By: Dannie Phan | October 15th, 2020 | Updated February 21, 2022

You’ve heard of testing products, like coffee or cereal or vacuum filters. Get paid to test consumer products and give your feedback.

But did you know that you can be the test product yourself, and get paid for it?

When it comes to the different ways you can potentially make money, becoming a test subject in a clinical trial may not be high on your list of possible careers. In practice, however, serving as a test subject is less ominous than it sounds. You can find yourself providing your opinion on all manner of products that companies may be interested in releasing or helping medical professionals make advances in their individual fields. And all the while, you can get paid for your contributions.

Want to learn more about some of the possibilities available to you in clinical research?

What Kind Of Test Subject Positions Can You Volunteer For?

Some of the easiest ways to get paid for services performed as a test subject in a clinical research study include:

  • Enrolling for medical research studies – Institutions from national hospitals to NASA will make research study participation opportunities available to those parties interested in contributing to affiliated scientific developments.
  • Testing to-be-released products – “Testing” doesn’t just apply to medical or scientific fields, however. You can also find work and payment when you test the products a company is interested in releasing. This includes children’s toys as well as kitchen utensils, home aid devices, and more.
  • Participating in psychological studies – Psychological studies are not the same thing as medical studies, even though the fields may overlap. You can opt to participate in a psychological study as held by a university in your area, earning up to $50 for your contributions. 

Note that you also have the option of serving on a mock jury, though whether or not this places you in the position of “test subject” remains up for debate. Test jurors tend to make between $50 and $150 per case, and you can provide your opinion both to your fellow jurors and practicing lawyer without having to go to court.

Some clinical research trials are looking for general healthy volunteers and other’s might be looking for individual with a specific medical conditions to research the effects of new treatments, new drugs, or medical device. 

Do You Get Paid For Human Trials?

If you opt to participate in a human trial, be it in the form of product testing or medical testing, most of the time you will receive payment for your services. Sometimes you can make a little extra money but in many cases, you can make upward of $1,000 for participating in medical trials across the country.

That said, do not go into a trial without speaking with one of the affiliated representatives about what payment may look like. It’s always best to have as much information on hand as possible so you know what to expect when you leave the trial.

Is It Safe To Participate In Human Trials?

For the most part, it is safe to participate in human trials. However, you’re going to want to research the party that’s requesting volunteers before signing on with a particular trial. If it seems, for example, that trial’s being run by a local and well-respected university or research facility, then it is likely safe to proceed. However, if you’ve never heard of the business or institution hosting a trial, you may want to avoid that volunteer opportunity, if only for your own safety. They will need your informed consent before starting, so you can take the time to learn more.

How Much Do You Get Paid For Participating In Human Trials?

As has been mentioned, the amount of money you can make from a trial position will vary based on the field you’re working in. Medical testing, for example, can net you a significant sum, whereas product testing may only provide you with a free pre-release product that is yours to keep after use.

Again, be sure to discuss potential forms of payment with the person or institution hosting the trial that you’re interested in participating in. This way, you can know what to expect coming out of your trial and won’t find yourself surprised if payment is less than what you anticipated – or, in some circumstances, non-existent.

There’s more than one way to make money without having to go into the office on a regular basis. There’s no need to wait for the perfect trial opportunity to arise. While you’re putting yourself out there, you can work with Swagbucks to supplement your existing income. 

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