11 Medical Genetics Jobs (With Salaries and Duties)

Medical genetics is an important part of health care because it helps professionals discover and treat hereditary conditions in patients and their families. Professionals in this field use their critical thinking, teamwork, innovation and analytical skills to help them make diagnose and create treatment plans for various conditions. If you want to pursue a career in medical genetics, learning about common jobs in the field and their primary responsibilities can help you determine which one is right for you. 

In this article, we discuss medical genetics and list 11 medical genetics jobs you can consider pursuing.

What is medical genetics?

Medical genetics is the study and treatment of medical conditions that most commonly are hereditary. The practice of medical genetics focuses on patients and helping them discover certain genetic conditions and allowing them to cope with or treat them, if possible. Some medical geneticists concentrate their work on a specific group of patients, including children, adults or older adults, to identify any significant ailments or diseases that might present themselves in their genes at a certain age.

Related: 8 Types of Master's in Genetics Degrees You Can Consider

11 medical genetics jobs to consider

Here's a list of 11 common jobs in medical genetics, including some in related fields you can pursue with a medical genetics degree or education. For the most up-to-date salary information from Indeed, click the salary links.

1. Clinical laboratory scientist

National average salary: $23,562 per year

Primary duties: Clinical laboratory scientists work in labs to analyze a variety of biological samples, conduct scientific tests and report results to physicians and other medical professionals. Laboratory geneticists perform tests to learn more about genetic disorders that individuals inherit or acquire. They often work in a variety of medical facilities and fields, including the biotechnology industry, medical centers and reference laboratories.

Read more: Learn About Being a Laboratory Scientist

2. Genetic counselor

National average salary: $32,806 per year

Primary duties: Genetic counselors use their skills and knowledge to combine the medical work of genetics with the practice of mental health counseling. Throughout their career, they often work with patients and families to test them for genetic risks, educate them on genetic ailments or diseases and help interpret genetic testing results. Genetic counselors may also use their skills to help patients understand and manage serious or life-altering genetic conditions.

3. Genetic counselor assistant

National average salary: $36,557 per year

Primary duties: Genetic counselor assistants help genetic counselors with their daily responsibilities by performing essential administrative tasks and interacting with patients. They often help schedule patient appointments, organize medical information or forms and assist patients in filling out billing and insurance information. Genetic counselor assistants also may help counselors test new products and ensure all equipment is up to date and functional. Some aspiring genetic counselors pursue the genetic counselor assistant position to learn more about the field and gain experience.

4. Clinical research coordinator

National average salary: $40,381 per year

Primary duties: Clinical research coordinators supervise drug trials and medical research to ensure they operate correctly. During their workday, they might oversee the work of other researchers, ensure all research meets safety regulations and help find additional funding for the research. Working as a clinical research coordinator for the medical genetics field can allow individuals to supervise the work of researchers who study genetic conditions and find unique and creative ways to treat them.

5. Forensic scientist

National average salary: $61,789 per year

Primary duties: Forensic scientists use their knowledge and skills to help investigators with theories about a crime scene. They often examine evidence, conduct thorough research and perform experiments to determine whether someone committed a crime and how they did it. Because of their work with DNA and scientific evidence, a degree in genetics or a related education can help individuals perform the duties of a forensic scientist and effectively fulfill the role.

6. Epidemiologist

National average salary: $72,516 per year

Primary duties: An epidemiologist studies disease outbreaks and how viruses affect certain communities or locations. They also work to find the most effective ways to prevent outbreaks or minimize the dangers and spread of current diseases. Epidemiologists work to maintain public health and inform people about the best ways to practice preventative care for viruses and outbreaks. Individuals who study medical genetics can use their skills and knowledge to study and research how viruses affect individuals with certain genes and determine ways to use that information for the public's benefit.

7. Research scientist

National average salary: $79,026 per year

Primary duties: A research scientist works in a variety of fields to perform experiments and learn important information about a subject. Scientists working in medical genetics might perform experiments to better understand certain genetic conditions, how to identify them and how to treat them. Research scientists might perform their duties in government facilities, universities and institutions or private businesses, conducting research on their own or with groups of other scientists.

8. Clinical research associate

National average salary: $80,128 per year

Primary duties: Clinical research associates study and test drugs to determine whether they're safe for consumption and effective. During their workday, they might develop trial protocols, consult with doctors and consultants on the trial's effectiveness and train on-site staff so they know how to conduct the trial and what to observe. Clinical research associates who work in the medical genetics field help design, create and study different drugs and treatments for varying genetic conditions to improve the lives of many individuals.

9. Medical sales executive

National average salary: $82,876 per year

Primary duties: A medical sales executive helps companies and businesses sell their medical products, medication and equipment using their knowledge of the medical field and its necessities. They often meet with doctors to talk about their products, follow up on potential sales leads and research competitors' medication to determine their market performance. Those with experience in medical genetics, specifically in clinical research, can use their skills and expertise to understand the medical field better and effectively sell products to hospitals and other health care facilities.

10. Pharmacologist

National average salary: $101,614 per year

Primary duties: Pharmacologists use their understanding of living organisms to learn how their bodies interact with chemicals and other substances. Pharmacologists often work with other medical researchers to develop new pharmaceutical products by creating, testing and evaluating different drugs or medications. Some individuals might study genetic pharmacology, which focuses on how individuals interact with drugs and other substances based on their genetic makeup. Through a better understanding of a patient's genes, doctors can better determine or predict how people may react to certain medications.

Read more: Learn About Being a Pharmacologist

11. Biotech consultant

National average salary: $174,361 per year

Primary duties: Biotech consultants work with companies and organizations to help them make important decisions in areas like technology, safety and the environment. These consultants help businesses navigate any decisions they're trying to make and assist them when implementing changes to the company's products or processes. People with medical genetics experience can use their expertise and understanding of medical equipment and procedures in a biotech consultant position because many consultants perform their duties for companies in the medical field or industry.