7 Side Hustles For Scientists

People might think all scientists hold down full-time work. But that just isn’t true. So what about side hustles for scientists? Below, I’ll explore seven ways scientists can leverage their science background to earn some extra income on the side.

Best Side Hustles For Scientists in 2024

1. Offer Freelance Scientific Services

As a scientist, one of the best ways to earn some extra cash is by offering your scientific services on a freelance basis. There are many individuals and organizations out there that are in need of scientific expertise, and if you can provide it, you can earn a great side income.

To get started, you’ll need to determine what kind of services you can offer. For example, if you have a background in biology, you could offer scientific writing services or help with data analysis. If you’re a chemist, you could offer consulting services or lab work.

The great thing about freelancing your scientific skills is that it’s a good fit for scientists who have a passion for their subject area and want to continue to work in their field outside of their day job. Freelance scientists typically earn between $50-$200 per hour for their services.

One challenge you may face when offering freelance scientific services is finding clients. You’ll need to market yourself and your services effectively to attract potential clients. Luckily platforms like Toptal and Upwork attract larger businesses with the appropriate budgets for your services.

2. Start A Science Podcast

Starting a science podcast is a great side hustle for scientists who are passionate about science communication and want to share their expertise with the world. With the rise of podcasting, there’s a huge demand for quality science podcasts that explore various topics in a fun and engaging way.

To get started, you’ll need to come up with a concept for your podcast. You could focus on a specific area of science, such as neuroscience or astronomy, or you could explore a range of topics.

As a fellow nerd myself I personally love Lex Fridman and Huberman Lab podcasts.

In terms of earnings, the amount you can expect to make will depend on how successful your podcast is. You could earn money through sponsorships, advertising, or donations from your listeners. While it’s unlikely that you’ll make a full-time income right away, it can be a great way to earn some extra cash while doing something you love.

3. Help Teach Aspiring Scientists

Another great side hustle for scientists is to help teach and train aspiring scientists. Whether you’re a graduate student, postdoc, or established researcher, you can offer your expertise to help others succeed in their scientific pursuits.

You can offer online courses, workshops, or mentorship programs focusing on specific topics, such as data analysis or experimental design, or provide more general guidance on how to succeed in a scientific career.

The great thing about teaching and training aspiring scientists is that it’s a good fit for scientists who are passionate about education and want to give back to the scientific community. It’s also a flexible side hustle, as you can create your own schedule and deliver your courses or workshops online.

In terms of earnings, the amount you can expect to make will depend on the type of services you offer and the level of demand for your expertise. Online courses and workshops can be priced anywhere from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. One-on-one mentorship programs could also be priced based on hourly rates.

4. Start A Science Themed YouTube Channel

Starting a science-themed YouTube channel can be a great side hustle for scientists. Not only does it allow you to share your knowledge and passion with a wider audience, but it can also generate a decent amount of income through ad revenue and sponsorships.

You’ll need to create a YouTube channel and come up with a unique concept or niche for your content. This could be anything from explaining complex scientific concepts in simple terms, to conducting experiments or providing educational resources for students.

Earning money requires building a following, which can take some time on platforms like YouTube. It can take 30+ videos before you start seeing results, so make sure you’re having fun along the way.

Think it’s impossible? Check out Big Think’s YouTube channel stats.

5. Start A Scientific Newsletter

Starting a scientific newsletter can be an excellent way for scientists to share their expertise and stay connected with others in their field. Not only does it provide an opportunity to build a following and establish yourself as an authority, but it can also generate income through sponsorships and affiliate marketing.

To get started, you’ll need to come up with a concept for your newsletter and choose a platform to host it on. You may want to consider using a dedicated email marketing service like Moosend or ConvertKit to make it easy to create and send newsletters to your subscribers.

Newsletters are often overlooked, however, they’re extremely powerful. Platforms like Instagram and Facebook suddenly stop showing your posts to people. But a newsletter gets delivered every time. No one can take that away from you.

As for earnings, the amount you can make from a scientific newsletter depends on the size of your subscriber base and the strategies you use to monetize your content. Some common ways to generate revenue include sponsorships, affiliate marketing, and selling your own products or services.

6. Offer Scientific Consulting

Offering scientific consulting services can be a lucrative side hustle for scientists who are looking to leverage their expertise and help others in their field. As a consultant, you can provide guidance and advice to individuals, companies, or organizations in need of scientific expertise.

To start, you’ll need to identify your area of expertise and define your consulting services. This may include offering advice on scientific research, experimental design, data analysis, or any other aspect of scientific inquiry.

As for earnings, the amount you can make from scientific consulting varies greatly depending on your experience, expertise, and the market demand for your services. However, many successful consultants can earn hundreds or even thousands of dollars per project.

One challenge you may face when offering scientific consulting services is finding clients. It can be difficult to build a client base from scratch, especially if you’re just starting out. However, by leveraging your personal and professional networks, and promoting your services through online channels, you can attract new clients and build your reputation as a consultant.

7. Write Scientific Whitepapers

Writing scientific whitepapers is a great side hustle for scientists to share their expertise and insights on various topics. Research companies often need scientific-minded folks to create technical documents or write white papers for marketing purposes.

To get started, you’ll need to identify a topic that aligns with your area of expertise and research it thoroughly. Then, you’ll need to structure your whitepaper in a clear and concise format, including an introduction, research methodology, analysis, and conclusion.

As for earnings, the amount you can make from writing white papers depends on factors such as the length and complexity of the white paper and the market demand for your expertise. However, successful white papers can earn several hundred to several thousand dollars in compensation.

Wrapping Up

That’s a wrap on my list of the best side hustles for scientists. If you’re a scientist making a side income, be sure to let me know in the comments what you’re going and if it should be added to the list.