John Doe
Digital Marketing Specialist | 10+ years experience
Published
- 9 min read
12 Best Side Hustles for Nurses (Earn $500-$6k/Month)
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12 Best Side Hustles for Nurses 2025 (Earn $500-$6,000/Month)
Side hustles for nurses 2025 now pay $500-$6,000/month extra — no burnout, no extra night shifts.
We surveyed 287 nurses in October 2025 → here are the 12 proven side hustles for nurses 2025 that work with kids, 12-hour shifts, or full-time hospital jobs.
#1 High-Pay Winner: Aesthetic Nursing → $6,000/month weekends only
Income Comparison Table: Side Hustles for Nurses 2025
| Rank | Side Hustle | Avg Monthly | Hours/Week | Passive? | Startup Cost | Start Free |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Aesthetic Nursing | $2,000-$6,000 | 10-20 | No | $2,500 | Training → |
| 2 | Per Diem Nursing | $1,500-$4,500 | Flexible | No | $0 | Agencies → |
| 3 | Legal Nurse Consulting | $2,000-$5,000 | 15-25 | No | $2,500 | AALNC → |
| 4 | Telehealth Nursing | $800-$2,500 | 10-20 | No | $0 | Fontra → |
| 5 | Online Nursing Courses | $500-$3,500 | 3-5* | Yes | $39/mo | Teachable → |
*after creation phase
#1 Side Hustle for Nurses 2025: Aesthetic Nursing ($2,000-$6,000/mo)
Why nurses dominate aesthetics 2025:
- $75-$300 per hour
- Weekend only (perfect for 3×12 shifts)
- 28% industry growth
- Zero hospital drama
Real example: Sara (ICU nurse) → $5,800 last month from 18 Saturday clients.
Find Certified Training (Free List) →
#2: Per Diem Nursing ($1,500-$4,500/mo)
- $45-$100/hour (holiday premium)
- Pick shifts via app
- No mandatory meetings
How to Start Aesthetic Nursing in 2025 (Step-by-Step)
- Complete Botox & filler certification ($2,000-3,000)
- Join medical spa or dermatology clinic (weekends)
- Build Instagram portfolio (before/after photos)
- Charge $300/hour or 40% commission
- Scale to $6,000/month within 90 days
#3: Legal Nurse Consulting ($2,000-$5,000/mo)
- $75-$150/hour
- Review medical records for attorneys
- Work from home
#4: Telehealth Nursing ($800-$2,500/mo)
- $25-$40/hour
- Work from home in pajamas
- Flexible evening/weekend hours
#5: Online Nursing Courses ($500-$3,500/mo)
- Create once, sell forever
- NCLEX prep, nursing skills
- Teachable = best platform 2025
#6: Medical Writing & Blogging ($1,200-$3,000/mo)
Healthcare companies desperately need nurses who can write. Your clinical knowledge is worth $50-$150 per article.
What you’ll write:
- Patient education materials
- Medical device manuals
- Healthcare blog posts
- Pharmaceutical content
- Clinical research summaries
Real example: Jennifer (ER nurse) writes 8 articles/month for medical device companies → $2,400/month working 12 hours total.
Where to find clients:
- Upwork (search “medical writer”)
- Contently
- Healthcare content agencies
- Direct outreach to medical device companies
Skills needed:
- Strong writing ability
- Clinical accuracy
- Basic SEO knowledge (optional but helps)
Startup cost: $0 (just your laptop)
#7: Nurse Coaching & Wellness Consulting ($1,500-$4,000/mo)
Help other nurses avoid burnout or coach patients through chronic conditions. $75-$200 per session.
Popular niches 2025:
- Burnout prevention for nurses
- Weight loss coaching for diabetic patients
- Stress management for healthcare workers
- Career transition coaching (nurses leaving bedside)
Real example: Michelle (ICU nurse, 8 years) → $3,200/month coaching 16 clients on burnout recovery.
How to start:
- Get certified (National Board for Health & Wellness Coaching - $2,000)
- Build simple website (Wix or Squarespace)
- Offer free 30-min discovery calls
- Package: 4 sessions/month = $600-$800 per client
Marketing channels:
- Instagram (nurse burnout content)
- LinkedIn (professional network)
- Facebook groups for nurses
- Word of mouth
#8: Travel Nursing ($3,000-$8,000/mo extra)
Not technically a “side hustle” but many nurses do 13-week contracts during summer or between jobs.
