Genetics Technology: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Genetics Technology is a specialized field focused on the analysis of human genetic material to support medical research, disease diagnosis, and targeted therapies. This program equips students with the technical and scientific expertise needed to contribute to advancements in personalized medicine, oncology, and transplant medicine through precise genomic evaluation.
- Chromosome analysis: The systematic examination of chromosomal structure and number to identify abnormalities linked to genetic disorders and developmental conditions.
- Fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH): A laboratory technique that uses fluorescent probes to detect and localize specific DNA sequences on chromosomes, aiding in the diagnosis of genetic diseases and cancer markers.
- Molecular genetic techniques: Advanced laboratory methods such as PCR, DNA sequencing, and gene cloning used to study genetic variation, mutations, and inheritance patterns at the molecular level.
- Cytotechnology: The study and analysis of cellular morphology, particularly in the context of identifying abnormal or cancerous cells through microscopic evaluation of tissue samples.
- Photomicrography: The precise imaging of microscopic specimens, enabling accurate documentation and analysis of cellular and chromosomal structures for diagnostic and research purposes.
Genetics Technology Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Genetics Technology Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Genetics Technology degrees, including Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 229,720 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1071 | $105,620 | $51,760 - $239,200 | 229,720 | N/A |
Genetics Technology Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $48,090 in Hawaii to $178,830 in Arkansas—a 272% difference. The highest-paying states include Arkansas, District of Columbia, and Utah. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 229,720 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Genetics Technology by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 2 institutions offering Genetics Technology programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Genetics Technology is found at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center (MD Anderson) (32 graduates), and Northern Michigan University (NMU) (3 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 35 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center (MD Anderson) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
32 | Houston, Texas | Public | mdanderson.org |
| Northern Michigan University (NMU) |
Master's
|
3 | Marquette, Michigan | Public | nmu.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Genetics Technology programs
How much can I earn with a Genetics Technology degree?
Salaries for Genetics Technology graduates vary by role and location. Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary earn a median of $105,620 annually. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in Arkansas average $178,830 compared to $48,090 in Hawaii. Approximately 229,720 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Genetics Technology programs?
Currently 2 accredited institutions offer Genetics Technology degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center (MD Anderson) (32 graduates), Northern Michigan University (NMU) (3 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Genetics Technology growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have decreased over the past decade, rising from 57 in 2010 to a peak of 64 in 2020, before declining slightly to 35 in 2023-24. This represents a 39% decrease overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with consistent demand, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a Genetics Technology degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary. Related occupations employ approximately 229,720 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
Related Health Programs
Explore similar degree programs within the Health field. These programs share the same academic discipline and may offer complementary skills and career pathways.
Radiologic Technology
A program that prepares individuals, under the supervision of physicians, to provide medical imaging services to patients and attending health care professionals. Includes...
Physician Assistant
A program that prepares individuals to practice medicine, including diagnoses and treatment therapies, under the supervision of a physician. Includes instruction in the...
Athletic Training
A program that prepares individuals to work in consultation with, and under the supervision of physicians to prevent and treat sports injuries and...
Genetic Therapy
A program that focuses on the application of genetics to the therapeutic treatment of diseases and inherited abnormalities through the targeted modification of...
Cardiopulmonary Technology
A program that prepares individuals, under the supervision of physicians and nurses, to perform both cardiovascular and pulmonary diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. Includes...
Radiation Protection Technician
A program that prepares individuals, under the supervision of health physicists, occupational safety and health specialists, and public health officials, to monitor and...