17 Side Hustles for Medical Professionals: Easy Gigs with Big Results

Between clinic blocks, calls, and CME, your time is priceless. 

That’s why the best side hustles for medical professionals are flexible, low-friction to start, and clear about the trade-offs. Below, we break down popular options – from Walmart Spark and Uber Eats to telemedicine and moonlighting – so you can pick a lane that actually fits your schedule, energy, and income goals.

A Quick Chart: What Pays, How Flexible, + What to Watch

Side hustle	Typical gross pay	Flexibility	Startup friction	Key watchouts
Moonlighting (clinical)	~$100–$250/hr (specialty-dependent; residents often $60–$150/hr)	Low–Medium (shift-based)	Medium–High (credentialing, malpractice)	Burnout risk, malpractice scope, non-competes
Urgent care facility shifts	~$100–$200/hr	Medium (scheduled shifts)	Medium–High (credentialing, onboarding)	Long shifts, charting after hours, burnout, malpractice exposure
Telemedicine (urgent care / primary care)	~$60–$120/hr or ~$20–$50/visit	High (work from home)	Medium (licensure, platforms)	Quality metrics, coverage hour requirements, multi-state licensure
Locum tenens (short-term contracts)	~$130–$300/hr	Medium (blocks of time)	Medium (agency paperwork, travel setup)	Time away from home, housing logistics, inconsistent schedules
Medical consulting (non-clinical)	~$200–$500/hr (project-based)	Medium–High	Medium (contracts, positioning, networking)	Scope creep, conflicts of interest, IP ownership, 1099 taxes
Expert network calls (industry consulting)	~$200–$500/hr per call	High (schedule-based)	Low–Medium (profile setup, vetting)	Confidentiality rules, COI compliance, limited call volume
Expert witness work (med-legal)	~$300–$600+/hr	Low–Medium (case-driven)	Medium (CV prep, attorney relationships)	Time-intensive prep, reputational risk, unpredictable deadlines
Principal investigator (clinical trials)	Variable (stipends + per-patient payments)	Low–Medium	Medium–High (infrastructure, compliance)	Regulatory burden, staff costs, delayed payments
Medical writing / peer review	~$50–$150/hr or per-piece	High	Low–Medium (samples, pitching)	Tight deadlines, revision cycles, inconsistent workflow
Teaching / mentoring / precepting	~$40–$150/hr or per-rotation stipends	Medium	Low–Medium (affiliations, paperwork)	Often underpaid for time, admin overhead
USMLE / MCAT tutoring	~$40–$120/hr	High (evenings/weekends)	Low	Lead generation, prep time, variable demand
Clinical surveys / KOL panels	~$20–$75 per survey; higher for panels	High	Low	Irregular cadence, not scalable
Real estate (with management company)	Not hourly; cash flow + long-term appreciation	Medium	High (capital, financing, setup)	Leverage risk, vacancies, liquidity, tax classification rules
Uber Eats (delivery)	~$18–$28/hr gross (market-dependent)	Very High (on-demand)	Low	Vehicle wear, surge dependence, self-employment taxes
Walmart Spark Driver (delivery)	~$20–$30/hr gross (market-dependent)	Very High (on-demand)	Low	Wait times, mileage costs, personal vehicle expenses
Vending machines	~$300–$1,500/month revenue per machine	Medium	Medium (machine purchase, placement)	Location risk, maintenance, inventory cash tie-up

1) Moonlighting (Clinical Shifts)

Why it works → It’s squarely in your wheelhouse. If you want to keep your skills sharp and boost income fast, moonlighting is often the highest-ROI side hustle for medical professionals.

What it is → Picking up paid shifts outside your main job – often nights or weekends – at your own facility or another site, with separate credentialing and appropriate malpractice coverage.

Pros

→ Highest earning power per hour for most clinicians.

→ Directly leverages your training; no new skill stack needed for moonlighting.

→ Can trial different settings (ED fast track, hospitalist nights, outpatient after-hours, etc).

Cons

→ Scheduling fatigue – adds to total clinical load.

→ Requires malpractice coverage aligned to the clinical scope.

→ Potential conflicts with your primary employer or non-compete language.

Money specifics

→ Attendings: ~$100-$250/hr depending on specialty, acuity, + location.

