13 Passive Income Ideas For Nurses [2024]

Updated: September 21st, 2024

Interested in earning passive income as a nurse in 2024?

We put together a few of the best passive income ideas you can start as a nurse today. These will help you increase your quality of life by bringing in more income for yourself or your business.

For each income idea, we’ll show you real-world examples, revenue expectations for each idea, plus some things you might need to know before you start your passive income journey as a nurse.

Here's the full list:

1. Make passive income with a podcast ($97.9K/month)

Starting a podcast could be a great way for you to supplement your income as a nurse. You could create a show that shares your nursing experiences, offers health tips, or discusses the challenges and rewards of the profession. Nurses and healthcare workers generally have a wealth of knowledge and stories that can be both informative and entertaining to a broad audience.

To get started, you'll want to pick a topic that you're passionate about, like mental health in nursing, tips for balancing work and personal life, or patient care advice. Basic recording equipment such as a microphone and headphones will be essential, but you can find affordable options to fit a tight budget. Over time, as your audience grows, you could attract sponsors or advertisers, leading to a steady stream of passive income from your podcast.

Promoting your podcast via social media and online communities can help you reach more listeners. Your unique perspective as a nurse could resonate with many people, making your podcast both a fulfilling side hustle and a potential source of extra income.

How much you can make: $400 — $1,020,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $2,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)

Time commitment per week: Min. 2 hours/week

How I Started A Successful Podcast Production Company

A successful podcast production company that grew from one client making $15/hour to a team of 10 contractors producing over 30 shows per week with revenue of over $10k/mo, primarily through referrals and with a focus on providing high personal touch and being picky about working only with clients who are a good fit.

Read by 19,167 founders

2. Make passive income with an online course sales business ($85K/month)

As a nurse, you could supplement your income by creating and selling online courses. With your extensive knowledge in healthcare, you could develop courses on topics like basic first aid, health and wellness tips, or even specialized nursing techniques. This allows you to share your expertise while making extra money on the side.

Launching an online course is simple: you choose a topic you are passionate about, create engaging content, and then sell it on a learning platform. Given that the e-learning market is projected to reach over $645 billion soon, there is significant potential for earning passive income by teaching others the skills and knowledge you already possess.

How much you can make: $100 — $300,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $2,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)

I Make $120K/Year With My Print On Demand T-Shirt Side Hustle

A multipreneur shares how she built a successful print on demand side hustle, generating $120,000 per year through multiple brands spread over various platforms.

Read by 12,000 founders

3. Make passive income with a health and wellness app ($108K/month)

As a nurse, you already possess extensive knowledge about health, wellness, and patient care, making you a perfect candidate to start a health and wellness app. By creating an app that offers personalized fitness routines, nutrition plans, and mental well-being exercises, you could use your expertise to help a broader audience achieve their health goals.

This app could serve as a virtual coach that guides users through yoga practices, meal plans, and even reminds them to stay hydrated. The process will involve market research, collaborating with health experts, and app development, but the rewards could be significant. With your background in healthcare and a passion for technology, this venture has the potential to positively impact lives while generating passive income.

How much you can make: $600 — $300,000/month

How long does it take to build: 200 days (?)

I Created A $2.7M/Year Software That Extends People's Lives By Analyzing Their DNA

Founder and CEO of SelfDecode, Joe Cohen, explains how his company helps people discover personalized diet, supplement, and lifestyle recommendations based on DNA and lab tests; generating about $2.7 million in revenue over the past year and raising $8 million in a crowdfunding campaign, SelfDecode provides personalized health recommendations prioritized on unique genetic variants, marking the future of healthcare.

Read by 8,520 founders

4. Make passive income with a YouTube channel ($72.1K/month)

As a nurse, you could leverage your skills and knowledge by starting a YouTube channel to share healthcare tips, wellness advice, or even daily routines. This platform would give you the chance to educate people on medical conditions, preventive care, and healthy lifestyles. Viewers appreciate authoritative advice, and your professional background can lend credibility to your channel.

Starting a YouTube channel involves creating engaging video content regularly, but it also offers the potential to earn passive income through ads, sponsorships, and merchandise. While there's effort required in planning, shooting, and editing videos, the rewards could be significant. If you're consistent and connect well with your audience, this could turn into a rewarding and profitable side hustle.

How much you can make: $2,000 — $333,333/month

How much does it cost to start: $5,250 (?)

How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)

How A Young Entrepreneur From Nigeria Started A Profitable Blog

This case study follows the journey of a young entrepreneur from Nigeria who started a profitable blog generating a monthly revenue of $1,500+ through sales of advertising space, sponsored posts, and information products, and shares his strategies for success including a Twitter growth challenge and guest post pitches.