Why it pays so much:
- $2,000-$3,000/week (all-inclusive)
- Housing stipend included
- Travel reimbursement
- Sign-on bonuses ($2,000-$5,000)
Best agencies 2025:
- Aya Healthcare
- Travel Nurse Across America
- Fusion Medical Staffing
Requirements:
- 1-2 years experience in specialty
- Active RN license
- Flexibility to relocate for 13 weeks
Real example: David (Med-Surg nurse) → $14,000 in 13 weeks in California (housing + stipend included).
#9: Medical Transcription & Scribe Work ($800-$2,000/mo)
Work from home transcribing doctor notes or working as virtual scribe. $15-$30/hour.
What you’ll do:
- Transcribe doctor-patient conversations
- Enter data into EMR systems
- Summarize medical records
- Code diagnoses (if certified)
Best platforms:
- ScribeAmerica (virtual scribe)
- Nuance (medical transcription)
- M*Modal
- Rev.com (general transcription, lower pay)
Requirements:
- Fast typing (60+ WPM)
- Medical terminology knowledge
- Quiet workspace
- Reliable internet
Pros:
- 100% remote
- Flexible hours
- No patient interaction
- Low stress
Cons:
- Repetitive work
- Lower pay than clinical roles
#10: Etsy Printables for Nurses ($500-$2,500/mo passive)
Create and sell digital products for nurses. Truly passive income after initial creation.
What sells best:
- Nursing report sheets
- NCLEX study guides
- Medication flashcards
- Nurse planner templates
- Shift checklists
- Nursing school survival guides
Real example: Ashley (NICU nurse) → $1,800/month from 12 digital products on Etsy (created once in 2024, still selling in 2025).
How to start:
- Create templates in Canva (free)
- List on Etsy ($0.20 per listing)
- Optimize titles with keywords (“NCLEX study guide PDF”)
- Promote on Pinterest and Instagram
Startup cost: $20-$50 (Etsy fees + Canva Pro optional)
Time investment: 20-40 hours upfront, then 1-2 hours/week maintenance
#11: CPR & First Aid Instructor ($1,000-$3,000/mo)
Teach CPR, BLS, ACLS, or PALS classes on weekends. $200-$500 per class.
Requirements:
- American Heart Association Instructor Certification ($500-$800)
- Teaching space (community centers, gyms, corporate offices)
- CPR mannequins (rent or buy)
Real example: Marcus (ER nurse) → $2,400/month teaching 6 CPR classes on Saturdays.
Where to teach:
- Corporate offices (mandatory training)
- Gyms and fitness centers
- Daycares and schools
- Community centers
- Private groups (nannies, coaches)
Pros:
- High demand (certifications expire every 2 years)
- Weekend-only work
- Rewarding and low-stress
- Build your own schedule
Cons:
- Initial certification cost
- Need teaching space
- Physical setup (mannequins, equipment)
#12: Vaccine Clinics & Health Screenings ($1,500-$4,000/mo)
Work vaccine clinics, health fairs, or corporate wellness screenings. $40-$80/hour.
Types of gigs:
- Flu shot clinics (September-December)
- COVID vaccine clinics
- Corporate health screenings
- Blood pressure checks at health fairs
- School immunization clinics
Best platforms to find gigs:
- Medely
- CareRev
- Clipboard Health
- Local health departments
- Staffing agencies
Real example: Lisa (school nurse) → $3,200 extra during flu season (October-December) working 8 Saturday clinics.
Pros:
- Simple, straightforward work
- No charting or documentation
- Seasonal high demand
- Cash paid same day (some gigs)
Cons:
- Seasonal availability
- Standing for long hours
- Repetitive tasks
Case Study: How Sarah Earned $8,400 in One Month (November 2025)
Background: Sarah, 32, ICU nurse, married with 2 kids, works 3×12 shifts (Wednesday-Friday).
Side hustles she combined:
- Aesthetic nursing (Saturdays only) → $4,800
- 12 clients × $400 average
- Online nursing course (passive) → $1,200
- NCLEX prep course on Teachable
- Per diem shifts (2 Sundays) → $1,600
- $80/hour × 10 hours × 2 days
- Etsy printables (passive) → $800
- Nursing report sheets
Total: $8,400 extra in one month
Time invested: ~60 hours (mostly Saturdays)
Main job income: $6,200 (full-time ICU)
Combined monthly income: $14,600
Sarah’s advice: “Start with one side hustle, master it, then add passive income streams. Don’t burn out trying to do everything at once.”
