Healthcare Durham, NC Pop. 283,506

Genetic Counselor Salary in Durham, North Carolina

The median genetic counselor salary in Durham, NC is $85,491 per year, which is 5% below the national median and 3.3% above the North Carolina state average.

City Median
$85,491
vs State Avg
+$2,700
vs National
$-4,499
Cost of Living
95%

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

Durham offers a median genetic counselor salary of $85,491, which is $2,700 above the North Carolina state average of $82,791. Compared to the national median of $89,990, Durham pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Durham's cost of living is 95% 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 Durham 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 283,506, Durham is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Genetic Counselor Salary in Durham by Experience

In Durham, 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 95% 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

Salary Percentiles in Durham, NC

Percentile Durham
10th Percentile $57,000
25th Percentile $70,300
Median (50th) $85,491
75th Percentile $102,600
90th Percentile $123,500

Genetic Counselor Salary in Other North Carolina Cities

Charlotte, NC
$88,190
Pop. 874,579
Raleigh, NC
$88,190
Pop. 467,665
Greensboro, NC
$79,191
Pop. 299,035
Winston-Salem, NC
$77,391
Pop. 249,545

How to Become a Genetic Counselor in Durham

Education

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

Find Genetic Counselor Jobs in Durham

Browse open genetic counselor positions in Durham, NC:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Genetic Counselor Salary in Durham

How much does a Genetic Counselor make in Durham, NC? ▼
The median genetic counselor salary in Durham, North Carolina 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 Durham? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $85,491, a genetic counselor in Durham earns approximately $41 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Durham compare to the North Carolina state average for genetic counselor pay? ▼
Durham's median genetic counselor salary of $85,491 is 3.3% above the North Carolina state average of $82,791. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Durham, NC? ▼
Durham has a cost of living index of 95% compared to the national average. This means a genetic counselor salary of $85,491 in Durham has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a genetic counselor in Durham? ▼
Most genetic counselor positions in Durham 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.