Healthcare Helena, MT Pop. 32,315

Genetic Counselor Salary in Helena, Montana

The median genetic counselor salary in Helena, MT is $82,791 per year, which is 8% below the national median and 1.1% below the Montana state average.

City Median
$82,791
vs State Avg
$-900
vs National
$-7,199
Cost of Living
94%

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

Helena offers a median genetic counselor salary of $82,791, which is $900 below the Montana state average of $83,691. Compared to the national median of $89,990, Helena pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Helena's cost of living is 94% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for genetic counselors in Helena spans from $55,200 at the 10th percentile to $119,600 at the 90th percentile — a $64,400 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $57,040, while senior genetic counselors with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $115,000. Helena is a smaller market (pop. 32,315), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Genetic Counselor Salary in Helena by Experience

In Helena, an entry-level genetic counselor earns around $57,040, while experienced professionals earn up to $115,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 94% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$57,040
$-4,960 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$83,720
$-7,280 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$115,000
$-10,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Helena, MT

Percentile Helena
10th Percentile $55,200
25th Percentile $68,080
Median (50th) $82,791
75th Percentile $99,360
90th Percentile $119,600

Genetic Counselor Salary in Other Montana Cities

Bozeman, MT
$101,689
Pop. 53,293
Missoula, MT
$89,990
Pop. 75,516
Billings, MT
$84,591
Pop. 117,116
Great Falls, MT
$77,391
Pop. 60,442

How to Become a Genetic Counselor in Helena

Education

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

Find Genetic Counselor Jobs in Helena

Browse open genetic counselor positions in Helena, MT:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Genetic Counselor Salary in Helena

How much does a Genetic Counselor make in Helena, MT? ▼
The median genetic counselor salary in Helena, Montana is $82,791 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $89,990. Salaries range from $55,200 (10th percentile) to $119,600 (90th percentile).
How much does a Genetic Counselor make per hour in Helena? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $82,791, a genetic counselor in Helena earns approximately $40 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Helena compare to the Montana state average for genetic counselor pay? ▼
Helena's median genetic counselor salary of $82,791 is 1.1% below the Montana state average of $83,691. The local cost of living index is 94% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Helena, MT? ▼
Helena has a cost of living index of 94% compared to the national average. This means a genetic counselor salary of $82,791 in Helena has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a genetic counselor in Helena? ▼
Most genetic counselor positions in Helena 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.