Modern dermatologists are exploring opportunities beyond salary caps and demanding expectations of the clinic. Many physicians are discovering that side gigs aren’t just for freelancers and college students, but offer new paths to better work-life balance and bigger paychecks outside traditional practice.
For dermatologists, growing consumer demand in aesthetics and advanced treatments has set the stage for commercially attractive and impactful opportunities. As the skincare industry continues to explode, from teledermatology to paid medical surveys and direct-to-consumer brands, dermatologists are uniquely positioned to shape innovation, share their insights, and build businesses to solve evolving patient needs. In this article, we explore the most promising side hustles available to dermatologists.
Why would dermatologists seek a side gig?
54% of surveyed physicians on Sermo have a side hustle, as per a recent survey. 41% of surveyed physicians feel that earning an extra income is the biggest benefit of a side hustle, whereas 17% and 12% are in favour because of expanding professional networks and building a reputation, respectively. Across specialties, doctors are pursuing side gigs to create additional income streams, expand their professional skill sets, and enjoy more fulfilling, flexible lifestyles.
Here’s why dermatologists specifically may be drawn to exploring side hustles:
- Monetizing specialized knowledge: dermatologists possess valuable expertise in high-margin cosmetic procedures, aesthetic devices, and specific biological drugs for conditions like psoriasis and atopic dermatitis. This knowledge is valuable to pharmaceutical companies, device manufacturers, and aesthetic brands seeking clinical feedback and innovation. The intersection of medical expertise and consumer interest in skin health creates exceptional opportunities for non-clinical dermatology jobs.
- Repetitive clinical work: the daily routine of high-volume routine skin checks and minor procedures can lead to professional monotony. Many dermatologists crave diverse intellectual challenges beyond the examination room, seeking side gig opportunities that stimulate different aspects of their medical training and business acumen.
- Entrepreneurial drive: dermatology has a strong overlap with business and retail through medical spas, skincare lines, and aesthetic services. This naturally draws physicians into roles focused on investment, product development, and business leadership, making entrepreneurial ventures particularly attractive.
- Influence on innovation: many dermatologists desire to shift from simply applying current treatments to actively shaping future therapies, by collaborating directly with research and development teams on new drugs and devices.
Beyond that, the fear of burnout and the risk of mental fatigue are also significant factors contributing to physicians, dermatologists, and nurses looking for side gigs. Similarly, a better work-life balance is a motivating factor, with more dermatologists designing their professional life around their personal lifestyle, rather than vice versa. As discussed on Sermo, the locum tenens employment trend is becoming popular among dermatologists who desire more autonomy.
Financial motivations vary widely among physicians. Survey results from the Sermo community show 40% of physicians aim to earn $0-1,000 annually from side ventures, while 19% target $1,001-5,000, another 19% seek $5,000-15,000, 12% want $15,000-50,000, and 10% aim for $50,001 or more from their side activities.
As one dermatologist from the USA notes, “I think it’s good to have passive income.” This sentiment echoes globally. An emergency medicine physician adds, “Having an additional hustle and bustle is necessary, some more than others, to be able to meet our needs, in addition to improving our style and quality of life. Do it not only in the health field but in other tasks that help us generate income. Today, the world economy is unstable, and being a salaried employee is less and less influential in improving our quality of life.”
One physician on Sermo summarizes the opportunity well: “A ‘side hustle’ for a physician can be a great way to diversify income, explore personal interests, and achieve financial goals.”
10 side gigs for dermatologists in 2026
In the digital age, dermatologists have numerous ways to utilize their medical expertise. Below are some of the top choices for a dermatologist looking for a side hustle.
Sermo medical surveys
Participating in paid medical surveys is the easiest entry point for dermatologists seeking supplemental income. Sermo connects physicians with pharmaceutical companies, research organizations, and healthcare organizations seeking expert opinions on drug development, treatment protocols, and market research.
These surveys typically take minutes to complete and compensate physicians for their specialized knowledge. The attractive part of paid medical surveys lies in their flexibility: dermatologists can complete them between patients, during lunch breaks, or from home. This income stream requires minimal time commitment and keeps you informed about breakthrough treatments and industry trends.
Learn more about paid surveys for dermatologists on Sermo.
