HealthcareOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Genetic Counselor Salary in Chicago
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$144,677/yr
Typical range: $135,588 – $159,778
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Genetic Counselor salary by experience level in Chicago
Genetic Counselor Salary Progression in Chicago
From entry-level through staff — based on BLS OEWS percentile data
| Experience Level | Years | Percentile | Annual Salary | Monthly | vs Entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry | 0 yrs | 0 yrs | $79,120 | $6,593 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $97,205 | $8,100 | +23% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $107,754 | $8,980 | +36% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $119,359 | $9,947 | +51% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $144,677 | $12,056 | +83% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $166,379 | $13,865 | +110% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $171,804 | $14,317 | +117% |
Current Salary
$144,677
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $70/hr
Next Level Target
$166,379
Principal · 14
+$22Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
60/100
Good
+18% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Genetic Counselor salary in Chicago, IL?
Staff / Lead Genetic Counselors in Chicago, IL earn approximately $145K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Genetic Counselor make per hour in Chicago, IL?
Based on $145K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $70/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Genetic Counselor in Chicago, IL?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Genetic Counselor in Chicago, IL earns $136K–$160K/yr.