Medical Lab Scientist vs Genetic Counselor: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
Medical Lab Scientist
Perform laboratory tests on patient samples to aid clinical diagnosis.
Genetic Counselor
Assess hereditary disease risks and counsel patients on genetic testing options.
Genetic Counselor earns more on average — the national median is $29,421/year (42%) higher than a Medical Lab Scientist. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Medical Lab Scientist vs Genetic Counselor — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Medical Lab Scientist | Genetic Counselor | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $103,069 | $141,022 | Medical $37,953 |
| New York, NY | $87,047 | $120,948 | Medical $33,901 |
| Seattle, WA | $102,380 | $145,082 | Medical $42,702 |
| Austin, TX | $79,439 | $110,879 | Medical $31,440 |
| Chicago, IL | $75,418 | $108,510 | Medical $33,092 |
| Boston, MA | $90,176 | $130,390 | Medical $40,214 |
| London, UK | £55,328 | £77,497 | Medical $22,169 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$91,433 | CA$135,338 | Medical $43,905 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Medical Lab Scientist or Genetic Counselor earn more?+
A Genetic Counselor earns more on average. The national median salary for a Medical Lab Scientist is $70,157/year, compared to $99,578/year for a Genetic Counselor — a difference of $29,421 (42%).
Which has better career growth — Medical Lab Scientist or Genetic Counselor?+
Medical Lab Scientist roles are growing at 7% YoY while Genetic Counselor demand is growing at 18% YoY. Genetic Counselor has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Medical Lab Scientist to Genetic Counselor?+
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 — Medical Lab Scientist or Genetic Counselor?+
Genetic Counselor has a lower AI automation risk (12% vs 55%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.