As a paramedic in California, working long hours and being on your feet all day is a normal thing.
However, the flexibility that comes with your schedule is quite tempting when there is a world of side jobs waiting for you. There are many jobs in California that help paramedics earn extra money during their downtime.
So, whether you’re looking to save some extra cash, or prefer to have a meaningful second job, here are some opportunities that will suit your flexible schedule and polished skills. Here are 8 of the best side jobs for paramedics in California to earn extra money.
1. CPR, ACLS, and PALS Instructor
Paramedics who are already certified in CPR, ACLS, and PALS can work as instructors for certain organizations that offer life-saving courses. As a paramedic, you are already qualified to teach these life-saving techniques, so don’t shy away from commanding a solid pay rate.
In fact, CPR, ACLS, and PALS instructors can easily earn around $100 to over $1,000 per session, depending on the course type and the number of students, of course.
2. Emergency Technician
Paramedics who want to expand their skill set and remain in the healthcare field can work as emergency technicians as a side hustle. Fields such as phlebotomy or transfusion clinics call for these paramedics and allow them to work flexible hours or on a part-time basis.
Phlebotomists can earn a national median hourly wage of around $15.21. Paramedics already have the base skills; however, this role may require additional certification.
3. Landscaper or Groundskeeper
If you want to work outside the healthcare field, landscaping or groundskeeping can be an excellent side job for paramedics in California.
You can work in a hospital on weekdays and do this side job on weekends or even during the evenings after your shifts.
This is also a highly rewarding job, as you can easily earn around $13.20 per hour for landscaping or groundskeeping in California.
4. Personal Trainer
Paramedics can become personal trainers if they are really passionate about fitness and health.
As your work in EMS already gives you firsthand knowledge of overall health, working as a trainer for group fitness, one-on-one training, or teaching specialized fitness classes can offer a good earning potential for personal trainers in California.
Personal trainers typically earn around $18.66 per hour, but you can always charge more for private sessions.
5. Real Estate Agent
Real estate is a great side job in California for paramedics you can work flexible hours and still earn a substantial amount.
The average commission for a real estate agent is 5 to 6 percent of the sale price of a home, so for example, if you helped in the sale and purchase of a $300,000 home, that will earn you roughly $16,500.
6. Carpenter
Carpentry can be a lucrative side job for paramedics in California, especially during the busy summer months, when everyone in the city is building decks, fences, and other features in their houses.
In California, you don’t need a carpentry license, however, you need a contractor’s license to practice carpentry if you are working on projects that are worth $500 or more than that.
7. Pool Lifeguard
Becoming a pool lifeguard is an excellent way for flight paramedics in California to earn extra money, especially when they are on their feet the whole week.
Your EMT training makes you highly qualified for lifeguarding jobs, and you also know how to give CPR as you have first aid certifications.
With some additional training, you can start lifeguarding during the summer months.
8. Standby Medical
Paramedics coordinator in California who would prefer medical-related work as a side job as well can work as standby medical staff.
From concerts to sporting events, like UFC fights, paramedics are always in high demand for standby roles due to their emergency medical training. These jobs pay higher than regular shifts and are a great change from regular hospital settings.
Conclusion
As a paramedic, you have a flexible schedule to pursue a variety of excellent side jobs in California.
With your fitness training, CPR skills, and other medical emergency decision skills, there are a variety of roles that need you. And if you want a change from a medical-related field, then dog walking, carpentry, or even teaching can be a refreshing change as a side job for extra money besides your 12-hour shifts.