→ Residents/Fellows (when allowed): ~$60-$150/hr, with caps and program rules.

What to check before you say yes

→ Malpractice (occurrence vs claims-made), tail coverage, and scope of practice.

→ Contract terms on moonlighting and outside income.

→ Credentialing timeline (plan 30-90 days in many systems).

Fast start

→ Ask your current system about internal moonlighting first (credentialing is faster).

→ Consider reputable locum/moonlighting agencies if you want external shifts.

2) Telemedicine (Primary Care, Urgent, Behavioral Health)

Why it works → This gig, too, is directly in your wheelhouse. And telemedicine is the most “home-friendly” side hustle for medical professionals who want to earn easily from a laptop.

What it is → Delivering remote patient care via secure video/phone/chat – think things like urgent care triage, refills, minor complaints, or behavioral health check-ins – from home, usually in short, schedulable blocks (paid per visit or hourly; multi-state licensure boosts volume).

Pros

→ Work from home; highly flexible scheduling.

→ Predictable workflows; many platforms supply EHR, templates, support, + more.

→ Scales well if you hold multiple state licenses.

Cons

→ Pay depends on visit volume or strict hourly metrics.

→ Quality measures (chart closure time, patient satisfaction) can affect scheduling priority.

→ Multi-state licensure and DEA rules add admin time.

Money specifics

→ Hourly: roughly $60-$120/hr.

→ Per-visit: ~$20-$50 per completed visit; volume is key.

Fast start

→ Target platforms that match your scope (e.g., urgent care vs women’s health vs derm).

→ Capture an IMLC (Interstate Medical Licensure Compact) pathway if eligible.

3) Locum Tenens (Short-Term Contracts)

Why it works → You earn premium, block-based pay with fewer context switches – focus on one site for days or weeks – while agencies handle travel, housing, and logistics, letting you stack income in predictable bursts and sample new practice settings without commitment.

What it is → Short-term contract shifts to cover staffing gaps, scheduled in multi-day or multi-week blocks. You’re typically a 1099 contractor with site-specific credentialing, and your pay is structured as hourly or day rates; travel + housing are often arranged or reimbursed.

Pros

→ Premium pay for high-need geographies or shifts.

→ Agencies often handle travel + housing.

→ Great for testing different practice styles without long-term commitment.

Cons

→ Requires contiguous chunks of time.

→ Travel fatigue – can complicate family rhythm.

→ Onboarding per site.

Money specifics

→ ~$130-$300/hr, with daily rates for in-house coverage.

Fast start

→ Create a turnkey CV packet (licenses, immunizations, references).

→ Work with two agencies to compare assignments and rates.

4) Uber Eats (Food Delivery)

Why it works → Flexible and zero-credentialing; you can turn it on/off between clinic blocks, chase peak times for high-yield windows, get fast payouts, and keep the cognitive load low.

What it is → App-based food delivery as an independent contractor: you accept orders in the app, pick up from restaurants, and drop off at the customer’s door – paid per order + tips (with occasional boosts). Requires a valid driver’s license + insurance and mileage tracking for taxes.

Pros

→ Start in a day or two; you choose the hours and neighborhoods.

→ Useful stress relief – drive, podcast, listen to music, zone out between stops.

→ Surge + boost pay can be extra attractive around events, holidays, and peak meal times.

Cons

→ Wear and tear on your car, fuel costs, mileage tracking, and self-employment taxes.

→ Income depends on driver density, tips, + local demand.

→ Not leveraging your clinical training (opportunity cost).

Money specifics

→ Many markets see ~$18-$28/hr gross before expenses. Net after fuel + maintenance + self-employment tax is lower – often ~$12-$22/hr depending on your car and routes.

Pro tip for margins

→ Track mileage religiously; batch orders; use high-density zones; avoid long, low-tip trips.

Sign up for Uber Eats here →

5) Walmart Spark Driver (Grocery + Retail Delivery)

Why it works → Same on-demand freedom as other apps, but with batch pickups from one store, predictable routes, and lots of promos; great for short, high-yield windows between shifts.

What it is → Walmart’s delivery marketplace gig app: you accept curbside or private shop-and-deliver orders, pick up at a local Walmart, and deliver to customers – paid per order + tips/incentives. You’re a 1099 contractor; track mileage and wait time to gauge true net.

