Genetic Counselor Salary in Charleston, WV: $77,391 (2026)

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

Charleston offers a median genetic counselor salary of $77,391, which is $3,599 above the West Virginia state average of $73,792. Compared to the national median of $89,990, Charleston pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Charleston's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $77,391 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $87,944 in an average-cost city. This makes Charleston an attractive option for genetic counselors seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for genetic counselors in Charleston spans from $51,600 at the 10th percentile to $111,800 at the 90th percentile — a $60,200 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $53,320, while senior genetic counselors with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $107,500. Charleston is a smaller market (pop. 48,006), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Genetic Counselor Salary in Charleston by Experience

In Charleston, an entry-level genetic counselor earns around $53,320, while experienced professionals earn up to $107,500 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$53,320

$-8,680 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$78,260

$-12,740 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$107,500

$-17,500 vs national

Percentile	Charleston	WV State	National
10th Percentile	$51,600	$49,200	$60,000
25th Percentile	$63,640	$60,680	$74,000
Median (50th)	$77,391	$73,792	$89,990
75th Percentile	$92,880	$88,560	$108,000
90th Percentile	$111,800	$106,600	$130,000

Percentile

Charleston

10th Percentile

$51,600

25th Percentile

$63,640

Median (50th)

$77,391

75th Percentile

$92,880

90th Percentile

$111,800

How to Become a Genetic Counselor in Charleston

Education

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

Frequently Asked Questions: Genetic Counselor Salary in Charleston

How much does a Genetic Counselor make in Charleston, WV? ▼

The median genetic counselor salary in Charleston, West Virginia is $77,391 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $89,990. Salaries range from $51,600 (10th percentile) to $111,800 (90th percentile).

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

Based on the median annual salary of $77,391, a genetic counselor in Charleston earns approximately $37 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Charleston compare to the West Virginia state average for genetic counselor pay? ▼

Charleston's median genetic counselor salary of $77,391 is 4.9% above the West Virginia state average of $73,792. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Charleston, WV? ▼

Charleston has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a genetic counselor salary of $77,391 in Charleston has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

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

Most genetic counselor positions in Charleston 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 Charleston, West Virginia