Healthcare Columbia, SC Pop. 131,674

Genetic Counselor Salary in Columbia, South Carolina

The median genetic counselor salary in Columbia, SC is $80,991 per year, which is 10% below the national median and 1.1% above the South Carolina state average.

City Median
$80,991
vs State Avg
+$900
vs National
$-8,999
Cost of Living
90%

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

Columbia offers a median genetic counselor salary of $80,991, which is $900 above the South Carolina state average of $80,091. Compared to the national median of $89,990, Columbia pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Columbia'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 Columbia spans from $54,000 at the 10th percentile to $117,000 at the 90th percentile — a $63,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $55,800, while senior genetic counselors with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $112,500. With a population of 131,674, Columbia is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Genetic Counselor Salary in Columbia by Experience

In Columbia, an entry-level genetic counselor earns around $55,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $112,500 per year. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$55,800
$-6,200 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$81,900
$-9,100 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$112,500
$-12,500 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Columbia, SC

Percentile Columbia
10th Percentile $54,000
25th Percentile $66,600
Median (50th) $80,991
75th Percentile $97,200
90th Percentile $117,000

Genetic Counselor Salary in Other South Carolina Cities

Mount Pleasant, SC
$94,490
Pop. 94,171
Charleston, SC
$89,990
Pop. 150,227
North Charleston, SC
$85,491
Pop. 115,382
Greenville, SC
$82,791
Pop. 72,095

How to Become a Genetic Counselor in Columbia

Education

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

Find Genetic Counselor Jobs in Columbia

Browse open genetic counselor positions in Columbia, SC:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Genetic Counselor Salary in Columbia

How much does a Genetic Counselor make in Columbia, SC? ▼
The median genetic counselor salary in Columbia, South Carolina is $80,991 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $89,990. Salaries range from $54,000 (10th percentile) to $117,000 (90th percentile).
How much does a Genetic Counselor make per hour in Columbia? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $80,991, a genetic counselor in Columbia earns approximately $39 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Columbia compare to the South Carolina state average for genetic counselor pay? ▼
Columbia's median genetic counselor salary of $80,991 is 1.1% above the South Carolina state average of $80,091. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Columbia, SC? ▼
Columbia has a cost of living index of 90% compared to the national average. This means a genetic counselor salary of $80,991 in Columbia has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a genetic counselor in Columbia? ▼
Most genetic counselor positions in Columbia 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.