The best side hustles for nurses use your clinical knowledge, fit around shift work and, in many cases, can be done from home.
This guide covers 12 ways nurses can earn extra income in 2026, with the latest U.S. data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and the official pages you need to check before you start.
Key takeaways
- Your license is your biggest asset. BLS says registered nurses must hold a license from the state in which they work, so check the rules before any paid clinical side work.
- Nursing pays well already. The BLS median for registered nurses was $97,550 in May 2025, so a side hustle should fit your energy as well as your budget.
- Non-clinical options exist. Writing, teaching and consulting do not need shifts, though some still need an active RN license.
- Not every option is growing. BLS projects a 4% decline in medical transcriptionist jobs from 2025 to 2035.
- Plan for tax. The IRS says you must pay self-employment tax if your net self-employment earnings are $400 or more.
Before you start a nursing side hustle
Check three things first so a side income does not put your main job or license at risk.
- Your employer’s policy. Ask HR about outside work, conflicts of interest and use of employer information.
- Your license. BLS says nurses must have a nursing license issued by the state in which they work. Your state board of nursing sets the rules.
- Tax. Side income is usually self-employment income. See the IRS self-employment tax page.
Also keep your energy in mind. BLS notes that hospital nurses usually work shifts that can include nights, weekends and holidays, so pick a hustle you can sustain.
12 side hustles for nurses
1. Telehealth or virtual nursing
Virtual care lets you assess, triage and educate patients from home. If you hold a multistate license, the Nurse Licensure Compact lists 43 jurisdictions that currently take part.
Check where your patients are located and whether your license covers that state before you accept work.
2. Per diem and extra shifts
The simplest hustle is more nursing. BLS says some nurses travel to help care for patients where there are not enough healthcare workers.
Agencies and facilities set their own rates, so compare offers and ask about cancellations and benefits.
3. Home health or private duty nursing
BLS says many older people prefer to be treated at home, so registered nurses will likely continue to be in demand in home healthcare settings (BLS).
If you work as an independent contractor, put the terms in writing with a freelance contract.
4. Immunization and community health clinics
BLS says public health nurses may run health screenings, immunization clinics, blood drives and community outreach programs.
Ask your local health department, schools and employers whether they hire nurses part time for events.
5. Legal nurse consulting
Legal nurse consultants use clinical knowledge to support legal work. The American Association of Legal Nurse Consultants offers education, networking and certification.
Start by reading the association’s resources to see what the work involves before you invest in training.
6. Nurse educator or tutor
BLS says some nurses work as nurse educators and still need an active RN license. It also says a bachelor’s or higher degree is often necessary for teaching.
Tutoring nursing students one to one is a lighter way to start.
7. CPR and first aid instructor
The American Red Cross offers instructor courses, including First Aid/CPR/AED and Basic Life Support. New instructors complete an online course and an in-person skills session, and must be affiliated with a Red Cross training provider before teaching.
The Red Cross says instructor certifications are valid for 2 years.
8. Medical and health writing
Nurses can write patient education, health articles and blog posts. BLS lists a May 2025 median of $90,390 for technical writers, which includes people who explain complex information (BLS).
For general writers, BLS projects little or no job growth from 2025 to 2035 (BLS), so build a niche. See our freelance writing niches guide.
9. Medical transcription or documentation review
BLS lists a May 2025 median of $40,410 for medical transcriptionists and projects a 4% decline from 2025 to 2035 because speech recognition reduces the need for them (BLS).
Today the work often means editing software drafts, so a nursing background helps spot errors.
10. Study guides and printables
You can turn your own notes into study guides, checklists or care-plan templates and sell them on a marketplace or your own site.
Write original material in your own words, and read each marketplace’s seller rules before you list anything.
11. Online courses
If you have deep knowledge in one area, such as wound care or patient education, a short course can reach many learners.
Keep claims accurate and do not give individual medical advice to students.
12. Health coaching
Health coaches help people set goals around habits such as sleep, activity and stress. Be clear with clients that coaching is not nursing care.
Compare certification programs carefully, and see our guide to how much to charge as a freelancer when you set prices.
Quick comparison of the sourced data
Scroll sideways to see the full table.
| Option | BLS data | What it tells you |
|---|---|---|
| Registered nurse (base job) | Median $97,550 (May 2025); 6% growth 2025-35 | Your main income and license |
| Technical writer | Median $90,390 (May 2025) | Writing for health topics can pay well, but is not a guaranteed freelance rate |
| Medical transcriptionist | Median $40,410 (May 2025); -4% growth 2025-35 | Declining demand |
These are national employee figures from BLS, not what a side hustle will earn.
Tax and paperwork basics
The IRS says the self-employment tax rate is 15.3%: 12.4% for Social Security and 2.9% for Medicare. You must file Schedule SE if net earnings are $400 or more (IRS).
You may also need to pay estimated taxes each quarter. Our guide on how to become self-employed covers the first steps.
More health-career ideas
Looking at other careers? Read our guides to side hustles for pharmacists, side hustles for therapists and the best paying jobs in health care.
If you like driving, see medical courier independent contractor work.
FAQ
What is the best side hustle for nurses?
It depends on your goals. Extra shifts use your license directly, while writing, tutoring and courses offer more flexibility.
Can nurses work from home?
Yes, in roles such as virtual care, writing, tutoring and consulting. Check your license and your employer’s policy first.
Do I need a license for a nursing side hustle?
For clinical work, yes. BLS says registered nurses must have a nursing license from the state in which they work. Some non-clinical work does not need one.
Do I have to pay tax on side income?
Generally yes. The IRS requires self-employment tax and Schedule SE if net earnings are $400 or more. Ask a tax professional about your situation.
How much can nurses earn from a side hustle?
There is no official figure for side hustle income. Use BLS pay data as a benchmark and set rates from your costs and time.
