26 Profitable Side Hustles for Pharmacists to Boost Your Income 💊💰

If you’re a pharmacist wanting to boost your income, there are many side hustles to try. You could do medical writing, consultancy services, teaching, and more. Surveys, Dropshipping, and making educational presentations are also great options. And don’t forget about blogging and public speaking. 

These side gigs let you use your pharmacy skills in new ways, while also making some extra cash. Side hustles for pharmacists range from consulting to telepharmacy. They offer a way to earn more on your own time.

The average debt for a pharmacy student is $167,711. With such high debt, many in the field are looking for extra money. These side jobs can lessen the financial strain. Plus, they’re a chance to try something new in the healthcare field. There’s something for everyone, whether you work in a hospital or as a technician. These gigs can adjust to fit your abilities and free time.

There’s a wide range of side hustles for pharmacists. You could land remote jobs or offer unique services. Take medical writing, for example. It can bring in $600 or more per project. Or, try consulting, which pays $50-$150 hourly. These gigs let you step outside the usual pharmacy roles. They might even open doors to new career choices and personal development.

Key Takeaways

• Pharmacists have various side hustle options to supplement their income.
• Side hustles can help tackle student debt and provide financial flexibility.
• Options range from medical writing to consulting, with varying earning potentials.
• Remote pharmacist jobs offer flexibility and additional income opportunities.
• Side hustles allow pharmacists to explore new areas in healthcare and expand their skills.

26 Top Side Hustles for Pharmacists

If you’re a pharmacist wanting to earn more, there are many side hustle options. These opportunities make use of your skills. They also can turn into full-time rewarding jobs. We’ll look at some of the best side gigs for pharmacists looking to make extra cash.

Dropshipping

• Overview: Dropshipping is a favored income source due to its low startup costs.
• How It Works:
  • A website is created (recommended platforms include Shopify and Wix).
  • Customers order products (e.g., medicines) from the website.
  • The host orders those items from a supplier who ships directly to the customer, eliminating the need to hold inventory.
• Benefits:
  • Minimal upfront investment; funds from customers are used to purchase products.
  • Ideal for those looking to start an e-commerce business without financial risk.

YouTube Content Creation

• Overview: Creating a YouTube channel around a personal passion or skill.
• Potential Earnings: Once a channel gains subscribers, it can generate passive income from advertisements.
• Strategy:
  • Upload videos regularly (e.g., bi-weekly or monthly) to build momentum.
  • Focus on teaching specific skills or sharing knowledge.

Medical Writing and Continuing Medical Education (CME)

• Overview: Medical writing is a growing field that allows pharmacists to create content for various industries, including pharmaceuticals and digital health.
• Getting Started:
  • Pharmacists can write articles for online journals or publications like Pharmacy Times and Drug Topics.
  • Creating CME materials is relatively easy, and pharmacists can utilize tools like Google Gemini to help organize thoughts and source references.

Speaking Opportunities

• Local conferences often seek speakers, and pharmacists can get paid to present on topics they are knowledgeable about.
• Replicating pharmacy content for nursing or physician conferences can expand reach and income potential.

Consultancy Services

• Pharmacists can offer consultancy in areas like Regulatory Affairs and Quality Assurance (QA).
• Opportunities include consulting for pharmaceutical companies and training other pharmacies.

Stock Market Investment

• Overview: Investing a small percentage (5-10%) of income into well-known companies (Apple, Tesla, etc.).
• Advice:
  • Approach investing as a long-term strategy rather than seeking quick profits.
  • Understand that while there are risks involved, careful investing can yield better returns than traditional banking methods.

Tutoring

• Overview: Pharmacists can utilize their clinical knowledge to tutor pharmacy students.
• Opportunities:
  • Teach complex pharmacy topics or provide compounding lessons.
  • Consider creating online courses for passive income as well.
• Benefits: This not only reinforces the tutor’s own knowledge but also allows them to earn money while helping others.

Creating Online Courses

• Pharmacists can develop and sell online courses on platforms like Udemy and Coursera, covering topics such as Regulatory Affairs and Pharmacovigilance.

Life Coaching

• Overview: Pharmacists can serve as mentors or life coaches to others in the field.
• Advice:
  • Leverage personal experiences and knowledge to guide others.
  • Certification is not strictly necessary, but resources are available for those who want formal recognition.
• Philosophy: Emphasizes the importance of helping others succeed as a pathway to personal success.

Selling Medical Products

• Starting a business selling lab coats, scrubs, medical devices (like stethoscopes), and drug indexes can be lucrative.
• Establish partnerships with pharmaceutical companies or universities to sell these items to students.

