best side jobs for firefighters & EMTs
As a firefighter, EMT, or paramedic, you work long odd hours to serve, protect, and save lives in your community. Many of you don't work the typical 9-5 schedule. Instead, you work a 24/48 shift schedule, 12 hour shifts, or other irregular hours. Most of the time, these schedules allow for the opportunity to work a side job to earn extra money while doing something you are passionate about. And let's face it, most first responders are not paid enough for what they are worth. So having an extra source of income never hurts. Here is our list of the 9 best side jobs for firefighters, EMTs, and paramedics:
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Dispatcher


Your knowledge as a firefighter or EMT can be very useful as an emergency operator, call taker or dispatcher. Qualifications can vary depending upon your location and type of job, but most prefer or require you have an EMD (Emergency Medical Dispatcher) certificate. 


Instructor


As a firefighter, EMT, or paramedic, you can work a part-time as an instructor in several different classroom settings. Schools prefer to have instructors that have real world experience when teaching their students, so they are better prepared for their future in the field. Types of classes can include Fire Science, CPR, EMT class, Paramedic school, and other first responder classes. These classes are often offered at community colleges, hospitals, small businesses, and other educational institutions. 


Ride Share Driver


To become a ride share driver at Uber or Lyft, all you need is a reliable vehicle, a drivers license, and spare time. The hours you can work are very flexible. In most cases, you can sign into the app anytime you want and do as many rides as you want. So on your way home from a shift at the firehouse, or while you are out running errands you could do a few rides. Pay rates vary by time of day and location. The busiest and best paying times are often during rush hour and on the weekends.



Food Delivery


Similar to being a ride share driver, all you need is a reliable vehicle, a drivers license, and some spare time to work for Uber Eats, DoorDash, or Grubhub. The hours you can work are very flexible. In most cases, you can sign into the app anytime you want and do as many deliveries as you want. So on your way home from a shift at the firehouse, or while you are out running errands you could do a few deliveries. Pay rates vary by location and time of day. The busiest and best paying times are during lunch, dinner, and on the weekends.


Focus Groups


When a company creates a new product or makes changes to an existing product, sometimes they test these new ideas out on a group of people, called a focus group, before introducing the product to the market. These companies will hire a a 3rd party marketing company to do the focus groups. Types of focus groups can range from in person taste tests to online surveys. Pay rates vary per study, but it's reported that you can earn over $50 per hour. 3 sites to find local and online focus groups are: FocusGroups.org, WatchLab.com, and UserInterviews.com.


Start a Blog or Website


Starting your own website is not as difficult or expensive as you might think. These days there are plenty of companies to choose from that will host your site and have an easy to use website builder. A good rule of thumb is to write about or sell something that you are knowledgeable about or passionate about. For example, if you are a Paramedic you could start a blog about your experiences as a Paramedic. Or if you are knowledge about lawn care, you could start a blog about law care tips. For more information including how to start a website and make money on it, visit our article : How to Start a Website as a Side Job for First Responders.

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ER or Hospital Tech


Jobs as a tech or assistant in emergency rooms, hospitals, and other healthcare settings are always in high demand. If you have an EMT or paramedic license, it is a great way to make some extra money on your days off and use the skills and knowledge you already have.


Trade 


If there is a skill or trade that you are good at, you might want to consider using this as a side job. Many firefighters and EMTs own their own plumbing, HVAC, electrical, or carpentry company and make good money just through word of mouth or advertising on sites like Helpful Heroes. The general public and your co-workers often prefer to have work done on their homes by someone they see as trustworthy and hardworking, like first responders.


Arts & Crafts


If you are artistic or have a hobby creating something, you should consider selling your work on sites like Etsy. Items can range from fine art paintings, furniture making, photography, plaques & trophies, to candle making.