Introduction

Let’s be real, sometimes life as a PhD student can be financially challenging.  Between everyday expenses and managing tuition, finding ways to make extra money can make a big difference! There are plenty of ways to earn money during your PhD. You may want to boost your income or earn extra cash for hobbies and socialising. These can also supplement your CV! In this post, I will share some practical ideas to help balance work and research while keeping your finances in check! Here’s how to make money as a PhD student!

1. Demonstrating on module/labs
2. Science Festivals
3. Online tutoring
4. University ambassador
5. Lab Technician or Research Assistant
6. Science Communication and Outreach

Demonstrating on module/labs

Being a lab demonstrator or a seminar leader is very popular among PhD students. It is one of the best ways to make extra money. PhD lab demonstrators are teaching assistants who help students, mainly undergraduates, learn by demonstrating techniques in a lab setting. This is a good way to earn money as you will mostly be teaching techniques you are already proficient in! Lab demonstrators may work in tutorial classes or computational/wet lab laboratories. They may also lead small group exercises. Not only will you make some extra money, but you will also gain skills in communication. You will enhance your teaching and organisation abilities, which will look amazing on your CV.

Salary: On average £14-16 per hour. In London, this could rise to at least £25 per hour

Science Festivals

Science festivals are becoming quite popular in the UK! Being an event assistant for a day or two can boost your stipend without much commitment. Many festivals need knowledgeable individuals to engage with the public explain scientific concepts and assist in organising the events. This is a great opportunity to improve your science communication skills while earning extra income and networking with professionals in various scientific fields. Keep an eye out for local and national events, as many universities or scientific institutions offer these roles.

Salary: Salary varies between festivals but on average around £12-£14 an hour

Online tutoring

Many PhD students make extra money by offering tutoring sessions in their area of expertise. This can be done privately or through a company. You can tutor students across all age ranges depending on what you are comfortable with! This helps you reinforce your knowledge while assisting others. It is also a flexible job that can fit around your research schedule!

Salary: On average, tutors can earn between £20-£40 an hour.

University ambassador

A couple of times a year, universities will host open days, where prospective students come to visit the university. Current studies will often be paid to give tours, represent the department or to help answer prospective student questions. This is an excellent opportunity to network, and improve your communication skills, all while earning extra money! These roles are very flexible and can always fit around your research schedule.

Salary: On average £12-£14 an hour

Lab Technician or Research Assistant

If you have some spare time, working as a Lab Tech or Research assistant within your university is an excellent opportunity to gain money while advancing your skills. Laboratories often need help with routine tasks such as data entry, preparing samples, or maintaining equipment. Some universities offer these roles part-time, so make sure to keep a look out on your university website!

Salary: This will vary greatly depending on university and experience                                                   

Science Communication and Outreach

Many organisations will pay for science commination skills. You can write blogs, make educational YouTube videos or even present at science fairs! This type of freelance work is perfect for anyone with a busy schedule, as you can work any time. Companies and institutions may even offer freelance work where you can communicate scientific ideas to a general audience. Building a social media presence in this area could lead to sponsored content or partnerships.

Salary: Limitless!

Conclusion

So these were the ways you could make extra money as a PhD student! Your PhD doesn’t have to be a time of financial struggle. There are plenty of flexible ways to earn extra income while enhancing your skills! These opportunities can provide a financial boost without distracting from your research. Plus, many of these side hustles can build your CV and expand your network. It’s a Win-Win!