Genetic Counselor Salary in Rochester, NY: $85,491 (2026)

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

Rochester offers a median genetic counselor salary of $85,491, which is $28,796 below the New York state average of $114,287. Compared to the national median of $89,990, Rochester pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Rochester's cost of living is 90% 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 Rochester spans from $57,000 at the 10th percentile to $123,500 at the 90th percentile — a $66,500 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $58,900, while senior genetic counselors with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $118,750. With a population of 211,328, Rochester is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Genetic Counselor Salary in Rochester by Experience

In Rochester, an entry-level genetic counselor earns around $58,900, while experienced professionals earn up to $118,750 per year. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$58,900

$-3,100 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$86,450

$-4,550 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$118,750

$-6,250 vs national

Percentile	Rochester	NY State	National
10th Percentile	$57,000	$76,200	$60,000
25th Percentile	$70,300	$93,980	$74,000
Median (50th)	$85,491	$114,287	$89,990
75th Percentile	$102,600	$137,160	$108,000
90th Percentile	$123,500	$165,100	$130,000

Percentile

Rochester

10th Percentile

$57,000

25th Percentile

$70,300

Median (50th)

$85,491

75th Percentile

$102,600

90th Percentile

$123,500

How to Become a Genetic Counselor in Rochester

Education

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

Frequently Asked Questions: Genetic Counselor Salary in Rochester

How much does a Genetic Counselor make in Rochester, NY? ▼

The median genetic counselor salary in Rochester, New York is $85,491 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $89,990. Salaries range from $57,000 (10th percentile) to $123,500 (90th percentile).

How much does a Genetic Counselor make per hour in Rochester? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $85,491, a genetic counselor in Rochester earns approximately $41 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Rochester compare to the New York state average for genetic counselor pay? ▼

Rochester's median genetic counselor salary of $85,491 is 25.2% below the New York state average of $114,287. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Rochester, NY? ▼

Rochester has a cost of living index of 90% compared to the national average. This means a genetic counselor salary of $85,491 in Rochester has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a genetic counselor in Rochester? ▼

Most genetic counselor positions in Rochester 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.

Genetic Counselor Salary in Rochester, New York