BLUF (Bottom Line Up Front): Anesthesia Techs in 2026 are leveraging their high-tech OR skills to earn an extra $500–$2,000 per month. Top side hustles include Medical Survey Panelist ($50-$150/hr), BLS/CPR Instructor ($40/hr), and “Innovation” roles like Vibe-Coding niche medical apps or creating digital study guides for ASATT certification.
Introduction
In the high-stakes world of the Operating Room, Anesthesia Techs are the unsung masters of technology. But when the shift ends, many are looking for ways to turn that Technical Expertise into additional income.
Whether you are saving for a house in a high-cost city or using the “Inn” of anesthesia as a stepping stone to CRNA school, 2026 offers a variety of “Innovation-first” side hustles. From digital content creation to high-pay clinical surveys, you don’t always have to pick up a double shift at the hospital to boost your bank account.
In this guide, we explore the most profitable and flexible side gigs specifically for Anesthesia Technicians and Technologists.
Vibe Coding & Digital Products
2026 is the year of the “Solopreneur Tech.” Using Vibe Coding (building apps with natural language), you can create tools that solve problems you face every day in the OR.
- Build a “Drug Math” App: Use Cursor or Lovable to build a simple calculator app for pediatric dosing or anesthesia ratios and sell it as a “web app” for students.
- Sell “The Tech Pack”: Create and sell downloadable PDF templates on Etsy for machine checkout checklists, cart organization maps, or “ASATT Cheat Sheets.”
- Medical Content Writing: Blogs and MedTech startups are desperate for writers who actually know what a Laryngeal Mask Airway (LMA) is. Freelance medical writing pays an average of $40–$60 per hour.
Expert Consulting: Surveys and MedTech Feedback
Your frontline experience is a “goldmine” for medical device manufacturers. They want to know why you prefer the Glidescope over a McGRATH, and they are willing to pay for that data.
- Paid Medical Surveys: Platforms like M3 Global Research or Sermo often have panels specifically for Allied Health. These surveys take 15–30 minutes and pay between $50 and $200.
- Beta Testing for MedTech: Reach out to startups in the anesthesia space to offer “User Experience” (UX) feedback on new digital monitors or inventory tracking software.
- Legal Nurse/Tech Consulting: Law firms often need an expert to explain the “standard of care” regarding anesthesia equipment maintenance in malpractice cases.
Tutoring and Teaching
Use the “Ed” in TechEdInn to help the next generation of techs enter the field.
- BLS/CPR Instructor: This is the “Bread and Butter” of healthcare side hustles. Once you are certified as an instructor (approx. $300 investment), you can run private classes for local gyms, schools, or offices.
- ASATT Exam Tutor: Many students struggle with the national certification exam. Offering 1-on-1 Zoom tutoring sessions at $50/hr is a great way to use your Cer.A.T.T. status.
- Adjunct Lab Instructor: Local community colleges with Anesthesia Tech programs often hire experienced techs to lead “Lab Days” on a part-time basis.
Clinical Side Gigs: IV Hydration & Phlebotomy
If you have “great hands” and a high success rate with IV starts, you can take those skills outside the hospital.
- Concierge IV Hydration: In many states, techs work under a “Medical Director” to provide mobile IV infusions for wellness and recovery.
- Phlebotomy Shifts: Private labs and insurance physical companies often hire techs for part-time “Mobile Phlebotomy” work.
- Clinical Research Coordinator: Assist in data collection for new anesthesia drugs or surgical procedures. This often pays a premium and looks great on a CRNA application.
💡 Inn-Sider Tip: Always check your state’s “Scope of Practice” laws before starting a concierge IV business. Some states require a RN/NP license for the actual “stick,” while others allow certified techs to assist under direct supervision.
Side Hustle Financial Comparison (2026)
| Side Hustle | Setup Effort | Hourly Potential | Scalability |
| Medical Surveys | Low | $100 – $200 | Low |
| Vibe-Coded Apps | High | Passive Income | High |
| CPR Instructor | Medium | $40 – $70 | Medium |
| Medical Writing | Medium | $45 – $65 | High |
| Tutoring | Low | $50 – $80 | Medium |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need my hospital’s permission to have a side hustle?
A: Generally, no—unless your contract has a “Non-Compete” clause or you are using hospital resources (like their computer or medical supplies) for your private business. Always keep your side hustle strictly separate from your 9-to-5.
Q: Which side hustle is best for CRNA school applications?
A: Clinical Research or Teaching (BLS Instructor). These show leadership and a deep interest in the science of the profession, which admissions committees value.
Q: How do I find “Vibe Coding” ideas for anesthesia?
A: Think of the thing you have to explain to every new student 10 times a day. Build a digital tool that explains it for you—that is your product!
Boost Your “Inn-Come” Today
At TechEdInn, we believe Innovation in Technical Education should empower you to build the life you want. You have the skills; now it’s time to monetize them.