Teledermatology
Teledermatology remote consultations have surged, with the global market valued near USD 17 billion in 2024-2025 and projected to reach USD 100 billion by 2031-2034, reflecting compound annual growth rates (CAGRs) of 20-31.5%. A Sermo survey shows that 12% of physicians have already participated in telehealth as a side hustle.
Platforms connecting patients with board-certified dermatologists enable physicians to review cases, provide diagnoses, and recommend treatment plans online. This side gig allows dermatologists to maintain clinical skills while controlling their schedules.
As one OBGYN notes about telemedicine generally, “I would view telemedicine as a way to make some extra income, but probably not enough to justify changing your work status if you need to work full-time.” For dermatologists, teledermatology offers geographic flexibility and the ability to serve underserved populations while generating meaningful supplemental income—provided they are appropriately licensed in each state or jurisdiction where patients are located, particularly for asynchronous consultations that don’t require real-time video appointments.
Brand ambassador for skin products
10% of surveyed physicians have already spoken at brand events as a side hustle. Skincare companies increasingly seek dermatologists to serve as brand ambassadors, lending medical credibility to products and marketing campaigns. As a GP from the USA observes, “Physicians, nurses, nutritionists, and industry professionals often bring credibility due to their firsthand experience and expertise.”
These partnerships typically involve social media promotion, educational content creation, speaking at brand events, and product endorsements. Compensation varies from free products and modest stipends to substantial contracts for high-profile dermatologists. The key is maintaining ethical boundaries and only endorsing products you genuinely believe in, and ensuring transparency about paid partnerships to preserve your patient trust and professional integrity. Physicians should also ensure compliance with local advertising and medical board regulations.
Skincare-related product development
Many dermatologists leverage clinical experience to develop their own skincare lines or consult for companies creating new formulations. This involves aesthetic device consulting, formulation input based on understanding skin biology, clinical efficacy testing, and bringing evidence-based perspectives to product development.
Some dermatologists partner with chemists and manufacturers to create entire brands, while others serve as paid consultants advising on ingredient selection, claims substantiation, and regulatory compliance. This path combines scientific expertise with entrepreneurial vision, though it can require significant time investment and business acumen beyond medical training.
Dermatology clinical research
Participating in clinical trials as a principal investigator or sub-investigator offers dermatologists opportunities to contribute to medical advancement while earning substantial fees. Pharmaceutical and device companies compensate research sites for patient enrollment, data collection, and protocol adherence.
In addition to the financial benefits, clinical research keeps dermatologists at the forefront of emerging therapies, provides early access to novel treatments, and contributes meaningfully to evidence-based medicine. Research participation ranges from occasional trial involvement to the establishment of dedicated research practices that generate significant revenue streams.
Training others in aesthetic injections
The aesthetics industry faces a talent shortage as medspa growth hits 28% through 2025, outpacing practitioner supply due to limited training pathways and standardization gaps. Experienced aesthetic dermatologists can monetize their injection skills by training other physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants in neuromodulator, dermal filler, and other injectable techniques. This typically involves weekend workshops, hands-on training sessions, or online courses.
Training others not only generates income but also establishes thought leadership within the aesthetic medicine community. The demand for qualified aesthetic trainers continues to grow as more healthcare providers enter the field of aesthetic medicine, creating opportunities for dermatologists with strong skills and teaching abilities to build profitable businesses.
Dermatology influencer
Social media offers dermatologists a massive opportunity to build substantial followings by providing evidence-based skincare education. Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube enable dermatologists to reach millions with content about skincare routines, product reviews, and treatment explanations.
Influencer income streams include advertising revenue, sponsored content, affiliate marketing, and premium content subscriptions. Successful dermatology influencers balance entertainment with education, debunking myths while maintaining professional credibility. This path requires consistent content creation, social media savvy, and comfort with public visibility, but can generate impressive income while expanding professional influence far beyond individual patient interactions.
Running a medical spa
Many dermatologists establish or serve as medspa medical directors for facilities offering cosmetic treatments like laser procedures, chemical peels, injectables, and body contouring. This can involve owning the facility, partnering with business-savvy peers, or serving as medical director for existing operations.
