Genetic Counselor vs Physician (General Practice): 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.
Physician (General Practice)
Diagnose and treat a wide range of acute and chronic medical conditions.
Physician (General Practice) earns more on average — the national median is $144,602/year (145%) 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 Physician (General Practice) — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Genetic Counselor | Physician (General Practice) | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $141,022 | $363,590 | Genetic $222,568 |
| New York, NY | $120,948 | $294,372 | Genetic $173,424 |
| Seattle, WA | $145,082 | $353,641 | Genetic $208,559 |
| Austin, TX | $110,879 | $272,440 | Genetic $161,561 |
| Chicago, IL | $108,510 | $255,595 | Genetic $147,085 |
| Boston, MA | $130,390 | $311,219 | Genetic $180,829 |
| London, UK | £77,497 | £101,944 | Genetic $24,447 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$135,338 | CA$294,137 | Genetic $158,799 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Genetic Counselor or Physician (General Practice) earn more?+
A Physician (General Practice) earns more on average. The national median salary for a Genetic Counselor is $99,578/year, compared to $244,180/year for a Physician (General Practice) — a difference of $144,602 (145%).
Which has better career growth — Genetic Counselor or Physician (General Practice)?+
Genetic Counselor roles are growing at 18% YoY while Physician (General Practice) demand is growing at 5% YoY. Genetic Counselor has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Genetic Counselor to Physician (General Practice)?+
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 Physician (General Practice)?+
Physician (General Practice) has a lower AI automation risk (10% vs 12%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.