Pros

→ Batch orders from a single pickup (less zig-zagging around).

→ Frequent “shop & deliver” or easy curbside pickups that can pay well during peak hours.

→ Flexible, app-based, offers incentives, + easy to pause if you need a break.

Cons

→ Queues at curbside pickup can eat into earnings (they do reimburse for waits sometimes).

→ Earnings vary by store operations, incentives, and time of day.

→ Same vehicle + tax cost structure as other gig apps like Uber Eats.

Money specifics

→ Typical gross in many areas ~$20-$30/hr, with incentives + surge windows.

→ After costs, expect ~$14-$24/hr net depending on route, tips, vehicle, and miles.

Pro tip for margins

→ Know your stores: some have faster loading teams and better batching patterns.

→ Use a mileage app and plan around incentive windows.

Sign up for Walmart Spark Delivery here →

6) Expert Network Calls (Consulting)

Why it works → Huge hourly yield for 30-60 minute blocks, fully remote, no charting or malpractice, and it leverages your real-world clinical and operational insight on your schedule.

What it is → Paid 1:1 phone + Zoom consults with investors, product teams, and consultancies via expert-network platforms. You field targeted questions on workflows, therapeutics, market dynamics, or policy. Make sure to mind NDAs/COI and your employer’s outside-work policy.

Pros

→ Short, 30-60 minute calls on your expertise (care models, therapeutics, workflows, etc).

→ High hourly equivalent; no travel; calendar-friendly.

→ Broad exposure to industry questions.

Cons

→ Conflicts of interest – check employer policies and any industry relationships.

→ NDAs and confidentiality must be taken seriously.

→ Not always frequent or predictable.

Money specifics

→ ~$200-$500/hr (sometimes higher for niche specialties or senior leaders).

Fast start

→ Build a profile: subspecialty, procedures, populations, operational roles, + published work.

7) Medical Writing + Peer Review

Why it works → Remote, asynchronous, and scalable, you can write between shifts, build a portfolio for credibility, and convert good clients into recurring retainers without clinical fatigue.

What it is → Creating or reviewing medical content for publishers, med-ed groups, health systems, or agencies: patient education, clinician guides, CME modules, regulatory summaries, or brand-agnostic explainers. Expect outlines, references, style guides, + revision rounds.

Pros

→ Remote, async, portfolio-building.

→ Enhances academic and public-facing credentials.

→ Direct path to recurring retainers with the right clients.

Cons

→ Deadlines + multiple editing rounds.

→ Requires sample work to command higher rates.

Money specifics

→ ~$50-$150/hr, or per-piece fees (articles, white papers, clinical briefs, etc).

Fast start

→ Create two writing samples (1 clinical explainer + 1 clinician-to-clinician brief).

→ Pitch to reputable health publishers, med-ed orgs, magazines, or agencies.

8) USMLE/MCAT + Pre-Health Tutoring

Why it works → High hourly pay, fully remote, and easy to slot between rotations or clinic – plus it reinforces your own knowledge and can scale into small cohorts for better effective rates.

What it is → One-on-one or small-group coaching for USMLE/COMLEX/MCAT/pre-health coursework via platforms or referrals. You’ll assess needs, build a study plan, and meet weekly. 

Pros

→ Nights + weekends friendly; online by default.

→ Rewarding – strengthens your own knowledge base.

→ Scalable if you package small cohort sessions.

Cons

→ Lead generation is the work, but platforms take a cut.

→ Prep time can compress your effective hourly rate.

Money specifics

→ ~$40-$120/hr depending on exam level and your credentials.

Fast start

→ Offer a short diagnostic plus a customized plan; make sure to collect testimonials early.

9) Clinical Surveys, Advisory Boards & KOL Panels

Why it works → Flexible micro-gigs you can do between patients or after hours. Low cognitive load, no charting, + a clean way to monetize your experience without committing to shifts.

What it is → Paid surveys, advisory boards, and key opinion leader (KOL) discussions for life-science companies, consultancies, med-ed groups, and so on. Expect brief questionnaires or 30-90 minute panels on workflows, prescribing patterns, unmet needs, and so on.

Pros

→ Quick wins and low commitment.

