The idea of a physician taking on a “side gig” might have seemed unusual a decade ago. Today, doctors across all specialties are looking beyond their clinical practice to diversify their income and find a healthier work-life balance, and neurologists are no exception.
This article will explore some of the most promising opportunities available to neurologists and dive into the benefits that can come with picking up a side hustle. Whether you’re looking to supplement your income, reduce burnout or pivot your career, you have a wide range of options to consider.
Why do neurologists seek side gigs?
In a Sermo poll, 46% of physicians said they currently have a source of passive income. The decision to pursue a side gig is personal, but several common themes emerge within the physician-only Sermo community. “Having an additional hustle…is necessary…to be able to meet our needs, in addition to improving our style and quality of life,” writes one emergency medicine physician on Sermo. A GP pointed out similar financial motivations: “The field of health does not generate enough income to meet all the needs, so we are forced to carry out other types of activities that generate income.”
In response to another poll question, participants most commonly cited extra income as the main benefit of a side hustle (41%). Other motivations include improving skill sets (21%), expanding professional networks (17%), and reputation building (12%).
Physicians’ income goals from these ventures vary widely. While 40% of polled members aim for $0-$1,000 per year, nearly a third (31%) hope to earn more than $15,000 annually, with 10% aiming for over $50,000.
For neurologists specifically, four key factors drive the search for non-clinical work:
1. High burnout from chronic disease management
Neurology is often defined by chronic conditions like multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease and dementia. Neurologists need emotional resilience to manage these long-term illnesses. The constant exposure to patient suffering and the slow progression of these diseases can lead to high rates of compassion fatigue and professional burnout. A side gig offers a psychological break, allowing neurologists to apply their skills in a less emotionally draining context.
2. Monetizing complex diagnostic expertise
Neurologists possess a highly specialized skill set in interpreting complex diagnostic tests, including electroencephalograms (EEGs), electromyography (EMG), and advanced neuroimaging like MRIs and CT scans. This expertise is incredibly valuable outside the clinical setting. Insurance companies, legal firms and medical device companies are willing to pay a premium for neurologists who can review studies, provide second opinions, and offer clarity on complex cases. This allows neurologists to monetize a core competency in a new, often more flexible, environment.
3. Lower procedural income streams
Compared to surgical subspecialties or other procedure-heavy fields, neurology’s income is often less dependent on high-volume, high-reimbursement procedures. While there are exceptions, many neurologists derive a significant portion of their income from consultations and cognitive work. External consulting, medicolegal reviews and other non-clinical neurology jobs provide a path to supplement this income, leveraging intellectual capital rather than procedural volume.
4. Influence on a booming neuro-tech sector
The intersection of technology and neuroscience is an area of significant innovation, from AI-driven diagnostic tools and advanced stroke care technology to new neurostimulation devices. Startups and established companies alike need the real-world clinical insights that practicing neurologists can provide. This creates high-paying consulting opportunities where physicians can directly shape the future of their field.
10 side gigs for neurologists in 2026
Physicians take a diverse approach to side gigs. A Sermo poll asking doctors which side gigs they’ve participated in found that medical surveys were the most common (33%), followed by contributing to an online community (14%), writing (12%), and telemedicine (11%).
Here are 10 of the most viable and lucrative side gigs for neurologists to explore:
1. Sermo paid medical surveys
Paid medical surveys on Sermo is one of the most accessible and flexible ways for neurologists to earn supplemental income. These surveys gather your opinions on new treatments, medical devices and market trends. You can complete them from anywhere, at any time, fitting them into your busy schedule. One neurologist on Sermo shares how they seamlessly include surveys alongside their other side hustles: “expert witnessing, Sermo, and teleworking when not on call.”
Aside from earning income, surveys on Sermo also allow physicians to stay informed on cutting-edge developments in their field, contribute to the development of new therapies and technologies, and share unique insights into their real-world practice decisions.
Sermo survey earnings can range from $5-$500+ depending on the length and complexity, with more specialized surveys offering higher honoraria for your time. Active Sermo members can earn thousands of dollars annually from taking medical surveys as a side gig.
