Genetic Counselor vs Pharmacist: 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.
Pharmacist
Dispense medications, counsel patients on drug therapies, and prevent errors.
Pharmacist earns more on average — the national median is $41,332/year (42%) 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 Pharmacist — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Genetic Counselor | Pharmacist | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $141,022 | $208,483 | Genetic $67,461 |
| New York, NY | $120,948 | $168,405 | Genetic $47,457 |
| Seattle, WA | $145,082 | $199,024 | Genetic $53,942 |
| Austin, TX | $110,879 | $160,336 | Genetic $49,457 |
| Chicago, IL | $108,510 | $155,619 | Genetic $47,109 |
| Boston, MA | $130,390 | $179,962 | Genetic $49,572 |
| London, UK | £77,497 | £111,126 | Genetic $33,629 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$135,338 | CA$184,236 | Genetic $48,898 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Genetic Counselor or Pharmacist earn more?+
A Pharmacist earns more on average. The national median salary for a Genetic Counselor is $99,578/year, compared to $140,910/year for a Pharmacist — a difference of $41,332 (42%).
Which has better career growth — Genetic Counselor or Pharmacist?+
Genetic Counselor roles are growing at 18% YoY while Pharmacist demand is growing at 4% YoY. Genetic Counselor has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Genetic Counselor to Pharmacist?+
Yes. Many professionals transition between these roles, especially since both are in the same category. Shared skills include: Patient Counselling.
Which is harder to automate — Genetic Counselor or Pharmacist?+
Genetic Counselor has a lower AI automation risk (12% vs 38%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.