Many nurses looking to earn extra income take additional shifts, but long hours and high-stress environments can lead to burnout. Instead of working overtime in healthcare, consider a side hustle for nurses that offers flexibility, financial rewards, and new opportunities—real estate.
A career as a real estate agent can complement a nursing schedule while providing an additional income stream. Here’s why working in real estate as a part-time agent is a great option for nurses in Arizona, along with steps to get licensed and tips for balancing both careers.
Key Takeaways
Consider Real Estate When Looking for Side Hustles for Nurses
- Nurses with 12-hour shifts have multiple days off, making real estate an ideal part-time job.
- Many real estate transactions happen in the evenings and weekends, aligning with a nurse’s availability.
High Earning Potential Compared to Other Side Gigs
- Real estate agents in Arizona earn an average of $120,705 per year, significantly higher than the average nurse’s salary of $84,300.
- Even part-time agents can earn substantial commissions, with potential earnings of $6,373 per sale based on the state’s average home price.
Nurses Possess Valuable Skills for Real Estate
- Transferable skills such as strong communication, problem-solving, attention to detail, and time management make nurses well-suited for real estate.
- Empathy and adaptability help build client trust and navigate the housing market effectively.
Becoming a Licensed Real Estate Agent in Arizona is Simple
- Completing a 90-hour pre-licensing course and a 6-hour Contract Writing Course is required.
- The licensing process includes fingerprinting, passing the state exam, and joining a brokerage, with ASREB offering support at every step.
Why Real Estate Is an Ideal Side Hustle for Nurses
You may have never considered a real estate nursing side gig, but combining both careers makes perfect sense. Here are a few reasons you should be real estate agent while being a nurse.
1. Real estate offers a flexible schedule
As a nurse, working 12-hour shifts means having multiple days off each week. Real estate allows part-time agents to schedule showings, meetings, and client calls at their convenience. Many homebuyers and sellers are available evenings and weekends—perfect for nurses looking to maximize their free time.
Unlike other side gigs that require set hours, real estate allows nurses to work when it fits their lifestyle, making it one of the most flexible ways to earn additional income.
2. Earning potential is high, even part-time
Real estate can be a lucrative side business, offering earning potential far beyond many traditional part-time jobs.
How do real estate agents make money? Most agents work on commission, typically a percentage of the property's final sale price. Both buyer’s and seller’s agents earn close to 3%, which they split with their brokerage.
In Arizona, the average home price is approximately $424,842 (Zillow, February 2025). With a 3% commission split between agent and brokerage, an agent could earn $6,373 per sale. Selling just a few homes per year can generate a substantial side income, making it an attractive option for nurses doing real estate part time.
Registered nurses in Arizona make an average of $42.15/hour, according to Indeed. This is about $84,300 per year. According to the same source, real estate agents in Arizona have an average salary of $120,705.
3. Nurses have transferable skills that benefit real estate
A background in nursing provides many skills that translate seamlessly into real estate. These include:
- Strong Communication: Nurses excel at explaining complex topics clearly, which helps them guide clients through the home-buying and selling processes.
- Empathy and Client Care: Building trust and understanding clients’ needs is second nature to nurses, making them effective real estate professionals.
- Problem-Solving: Quick thinking and adaptability are crucial in both patient care and real estate negotiations.
- Attention to Detail: Managing patient records and medical procedures requires precision, a skill that transfers well to handling contracts and transactions.
- Time Management: Juggling multiple patients in a high-pressure environment prepares nurses to handle multiple clients, showings, and paperwork efficiently.
- Resilience and Adaptability: The ability to remain calm under pressure benefits real estate agents when navigating market fluctuations and client expectations.
Nurses already possess many of the qualities needed to succeed in real estate, making the transition into the industry easier than for other side hustles.
How to Get Your Real Estate License in Arizona: Step-by-Step Guide
Becoming a real estate agent in Arizona is a straightforward process. Follow these key steps to get licensed and start your career.
Step 1: Complete required real estate courses
- 90-hour pre-licensing course from a state-approved school
- 6-hour Contract Writing Course
- Available online, live-stream, or in-person at ASREB
Step 2: Get fingerprinted
- Obtain a Fingerprint Clearance Card from the Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS)
- Fingerprinting services available at ASREB’s Scottsdale and Glendale locations or via home kits
Step 3: Apply for the Arizona Real Estate Exam
- Schedule through PearsonVue
- $75 exam fee payable at booking
- Bring two forms of ID and the Salesperson Education Certificate
Step 4: Pass the state exam
- Score 75% or higher to pass
- ASREB’s CompuCram® exam prep helps students succeed on their first attempt
Step 5: Submit your license application
- Apply through the Arizona Department of Real Estate (ADRE) online portal
- Required documents:
- Completed Salesperson License Application & $60 fee
- Arizona Exam Score Report
- Pre-Licensure Certificate (90-hour course)
- Fingerprint Clearance Card
- 6-Hour Contract Writing Course Certificate
- Must submit within one year of passing the exam
Step 6: Join a brokerage
- Agents must work under a licensed real estate brokerage to begin practicing
Balancing Real Estate and Nursing
Balancing a nursing career with real estate is entirely possible with the right strategies. Here are some tips for success:
- Be transparent with your brokerage and clients about your availability to set clear expectations.
- Join a real estate team to ensure client needs are met even when you’re working as a nurse, allowing teammates to assist in your absence.
- Leverage your healthcare network by sharing your new side hustle with colleagues. Many nurses and healthcare professionals prefer to work with someone who understands their schedules and needs.
- Be patient as you build your business. If your goal is to transition to full-time real estate, having savings in place can provide stability while growing your client base.
Ready to Get Started?
Whether you plan on a career pivot from nursing to real estate or wish to work as an agent part-time, you must get licensed. Get started today and take the first step toward financial freedom with a career in real estate! Arizona School of Real Estate and Business (ASREB) offers expert-led courses designed to help you pass the Arizona real estate exam and launch your career successfully.