The medical director role typically involves protocol development, staff training, quality oversight, and regulatory compliance while generating monthly retainer fees or profit-sharing arrangements. Medical spas blend clinical expertise with retail sensibilities, requiring both medical knowledge and business acumen to succeed in an increasingly competitive market.
Dermatology expert witness work
Serving as an expert witness in medical malpractice or personal injury cases is one of the highest-paying physician side gigs. Dermatology specialists average $600–$735 per hour for case review, deposition preparation, and testimony.
As one pediatrician notes, “I do a bit of expert witness work, which if you do it right is great, but beware that you are an actual expert when asked to be an expert witness.” An OBGYN from the USA encourages broader participation: “Consider contacting medical review companies that provide services for attorneys to evaluate medical records for determining whether malpractice did or did not occur. All physicians should participate, and not only those physicians willing to say things that will assure them more money with depositions and court appearances.” This work requires objectivity, strong communication skills, and a willingness to withstand cross-examination, but offers substantial compensation for dermatologists willing to navigate the legal system.
Dermatology clinical writing
Survey data from the Sermo community shows that 12% of physician respondents have already taken on writing as a side hustle. Medical writing encompasses numerous opportunities from peer-reviewed publications to patient education materials, pharmaceutical content, and continuing medical education development. As one physician explains on Sermo, “Medical editing and medical review are projects that physicians can take on either as full-time salaried positions or as part-time nonclinical side gigs. For physicians who enjoy writing and feel competent with this skill, medical editing or medical review can offer an opportunity to supplement income for overseeing medical accuracy and medical communication for a specific audience.”
Dermatologists can write for medical journals, create content for healthcare companies, develop educational materials, or author books about skincare.
Sermo paid medical surveys as a means to reach your goals
1 in 3 surveyed physicians on Sermo have already participated in paid medical surveys as a side hustle. And it’s no wonder why. For dermatologists seeking low-barrier entry into side income, Sermo paid medical surveys offer a practical solution. Unlike ventures that require substantial time investment, business development, or entrepreneurial risk, surveys offer immediate, flexible earning opportunities that fit seamlessly into busy clinical schedules. The supplemental income from consistently participating in paid medical surveys can meaningfully contribute toward professional advancement goals, whether funding a fellowship in cosmetic dermatology, obtaining certification in laser procedures, attending international conferences, or building capital for eventually launching a medical spa.
Beyond financial rewards, survey participation keeps dermatologists engaged with emerging technologies, novel treatments, and industry trends. Surveys often focus on new drug mechanisms, device innovations, and evolving treatment paradigms, providing early insights into where dermatology is heading. This knowledge positions dermatologists at the forefront of their field, enhancing clinical practice while generating income.
The broader Sermo community offers additional value through peer-to-peer learning. Dermatologists can engage with colleagues globally by discussing challenging cases, sharing practice management strategies, and exchanging insights on side income opportunities. This collective wisdom accelerates professional development while building networks that can lead to consulting opportunities, research collaborations, and business partnerships.
Next steps for dermatologists
Dermatology’s unique position at the intersection of clinical medicine and consumer health creates exceptional opportunities for side gigs that combine medical expertise with business acumen. Whether pursuing teledermatology remote consultations, serving as a medspa medical director, commanding physician expert witness rates, engaging in aesthetic device consulting, or exploring non-clinical dermatology jobs, dermatologists possess highly valued skills that transfer beyond traditional practice. In addition to financial benefits, side gigs offer dermatologists a path to upskill, expand their networks, increase their impact, and enjoy greater flexibility.
Success requires carefully managing ethical considerations, maintaining professional boundaries, and ensuring side activities enhance rather than compromise patient care. Transparency about commercial relationships, prioritizing evidence-based recommendations, and preserving professional integrity remain paramount regardless of financial incentives.
For dermatologists contemplating career expansion, the Sermo community provides invaluable peer support, resources, and insights from colleagues who’ve successfully navigated similar paths. Start by exploring paid medical surveys on Sermo, a low-risk, high-flexibility entry point that generates meaningful supplemental income while keeping you connected to cutting-edge developments in dermatology. Join a global community of physicians leveraging their expertise beyond the clinic, building additional income streams, and discovering fulfilling opportunities that extend far beyond traditional practice boundaries.
