Optometrist vs Genetic Counselor: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
Optometrist
Examine eyes, diagnose vision problems, and prescribe corrective lenses.
Genetic Counselor
Assess hereditary disease risks and counsel patients on genetic testing options.
Optometrist earns more on average — the national median is $36,992/year (37%) higher than a Genetic Counselor. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Optometrist vs Genetic Counselor — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Optometrist | Genetic Counselor | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $199,281 | $141,022 | Optometrist +$58,259 |
| New York, NY | $165,439 | $120,948 | Optometrist +$44,491 |
| Seattle, WA | $195,352 | $145,082 | Optometrist +$50,270 |
| Austin, TX | $156,968 | $110,879 | Optometrist +$46,089 |
| Chicago, IL | $148,787 | $108,510 | Optometrist +$40,277 |
| Boston, MA | $179,596 | $130,390 | Optometrist +$49,206 |
| London, UK | £107,249 | £77,497 | Optometrist +$29,752 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$178,931 | CA$135,338 | Optometrist +$43,593 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Optometrist or Genetic Counselor earn more?+
A Optometrist earns more on average. The national median salary for a Optometrist is $136,570/year, compared to $99,578/year for a Genetic Counselor — a difference of $36,992 (37%).
Which has better career growth — Optometrist or Genetic Counselor?+
Optometrist roles are growing at 4% YoY while Genetic Counselor demand is growing at 18% YoY. Genetic Counselor has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Optometrist 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 — Optometrist or Genetic Counselor?+
Genetic Counselor has a lower AI automation risk (12% vs 22%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.