→ 100% remote.

→ Can complement other side hustles.

Cons

→ Irregular; not a primary income stream.

→ COI and disclosure considerations.

Money specifics

→ ~$20-$75 per survey; advisory boards pay more on a per-session basis.

Fast start

→ Create expert profiles on 2-3 networks (e.g., GLG, Guidepoint, Tegus, AlphaSights).

→ Set a clear rate up front.

→ List availability windows to get booked faster.

10) Principal Investigator for Clinical Trials (Practice-Based)

Why it works → Leverages your existing patient panel and clinical workflows to create non-RVU revenue: sponsors pay start-up fees, per-patient visit payments, screen-fail fees, and overhead. It differentiates your practice, expands patient access to novel therapies, and compounds into a repeatable line of income once your site processes are dialed in.

What it is → Acting as the site lead (PI) on industry- or investigator-initiated trials. You oversee protocol adherence, safety, and data quality while a coordinator handles day-to-day ops (recruitment + visits + case report forms). Expect IRB approvals, GCP training, 1572/delegation logs, ICF management, SOPs, and monitoring visits. 

Pros

→ Meaningful contribution to evidence and patient access.

→ Project-based payments + overhead recovery.

→ Builds practice differentiation.

Cons

→ Regulatory and documentation overhead.

→ Requires space, coordinator time, SOPs, and sponsor relationships.

Money specifics

→ Stipends and per-patient fees vary widely; think in terms of project budgets, not hourly.

Fast start

→ Pick a therapeutic area you already see and start with low-complexity trials to learn.

11) Urgent Care Facility Shifts (In-Person)

Why it works → It’s clinical pay without the long runway required to build a business. For many physicians, urgent care shifts are a straightforward way to add income with predictable scheduling.

What it is → Picking up paid shifts at an urgent care clinic (employed, PRN, or contractor), usually with standardized protocols and a steady flow of low-to-moderate acuity visits.

Pros

→ Strong hourly pay compared to most non-clinical options.

→ Predictable shift blocks, often weekends or evenings.

→ Less call burden than many hospital-based add-ons.

Cons

→ High visit volume and time pressure can be draining.

→ Charting can spill into off-hours.

→ Coverage and scope expectations vary widely by facility.

Money specifics

→ Typical: ~$100–$200/hr depending on region, patient volume, and setting.

→ Some roles pay per shift or include productivity components.

What to check before you say yes

→ Malpractice coverage + scope of coverage (especially procedures).

→ Expected patients per hour and how metrics are tracked.

→ Non-compete/moonlighting restrictions with your primary employer.

Fast start

→ Ask local urgent care groups about PRN coverage needs.

→ If credentialing is slow, start with per diem roles in systems you already have privileges in.

12) Medical Consulting (Project-Based, Non-Clinical)

Why it works → It monetizes your expertise without adding clinical hours. Done well, consulting can be high-pay, lower-wear-and-tear than extra shifts.

What it is → Advising companies on clinical workflows, product strategy, patient experience, compliance, or medical content — usually as a contractor on defined deliverables.

Pros

→ High earning potential per hour when scoped correctly.

→ Flexible and often remote.

→ Builds a “portfolio” that can compound into bigger opportunities.

Cons

→ Not as instant as shifts; you may need to build relationships first.

→ Easy for projects to expand beyond the original scope.

→ Requires comfort with contracts, boundaries, and deliverables.

Money specifics

→ Typical: ~$200–$500/hr (sometimes project retainers instead of hourly).

→ Rates often rise with niche expertise and clear outcomes.

What to check before you say yes

→ Conflict-of-interest rules (employer, hospital, academic institution).

→ IP ownership + confidentiality terms in the contract.

→ Whether you’re being paid hourly, per deliverable, or retainer (and what triggers extra fees).

Fast start

→ Write a tight one-paragraph “consulting positioning” statement (who you help + what you solve).

→ Start with one contained project: chart review, protocol build, training deck, workflow audit.

13) Expert Witness Work (Med-Legal)

Why it works → It can be very high pay per hour, and your clinical credibility is the asset. It’s best for physicians who can communicate clearly and stay calm under scrutiny.

What it is → Reviewing medical records, writing opinions, and giving testimony for legal cases related to your specialty (standard of care, causation, damages).