Read by 12,295 founders

5. Make passive income with a niche blog ($31.5K/month)

As a nurse, starting a niche blog around nursing or healthcare topics could be a fantastic way to share your insights and experiences while supplementing your income. You could focus on specific areas such as patient care tips, stories from the front lines, mental health for nurses, or even advice for nursing students. Through compelling and informative posts, you could attract a loyal audience that appreciates your firsthand expertise.

To monetize your blog, you could include affiliate links to recommended books, medical equipment, or courses. Writing engaging articles, sharing how-to guides, and providing product reviews could draw more traffic to your site. Over time, collaborating with healthcare brands and speaking at nursing events could further boost your visibility and income potential.

How much you can make: $100 — $650,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $650 (?)

How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)

How I Turned A Crappy Idea Into A $3M/Year Business

Starter Story grew to 1.4 million monthly visitors and millions in annual revenue by sharing the stories of entrepreneurs. Pat breaks down the early days and how he grew the business into something that changed his life.

Read by 77,263 founders

6. Make passive income with a social media automation business ($148K/month)

Starting a social media automation business could be an excellent way for a nurse to supplement income and explore entrepreneurship. By leveraging your organizational skills and attention to detail, you could create tools and services that automate the management of social media accounts. This involves scheduling posts, automating interactions, and analyzing data to optimize engagement, which is something many small businesses and influencers are willing to pay for.

There's a growing need for consistent social media presence, and many clients seek efficient ways to handle this demand. Even if you're not a tech wizard, there are existing software solutions you could integrate and customize for your clients. The key is to stay updated on social media trends and build strong relationships with your clients to understand their unique needs. This business could be a flexible and profitable side hustle, especially with your experience in a fast-paced nursing environment where multitasking and time management are crucial.

How much you can make: $4,000 — $400,000/month

How long does it take to build: 50 days (?)

How I Bootstrapped A Social Media Automation Tool To $2MM/Year

MeetEdgar, a bootstrapped social media automation tool founded in 2014 by Laura Roeder, has grown to $4 million in annual recurring revenue and more than 5,000 customers, with a team size of two dozen, achieved through content marketing, social media marketing, and organic search.

Read by 15,193 founders

7. Make passive income with an ecommerce reselling business ($83.3K/month)

As a nurse, starting an ecommerce reselling business could be a flexible and rewarding way to earn passive income alongside your regular job. You could start by purchasing services or goods for resale and focus on setting up a social media-based reseller business. This approach allows you to dip your toes into the world of ecommerce without the upfront cost and complexity of creating a website.

By using your off-hours to manage inventory and sales, you could gradually grow your business while continuing to help patients. With the potential to expand your operations over time, you have the option to create a website when you're ready, allowing you to scale up as your business becomes more successful.

How much you can make: $4,000 — $150,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $2,999 (?)

How long does it take to build: 75 days (?)

My Side Hustle Makes $1.2M/Year Selling Car Accessories

Empyre Off-Road, an e-commerce business founded by Greg Shuey which sells aftermarket parts for Toyota Tacomas, Tundras, and 4Runners, generated approximately $100,000 a month in revenue and was able to expand its product offering, focusing on content marketing, email marketing campaigns, and organic social media to attract and retain customers.

Read by 7,354 founders

8. Make passive income with a subscription box business ($97.9K/month)

If you're a nurse with an entrepreneurial mindset, starting a subscription box business could be a great way to supplement your income. You could create a box tailored to the healthcare community, such as wellness products, self-care items, or even specialized gear for nurses. This not only allows you to leverage your unique insight into what healthcare workers need but also to connect with your niche market effectively.

Subscription boxes are in high demand because they offer exclusive products and add value to the customer experience. By focusing on quality products and a well-designed box, you could build a loyal customer base. Collaborate with fulfillment companies and market your service well to ensure a smooth operation and profitable business.

How much you can make: $400 — $400,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $210 (?)

How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)

How I Started A Gift Box Business For Non Traditional Brides

Vowed Box Co. is a line of curated, quirky gift boxes with non-traditional brides in mind, offering four different products that have helped the business become profitable most months since its launch in 2018, with a monthly income of roughly $600.

Read by 31,387 founders

9. Print on demand business ($411K/month)

Starting a print-on-demand business could be an excellent way for a nurse to supplement income and earn passive income. As a nurse, you could design and sell products like custom t-shirts, home goods, and phone cases without needing to invest in inventory upfront. This business model allows you to use services that handle printing and shipping, so you can focus on creating unique designs whenever you have free time.

By leveraging platforms like Amazon, eBay, and Etsy, you could reach a global audience and run your business from home. With minimal startup costs, this is a flexible side hustle that allows you to monetize your creativity and build a scalable business at your own pace. Whether you design items related to the healthcare field or explore other interests, print-on-demand gives you the opportunity to experiment and grow your business over time.

