15 Side Hustles For Nurses Looking For Extra Income

Key Takeaways

• Nurses can earn extra income through flexible side gigs that use both clinical and communication skills.
• Strong options include telehealth nurse, per diem nurse, and freelance writer, depending on your skills and interests.
• Pay ranges widely, from about $19/hour for medical transcribers to $50/hour for clinical research nurses.

The gig economy and remote work have opened real doors for nurses, whose skills transfer almost anywhere. A side hustle can supplement your income and give you more control over your time and your work. Here are 15 worth considering.

15 Side Hustles for Nurses

1. Adjunct Nursing Instructor

If you hold a graduate degree, teaching at a college or university is a solid way to earn extra income and open future career paths. Adjunct instructors run classes, supervise students during clinicals, and evaluate learners' knowledge. Build a relationship with a school and you may qualify for full-time educator roles. Per the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), nursing instructors earn an average $87,090 a year as of May 2024.

• Pros: High demand; critical role; lower stress than bedside nursing
• Cons: Usually requires a graduate degree; adjunct pay runs lower than full-time faculty pay

2. Camp Nurse

Camp nurses provide medical care at nature camps, retreats, and other outdoor settings. They administer medications, deliver basic care, and advise campers on when to seek more treatment, often working independently far from a clinical environment. Per the BLS, nurses in the arts, entertainment, and recreation industry earn about $34/hour as of May 2024.

• Pros: Relaxed outdoor settings; adventure and travel; close patient relationships; sometimes free or discounted camp tuition for your kids
• Cons: Often seasonal and limited; you frequently work without other providers nearby

3. Childcare Nurse/Provider

A nursing background, especially pediatric experience, qualifies you for a unique role in childcare. Depending on the center, you might deliver nursing care or general childcare, from assessing and treating illness and injury to helping kids with motor skills and homework. Per the BLS, registered nurses (RNs) in childcare services earn an average $41/hour as of May 2024.

• Pros: High demand; flexible arrangements possible
• Cons: Below-average pay and growth for traditional childcare jobs; working with children takes patience

4. Clinical Research Nurse

Clinical research nurses run studies on nursing practice and patient care and work directly with study participants in hospitals and academic settings. You will need a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) at minimum, and most roles require a master's. Strong analytical and communication skills matter, and some positions require certification, such as from the Association of Clinical Research Professionals. Per the BLS, RNs in scientific research and development services make an average $50/hour as of May 2024.

• Pros: Expands your knowledge; less physically demanding; higher earning potential
• Cons: Advanced education and experience required; removes you from bedside care

5. Freelance Nurse Writer

Nurses with strong writing skills can create specialized content for websites, news outlets, and magazines, where clinical expertise sets you apart. Expect to work with editors, pitch ideas, conduct interviews, and revise. With experience you can move into a full-time nurse writer role, averaging $43.92/hour per Payscale data from September 2025.

• Pros: Flexible schedule and varied clients; share your knowledge widely
• Cons: Tight deadlines and inconsistent work; you often negotiate your own pay

6. Health Tutor or Instructor

Health tutors help students survive nursing school, prep for the NCLEX-RN, or learn Basic Life Support and CPR through public classes, group sessions, or one-on-one lessons. Tutors generally need a strong GPA and teaching ability; instructor roles may require a BLS provider certification. Per the BLS, health practitioner offices and outpatient care centers pay some of the highest tutor wages, $29/hour and $30/hour respectively in May 2023.

• Pros: Flexible scheduling around other work; fulfillment when students succeed
• Cons: Low, inconsistent pay; takes patience with frustrated learners

7. Medical Biller and Coder

Your grasp of medical terminology and electronic health records makes billing and coding realistic. These pros enter medical data, manage insurance records, and flag inaccuracies. Pay is lower, but growth is strong: the BLS reports an average $27/hour in May 2024 and a 7% projected growth rate from 2024 to 2034.

• Pros: Plenty of openings; jobs and hours may exist at your current workplace
• Cons: Lower earning potential; some employers prefer certified candidates

8. Medical Transcriber

Medical transcriptionists turn voice recordings from providers into electronic records: patient information, exam results, discharge instructions. You will lean on your knowledge of record systems, terminology, and confidentiality law. The BLS reports a lower average $19/hour as of May 2024, but the work transitions easily for nurses.

• Pros: Often remote and on your own schedule; nursing experience is an advantage
• Cons: Declining demand; low pay

9. Nurse Influencer

The best nurse influencers pair clinical experience with an engaging personality, sharing knowledge on social platforms to build an audience and attract advertisers. Whether it is nursing school tips on TikTok or "day in the life" videos on Instagram, you can earn without overhauling your schedule. Watch for HIPAA violations, like sharing sensitive images or information without authorization. An MBO Partners report found that more than 29% of creators made over $30,000 in 2023, so it is a gamble that can still pay off.

• Pros: Great flexibility; build a brand and platform
• Cons: Low and uncertain pay; hard to grow a following; takes technical skill; not allowed at every employer

10. Paid Medical Survey Panelist

Organizations pay healthcare professionals for their insights, polling nurses on healthcare issues. You can join medical survey panels and get paid for surveys that take anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours. Easy for busy nurses, though pay varies a lot.

• Pros: Accept surveys on your schedule; some pay well for little time
• Cons: Some surveys pay very little; reliable panels can be hard to find

11. Private Duty or Home Health Nurse

Home health nurses care for patients in their homes, especially those with chronic conditions and disabilities, monitoring vitals, giving medication, and running equipment. Some clients hire private nurses for overnight monitoring of newborns or ailing patients. Depending on your state, you may need a license or supervision. Despite a low average $18/hour as of May 2024, demand is high; the BLS projects 17% growth from 2024 to 2034.

• Pros: Growing demand; more personalized care; less clinical setting than a hospital
• Cons: Less equipment and support in emergencies; travel between homes

12. PRN or Per Diem Nurse

Per diem nurses fill in for regular staff on an as-needed basis, working anywhere from a single day to a few weeks off a facility's call sheet. You get strong control over your schedule and can filter by location or hours. Per Payscale, travel nurses, a close relative of this role, earned an average $40.06/hour in September 2025.

• Pros: High hourly rate; pick up shifts when you want; strong job familiarity
• Cons: Little guaranteed work and shifts can cancel; rarely qualifies for benefits; may move between units; vulnerable to budget cuts

13. Telehealth Nurse

Telehealth nurses deliver care remotely by video, phone, or chat: virtual assessments, condition discussions, and recommendations to seek in-person care. You need a license, strong communication, and comfort with technology, and your current employer may offer the best path in. Per Payscale, the average wage was $36.82/hour in September 2025.

• Pros: Flexible, often work-from-home; commission may be available; less exposure to infection
• Cons: State rules may limit your services; irregular hours, including nights and weekends

14. Traveling Phlebotomist

Mobile phlebotomists draw blood in non-clinical settings: blood drives, nursing homes, patient homes. Your clinical skills already cover most of the work, and your employer may offer a side gig, though some states or employers require extra training or certification. Per the BLS, phlebotomists earn an average $21/hour as of May 2024.

• Pros: Higher pay during staffing shortages; diverse settings and patients
• Cons: Contract work lacks stability; nursing experience usually required; mobile roles can be limited

15. Vaccine or Immunization Nurse

Vaccination clinics, community health organizations, and local health centers hire nurses to give immunizations and educate the public. The work keeps children current on vaccines and gives flu and COVID-19 shots to adults, with demand spiking during infectious seasons. Expect around $39/hour per ZipRecruiter data from September 2025.

• Pros: Impactful community work; flexible hours, since most clinics run during business hours
• Cons: Patients may be hesitant or fearful; seasonal openings may not fit your schedule

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best side hustle for nurses? It depends on your finances and schedule. Telehealth and per diem nursing pay well and align closely with your clinical skills, while freelance writing and influencer work fit most easily around an existing schedule.

Can a nurse work two jobs? Yes, as long as the schedule allows it. A full-time nursing job is demanding, so adding a second job on top can be tough.

How do nurses make money on the side? By taking paid work during free time or picking up a regular part-time or contract role. Nursing skills are in high demand, so the options are plenty.

What are alternative jobs for nurses? Health tutoring, writing, medical surveys, coding, and transcribing. Many nurses also move into business, insurance, or education.