Genetic Counselor Salary in Reading, PA: $81,891 (2026)

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

Reading offers a median genetic counselor salary of $81,891, which is $7,199 below the Pennsylvania state average of $89,090. Compared to the national median of $89,990, Reading pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Reading's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $81,891 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $93,058 in an average-cost city. This makes Reading an attractive option for genetic counselors seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for genetic counselors in Reading spans from $54,600 at the 10th percentile to $118,300 at the 90th percentile — a $63,700 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $56,420, while senior genetic counselors with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $113,750. Reading is a smaller market (pop. 95,112), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Genetic Counselor Salary in Reading by Experience

In Reading, an entry-level genetic counselor earns around $56,420, while experienced professionals earn up to $113,750 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$56,420

$-5,580 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$82,810

$-8,190 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$113,750

$-11,250 vs national

Percentile	Reading	PA State	National
10th Percentile	$54,600	$59,400	$60,000
25th Percentile	$67,340	$73,260	$74,000
Median (50th)	$81,891	$89,090	$89,990
75th Percentile	$98,280	$106,920	$108,000
90th Percentile	$118,300	$128,700	$130,000

Percentile

Reading

10th Percentile

$54,600

25th Percentile

$67,340

Median (50th)

$81,891

75th Percentile

$98,280

90th Percentile

$118,300

How to Become a Genetic Counselor in Reading

Education

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

Frequently Asked Questions: Genetic Counselor Salary in Reading

How much does a Genetic Counselor make in Reading, PA? ▼

The median genetic counselor salary in Reading, Pennsylvania is $81,891 per year, which is 9% below the national median of $89,990. Salaries range from $54,600 (10th percentile) to $118,300 (90th percentile).

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

Based on the median annual salary of $81,891, a genetic counselor in Reading earns approximately $39 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Reading compare to the Pennsylvania state average for genetic counselor pay? ▼

Reading's median genetic counselor salary of $81,891 is 8.1% below the Pennsylvania state average of $89,090. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Reading, PA? ▼

Reading has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a genetic counselor salary of $81,891 in Reading has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

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

Most genetic counselor positions in Reading 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 Reading, Pennsylvania