What companies hire geneticists?

Companies in higher education, healthcare, and technology hire geneticists. Most often, geneticists hold at least a bachelor's degree, and many hold master's degrees and even doctorates, depending on their specific positions. People who are interested in working in research and education can choose to get a doctorate in genetics and teach at universities.

How To Become A Geneticist: What It Is and Career Path

What is a geneticist and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

3 min read

Quoted Expert

Dr. Yanhai Yin Ph.D.

Genetics is the field of biology that concentrates on genes, genetic variation, and heredity. Geneticists study how these genes are inherited, activated, or mutated. They also scrutinize how genes affect health, diseases, and the environment.

There are several specialties and subspecialties in the field of genetics, and training varies for each. Medical geneticists, for example, are trained to counsel and diagnose patients with genetic disorders and are required to complete an eighteen-month residency training program.

On the other hand, a physician's license is also required for medical or clinical geneticists since they are trained to treat and diagnose genetic disorders. To be certified as a geneticist, you must complete an accredited clinical residency program and an accredited laboratory fellowship.

What general advice would you give to a Geneticist?

Dr. Yanhai Yin Ph.D.

Professor and Chair, Iowa State University

Genetics is of fundamental importance to our society. As always, genetic studies will address issues related to human health, agriculture, and environmental sustainability. Genetics will continue guiding many aspects of fundamental biological research. I hope that you will use your knowledge well, and often, in the future, no matter what you will be working on.

ScoreGeneticistUS Average

Salary

4.8

Avg. Salary $61,396

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability Level

5.7

Growth Rate 17%

Growth Rate 0.3%

Diversity

5.1

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.58%

Asian 11.13%

Black or African American 2.31%

Hispanic or Latino 6.35%

Unknown 4.95%

White 74.69%

Gender

female 33.33%

male 66.67%

Age - 39

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 39

Stress Level

5.7

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity Level

10.0

Complexity Level is advanced

7 - challenging

Work Life Balance

4.8

Work Life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become a geneticist

Explore geneticist education requirements

Most common geneticist degrees

Bachelor's

45.0 %

Doctorate

27.5 %

Master's

20.0 %

Start to develop specific geneticist skills

Skills	Percentages
Development Process	28.50%
PCR	22.52%
Disease Resistance	18.01%
Genetic Data	15.53%
Genetic Analysis	15.44%

Complete relevant geneticist training and internships

Accountants spend an average of 6-12 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New geneticists learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a geneticist based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real geneticist resumes.

Research geneticist duties and responsibilities

Assist in design and set-up of SNP analysis system on Linux computer.
Design and test PCR primers; improve PCR techniques for maximum yield from primers.
Specialize in a number of genomics projects particularly in the creation of low- and high-density SNP chips and their analysis.
Perform radioactive PCR and polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis for SSR discovery.

Apply for geneticist jobs

Now it's time to start searching for a geneticist job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

Browse job boards for relevant postings
Consult your professional network
Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
Watch out for job scams

How do geneticists rate their job?