Healthcare Tacoma, WA Pop. 219,346

Genetic Counselor Salary in Tacoma, Washington

The median genetic counselor salary in Tacoma, WA is $102,589 per year, which is 14.0% above the national median and 4.2% below the Washington state average.

City Median
$102,589
vs State Avg
$-4,499
vs National
+$12,599
Cost of Living
110%

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

Tacoma offers a median genetic counselor salary of $102,589, which is $4,499 below the Washington state average of $107,088. Compared to the national median of $89,990, Tacoma pays above average for this role.

Tacoma's cost of living is 110% 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 Tacoma spans from $68,400 at the 10th percentile to $148,200 at the 90th percentile — a $79,800 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $70,680, while senior genetic counselors with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $142,500. With a population of 219,346, Tacoma is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Genetic Counselor Salary in Tacoma by Experience

In Tacoma, an entry-level genetic counselor earns around $70,680, while experienced professionals earn up to $142,500 per year. The local cost of living index is 110% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$70,680
+$8,680 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$103,740
+$12,740 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$142,500
+$17,500 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Tacoma, WA

Percentile Tacoma
10th Percentile $68,400
25th Percentile $84,360
Median (50th) $102,589
75th Percentile $123,120
90th Percentile $148,200

Genetic Counselor Salary in Other Washington Cities

How to Become a Genetic Counselor in Tacoma

Education

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

Find Genetic Counselor Jobs in Tacoma

Browse open genetic counselor positions in Tacoma, WA:

Frequently Asked Questions: Genetic Counselor Salary in Tacoma

How much does a Genetic Counselor make in Tacoma, WA? ▼
The median genetic counselor salary in Tacoma, Washington is $102,589 per year, which is 14.0% above the national median of $89,990. Salaries range from $68,400 (10th percentile) to $148,200 (90th percentile).
How much does a Genetic Counselor make per hour in Tacoma? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $102,589, a genetic counselor in Tacoma earns approximately $49 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Tacoma compare to the Washington state average for genetic counselor pay? ▼
Tacoma's median genetic counselor salary of $102,589 is 4.2% below the Washington state average of $107,088. The local cost of living index is 110% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Tacoma, WA? ▼
Tacoma has a cost of living index of 110% compared to the national average. This means a genetic counselor salary of $102,589 in Tacoma has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a genetic counselor in Tacoma? ▼
Most genetic counselor positions in Tacoma 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.