Online Pharmacy

• Setting up an online pharmacy can be a viable side hustle. This involves creating a website and sourcing medicines and medical devices, allowing pharmacists to operate from home.

Locum Work

• Taking on locum roles (temporary positions) at community pharmacies can help supplement income, especially during weekends or off hours.

Photography and Video Editing

• Pharmacists can also explore photography and video editing, offering services to influencers or content creators.

Pharmacy Blog 

Start a blog focusing on pharmacy-related topics, medication reviews, and health advice to generate income through affiliate marketing and sponsored content.

Opportunities:

• Collaborate with pharmaceutical companies for sponsored content
• Become an affiliate for health & wellness products
• Grow your audience to attract advertisers
• Establish yourself as a thought leader in the pharmacy industry

Medication Therapy Management (MTM) Services

Offer MTM services to patients, helping them optimize their medication regimens and improve health outcomes.

Opportunities:

• Partner with healthcare providers and clinics to offer MTM services
• Expand your services to include remote or telehealth consultations
• Develop a niche in serving specific patient populations, such as geriatrics or those with chronic conditions

Pharmacy Podcast

Create a podcast discussing the latest pharmaceutical trends, drug information, and industry news, monetizing through sponsorships and advertisements.

Opportunities:

• Invite industry experts & thought leaders as guests to attract listeners
• Secure sponsorships from pharmaceutical companies or pharmacy-related businesses
• Expand your podcast to include video content or live sessions
• Repurpose your content into other formats, such as blog posts or social media content

Compounding Pharmacy

Establish a compounding pharmacy to create personalized medications tailored to patients’ specific needs.

Opportunities:

• Specialize in niche areas, such as veterinary or pediatric compounding
• Partner with healthcare providers to become their preferred compounding pharmacy
• Offer unique formulations and delivery methods to differentiate your services

Wellness Coaching

Utilize your expertise to provide wellness coaching services, helping clients develop healthy lifestyles and manage chronic conditions.

Opportunities:

• Offer group coaching sessions or workshops to reach a larger audience
• Develop partnerships with gyms, fitness centers, or health food stores
• Create a subscription-based model for ongoing support and resources
• Expand your services to include corporate wellness programs

Pharmacy Consulting for Long-Term Care Facilities

Offer consulting services to long-term care facilities, ensuring proper medication management and regulatory compliance.

Opportunities:

• Develop a comprehensive consulting package that includes staff training and quality assurance
• Expand your services to include other healthcare facilities, such as hospitals or clinics
• Offer remote consulting services to reach facilities in different geographic locations

Medication Adherence App Development

Develop a mobile app that helps patients track and manage their medications, generating revenue through app sales or subscriptions.

Opportunities:

• Integrate your app with wearable devices or smart home systems
• Partner with pharmacies or healthcare providers to promote your app to their patients
• Offer premium features or personalized support for a subscription fee
• Expand your app to include additional features, such as refill reminders or drug interaction alerts

Pharmacy-Related E-books

Write and sell e-books on various pharmacy topics, such as medication guides, health management, and career advice for pharmacists.

Opportunities:

• Develop a series of e-books covering different aspects of pharmacy practice
• Offer bundled packages or subscriptions for access to multiple e-books
• Collaborate with other pharmacists or healthcare professionals to create comprehensive resources
• Expand your e-book offerings to include audiobooks or interactive content

Pharmacy Staffing Agency

Start a staffing agency that specializes in placing pharmacists and pharmacy technicians in temporary or permanent positions.

Opportunities:

• Specialize in placing pharmacists in specific settings, such as hospitals or long-term care facilities
• Offer training and professional development resources to your staff
• Expand your services to include pharmacy technicians and other support staff

Medication Packaging and Labeling Service

Offer medication packaging and labeling services to independent pharmacies or long-term care facilities.

Opportunities:

• Offer customized packaging solutions for specific patient populations, such as those with visual impairments or cognitive disorders
• Partner with pharmacies to provide packaging and labeling services for their customers
• Develop a subscription-based model for ongoing packaging and labeling needs

Pharmacy Inventory Management Consulting

Provide consulting services to help pharmacies optimize their inventory management systems and reduce costs.

Opportunities:

• Develop proprietary software or tools to streamline inventory management processes
• Offer ongoing support & training to ensure the successful implementation of your recommendations
• Expand your services to include supply chain optimization and vendor management

Pharmacogenomics Consulting

Offer personalized medication recommendations based on patients’ genetic profiles, collaborating with healthcare providers.

