A geneticist researches genes and heredity to understand how traits pass between organisms and how genetic changes affect health and disease. The work is research-driven, requires advanced study, and opens doors to discovery in medicine and biotechnology.
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Geneticists study DNA, genes, and inheritance patterns to understand how organisms develop and function. You analyze genetic data, document findings, and solve complex problems about how traits and diseases are inherited. The work involves staying current with rapidly evolving research, reading scientific literature, and communicating results through writing and presentations. You may work in laboratories, universities, hospitals, or biotech companies, using specialized equipment and computational tools to process and interpret genetic information.
Core work activities
Career video courtesy of CareerOneStop.
Geneticists earn a median of $98,920 a year, based on 2025 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and location.
The outlook is modest. Employment is projected to grow 1 percent from 2024 to 2034, little or no change for all occupations, with about 4,800 openings a year.
Top skills
Knowledge areas
This career requires a doctoral degree in genetics, biology, or a related field. You will start with a bachelor's degree in biology or chemistry, then pursue graduate study that includes coursework in genetics, molecular biology, and research methods. During graduate school, you conduct original research and develop expertise in analyzing genetic data. Many geneticists complete postdoctoral fellowships to specialize further before moving into independent research or applied roles in medicine or industry.
The main route is earning a doctoral degree after your bachelor's degree, which typically takes five to seven years of graduate study. Since the path is long and demanding, Pathly can map the geneticist path that fits you with your counselor to map out the steps and stay on track toward this research career.
Many geneticists must be licensed, and professional certifications can strengthen your resume.
Common certifications
Licensing is handled at the state level and the requirements vary, so check the licensing board in your state. Pathly shows your state's specific steps inside your roadmap.
You are drawn to investigative work that involves deep analysis and problem-solving. You enjoy reading, learning continuously, and thinking critically about complex scientific questions.
Reading about a career is the easy part. Turning it into a plan is where most students get stuck. Pathly takes you from curious to a clear next step, and gives your counselor the insight to champion you along the way.
Start with a quick quiz and assessments that surface your personality, your EQ, and what really motivates you, so your next steps are built around who you actually are.
Your free AI guide weighs this career against your strengths and goals, and surfaces the colleges, trades, and scholarships that match, so you know if it truly fits before you commit.
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Last updated July 1, 2026.
Data sources. Career details from the O*NET 30.3 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under CC BY 4.0. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Salary and outlook figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2025 wages; 2024–2034 projections), delivered via the CareerOneStop API. Certification, licensing, wage, and outlook data from CareerOneStop, sponsored by USDOL/ETA and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED).