8 Side Hustles For Pharmacists: Earn $250+/hr In 2024
Last Updated on August 13, 2024 by John Cirelly
Look to earn more between pharmacy work? Here are 8 proven side hustles for pharmacists that pay up to $250 per hour.
1. Leverage Your Knowledge on Sermo
Sermo is a platform where pharmacists can share their expertise and earn money. It’s one of the simplest and highest-paying ways to leverage your knowledge from home.
Getting Started
To get started on Sermo, sign up on their website and create a profile highlighting your professional background. Participate in discussions, answer questions, and share your insights. Sermo often invites experts to join paid surveys and studies, which you can easily accept. Check your email and Sermo notifications regularly for opportunities.
What You’ll Earn
Pharmacists can earn up to $250 per hour participating in surveys and studies. Payments are typically made via PayPal or gift cards. It usually only takes a few days to receive payment after completing a task.
2. Freelance as a Medical Writer
Medical writing is a great side hustle for pharmacists, allowing them to create content for healthcare companies, journals, and websites. This work can be done remotely and leverages your detailed knowledge of medications and treatments.
Getting Started
To start as a medical writer, build a portfolio by writing sample articles or papers. Join platforms like Upwork, Freelancer, or specialized sites like Health Writer Hub to find gigs. Networking on LinkedIn can also help you connect with potential clients. Consider taking a medical writing course to boost your credentials and attract higher-paying opportunities.
What You’ll Earn
Pharmacists can earn between $50 to $100 per hour or more, depending on the complexity of the work. Payments are usually processed through platforms like PayPal or direct bank transfer. It generally takes a few days to a couple of weeks to receive payment, depending on the client’s payment cycle.
3. Offer Test Prep Tutoring For Aspiring Pharmacists
Pharmacists can earn extra income by tutoring students preparing for exams like the NAPLEX, MPJE, and PTCB. This side hustle allows you to share your knowledge and help future pharmacists succeed.
Getting Started
To begin, create a profile on tutoring websites like Wyzant or Varsity Tutors. Highlight your pharmacy credentials and exam success to attract students. You can also advertise your services on social media or local community boards. Developing a structured curriculum and gathering practice questions will make your sessions more effective.
What You’ll Earn
Tutors can charge between $40 to $100 per hour, depending on their experience and the demand for their services. Payments are usually processed through the tutoring platform or directly from students. Payment times can vary, but most platforms ensure tutors are paid within a week of the session.
4. Pickup Extra Shifts At Independent Pharmacies
Picking up extra shifts at independent pharmacies is a practical side hustle for pharmacists. It allows you to earn extra income while using your existing skills in a flexible setting.
Getting Started
To start, contact local independent pharmacies and inquire about per diem or part-time opportunities. You can also join staffing agencies that specialize in placing pharmacists in temporary positions. Networking with other pharmacists can lead to hearing about open shifts. Keep your resume updated and ready to share with potential employers.
What You’ll Earn
Pharmacists can earn between $45 to $60 per hour, depending on location and demand. Payments are typically made through direct deposit or checks from the pharmacy. Pay cycles vary, but most pharmacists receive payment every two weeks or monthly.
5. Register As An Expert Witness
Pharmacists can work as expert witnesses in legal cases, providing professional opinions on drug-related matters. This role leverages your expertise to help in court cases involving pharmaceuticals.
Getting Started
To get started, join expert witness directories such as SEAK, Inc. or Expert Institute. Create a detailed profile showcasing your pharmacy background and areas of expertise. Network with legal professionals and attend related conferences to make connections. Keep in mind these opportunities are limited, making this a better one-off side hustle.
What You’ll Earn
Expert witnesses can earn between $200 to $500 per hour for case review and testimony. Payments are usually processed through law firms, often via check or direct deposit. It typically takes several weeks to a few months to receive payment, depending on the complexity and duration of the case.
6. Freelance as a Subject Matter Expert
Freelancing as a subject matter expert allows pharmacists to provide specialized knowledge for various projects, including proofreading content, developing educational materials, and consulting.
Getting Started
Begin by joining freelance platforms like Upwork, Freelancer, or specialized sites like Kolabtree. Create a detailed profile highlighting your pharmacy expertise and previous work. Network with potential clients through LinkedIn and professional forums. Additionally, consider offering a few small projects at a lower rate to build your portfolio and gain testimonials.
What You’ll Earn
Pharmacists can earn between $50 to $150 per hour, depending on the project’s complexity and their experience. Payments are usually processed through the freelancing platform, with options like PayPal or direct bank transfer. Payment times can vary but typically occur within a week to a month after project completion.
7. Start a Health Podcast
Starting a health podcast allows pharmacists to share their knowledge with a wide audience, covering topics like medication management, health tips, and industry news. This side hustle can be both educational and profitable.
Getting Started
To get started, choose a niche topic that aligns with your expertise and interests. Invest in quality recording equipment and editing software. Platforms like Podbean, Anchor, or Spotify for Podcasters can help you publish and distribute your podcast. Promote your podcast through social media and collaborate with other health professionals to expand your reach.
What You’ll Earn
Earnings from podcasts can vary widely. You can make money through sponsorships, ads, and listener donations. Initially, you might earn $50 to $100 per episode, but popular podcasts can make significantly more. Payments are typically received through platforms like PayPal, Patreon, or directly from sponsors, usually on a monthly basis.
8. Start a Health YouTube Channel
Starting a health YouTube channel allows pharmacists to educate and engage with a broad audience on topics like medication advice, health tips, and pharmacy insights. This side hustle can be both rewarding and lucrative.
Getting Started
To begin, choose a niche related to your expertise, such as medication reviews or health tips. Create a YouTube account and invest in good video recording and editing equipment. Regularly upload high-quality, informative content and optimize your videos with relevant keywords. Promote your channel through social media and collaborate with other YouTubers to grow your audience.
What You’ll Earn
Earnings from a YouTube channel can come from ad revenue, sponsorships, and viewer donations. Pharmacists can initially earn a few dollars per 1,000 views, but popular channels can earn significantly more. Payments are processed through YouTube’s AdSense, typically on a monthly basis once you reach the minimum payout threshold.
What Businesses Can A Pharmacist Start?
Pharmacists can start a consultancy, offering advice to healthcare providers or patients. Opening an independent pharmacy or compounding lab is another option, providing personalized medication solutions.
Pharmacists can also develop and sell health-related products, such as supplements or health apps. Teaching and training services for pharmacy students or continuing education for professionals are profitable ventures too. These businesses leverage your expertise, have good earning potential, and meet a high demand for specialized knowledge.
Where Do Pharmacists Make The Most Money?
Pharmacists earn the most in specialized roles like clinical pharmacy specialists or nuclear pharmacists, where hourly rates can exceed $60. Additionally, working in hospitals or health systems often pays more than retail settings.
Geographically, states like California, Alaska, and Oregon offer some of the highest wages for pharmacists.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, California pharmacists earn an average annual wage of about $144,000, while those in Alaska and Oregon earn around $139,000. High-demand urban areas also tend to pay more due to the cost of living and competitive job markets.
