The nursing profession has always been defined by resilience and adaptability, but in 2025, those qualities extend far beyond hospital walls. Faced with rising costs of living, student loan debt and burnout, many nurses are finding new ways to balance financial security and personal fulfillment. To explore how nurses are adapting to these pressures, a questionnaire was conducted on behalf of St. Thomas University (STU), focusing on the growing role of side hustles.
As a leader in online nursing and business education, STU is interested in how side hustles connect to professional growth and how further education might support nurses pursuing entrepreneurial paths. The findings show that these pursuits are no longer the exception and are quickly becoming the norm. From selling handmade products to launching online businesses, today’s nurses are reshaping what it means to thrive both inside and outside of their scrubs.
Key Takeaways
- Four in five nurses have a side hustle outside of nursing and nearly half (46%) started theirs within the past one to three years.
- The top side hustles nurses are pursuing are selling products (37%), per diem or travel nursing shifts (20%), rideshare or delivery (17%), and content creation (16%).
- On average, nurses with side hustles earn 17% of their total income from these additional streams.
- Nearly one in three nurses with side hustles (30%) are interested in finding a business mentor.
- One in five nurses with side hustles said they are likely to go back to school (e.g., MBA) to support their business career.
- TikTok is the leading platform fueling nurses’ side hustles (45%), followed by Facebook (34%) and Instagram (31%).
Where Nurses Are Turning for Extra Income
- Four in five nurses have a side hustle outside of nursing, and nearly half (46%) started theirs within the past one to three years.
- 49% of nurses with side hustles said theirs began as a mix of financial necessity and creative outlet, while 38% started primarily out of financial need and 13% began purely as a hobby.
- Nearly four in five nurses without a side hustle (79%) have considered starting one in the past year.
Top Reasons Why Nurses Don’t Have a Side Hustle
- 41% worry about burnout.
- 38% don’t have time outside nursing.
- 34% don’t know how to start a side hustle.
- 28% said their nursing income is sufficient.
The Trade-Offs of Growing a Side Hustle in Nursing
- On average, nurses with side hustles earn 17% of their total income from these additional streams.
- Nearly one in five nurses (18%) save none of their side hustle income, while 11% save every dollar they earn from it.
- Fewer than one in 10 nurses with side hustles (8%) said it sometimes causes them to cut back on nursing hours, while the majority (71%) said it never does.
- One in five nurses with side hustles said no amount of a raise from their employer could convince them to give up their side hustle.
- 21% of nurses with side hustles said they regularly feel the need to hide it from their manager or supervisor.
Annual Raise Needed for Nurses to Quit Side Hustles
- Less than $2,500: 6%
- $2,500-$4,999: 10%
- $5,000-$9,999: 20%
- $10,000-$19,999: 24%
- $20,000-$29,999: 4%
- $30,000 or more: 12%
Biggest Barriers Nurses Face in Growing Their Side Hustles
- Fear of failure or financial risk: 42%
- Family or caregiving responsibilities: 31%
- Lack of capital: 30%
- Marketing or finding customers: 20%
- Fear of burnout: 19%
- Lack of business skills: 15%
- Lack of mentorship: 15%
- Employer restrictions: 9%
- Technology or equipment costs: 8%
- Regulatory or licensing requirements: 7%
What Nurses Invest and How Social Media Fuels Their Hustles
- One in five nurses with side hustles said they are likely to go back to school (e.g., MBA) to support their business career.
- TikTok is the leading social media platform fueling nurses’ side hustles (45%), followed by Facebook (34%) and Instagram (31%).
- 40% of nurses agree their employer provides adequate financial wellness support (fair pay, retirement, student loan help, benefits), while 27% disagree and 32% remain neutral.
- 43% of nurses are neutral on whether nursing culture supports entrepreneurial ambition, while 28% think it punishes ambition and 30% believe it supports it.
How Much Nurses Have Personally Invested in Their Side Hustles
- Less than $100: 16%
- $100-$499: 29%
- $500-$999: 18%
- $1,000-$2,499: 13%
- $2,500-$4,999: 3%
- $5,000-$9,999: 8%
- $10,000-$24,999: 10%
- $25,000 or more: 3%
What Nurses Have Invested in for Their Side Hustles
- Inventory or supplies: 33%
- Equipment or technology: 27%
- Marketing or ads: 17%
- Education or training courses: 16%
- Business tools (e.g., accounting software, website): 15%
- Certifications: 14%
- Professional insurance or legal fees: 8%
- Office, studio or workspace rental: 5%
- Employees or contractors: 3%
The Role of Social Media in Nurses’ Side Hustles by Generation
Gen X:
- Helped me market or promote: 50%
- Provided community or mentorship: 38%
- Inspired me to start: 29%
Millennials:
- Inspired me to start: 54%
- Helped me market or promote: 31%
- Provided community or mentorship: 23%
Gen Z:
- Inspired me to start: 43%
- Helped me market or promote: 14%
- Provided community or mentorship: 6%
Top 5 Social Media Platforms Influencing Nurse Entrepreneurs by Generation
Gen X:
- YouTube
- TikTok
- X
Millennials:
- TikTok
- YouTube
Gen Z:
- TikTok
- YouTube
The Growing Role of Entrepreneurship in Nursing
In 2025, nurses are finding new ways to strengthen both their finances and their sense of purpose. Many are turning side hustles into meaningful outlets that provide flexibility and balance alongside demanding clinical roles. Nurses who step into entrepreneurial paths may find that they need more than clinical experience to succeed. Skills in business, leadership and management are becoming increasingly important for those who want to grow a side hustle into something more sustainable. Advanced degrees in areas such as business or nursing leadership can open new opportunities and provide the knowledge to move forward with confidence.
Methodology
This report is based on a questionnaire of 182 nurses across the U.S. It was conducted on behalf of STU from August 25-28, 2025. This is a non-scientific, exploratory questionnaire designed to explore behavioral and attitudinal trends. It is not intended to represent all nurses.
Respondents were asked to reflect on their workplace experiences, financial motivations and views on side hustles, including how these pursuits relate to burnout, career satisfaction and economic resilience. While the findings offer valuable insight into emerging trends in the nursing profession, the sample size limits broader generalizations. Results should be interpreted as directional for further study and academic program design.
Participants’ average age was 36; 78% were female, 20% were male and 2% were non-binary. Generationally, 22% were Gen X, 48% were millennials and 30% were Gen Z. These first-hand insights provide a unique and credible snapshot of how AI is being used in sensitive legal contexts today.
About St. Thomas University
St. Thomas University offers flexible online nursing degrees and MBA degrees designed for working professionals who want to advance their careers without putting life on hold. The nursing programs emphasize evidence-based care, nursing leadership and clinical competence, preparing graduates to meet the complex needs of patients through collaboration with healthcare teams. The MBA programs emphasize real-world leadership, critical thinking and strategic decision-making, preparing graduates to succeed in a variety of industries. With supportive faculty and an online format that accommodates busy schedules, students can build the skills needed to grow as leaders in nursing or business.
Fair Use Statement
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