2. Remote reads for diagnostic studies (remote EEG reads)
Hospitals and imaging centers sometimes lack on-site neurological expertise to interpret specialized tests. This has created a robust market for remote EEG, EMG and neuroimaging reads. You can contract with these facilities or with teleradiology companies to provide interpretations from home.
3. Neurology consulting for industry (neuro-tech advisory)
As the neuro-tech and pharmaceutical industries grow, so does the demand for expert clinical guidance. You can serve as a consultant or advisor for companies developing new drugs, AI algorithms for seizure detection or robotic systems for post-stroke rehabilitation.
4. Neurology clinical research
You can consider engaging in clinical research as a principal investigator or sub-investigator for industry-sponsored trials to generate side income. Pharmaceutical and medical device companies are willing to pay for the expertise and patient access that practicing neurologists provide.
5. Neurology chart review
Insurance companies, hospital utilization review committees and legal firms frequently require neurologists to perform chart reviews. This work involves assessing the medical necessity of treatments, evaluating the standard of care or providing a detailed summary of a patient’s neurological history. It is a non-clinical neurology job that relies purely on analytical skills and can often be done remotely.
6. Independent Medical Exams (IMEs) and disability reviews
You can earn additional income by performing IMEs for insurance claims, workers’ compensation cases or legal disputes. This involves conducting a one-time examination of an individual to assess their neurological condition and level of impairment. Similarly, reviewing disability claims for private insurers or government agencies is another avenue.
7. Neurology expert witness work
Neurology expert witness work involves providing testimony in legal cases involving neurological injury or malpractice. “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,” advises a pediatrician on Sermo.
8. Neurology locum tenens
While more of a temporary job than a side gig, locum tenens work offers neurologists a way to earn high rates while experiencing different practice settings. Hospitals and clinics that need coverage for a physician on leave or to fill a staffing gap will pay a premium for a qualified neurologist. This can be a suitable option if you’re between permanent positions or have blocks of free time.
9. Telestroke and teleneurology hospitalist opportunities
The rise of telemedicine has created an increased demand for telestroke and teleneurology services. Neurologists can provide on-call coverage for hospitals that lack 24/7 in-house neurology, evaluating acute stroke patients via video and guiding treatment decisions remotely. “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,” shares an OBGYN on Sermo.
10. Medical writing, editing and translation
Neurologists with a talent for writing can find numerous opportunities as medical writers, editors, or reviewers. “Medical editing or medical review can offer an opportunity to supplement income for overseeing medical accuracy,” explains a neurologist and Sermo member. The roles involve creating content for medical journals, pharmaceutical companies, educational websites or patient-facing materials.
You may not maximize your earning potential right away, according to another neurologist and Sermo member. “I make medical translations and earn good money,” they reveal. “But, it takes time.”
How Sermo can support your goals
The income from a side gig can be more than just extra spending money; you can use it to achieve larger personal and professional goals. You can channel the funds you earn from side-gig projects like paid medical surveys on Sermo into ventures that further your career.
This could mean helping to finance a secondary degree or further qualification, such as an MBA to move into hospital administration or a Master’s in Public Health to influence policy. It could also fund specialized certifications in neuroimaging, clinical trial management or other niche areas that open doors to more advanced non-clinical neurology jobs. Sermo provides a low-commitment starting point for building a supplemental income stream, one survey at a time.
The Sermo community is also a place to connect with neurologists world-wide who already have a side hustle. It’s a space to ask questions, discuss options that suit your experience and location, or simply engage in candid conversations with other physicians.
Beyond the bedside
The analytical demands of neurology provide a strong foundation for a variety of lucrative and flexible side gigs. From teleneurology consulting to serving as a physician expert witness in neurology, you can choose something that lets you leverage your hard-earned expertise.
As you explore your options, the Sermo community can provide access to peer support, advice and opportunity sharing. Whether you’re just starting to consider a side hustle or are looking to expand your existing ventures, connecting with colleagues can provide invaluable guidance. Sign up for free to connect with more than 1 million of your physician peers and start taking paid medical surveys.
