The reason why you can make money donating plasma is that plasma donation centers are businesses, not charities. Since you’re giving a business something of value, you are compensated in return. This compensation can range from $20 to $50 dollars per time, and you can go up to two times per week.
Plasma is the clear liquid which acts as a vehicle for your red and white blood cells and platelets. Organizations take your plasma and then sell it to hospitals or other researchers who can use it. The process is pretty much the same as giving blood, but with one extra step. This step is when they separate your blood cells from your plasma, and then give you back your blood cells. It’s actually pretty cool and can minimize the side effects associated with giving blood. We chose this for our Side Hustle Master List because it’s pretty easy for most people to do.

Concept | |
category | Health Care/Medical |
Takeaways | Located in most major cities; process can be uncomfortable/invasive; requires a specific schedule. |
complexity lowhigh ![]() | Capital Required lowhigh ![]() |
skill required lowhigh ![]() | time required lowhigh ![]() |
return potential lowhigh ![]() |
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Qualifications
We say most people because not everyone is actually approved to provide a specimen. Past diseases such as blood-based cancers can preclude somebody from giving, even if they are perfectly healthy now. The first time you give plasma, you’ll meet with the medical staff for an interview and paperwork. If you pass, you can donate up to twice a week. If you have enough body weight, you can donate the maximum amount of plasma and make about $50 per session, or $400 a month if you go as much as you can. That’s not a bad side hustle. Just make sure you’re well rested, fed, and hydrated each time you go. You also should wait at least two days in between visits, so don’t schedule them back to back. Check out the links below for more information on donating yourself.