While becoming a nurse can be a great career for many people, many nurses are looking for ways to make more money.
Fortunately there are many side jobs for nurses looking to make some extra cash during their free time – some of which can pay more than your full time job!
Whether you're looking to pay off some debt, or save for retirement, there's sure to be a side job perfect for you.
With 45% of people working a side hustle, there's no reason not to join them on your path towards financial freedom.
In this post, I'll explore some of the best side jobs and side hustles for nurses, how to get started, and how much money you could make. Let's get started.
- Telehealth nursing
- CPR instructor
- Blogging
- Course creator
45 Best Side Hustles for Nurses to Make Extra Cash
These are the best side jobs for a registered nurse in need of a side hustle. You can easily earn some extra cash by taking on any of these roles in your spare time.
You might find something that you love doing on the side of your nursing career.
Telehealth Nursing
A telehealth nurse delivers care over the phone or computer, rather than in person. This job would allow you to earn extra money without leaving your home (which is very convenient for many nurses). It also keeps you safe from interacting with sick patients directly throughout your day.
As a telehealth nurse, you would complete tasks such as:
- Take patient calls via a video service or phone
- Recommend them a course of action with their illness
- Assess situations based on symptoms and injuries
A telehealth nurse is slightly different than being a normal nurse, and it will help you make some extra money in the process. Telehealth nurses make about $72,000 full-time, so you can earn a good sum even if it is not your main source of income.
Medical Transcriptionist
A certified medical transcriptionist takes a recording that is made by a medical professional and converts it into writing. They also correct documents that are created with voice recognition software to see if everything appears to be correct within the paper.
As a registered medical transcriptionist, you will make around $30,000 a year full-time, so even if you are a part-time medical transcriptionist you would still earn quite a bit.
First Aid Instructor
If you want to stay in the nursing field with your side hustle, you can look into becoming a first aid instructor.
Many people are required to take a first aid course during their life, especially if they are going into a new job. You have the nursing skills that would allow you to teach this course well.
Being a first aid instructor is a simple job. You will:
- Provide a training course for students to master first aid basics
- Administer tests to monitor mastery of the course
- Give out certifications to those who pass
On average, this type of instructor will make around $57,000. A part-time instructor might make about half of that if they put the work in. All you need to do is get a learning certificate from the Red Cross and you are good to go.
Phlebotomist
A phlebotomist is someone who is involved with the drawing of blood, something which many nurses are already skilled at.
This means if you're a nurse and you're looking for a side hustle that is in a similar field, this could be a perfect option for you.
A phlebotomist will:
- Draw blood from various patients
- Keep track of data
- Perform screenings
You have all of the training that you need, so you can simply shadow a phlebotomist in preparation for this job. Part-time phlebotomists make about $20 per hour according to Indeed, so it's a pretty decent side job that's perfect for nurses.
CPR Instructor
A CPR instructor is a natural fit for those in the nursing profession that need some extra money. It's a format of health coaching that many companies require for their employees, so you know that there will always be some kind of work out there for you.
In your day as an instructor, you would:
- Educate groups on CPR
- Demonstrate basic safety skills
- Distribute certificates accordingly
A CPR instructor will make about the same as a first aid instructor. Often, the roles are combined into one. You can often create your own hours, teaching during the week or on the weekend if you would prefer. Again, all you need to do is get a certification and you are good to go.
Participate in Medical Studies
By participating in medical studies, you can play a role in improving healthcare for yourself and others while earning money on the side.
Depending on the study you participate in, your compensation can range from less than $50 to over $1,000 for longer studies that require more work.
The best thing about participating in medical studies as a nurse is that you can often work around your current schedule, and you don’t have to give up your full-time job making it a perfect side job for any nurse.
Studies are often conducted by pharmaceutical companies, universities, and research centers.
To find medical studies near you, start by searching online or contacting your local hospitals and clinics.
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Deliver for DoorDash
Doordash is a great side hustle for nurses because you can set your own schedule and work the hours you want.
This means if you work long nights, you can make some extra cash by picking up a few shifts during the day delivering food.
With this delivery side hustle you can earn up to $25 per hour, making it a great way to make some extra money.
