Healthcare Seattle, WA Pop. 737,015

Genetic Counselor Salary in Seattle, Washington

The median genetic counselor salary in Seattle, WA is $136,785 per year, which is 52.0% above the national median and 27.7% above the Washington state average.

City Median
$136,785
vs State Avg
+$29,697
vs National
+$46,795
Cost of Living
148%

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

Seattle offers a median genetic counselor salary of $136,785, which is $29,697 above the Washington state average of $107,088. Compared to the national median of $89,990, Seattle pays above average for this role.

However, Seattle's cost of living index is 148%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $136,785 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $92,422. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Seattle should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for genetic counselors in Seattle spans from $91,200 at the 10th percentile to $197,600 at the 90th percentile — a $106,400 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $94,240, while senior genetic counselors with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $190,000. As a major metro area with a population of 737,015, Seattle typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Genetic Counselor Salary in Seattle by Experience

In Seattle, an entry-level genetic counselor earns around $94,240, while experienced professionals earn up to $190,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 148% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$94,240
+$32,240 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$138,320
+$47,320 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$190,000
+$65,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Seattle, WA

Percentile Seattle
10th Percentile $91,200
25th Percentile $112,480
Median (50th) $136,785
75th Percentile $164,160
90th Percentile $197,600

Genetic Counselor Salary in Other Washington Cities

Bellevue, WA
$140,384
Pop. 151,854
Tacoma, WA
$102,589
Pop. 219,346
Vancouver, WA
$95,389
Pop. 190,915
Spokane, WA
$86,390
Pop. 228,989

How to Become a Genetic Counselor in Seattle

Education

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

Find Genetic Counselor Jobs in Seattle

Browse open genetic counselor positions in Seattle, WA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Genetic Counselor Salary in Seattle

How much does a Genetic Counselor make in Seattle, WA? ▼
The median genetic counselor salary in Seattle, Washington is $136,785 per year, which is 52.0% above the national median of $89,990. Salaries range from $91,200 (10th percentile) to $197,600 (90th percentile).
How much does a Genetic Counselor make per hour in Seattle? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $136,785, a genetic counselor in Seattle earns approximately $66 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Seattle compare to the Washington state average for genetic counselor pay? ▼
Seattle's median genetic counselor salary of $136,785 is 27.7% above the Washington state average of $107,088. The local cost of living index is 148% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Seattle, WA? ▼
Seattle has a cost of living index of 148% compared to the national average. This means a genetic counselor salary of $136,785 in Seattle has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a genetic counselor in Seattle? ▼
Most genetic counselor positions in Seattle 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.