Genetic Counselor vs Occupational Therapist: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
Genetic Counselor
Assess hereditary disease risks and counsel patients on genetic testing options.
Occupational Therapist
Help people regain independence in daily activities following injury or illness.
Occupational Therapist earns more on average — the national median is $752/year (1%) higher than a Genetic Counselor. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Genetic Counselor vs Occupational Therapist — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Genetic Counselor | Occupational Therapist | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $141,022 | $142,857 | Genetic $1,835 |
| New York, NY | $120,948 | $124,025 | Genetic $3,077 |
| Seattle, WA | $145,082 | $142,137 | Genetic +$2,945 |
| Austin, TX | $110,879 | $108,921 | Genetic +$1,958 |
| Chicago, IL | $108,510 | $105,288 | Genetic +$3,222 |
| Boston, MA | $130,390 | $129,144 | Genetic +$1,246 |
| London, UK | £77,497 | £76,976 | Genetic +$521 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$135,338 | CA$136,460 | Genetic $1,122 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Genetic Counselor or Occupational Therapist earn more?+
A Occupational Therapist earns more on average. The national median salary for a Genetic Counselor is $99,578/year, compared to $100,330/year for a Occupational Therapist — a difference of $752 (1%).
Which has better career growth — Genetic Counselor or Occupational Therapist?+
Genetic Counselor roles are growing at 18% YoY while Occupational Therapist demand is growing at 14% YoY. Genetic Counselor has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Genetic Counselor to Occupational Therapist?+
Yes. Many professionals transition between these roles, especially since both are in the same category. Shared skills include: analytical thinking, communication, and industry knowledge.
Which is harder to automate — Genetic Counselor or Occupational Therapist?+
Genetic Counselor has a lower AI automation risk (12% vs 15%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.