salary in Other Missouri Cities

Kansas City, MO
$82,791
Pop. 508,090
Saint Louis, MO
$80,991
Pop. 301,578
Columbia, MO
$79,191
Pop. 126,254
Springfield, MO
$73,792
Pop. 169,176

How to Become a Genetic Counselor in Independence

Education

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

Find Genetic Counselor Jobs in Independence

Browse open genetic counselor positions in Independence, MO:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Genetic Counselor Salary in Independence

How much does a Genetic Counselor make in Independence, MO? ▼
The median genetic counselor salary in Independence, Missouri is $76,492 per year, which is 15% below the national median of $89,990. Salaries range from $51,000 (10th percentile) to $110,500 (90th percentile).
How much does a Genetic Counselor make per hour in Independence? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $76,492, a genetic counselor in Independence earns approximately $37 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Independence compare to the Missouri state average for genetic counselor pay? ▼
Independence's median genetic counselor salary of $76,492 is 3.4% below the Missouri state average of $79,191. The local cost of living index is 85% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Independence, MO? ▼
Independence has a cost of living index of 85% compared to the national average. This means a genetic counselor salary of $76,492 in Independence has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a genetic counselor in Independence? ▼
Most genetic counselor positions in Independence 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.