Pros

→ High pay per hour.

→ Work is intermittent, so you can take cases selectively.

→ Leverages deep specialty knowledge.

Cons

→ Cases can balloon in time, especially near deadlines.

→ Depositions/trials are stressful and schedule-dependent.

→ Reputation risk if you take weak cases or appear biased.

Money specifics

→ Typical: ~$300–$600+/hr (record review, reports, deposition, testimony often billed differently).

→ Some physicians set minimum blocks (ex: 2–4 hours).

What to check before you say yes

→ Conflict checks (your institution, partners, prior involvement).→ Clear rate sheet: record review, report writing, depo, trial, travel.

→ Payment terms (retainer up front is common).

Fast start

→ Create a one-page CV tailored to expert work (publications, leadership, procedures, guidelines).→ Start with record review cases before testimony-heavy work.

14) Teaching, Mentoring, or Precepting

Why it works → It’s lower-stress income that can pair nicely with a busy clinical schedule — especially if you enjoy teaching and already work with trainees.

What it is → Getting paid to teach students/residents, precept clinics, mentor, or provide structured coaching through programs, universities, or private platforms.

Pros

→ Flexible and generally lower burnout risk than extra clinical shifts.

→ Builds your professional brand and leadership “cred.”

→ Often predictable and repeatable once established.

Cons

→ Pay can be modest relative to time invested.

→ Prep and admin work can be “invisible labor.”

→ Some roles require affiliation or paperwork that slows setup.

Money specifics

→ Typical: ~$40–$150/hr, or per-rotation stipends depending on role and institution.

What to check before you say yes

→ Actual time commitment, including prep, grading, meetings, and documentation.

→ Whether you’re W-2 or 1099 (tax planning matters).

→ Contract length, cancellation terms, and expectations.

Fast start

→ Ask local programs if they need adjunct faculty, guest lectures, or preceptors.

→ Start with one recurring commitment (ex: one evening/month) before scaling.

15) CME Speaking or Guest Lecturing

Why it works → It’s high credibility leverage. If you already teach or present, CME speaking can turn the same skill into meaningful extra income and referrals.

What it is → Paid talks for conferences, grand rounds, CME events, workshops, or professional associations.

Pros

→ Strong “pay per appearance” potential.

→ Builds authority and expands your network.

→ Can lead to additional opportunities (advisory work, writing, teaching).

Cons

→ Dates are fixed, and travel can be disruptive.

→ Prep time can be significant.

→ Requires disclosures and clear boundaries.

Money specifics

→ Typical: ~$500–$2,000+ per event, sometimes higher depending on audience, travel, and topic.

What to check before you say yes

→ Honorarium + what’s covered (travel, lodging, meals).

→ Content ownership and whether slides can be reused.

→ Disclosure requirements and compliance.

Fast start

→ Create 2–3 “signature topics” in your specialty with tight learning objectives.

→ Offer to speak at local chapters first to build a track record.

16) Real Estate (With a Management Company)

Why it works → It’s one of the few paths that can build long-term wealth outside medicine — but it’s not passive early on, and leverage cuts both ways.

What it is → Buying rental property (or investing in deals) while outsourcing day-to-day tenant and maintenance operations to a property management company.

Pros

→ Potential for long-term wealth via cash flow + appreciation.

→ Outsourcing management reduces time burden.

→ Tax strategy can matter a lot for high earners when done correctly.

Cons

→ Higher upfront friction (capital, underwriting, financing).

→ Vacancy and repair risk are real.

→ Not truly passive if you’re making acquisition decisions.

Money specifics

→ Not hourly. Think: monthly net cash flow per door + longer-term equity growth.

→ Returns vary massively by market, leverage, and execution.

What to check before you say yes

→ Cash reserves and your true “all-in” numbers (repairs, capex, vacancy, insurance, taxes).

→ Lending terms and interest-rate sensitivity.

→ Property management fees, leasing fees, and maintenance markups.

→ Your tax strategy (active vs passive treatment, depreciation, and how it applies to you).

Fast start

→ Start by underwriting 10–20 deals on paper before buying one.

→ Interview 2–3 property managers before you close, not after.

17) Vending Machines

Why it works → It’s a tangible “micro-business” that can be semi-automated, but only if placement is strong and you’re willing to handle restocking and maintenance.