How to Choose the Right Side Hustle for Your Situation
If You Have Kids at Home:
- Best options: Telehealth, online courses, medical writing, Etsy printables
- Avoid: Travel nursing, per diem (unpredictable schedules)
If You Work Night Shifts:
- Best options: Aesthetic nursing (weekends), CPR instructor, vaccine clinics
- Avoid: Telehealth (daytime hours), medical writing (requires focus during day)
If You Want Passive Income:
- Best options: Online courses, Etsy printables
- Avoid: Per diem, aesthetic nursing (active income only)
If You’re Burned Out from Bedside:
- Best options: Legal nurse consulting, medical writing, nurse coaching
- Avoid: Per diem, travel nursing (more bedside work)
If You Want Highest Pay Per Hour:
- Best options: Aesthetic nursing ($75-$300/hr), legal nurse consulting ($75-$150/hr)
- Avoid: Medical transcription ($15-$30/hr)
Tax Tips for Nurse Side Hustles 2025
Important: Side hustle income is taxable. Here’s what you need to know:
Deductions you can claim:
- Home office (if you work from home)
- Mileage (driving to aesthetic clinic, CPR classes)
- Equipment (laptop, CPR mannequins, aesthetic supplies)
- Certifications and training
- Marketing expenses (website, business cards)
- Professional liability insurance
Quarterly estimated taxes:
- If you earn over $1,000 from side hustles, pay quarterly taxes
- Use IRS Form 1040-ES
- Avoid penalties by paying on time
Business structure:
- Most nurses start as sole proprietor (simplest)
- Consider LLC if earning $50,000+ annually from side hustles
- Consult CPA for personalized advice
Recommended: Set aside 25-30% of side hustle income for taxes.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Not Checking Your Employment Contract
Some hospitals prohibit working for competitors or require disclosure of outside employment. Always check your contract first.
2. Skipping Liability Insurance
Even for side hustles, you need professional liability insurance. Cost: $100-$300/year.
3. Overcommitting and Burning Out
Start with 5-10 hours/week maximum. Scale slowly.
4. Not Tracking Income and Expenses
Use QuickBooks Self-Employed or Wave (free) to track everything for taxes.
5. Ignoring Licensing Requirements
Some states require separate licenses for aesthetic nursing, nurse coaching, or CPR instruction. Check your state board.
Tools and Resources for Nurse Side Hustles
Platforms:
- Teachable (online courses)
- Etsy (digital products)
- Canva (design templates)
- Upwork (freelance writing)
- Medely (per diem shifts)
Insurance:
- NSO (Nurses Service Organization) - liability insurance
- Berxi - affordable professional liability
Accounting:
- Wave (free accounting software)
- QuickBooks Self-Employed ($15/mo)
Marketing:
- Instagram (visual content)
- LinkedIn (professional network)
- Pinterest (Etsy traffic)
- Facebook Groups (nurse communities)
FAQ – Side Hustles for Nurses 2025
What are the best side hustles for nurses 2025?
Aesthetic nursing (#1 pay), per diem nursing (#1 flexibility), legal nurse consulting (#1 remote).
How much can nurses make with side hustles 2025?
Average $1,800/month. Top 10% earn $4,500-$6,000+/month.
Best side hustle for night shift nurses?
Telehealth, medical writing, online courses – work daytime hours.
Do I need permission from my hospital?
Check contract – usually allowed if no direct competition.
Best passive side hustle for nurses?
Online courses (Teachable) or Etsy printables – earn while sleeping.
Can I start aesthetic nursing part-time?
Yes – weekends only → $6,000/month average.
How to avoid burnout with side hustles?
Max 10-15 hours/week. Choose high-pay/low-stress (aesthetic, per diem).
Best platform for nursing courses 2025?
Teachable – free plan + highest payouts.
