Registered Nurse vs Genetic Counselor: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
Registered Nurse
Provide patient care, administer medications, and support physicians.
Genetic Counselor
Assess hereditary disease risks and counsel patients on genetic testing options.
Genetic Counselor earns more on average — the national median is $2,028/year (2%) higher than a Registered Nurse. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Registered Nurse vs Genetic Counselor — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Registered Nurse | Genetic Counselor | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $138,630 | $141,022 | Registered $2,392 |
| New York, NY | $115,773 | $120,948 | Registered $5,175 |
| Seattle, WA | $138,867 | $145,082 | Registered $6,215 |
| Austin, TX | $107,039 | $110,879 | Registered $3,840 |
| Chicago, IL | $102,780 | $108,510 | Registered $5,730 |
| Boston, MA | $129,765 | $130,390 | Registered $625 |
| London, UK | £52,037 | £77,497 | Registered $25,460 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$94,614 | CA$135,338 | Registered $40,724 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Registered Nurse or Genetic Counselor earn more?+
A Genetic Counselor earns more on average. The national median salary for a Registered Nurse is $97,550/year, compared to $99,578/year for a Genetic Counselor — a difference of $2,028 (2%).
Which has better career growth — Registered Nurse or Genetic Counselor?+
Registered Nurse roles are growing at 6% YoY while Genetic Counselor demand is growing at 18% YoY. Genetic Counselor has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Registered Nurse 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 — Registered Nurse or Genetic Counselor?+
Genetic Counselor has a lower AI automation risk (12% vs 15%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.