You can make $500 a week or more with Doordash making it worth your time to get started. Create your account below to get started!
Deliver Groceries
Delivering groceries is another excellent method to make extra money as a nurse.
By using an app like Instacart, you can earn up to $25 per hour delivering groceries to people in your area.
By using this driving app you can make $500 a week or more.
Part-Time Caregiver
Part-time caregivers work with an individual who is stuck inside their home due to their health.
While it might seem like a regular nursing job, it is not. Part-time caregiver jobs are focused on a single person's quality of life. They don't take up a ton of your time, and you will be changing an individual's entire world while you earn extra money.
You will essentially be an in-home nurse, helping the patient with whatever they need. Staffing agencies will pay around $27,000.
Camp Nurse
Camp nurses typically only work during the summer, though some locations are in need of medical help all year long. This side job is typically pretty simple. You will be stationed at a campsite, and you will need to:
- Understand basic first aid
- Administer bandages and various ointments
- Be able to contact the hospital if there is are health concerns out of your expertise
A camp nurse is a little more laid-back than that of a hospital nurse, providing necessary healthcare services to a younger audience. This position also works well if you have a child that will be in camp at the same time. Camp nurses make around $40,000, so it's a pretty solid side hustle.
Medical Coding
As a medical coder, you will enter various textual information into a computer as code. Often, this includes patient data. All you need to do is complete a short, one-year certificate and you will be qualified to perform this task.
A medical coder can make around $37,000 a year, so it's a great source of extra cash. It's a job quickly rising in demand, so if you think you have the skills for this position you should take it on.
Sell Stock Photos
Another great side job that some nurses might consider is stock photography.
Selling stock photos can be an awesome way to make passive income if you have some basic photography skills or you're willing to learn.
There are many stock photo sites that will pay you cash for each photo you sell, making this a lucrative side hustle for nurses and anyone with a passion for taking photos.
It's possible to earn hundreds of dollars each month with this side job – so check out this post if you're interested!
Immunization Nurse
Flu season brings about the need for flu shots. Many nurses are needed to administer those vaccines to prevent the spread of disease, which leaves nursing jobs available for those that need them. Often these are part-time, which is ideal for you.
This side job could potentially earn you around $57,000 a year, so if you only do it for a season you will be earning a good amount. Flu vaccines will always be around.
Blogging
Blogging is a great side hustle for nurses looking to make extra cash. While it won't begin making money overnight, over time it can become a tremendous income stream for your finances.
The cost to start a blog, making it a great side hustle idea for nurses who don't want to spend a fortune to get started.
You'll need to purchase a domain name and hosting to get started. I recommend using Namecheap to secure your domain and SiteGround for hosting. These are some of the most affordable and highest rated services you can use to start your blog.
You might be thinking “But I'm not an expert writer!” and the good news is that you don't have to be!
As long as you can produce quality content that your audience wants to read, you'll be successful.
There are plenty of types of blogs you can start. Check out my post on how to start a blog to get started!
Course Creator
As a registered nurse, you have a vast amount of knowledge. You might be able to turn this knowledge into various classes, which you can either sell or teach online to earn extra cash.
There are many benefits of this digital side hustle including:
- The ability to work from anywhere in the world
- Unlimited income potential
- No set schedule
This can be one of the best side jobs for nurses because of how lucrative it can be. The passive income you generate from your courses can be extraordinary.
Some course creators have made millions of dollars from their efforts making it a worthwhile endeavor if you're looking for a serious side hustle.
And it's easier to get started than you think thanks to the help of platforms like Podia or Teachable.
So if you're looking for a digital way to make some extra money as a nurse, consider creating and selling online courses. Check out the video below for more info!
Start a YouTube Channel
Starting a YouTube channel can be a great passive side hustle for nurses looking to make some extra money.
With this type of content creation, you need to be comfortable with video and have some basic editing skills.
You don't need to be an expert, but a little bit of knowledge will go a long way.
The best part about YouTube is that once you create the content, it can continue to make money for months or even years down the road as long as people watch it.
And you can create a channel about anything, it doesn't necessarily have to be centered around nursing.
