Genetic counselors
SOC Code: 29-9092
Genetic counselors carries a 36% AI exposure score (Medium automation risk), with a median annual wage of $98,910 and +9.3% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 4,000 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
AI Exposure vs Industry Growth
Total occupations tracked
832
Covering all SOC major groups
Data currency
2024
BLS Employment Projections
AI exposure avg
40%
Fleet-wide median across all roles
Composite score weighing O*NET task data completeness, BLS projection methodology, and cross-validation with employer risk grades.
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Genetic counselors (SOC 29-9092) carries an AI exposure score of 36%, placing it in the Medium automation-risk tier. This score is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each task an occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score below 40% reflects tasks anchored in physical dexterity, unstructured environments, or high-touch human interaction that current AI cannot reliably replicate.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 4,000 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a +9.3% change through 2034 — modest growth that keeps the occupation viable even as tasks evolve. Median annual compensation stands at $98,910, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires Master's degree, plus None of related experience.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes Genetic counselors. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure. Pair the AI exposure score with the BLS employment projection and wage percentiles above for a complete career assessment.
Education & Entry Requirements
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 1. Interpret laboratory results and communicate findings to patients or physicians.
- 2. Discuss testing options and the associated risks, benefits and limitations with patients and families to assist them in making informed decisions.
- 3. Analyze genetic information to identify patients or families at risk for specific disorders or syndromes.
- 4. Provide counseling to patient and family members by providing information, education, or reassurance.
- 5. Write detailed consultation reports to provide information on complex genetic concepts to patients or referring physicians.
- 6. Provide genetic counseling in specified areas of clinical genetics, such as obstetrics, pediatrics, oncology and neurology.
- 7. Determine or coordinate treatment plans by requesting laboratory services, reviewing genetics or counseling literature, and considering histories or diagnostic data.
- 8. Interview patients or review medical records to obtain comprehensive patient or family medical histories, and document findings.
- 9. Assess patients' psychological or emotional needs, such as those relating to stress, fear of test results, financial issues, and marital conflicts to make referral recommendations or assist patients in managing test outcomes.
- 10. Provide patients with information about the inheritance of conditions such as cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer's disease, diabetes, and various forms of cancer.
Key Skills Required
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Complex Problem Solving
- Writing
- Speaking
- Critical Thinking
- Active Learning
- Social Perceptiveness
- Science
- Judgment and Decision Making
Knowledge Areas
- Biology
- Psychology
- Medicine and Dentistry
- Therapy and Counseling
- English Language
- Customer and Personal Service
- Mathematics
- Sociology and Anthropology
- Education and Training
- Chemistry
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Genetic counselors?
Genetic counselors has an AI exposure score of 36%, indicating a medium level of automation risk. The majority of tasks in this role require human judgment, creativity, or physical presence that AI cannot easily replicate.
What is the job outlook for Genetic counselors?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Genetic counselors is projected to grow by 9.3% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 4,000 workers.
What skills are needed for Genetic counselors?
Key skills for Genetic counselors include Reading Comprehension, Active Listening, Complex Problem Solving, and others. Typical entry-level education is Master's degree.
How much do Genetic counselors earn?
The median annual wage for Genetic counselors is $98,910, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Actual earnings vary by location, experience, industry, and employer. The BLS publishes detailed wage percentiles by region in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Genetic counselors?
The typical entry-level education for Genetic counselors is Master's degree. Employers generally expect None of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves None. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Genetic counselors?
Genetic counselors roles exist across many industries and employers. Workforce composition is estimated from BLS industry-occupation employment distributions matched to SEC-registered public companies.
AI Exposure Rating
Medium automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. Most tasks require human judgment and are resistant to automation.
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Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).