Physician Assistant vs Genetic Counselor: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
Physician Assistant
Diagnose and treat patients under physician supervision.
Genetic Counselor
Assess hereditary disease risks and counsel patients on genetic testing options.
Physician Assistant earns more on average — the national median is $36,302/year (36%) higher than a Genetic Counselor. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Physician Assistant vs Genetic Counselor — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Physician Assistant | Genetic Counselor | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $194,171 | $141,022 | Physician +$53,149 |
| New York, NY | $161,633 | $120,948 | Physician +$40,685 |
| Seattle, WA | $167,290 | $145,082 | Physician +$22,208 |
| Austin, TX | $149,404 | $110,879 | Physician +$38,525 |
| Chicago, IL | $144,066 | $108,510 | Physician +$35,556 |
| Boston, MA | $176,632 | $130,390 | Physician +$46,242 |
| London, UK | £107,878 | £77,497 | Physician +$30,381 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$182,745 | CA$135,338 | Physician +$47,407 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Physician Assistant or Genetic Counselor earn more?+
A Physician Assistant earns more on average. The national median salary for a Physician Assistant is $135,880/year, compared to $99,578/year for a Genetic Counselor — a difference of $36,302 (36%).
Which has better career growth — Physician Assistant or Genetic Counselor?+
Physician Assistant roles are growing at 28% YoY while Genetic Counselor demand is growing at 18% YoY. Physician Assistant has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Physician Assistant 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 — Physician Assistant or Genetic Counselor?+
Genetic Counselor has a lower AI automation risk (12% vs 14%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.