Nurse Practitioner vs Genetic Counselor: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
Nurse Practitioner
Provide advanced nursing care including diagnosing and treating conditions.
Genetic Counselor
Assess hereditary disease risks and counsel patients on genetic testing options.
Nurse Practitioner earns more on average — the national median is $32,722/year (33%) higher than a Genetic Counselor. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Nurse Practitioner vs Genetic Counselor — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Nurse Practitioner | Genetic Counselor | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $187,882 | $141,022 | Nurse +$46,860 |
| New York, NY | $163,340 | $120,948 | Nurse +$42,392 |
| Seattle, WA | $192,574 | $145,082 | Nurse +$47,492 |
| Austin, TX | $143,940 | $110,879 | Nurse +$33,061 |
| Chicago, IL | $139,454 | $108,510 | Nurse +$30,944 |
| Boston, MA | $174,490 | $130,390 | Nurse +$44,100 |
| London, UK | £104,229 | £77,497 | Nurse +$26,732 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$171,863 | CA$135,338 | Nurse +$36,525 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Nurse Practitioner or Genetic Counselor earn more?+
A Nurse Practitioner earns more on average. The national median salary for a Nurse Practitioner is $132,300/year, compared to $99,578/year for a Genetic Counselor — a difference of $32,722 (33%).
Which has better career growth — Nurse Practitioner or Genetic Counselor?+
Nurse Practitioner roles are growing at 40% YoY while Genetic Counselor demand is growing at 18% YoY. Nurse Practitioner has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Nurse Practitioner 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 — Nurse Practitioner or Genetic Counselor?+
Genetic Counselor has a lower AI automation risk (12% vs 12%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.