Opportunities:

• Partner with genetic testing companies to offer comprehensive services
• Create a network of healthcare providers who can refer patients for pharmacogenomic consultations
• Offer educational resources and training for healthcare professionals on pharmacogenomics

Pharmacy-Themed Merchandise

Design and sell pharmacy-related merchandise, such as t-shirts, mugs, and tote bags, featuring clever slogans or designs appealing to pharmacists and pharmacy enthusiasts.

Opportunities:

• Partner with pharmacies or pharmacy organizations to sell your merchandise in their stores or events
• Develop a subscription box service featuring your merchandise and other pharmacy-related items
• Expand your product line to include custom designs or personalized merchandise
• License your designs to other retailers or manufacturers for a royalty fee

The Rising Trend of Side Hustles in Pharmacy

The pharmacy profession is experiencing a shift. With increasing demands, long hours, and potential burnout, many pharmacists are seeking additional income streams and professional fulfillment. This has led to a surge in side hustles within the industry.

Why the Rise in Pharmacy Side Hustles?

• Financial incentives: The desire to supplement income and achieve financial goals.
• Professional growth: Exploring new areas of interest and expanding skill sets.
• Work-life balance: Creating flexibility and reducing reliance on traditional employment.
• Passion projects: Pursuing personal interests related to healthcare and wellness.

Why Pharmacists Are Seeking Additional Income

Pharmacists are looking for extra money for a few reasons:

• Pay off student loans
• Save for future goals
• Offset slowing job growth in traditional roles
• Adapt to changes in the healthcare industry

The job market for pharmacy is only growing about 6% from 2016 to 2026. With slow growth, pharmacists are finding new ways to make money.

Benefits of Having a Side Hustle

Side hustles bring lots of benefits for pharmacists:

• Explore new areas within pharmacy practice
• Build valuable skills
• Expand professional networks
• Achieve greater financial stability

Many pharmacists are using their skills in fields like consulting, writing, and telepharmacy. These activities help them earn extra income. And, they keep a foot in the door of their main career.

Balancing a Side Hustle with Full-Time Pharmacy Work

Balancing a full-time pharmacy job with a side hustle can be challenging but rewarding. It requires effective time management, clear boundaries, and a strong commitment to both roles. 

Tips for Successful Balancing:

Prioritize and Schedule:

    * Dedicate specific time blocks for your side hustle and pharmacy work.

    * Use tools like calendars or time management apps to stay organized.

    * Prioritize tasks based on importance and deadlines.

Set Clear Boundaries:

    * Establish clear boundaries between work and personal life.

    * Avoid checking work emails or accepting work calls during personal time.

    * Communicate your availability to clients and colleagues.

Leverage Technology:

    * Utilize productivity tools to streamline tasks and improve efficiency.

    * Automate repetitive tasks whenever possible.

    * Explore virtual communication options for your side hustle.

Delegate and Outsource:

    * Consider delegating tasks or outsourcing certain responsibilities.

    * Focus on core competencies and delegate non-essential tasks.

Take Care of Yourself:

    * Prioritize sleep, exercise, and a healthy diet.

    * Manage stress through relaxation techniques or hobbies.

    * Avoid burnout by taking regular breaks.

Continuous Learning:

    * Remain updated on industry trends & best practices for both roles.

    * Seek opportunities for professional development.

Common Challenges and Solutions:

Time Constraints:

    * Prioritize tasks, delegate, and optimize your workflow.

    * Consider reducing your workload in one area if necessary.

Burnout:

    * Set boundaries, take breaks, and practice self-care.

    * Evaluate your workload and consider adjusting your commitments.

Financial Management:

    * Create a separate budget for your side hustle.

    * Track income and expenses carefully.

Work-Life Balance:

    * Schedule quality time with family and friends.

    * Learn to say no to additional commitments if needed.

Remember, finding the right balance may take time & experimentation. Be patient with yourself and adjust your approach as needed.

Conclusion: Choosing the Right Side Hustle for You

If you’re a pharmacist or studying to become one, you have lots of valuable knowledge. You could use this for side jobs. For example, you might work as an ambulatory care pharmacist or with kids. Your skills in healthcare and public health are sought after. With a typical annual salary between $118,968 to $145,944 per year, side hustles can greatly increase your earnings.

When looking for a side job, think about what you’re good at, what you like, and how much time you have. Choosing something related to medical writing or consulting can be very profitable. If you like making content, a blog or YouTube channel about pharma could bring in $0 – $5,000 per month. Successful blogs bring in over $5000 every month.

Start small and grow your work. Connecting with others in the field can lead to new chances. Maybe you’ll end up in pharmaceutical sales or doing Medication Therapy Management. That kind of work pays about $17.61 per hour. By picking the right side job, you can broaden your career opportunities. You can reach your money goals and maybe even discover a new passion in healthcare.

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