Healthcare Portland, OR Pop. 652,503

Genetic Counselor Salary in Portland, Oregon

The median genetic counselor salary in Portland, OR is $107,988 per year, which is 20.0% above the national median and 7.1% above the Oregon state average.

City Median
$107,988
vs State Avg
+$7,199
vs National
+$17,998
Cost of Living
118%

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

Portland offers a median genetic counselor salary of $107,988, which is $7,199 above the Oregon state average of $100,789. Compared to the national median of $89,990, Portland pays above average for this role.

However, Portland's cost of living index is 118%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $107,988 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $91,515. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Portland should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for genetic counselors in Portland spans from $72,000 at the 10th percentile to $156,000 at the 90th percentile — a $84,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $74,400, while senior genetic counselors with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $150,000. As a major metro area with a population of 652,503, Portland typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Genetic Counselor Salary in Portland by Experience

In Portland, an entry-level genetic counselor earns around $74,400, while experienced professionals earn up to $150,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 118% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$74,400
+$12,400 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$109,200
+$18,200 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$150,000
+$25,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Portland, OR

Percentile Portland
10th Percentile $72,000
25th Percentile $88,800
Median (50th) $107,988
75th Percentile $129,600
90th Percentile $156,000

Genetic Counselor Salary in Other Oregon Cities

How to Become a Genetic Counselor in Portland

Education

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

Find Genetic Counselor Jobs in Portland

Browse open genetic counselor positions in Portland, OR:

Frequently Asked Questions: Genetic Counselor Salary in Portland

How much does a Genetic Counselor make in Portland, OR? ▼
The median genetic counselor salary in Portland, Oregon is $107,988 per year, which is 20.0% above the national median of $89,990. Salaries range from $72,000 (10th percentile) to $156,000 (90th percentile).
How much does a Genetic Counselor make per hour in Portland? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $107,988, a genetic counselor in Portland earns approximately $52 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Portland compare to the Oregon state average for genetic counselor pay? ▼
Portland's median genetic counselor salary of $107,988 is 7.1% above the Oregon state average of $100,789. The local cost of living index is 118% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Portland, OR? ▼
Portland has a cost of living index of 118% compared to the national average. This means a genetic counselor salary of $107,988 in Portland has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a genetic counselor in Portland? ▼
Most genetic counselor positions in Portland 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.