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Geneticist

💰 Earn $84K-$148K
📚 Master Degree
⏱️ 48 Month Training
📈 1.2% Job Growth
  • Unlock the secrets of life by exploring the blueprint of living organisms.
  • Drive medical advancements by understanding and treating genetic disorders.
  • Discover the fascinating world of genes and their role in evolution and health.
Geneticist
What Geneticists DoResearch and study the inheritance of traits at the molecular, organism or population level. May evaluate or treat patients with genetic disorders.
  • Supervise or direct the work of other geneticists, biologists, technicians, or biometricians working on genetics research projects.
  • Plan or conduct basic genomic and biological research related to areas such as regulation of gene expression, protein interactions, metabolic networks, and nucleic acid or protein complexes.
  • Prepare results of experimental findings for presentation at professional conferences or in scientific journals.
  • Maintain laboratory notebooks that record research methods, procedures, and results.
  • Write grants and papers or attend fundraising events to seek research funds.
Geneticists Education, Salary, and Growth
Minimum EducationMaster Degree
Career ProspectsExcellent (Increasing by 5% or more)
Training TimeOver 4 years
Job Openings4,800 Annually
Median Earnings
$112,010 in California
$93,330 Nationally

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Real Talk Reel

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Is This Career Right For You?
YOU Like
  • Being creative or artistic
  • Thinking and problem solving
  • Working with my hands
you value
  • Accomplishing things
  • Having freedom
  • Receiving recognition
you are skilled in
  • Active Learning
  • Active Listening
  • Science
  • Speaking
  • Writing
  • Reading Comprehension
Go Deeper: Geneticists Explained
GeneticistExplore career pathways, key skills, and what each role has to offer.
How Do You Train for This Career?

Learn about the education and training paths that can lead to this career — and what to expect from each one.

Bachelor's DegreeA bachelor's degree typically results in increased knowledge about a variety of academic subjects, specialized knowledge in a focused field of study, and is considered the foundational qualification for many careers.
🎓 College
⏱️ Finish in 4-5+ years
Hybrid CollegeA hybrid college combines online learning with the student support typically offered on college campuses, giving students flexibility and accessibility while still providing a comprehensive educational experience.
🎓 College
⏱️ Finish in 2-5 years
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Updated April 2026. Data sourced from O*NET and Bureau of Labor Statistics.
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Geneticist | Explore this Career