For example, there are many popular channels that review products, give fashion tips, or even show people how to cook.
So if you have an interests outside of nursing, consider starting a YouTube channel as a way to make some extra money.
Did I mention that some YouTubers can make millions? Yep, it's possible if you're willing to put in the time and effort.
While this certainly isn't the standard, it's not unheard of for people with large followings to make a full-time income from their channel so maybe this will give you some motivation if you're tired of working as a nurse!
Start a Podcast
Podcasting is another great way to make money in your spare time by creating content.
With this side hustle, you'll need to be comfortable talking on the microphone and have some basic editing skills.
Like YouTube, once you create the content, it can continue to make money for months or even years to come.
Podcasts are great because you can do them from anywhere in the world and there are many different topics you can choose from.
You could even start a podcast about nursing if you're looking for something related to your career.
The amount of money you can make with a podcast will depend on several factors like the number of listeners you have and the sponsorships you can secure.
But some podcasters make over $6k a month from their hobby!
So if you're looking for a fun way to make some extra money, consider starting a podcast.
Nurse Educator
A nurse educator prepares nurses for entry into nursing jobs. In this position, you will create a curriculum and act as an advisor or role model for incoming nurses. Being a nurse educator works best if you are a veteran of the field.
On average, a nurse educator will earn around $80,000 full-time. This might even be a position that you could transfer into full-time.
Freelance Health Writer
If you have any form of writing ability, you can turn that into a side job online.
Many companies need healthcare writing for their sites to grow. If you know how to market yourself properly, you can get noticed by these groups and earn extra cash with your words.
There are many, many companies and websites looking for freelance writers and specifically healthcare writers. You can easily work from home and earn a decent amount in your spare time.
Nurse writers are people whose skills are highly in-demand making it one of the best side jobs for nurses who like to write.
Birth Doula
A birth doula uses their nursing background to direct mothers through the birthing process in a natural way outside of the hospital. In this position, you will offer help leading up to the birth and then be present for the actual event.
Birth doulas often serve as a sort of nurse health coach. It is your duty to ensure that the mom you are caring for is empowered with the knowledge of what is happening to her. Full-time, you can earn around $45,000 a year.
Maternal Care Provider
You can take on maternal care as a nursing side hustle. This involves caring for mothers in all stages of pregnancy, from pre-birth to the care that comes after. Often, you will provide education for mothers in need of a little help.
Helping in maternal care brings about an average pay that differs based on what form of maternal care you are taking on. It's a great side hustle, especially if it can be done in the same hospital that you nurse within.
Nurse Tutoring
Nurses still in school may be struggling with their work. Tutoring is one of those side jobs that can be done from virtually anywhere. You can work on campus, from your own home, and even online.
Tutors are most often paid by the hour, so you can charge what you feel is right. Often this number lands around $25. You can pick what you want based on what you need for your financial future.
Travel Nurse
A travel nurse moves from place to place to help those that are just out of reach or cannot leave their homes for healthcare.
These registered nurses move to different locations and help out a variety of different people. You will need to be comfortable moving your equipment around, but the pay can be excellent.
The average pay for a travel nurse falls around $117,490. This can be a great side hustle if you are already on the move and have the credentials of a registered nurse.
Medical Survey Taker
You can take surveys to earn money if you don't mind spending a lot of time at the computer searching for good ones. Though medical surveys do not pay as much as other side jobs, they are one of the few side hustles of nurses that can be done from home.
You can look for medical surveys on various websites. They should be easy enough to find. You could potentially earn up to $36,000 a year if you work at it.
Health Coach
A health coach assists individuals in making lifestyle changes that improve their overall well-being. You work with individuals to help them select better food and lifestyle choices that will improve their health.
As a health coach, you might also:
- Perform an evaluation of a patient
- Provide guidelines for their life
- Create personalized health plans
You likely have all of the skills that you need to take on this position. At an average salary of $48,000 a year, it's a pretty solid form of extra income.
Selling Your Scrubs
Nurse scrubs can be worth a lot of money. Whenever you go through a pair, if it is in decent condition you may be able to sell them online for a good sum of money. You just need to wash them and ensure that they are fit enough for another person to wear in the future.