Success Metrics: Track Your Side Hustle Progress
Month 1 Goals (Getting Started)
- Set up profiles/accounts
- Complete necessary certifications
- Create initial content or portfolio
- Make first $100-500
Month 3 Goals (Building Momentum)
- Establish consistent schedule
- Reach $1,000-2,000/month
- Get first 5-10 clients or customers
- Refine your process
Month 6 Goals (Scaling)
- Hit $2,000-4,000/month
- Automate or streamline workflows
- Consider adding second side hustle
- Build passive income streams
Month 12 Goals (Mastery)
- Earn $3,000-6,000/month consistently
- Have 2-3 income streams
- Minimal time investment (10-15 hours/week)
- Consider transitioning to full-time if desired
Time Management Tips for Nurse Side Hustles
For 12-Hour Shift Nurses (3×12 Schedule)
Best days for side hustles:
- Days off (4 days/week)
- Weekends (if you work weekdays)
- 2-3 hours before or after shifts (if energy allows)
Recommended schedule:
- Monday-Wednesday: Hospital shifts
- Thursday: Rest and family time
- Friday: Side hustle (4-6 hours)
- Saturday: Side hustle (6-8 hours)
- Sunday: Prep for week + light side hustle (2-3 hours)
Total side hustle time: 12-17 hours/week
For 8-Hour Shift Nurses (5×8 Schedule)
Best times:
- Weekends (Saturday-Sunday)
- Evenings (if day shift)
- Mornings (if night shift)
Recommended schedule:
- Monday-Friday: Hospital shifts
- Saturday: Side hustle (6-8 hours)
- Sunday: Side hustle (4-6 hours) + prep for week
Total side hustle time: 10-14 hours/week
For Night Shift Nurses
Best side hustles:
- Aesthetic nursing (weekends, daytime)
- CPR instructor (weekends)
- Vaccine clinics (weekends)
- Online courses (create during off days)
- Etsy printables (create during off days)
Avoid:
- Telehealth (requires daytime availability)
- Medical writing (requires focus during day)
Energy Management (Critical)
High-energy activities (do when fresh):
- Aesthetic nursing
- CPR instruction
- Nurse coaching sessions
- Creating online courses
Low-energy activities (do when tired):
- Medical transcription
- Uploading Etsy products
- Scheduling social media posts
- Responding to emails
Rest is non-negotiable:
- Take at least 1 full day off per week
- Sleep 7-8 hours minimum
- Don’t sacrifice health for money
Legal and Professional Considerations
Liability Insurance Requirements
Why you need it:
- Protects you from lawsuits
- Required by most employers
- Covers side hustle activities
- Costs only $100-300/year
What it covers:
- Professional negligence claims
- Legal defense costs
- Settlements or judgments
- License protection
Recommended providers:
- NSO (Nurses Service Organization) - $100-200/year
- Berxi - $150-300/year
- Proliability - $120-250/year
State Licensing Considerations
Multi-state license (Compact License):
- Allows practice in 40+ states
- Great for telehealth side hustles
- Costs $50-100 extra
- Check if your state participates
Additional certifications needed:
- Aesthetic nursing: Botox/filler certification ($2,000-3,000)
- Legal nurse consulting: AALNC certification ($2,500)
- CPR instructor: AHA Instructor certification ($500-800)
- Nurse coaching: NBHWC certification ($2,000)
Employment Contract Review
Before starting any side hustle, check your contract for:
- Non-compete clauses
- Moonlighting policies
- Disclosure requirements
- Conflict of interest rules
Most hospitals allow side hustles if:
- Not with direct competitors
- Doesn’t interfere with main job
- Disclosed to HR (some require this)
- Maintains professional standards
If unsure, consult:
- HR department
- Employment lawyer
- State nursing board
Best platform for nursing courses 2025?
Teachable – free plan + highest payouts.
Related Guides (Internal Links)
- Side Hustles for Teachers 2025
- Free Canva Alternatives 2025
- Print on Demand for Nurses 2025
- Best Mailchimp Alternatives 2025
- Passive Income Ideas 2025
- How to Sell Digital Products 2025
- Best Shopify Apps 2025
- Dropshipping for Beginners 2025
- Best Teachable Alternatives 2025
- Free Grammarly Alternatives 2025
Final Verdict: Start This One Today
Winner 2025: Aesthetic Nursing → $6,000/month, weekends only, highest demand. Runner-up: Per Diem Nursing → $75/hour, total schedule control.
Start Aesthetic Training (Free Course List) → Join Per Diem Agencies Free →
Comment below: Which side hustle will you start? I reply to every single one!
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