What it is → Purchasing vending machines and placing them in offices, gyms, schools, or facilities where you earn revenue from product sales.

Pros

→ Flexible schedule once placed.

→ Scales by adding locations.

→ Straightforward business model.

Cons

→ Location is everything, and it can be hard to secure.

→ Machines break, inventory gets stolen, and products expire.

→ Time isn’t zero: restocking + service runs are real.

Money specifics

→ Often ~$300–$1,500/month in revenue per machine, with net varying based on rent/commission, product cost, and traffic.

What to check before you say yes

→ Placement agreement: commission, exclusivity, access hours, and removal terms.

→ Maintenance plan + who repairs what.

→ Sales tax requirements + bookkeeping.

Fast start

→ Start with one machine in a high-traffic location you can access easily.

→ Track every expense and restock cadence from day one (profit is in the details).

Taxes, Benefits + Risk: What Protects Your Upside

If you’re earning from side hustles for medical professionals, you’re likely a 1099 contractor for at least some of the work. That unlocks both opportunity and responsibility:

Entity + bookkeeping

→ Consider an LLC for liability separation.

→ Track income/expenses monthly – use a mileage app for delivery gigs like Spark.

→ Set aside 25-35% of net for taxes if you lack withholding.

Retirement + deductions

→ 1099 income allows a Solo 401(k) or SEP-IRA for additional tax-deferred savings.

→ Deductions: professional fees, CME, licensure, part of cell + data, and equipment.

→ Mileage is often the largest deduction for Uber Eats + Walmart Spark. Keep pristine logs.

Benefits

→ If you’re W-2 in your main role, keep an eye on Social Security wage base interactions and Medicare surtax thresholds when adding 1099 income.

Compliance

→ Read your employment contract: secondary work, non-compete, and conflicts of interest.

→ Verify malpractice coverage.

Choosing Your Best-Fit Side Hustle

→ Max dollars per hour + clinical alignment: Moonlighting, Locums, Telemedicine.

→ Maximum flexibility with zero admin: Uber Eats, Walmart Spark, Surveys.

→ Leverage expertise without direct patient care: Expert Calls, Medical Writing, Tutoring.

→ Practice infrastructure advantage: Principal Investigator/Clinical Trials.

If you only trial one or two options this quarter, choose one clinical (moonlighting or telemed) and one non (expert calls or writing). That mix protects your energy and diversifies income.

Side Hustles for Medical Professionals: Mini-Playbooks

Moonlighting

1. Confirm employer policy + non-compete language.

2. Secure malpractice aligned to the scope.

3. Start with internal shifts; expand to external once you know your cadence.

   
   

Telemedicine

1. Pick a niche (urgent care vs chronic care follow-up).

2. Ensure licensure + EHR readiness; test your workstation.

3. Stack states via IMLC if you like it.

   
   

Uber Eats / Walmart Spark

1. Track every mile; target dense zones and promo times.

2. Decline low-margin trips; batch intelligently.

3. Recalculate net hourly after 2 weeks – keep it only if it meets your threshold.

   
   

Expert Calls

1. Build a crisp expertise profile; list topics you can speak to concretely.

2. Set a fair rate; guard conflicts and confidentiality.

3. Schedule in predictable windows (e.g., Friday afternoons).

The Bottom Line on Side Hustles for Medical Professionals

The best side hustles for medical professionals respect your time, pay you clearly, won’t compromise your core practice, and plug cleanly into your overall financial plan: easy to start + stop, tax-aware, and aligned with your savings, debt, and risk goals.

Start small, measure net (not just gross), and keep your contracts and coverage clean. Whether you spin up a handful of Uber Eats or Walmart Spark runs on a free evening, stack a telemedicine block, or pick up two expert calls a month, small, consistent moves can make a real dent in debt payoff, savings goals (like college or weddings), and lifestyle flexibility.

Ready to Make Your Side Income Work for Your Bigger Plan?

If you’d like help mapping your side-hustle income to taxes, savings, and long-term goals, Your Planning Partner (YPP) specializes in financial planning for doctors. Book a quick consult and we’ll build a physician-specific plan that fits your schedule and maximizes every extra dollar.

Chat with us here →