Once you have your cleaned, used scrubs, you can post them on marketplace locations or sell them in person. This won't bring in too much extra income, but it is a good way to ensure a little more pay.
Dog Walker
Though dog walking is not the most glamorous job on this list, it will bring in extra income. You can walk dogs in the morning, afternoon, or whenever you are free. You can even set your own hours and have customers bring their dogs to you within that time period.
It's a simple job. all you need to do to succeed is get the pup from point a to point b without issue. On average, a full-time dog walker will have an average pay of about $27,000 a year. Even if you are only doing it part-time, you should be able to make a good chunk of cash.
Babysitter
Babysitting is, like dog walking, not a glamorous job. However, it is often easy and takes place at night. This gives you a way to earn extra money without working too hard after your shift.
Your profession as a registered nurse may come in handy, as some parents might prefer knowing that you have that kind of training. You can most often find these jobs through family or friends.
Freelance Article Writer
If you know how to write, you don't have to be a freelance writer for a specific genre. We talked about health writing, but you can also take on freelance writing by doing a style that you enjoy. This can include sports, nature, or even animals. If you can write, there is someone who will take your articles.
Freelance writing is easy to start on various websites targeted towards freelancers. You can market yourself on these, showcasing your skills, and you will quickly draw in customers. If you're really good, you can make around $60,000 a year.
Survey Taker
You can take an online survey to bring in extra cash. These are often about any topic you could think of, with many offering between $5-$50 a survey. It's not a lot, but this is one of those side jobs that can be done at any point in your day.
Taking online surveys is as simple as making an account on a website and linking a format of payment. You can do some research to see which ones are trustworthy beforehand.
Proofreader
Proofreading can be a great side hustle for nurses or anyone with a strong attention to detail.
They work to find errors in grammar, sentence structure, or punctuation in a variety of materials.
This can be health-related, such as with medical transcription, but it can also be for books or articles that are published online.
Proofreaders can earn over $22 an hour, which is pretty good for a job done in your free time. It's also one of the highest paying side hustles, making it a great side job for nurses.
If you're not sure where to start, I recommend taking a look at the Proofread Anywhere course to learn everything necessary to build a profitable proofreading business including how to start proofreading, how to find clients, and more!
Painter
If you're good at painting, you should capitalize off of it. You can make an account on Etsy and sell your work to those who are willing to buy it.
All you need to make this happen is:
- A computer
- Paint
- Canvases
- Brushes
- A way to ship
You're all set with these items. Create, post, and wait for someone to show interest. Then, you can ship it to them and earn some money.
Jewelry Maker
A jewelry maker is in the same realm as a painter. You make your jewelry, take pictures, and post it to a site like Etsy. Customers can buy these items from you and you will ship them to them.
Jewelry making is especially profitable if you make creative pieces. Try to put your own unique spin on necklaces and earrings to ensure business.
Copywriter
Copywriters are slightly different than other forms of writers in that they work with shorter form content like advertising headlines, taglines, and social media posts.
This is a great side job for nurses because you can do it from anywhere in the world, and the pay can be great if you have the skills.
Some professional copywriters can make over $75,000 a year according to PayScale!
Selling Your Stuff
If you have more stuff than you need, you can take the time to sell it online to others who may want it. Look for clothes, games, and even movies that you do not want. There is someone out there who will take it.
The best places to sell online include:
- eBay
- Craigslist
- Amazon
You can sell a little bit at a time, or go for it all at once. The better your images look, the more you will sell.
Work as a Travel Agent
Working as a travel agent is a fun way to make money in your spare time. Many of them work from home, so you don't need to go to a special office. As a travel agent, you will:
- Recommend locations
- Help families budget
- Locate fun things to do
- Find flights
This is a great job that can pay for travel and an excellent side hustle for nurses who enjoy travel.
The pay for travel agents can also be lucrative. According to Indeed, the average salary is just under $44,000.
Virtual Assistant
Working as a virtual assistant is a tremendous opportunity to make money while working from home during your spare time.
There's not always a set schedule, and you can work as much or as little as you want.