How much you can make: $200 — $3,000,000/month

How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)

Time commitment per week: Min. 5 hours/week

How I Started A $330K/Month Ecommerce Specialized In 3D Printing

Founder Roy Kirchner shares how he started an eCommerce business specializing in 3D printing with an initial investment of $65,000, which now averages monthly gross sales of $330,000 and has partnered with international manufacturers and local businesses while offering technical support and education.

Read by 29,927 founders

10. Make passive income with an ai based business solution ($55.8K/month)

As a nurse, you could leverage your healthcare expertise to create an AI-based business solution tailored for medical facilities or home care services. This could involve developing an AI system that streamlines patient care processes, automates administrative tasks, or offers personalized care recommendations based on data analytics. Such a platform could save time for medical staff, ensure better patient outcomes, and enhance overall efficiency in healthcare environments.

You don’t need a tech background to start; many AI platform providers offer easy-to-use tools and strong support systems to get you started. With the growing demand for AI solutions in various industries, including healthcare, entering this market could provide a valuable and innovative service while generating passive income.

How much you can make: $4,000 — $120,000/month

How long does it take to build: 125 days (?)

How We Launched A $120K/Month Audiobook Publishing Course

Mikkelsen Twins grew an online education company from scratch with over 800 students, making over 6-figures in profit every month thanks to their successful program, Audiobook Income Academy 2.0.

Read by 21,952 founders

11. Make passive income with a niche website ($107K/month)

If you're a nurse with a passion for educating others or sharing your expertise, starting a niche website could be a great way to supplement your income. You could focus on creating content that addresses common health questions, provides nursing tips, or reviews medical equipment. By sharing your specialized knowledge, you could attract a dedicated audience interested in your insights.

With some effort in research, content creation, and SEO, your website could gain traffic and become a platform for monetization opportunities. Whether it's through affiliate marketing, placing ads, or selling digital products like eBooks or online courses, your site could generate income. This venture offers the chance to turn your nursing experience into a reliable source of passive income over time.

How much you can make: $400 — $250,000/month

How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)

How I Leveraged My LinkedIn Network To Create A $1.8M/Year Procurement Conference

DPW (Digital Procurement World) is a fast-growing conference and community in procurement that has more than tripled in revenue since launching in 2019, capping out the year at €1.8 million, with 95% of their growth coming from inbound traffic leveraging LinkedIn and applying social selling techniques.

Read by 3,594 founders

12. Make passive income with an affiliate marketing business ($77.5K/month)

As a nurse, you could supplement your income by starting an affiliate marketing business. This would involve promoting products and services related to healthcare, wellness, or any other area of interest you are passionate about. Given your professional expertise, you could recommend medical supplies, health-related books, or wellness programs to your audience, earning a commission for each sale made through your referrals.

To get started, you would select products and brands that align with your knowledge and interests. For example, partnering with an eCommerce store or a manufacturer that offers healthcare products could be a natural fit. By sharing your insights and recommendations through blogs, social media, or a personal website, you could build a passive income stream over time.

How much you can make: $500 — $773,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $700 (?)

How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)

My Affiliate Marketing Business Earns $500K/Year Profit [No Employees]

This case study explores how Spencer Mecham founded Buildapreneur, an affiliate marketing business, and has made over half a million dollars in profit with no employees, relying solely on content marketing through platforms like Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok.

Read by 24,560 founders

13. Make passive income with an email marketing tool ($235K/month)

As a nurse, you already have a deep reservoir of knowledge and experiences that many people find invaluable. You could start an email marketing tool tailored specifically for the healthcare profession, sharing tips on improving patient care, managing stress, or even career advancement opportunities. Your firsthand experience means you can offer insights that others will find credible and useful.

Creating and managing email campaigns might seem daunting at first, but modern email marketing tools make it easier than ever. You could automate your email sending, manage subscriber lists, and track engagement to see what content resonates most. Best of all, once everything is set up, it can run largely on autopilot, giving you more time to focus on your primary nursing duties while still generating extra income on the side.

Given the growing demand for email marketing services, especially in niche markets, there's a substantial opportunity to monetize your unique expertise. The global email marketing tool market is expected to reach $2.53 billion by 2028, indicating high demand and potential profitability. By tapping into this market, you not only diversify your income streams but also contribute valuable knowledge to your peers and other healthcare professionals.

How much you can make: $120 — $2,083,333/month

How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 170 days (?)

I Built A SEO Tool That's Completely Free For Users [From Lebanon]

H-supertools founder Hasan developed a set of free SEO and digital marketing tools generating $2k per month in profit using Google Adsense, affiliate marketing, selling ad spaces, and email, plans to launch a membership option, and has attained over 80k registered users and 300k monthly visits in less than two years.

Read by 14,043 founders

meet the author
Pat Walls

I'm Pat Walls and I created Starter Story - a website dedicated to helping people start businesses. We interview entrepreneurs from around the world about how they started and grew their businesses.