Respiratory Therapist vs Genetic Counselor: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
Respiratory Therapist
Diagnose and treat patients with breathing disorders and cardiopulmonary issues.
Genetic Counselor
Assess hereditary disease risks and counsel patients on genetic testing options.
Genetic Counselor earns more on average — the national median is $18,105/year (22%) higher than a Respiratory Therapist. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Respiratory Therapist vs Genetic Counselor — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Respiratory Therapist | Genetic Counselor | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $120,057 | $141,022 | Respiratory $20,965 |
| New York, NY | $97,873 | $120,948 | Respiratory $23,075 |
| Seattle, WA | $118,754 | $145,082 | Respiratory $26,328 |
| Austin, TX | $89,357 | $110,879 | Respiratory $21,522 |
| Chicago, IL | $89,921 | $108,510 | Respiratory $18,589 |
| Boston, MA | $108,564 | $130,390 | Respiratory $21,826 |
| London, UK | £61,769 | £77,497 | Respiratory $15,728 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$110,580 | CA$135,338 | Respiratory $24,758 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Respiratory Therapist or Genetic Counselor earn more?+
A Genetic Counselor earns more on average. The national median salary for a Respiratory Therapist is $81,473/year, compared to $99,578/year for a Genetic Counselor — a difference of $18,105 (22%).
Which has better career growth — Respiratory Therapist or Genetic Counselor?+
Respiratory Therapist roles are growing at 14% YoY while Genetic Counselor demand is growing at 18% YoY. Genetic Counselor has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Respiratory Therapist 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 — Respiratory Therapist or Genetic Counselor?+
Genetic Counselor has a lower AI automation risk (12% vs 15%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.