So what do virtual assistants do?
They can complete a variety of tasks ranging from updating website info, to posting on social media, or sending marketing emails.
Best of all, you don't have to be an expert in any field to get started – all you need is a willingness to learn, some basic computer skills, and an internet connection!
Another perk of this side hustle is the pay.
Virtual assistants can make anywhere between $15 and over $25 per hour depending on your skills and experience.
This Reddit user sets rates at $25 per hour.
For example, I know some VAs that charge over $60 per hour for basic web development!
If you're ready to become a VA but aren't sure where to start, I recommend checking out Carrie's Virtual Assistant Accelerator program to learn everything you need to know to grow a profitable business.
Airbnb or VRBO Host
If you own a home and want to earn some extra cash, consider renting some of it out on Airbnb or VRBO.
All you need to do is make an account and keep a clean space for your visitors.
The amount you can make will depend on several factors including the location of your listing, the size of your space, and the amenities you provide.
For instance, if you have space in New York City – you can make much more than a space in Orlando, Florida.
It's possible to make an extra $3000 a month for some people!
Social Media Influencer
If you have a large following on Instagram, you can become an influencer. All you need to do is monetize yourself and post often. If brands can get more business through your posts, they will pay you generously.
Though you need to post often, being an influencer is a great way to earn passive income. The bigger you get, the more brands will reach out to you rather than the other way around.
Driver for Uber
Uber is an easy job to take on. If you have a car, you can become an Uber driver. All you need to do is sign up on the app and pass a safety assessment. From there you are good to go.
Uber jobs can be taken on your own time. It's a flexible job that can bring you a decent chunk of money in your free time.
Manage Social Media
If you are experienced in social media, you can be a social media manager. In this job, you will have a client and you will:
- Curate their brand
- Ensure that what they post works
- Post for them on the occasion
A social media manager can make around $50,000 if they are good. This job is also great because it can be done right from your phone. You can also use social media platforms to make money yourself.
Clean Houses
Cleaning houses is not a glamorous job, but it is straightforward and needed by a lot of people. As a house cleaner, you will:
- Clean floors
- Scrub counters
- Polish furniture
A house cleaner can make $14 an hour, so if you do it on the weekends you should be able to bring in a decent amount of cash. If you're good at cleaning, this should be easy to do.
Write an eBook
Not everybody can write, but if you can, it is super easy to publish an ebook online. You can create a creative novel, or you can write what you know from nursing. Once it's done you can publish directly through Amazon.
Writing a book is a hard way to make money. However, if it is a hit on Amazon, you will make money based on advertisements and how many people buy it. It's worth a shot if you have a passion.
Washing Cars
Washing cars could be a great way for you to earn money in your spare time. In the hotter months, many are on the lookout for a cheap way to get their cars clean. You could easily profit from this.
You can reasonably charge between $20-$25 a wash. This will bring in an extra sum of money that you can put into emergency savings.
Professor
Registered nurses can make excellent part time professors at community colleges and other schools.
Some nursing schools are always on the search for nurses and other healthcare professionals that understand medical terminology.
As a professor you'll need to teach nursing students proper methods to give flu shots, care for patients, and much more.
Because this side job only requires you to work when school is in session, it is one of my favorite side hustles for nurses to grow their income.
How Can a Nurse Make Extra Money from Home?
If you're looking for a digital side hustle, some of the best ideas include:
- Take surveys online with Swagbucks or SurveyJunkie
- Sell digital products on Etsy
- Start a blog
- Sell online courses
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Passive Income Ideas for Nurses
If you're looking to make passive income as a nurse, some of the best ideas include:
- Invest in real estate with Fundrise
- Invest in the stock market with Acorns
- Start a podcast
- Start a YouTube channel
- Write a book
Final Thoughts on the Best Side Jobs for Nurses
There are many side hustles for nurses that make sense for a variety of reasons depending on how much money you want to make. By picking up a few side hustles during your time off, you can make some extra money to pad your budget.
If you're a registered nurse and need a side hustle to boost your income you might try medical transcription, wellness coaching, or working as a legal nurse consultant.
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