Side Hustles For Physicians: Best Options In 2024 ($257+/hr)

Last Updated on July 17, 2024 by John Cirelly

Exploring side hustles for physicians can be a great way to leverage medical expertise while earning extra income. Whether through telemedicine, tutoring, or consulting, these opportunities offer flexibility and financial benefits.

Here are some top side hustles tailored for medical professionals based on flexibility, earnings, and opinions from physicians who’ve tested them.

1. Leverage Your Knowledge on Sermo

Sermo is one of the simplest and highest-paying ways for physicians to leverage their expertise from the comfort of their homes. You can share your medical knowledge and opinions while earning extra income.

Getting Started

To get started on Sermo, sign up on Sermo and create a profile. Make sure to verify your medical credentials during the registration process.

Once your profile is approved, you can start participating in surveys and discussions. Engaging actively in the community can lead to more opportunities and higher earnings.

What You’ll Earn

Physicians can earn between $20 to $100 per survey, depending on the survey’s length and complexity. Payments are typically made via check or PayPal within a few weeks after survey completion. The more you participate, the more you’ll earn, and the more opportunities you’ll receive.

2. Offer Telemedicine Services on Wheel

Offering telemedicine services on Wheel is a great side hustle for physicians. It allows you to provide medical consultations remotely, making it flexible and convenient.

Getting Started

To get started, visit the Wheel website and sign up. You’ll need to complete an application and provide proof of your medical license.

Once approved, you can start taking appointments. Wheel connects you with patients, so you don’t have to worry about finding clients.

What You’ll Earn

Physicians typically earn between $30 to $50 per hour on Wheel. Payments are usually processed through direct deposit every two weeks. Times can be flexible, allowing you to earn a substancial side income on your own terms.

3. Freelance as a Medical Writer

Freelancing as a medical writer allows physicians to use their expertise to create content for medical journals, blogs, and educational materials. This side hustle can be done entirely from home.

Getting Started

To start, create a profile on freelance platforms like Upwork or Fiverr. Highlight your medical background and writing skills in your profile.

Search for medical writing jobs and submit proposals to clients. Building a portfolio with samples of your work can help attract more clients.

What You’ll Earn

Medical writers can earn between $0.10 to $1 per word, depending on the complexity of the project. Payments are typically made through the freelance platform you use, either on a per-project basis or hourly. It usually takes a few weeks to get paid after completing a project.

4. Offer Test Prep Tutoring For Aspiring Physicians

Offering test prep tutoring for aspiring physicians is a rewarding way to help students while earning extra income. You can tutor for exams like the MCAT or USMLE from your home.

Getting Started

Begin by advertising your services on platforms like Wyzant or Varsity Tutors. Create a profile showcasing your medical background and expertise in specific exams.

Network with medical schools and student organizations to find more tutoring opportunities. Prepare personalized lesson plans to address the needs of your students.

What You’ll Earn

Tutors typically earn between $50 to $100 per hour, depending on their experience and the complexity of the subject matter. Payments are often processed through the tutoring platform and are made weekly or bi-weekly. Consistent tutoring can lead to a steady stream of income.

5. Consult For EHR Implementations

Consulting for EHR (Electronic Health Record) implementations allows physicians to use their clinical experience to help healthcare facilities transition to or optimize electronic health records systems.

Getting Started

To get started, create a profile on consulting platforms like Upwork or LinkedIn. Highlight your expertise in EHR systems and any relevant certifications.

Network with healthcare facilities and IT firms that specialize in EHR solutions. Offer your services as an independent consultant or join a consulting firm that focuses on healthcare IT.

What You’ll Earn

Consultants can earn between $100 to $200 per hour, depending on their experience and the scope of the project. Payments are usually made through direct deposit or via the consulting platform. Projects can vary in length, but most consultants are paid within 30 days of completing their work.

6. Freelance as a Subject Matter Expert

Freelancing as a subject matter expert (SME) allows physicians to provide specialized knowledge and insights for various projects, including research, content creation, and product development.

Getting Started

To begin, join freelance platforms like Clarity.fm or Catalant. Create a detailed profile showcasing your medical expertise and areas of specialization.

Network with companies and researchers who might need your expertise. Respond to requests for proposals and inquiries to start securing projects.

What You’ll Earn

SMEs can earn between $100 to $300 per hour, depending on their expertise and the project’s requirements. Payments are usually processed through the freelance platform and can be made per project or hourly. It typically takes a few weeks to receive payment after the project is completed.

7. Start a Health Podcast

Starting a health podcast allows physicians to share their knowledge and insights on various health topics with a broad audience. It’s a flexible side hustle that can be done from home.

Getting Started

First, decide on a niche or specific topics you want to cover in your podcast. Purchase a good-quality microphone and recording software. Sign up on podcast hosting platforms like Anchor or Podbean.

Plan and record your episodes, then upload them to your chosen platform. Promote your podcast through social media and medical communities.

What You’ll Earn

Podcast earnings can vary widely. You can make money through sponsorships, ads, or listener donations on platforms like Patreon. Earnings might start small, but popular podcasts can make $500 to $1,000 per month. Payments are typically processed monthly through your hosting platform or sponsorship deals.

8. Start a Health YouTube Channel

Starting a health YouTube channel allows physicians to share their medical knowledge through videos, reaching a large audience. It’s a flexible side hustle that can be managed from home.

Getting Started

First, decide on the type of content you want to create, such as medical advice, health tips, or educational videos. Create a YouTube account and set up your channel. Invest in a good camera and microphone for high-quality videos.

Plan, film, and edit your content, then upload it to your channel. Promote your videos through social media and relevant communities to build your audience.

What You’ll Earn

Earnings on YouTube depend on views, ad revenue, and sponsorships. You can make $2 to $7 per 1,000 views, and successful channels can earn $1,000 to $10,000 per month. Payments are made monthly through YouTube’s AdSense program once you reach a $100 threshold.

My Final Thoughts

Side hustles for physicians offer a unique opportunity to use medical expertise in new and rewarding ways. Whether it’s through online platforms, consulting, or content creation, these gigs provide flexibility and additional income.

By exploring these options, physicians can diversify their professional experience and financial stability. Start today and see how your medical skills can benefit you beyond the traditional clinical setting.