10 Creative (and Legal) Ways to Make Money From Your Body

You can’t sell a kidney—but your poop? That might actually make you money.
In 2025, people are side-hustling everything from their plasma to their placenta, all without breaking a single law. The medical world needs it, and in a weird twist, your body’s leftovers are suddenly worth cold, hard cash.
This list breaks down 10 body parts or bodily materials you can legally sell in the U.S.—right now. We’re talking about what it pays, how it works, and where to start if you’re curious.

Unlock Earnings with Plasma Donations

If you’re not squeamish around needles and have a couple of hours to spare, plasma donation is a solid side hustle. Centers typically pay $30 to $50 per session, and some even tack on bonuses if you’re consistent.
It’s not glamorous, but your body bounces back fast—meaning you can donate multiple times a month. Just hydrate, eat something decent, and bring a book… those chairs aren’t exactly fast-paced entertainment.

Turn Your Locks into Cash

Your head could be sitting on a wad of cash—literally. Unprocessed, long hair (especially rare shades like auburn or virgin black) can sell for hundreds, sometimes over a grand. No dyes, no bleach, no heat damage—that’s the sweet spot.
Want in? Skip the haircut chains. Sites like HairSellon or BuyandSellHair are where serious buyers hang out. You grow it; they buy it. Pretty low effort for a high payout.

Monetize Your Sperm Donations

Yep, this is basically the plotline of Delivery Man—except you actually get paid. Most sperm banks want healthy guys between 18 and 40, and they’re picky: college degrees, medical screenings, and lifestyle checks.
But once you’re in, you could be making $100 per sample, with the potential to rack up $1K per month. Just know it’s a commitment. You’ll be making regular visits, and yes, there’s paperwork. Lots of it.

Egg Donation

The payday? Huge. We’re talking $5K to $10K per cycle. The process? Involved. Hormone injections, screenings, and a minor procedure. You’ve got to be between 21–34, in great health, and committed for several weeks.
Clinics won’t sugarcoat it—it’s intense. But if you’re game, it’s one of the highest-paying legal ways to sell part of yourself. Think of it as temporary chaos with long-term gains… and a few extra forms.

Participate in Clinical Trials

Getting poked, prodded, and observed doesn’t sound like easy money—but hey, it can pay. Clinical trials are always looking for healthy volunteers, and depending on the trial, you could earn $500, $1,000, or more.
Some require overnight stays; others just want you to log symptoms. You’re basically a human guinea pig—but a well-compensated one. Check with university hospitals or trusted trial registries to keep it legit.

Breast Milk

Pumping isn’t exactly glamorous, but it can be surprisingly profitable. Some milk banks offer $1 to $2.50 per ounce, especially if you’ve got a solid stash and meet health requirements. That sweet spot? Clean diet, no medications, and consistent volume.
If you’re already pumping more than your baby needs, selling the surplus could help other families—and put real cash in your freezer stash.

Sell Your Stool for Medical Research

This one’s gonna sound wild… but your poop could pay rent. No joke. Certain companies, like OpenBiome, will pay up to $40 per donation—IF you’re one of the rare unicorns with elite gut bacteria.
It’s not just “drop it off and go,” though. You’ll need to pass a strict health screening and live near a collection site. Still turning bathroom breaks into bank? ICONIC.

Placenta

After giving birth, you’re exhausted, overwhelmed, and—surprise—holding something that could be worth money. Some companies collect donated placental tissue for use in medical and cosmetic products.
It’s not a guaranteed payday, but a few hospitals do partner with programs that might offer compensation. Best move? Talk to your OB ahead of time. You’ve already done the hard part—might as well see if the leftovers are worth something.

Leverage Your Whole Body for Science

Think of this one as the long game. Donating your body to science won’t make you money now, but it can save your family thousands later. Programs like Science Care handle everything—from transport to cremation—free of charge.
It’s the “set-it-and-forget-it” plan of post-life planning. Just sign up ahead of time and tell your family. You won’t need the body… but med students sure will.

Rent Your Skin for Advertisements

Yes, people really get paid to turn their forearms into billboards. Temporary tattoos promoting brands, events, or weird niche products have made the rounds—and the bag isn’t bad.
Some gigs pay a few hundred bucks, especially if you’ve got big social reach. Is it mainstream? Nah. But it’s got side quest energy if you’re open to being a walking ad for a few days.

Posted by Ariel L.