Types of Human Test Subject Jobs

by Stephanie Dube Dwilson, studioD

The phrase "human test subject" might make you think of a scary movie where someone is locked in a cage and being experimented on. But in reality, many people do stints as human test subjects in order to earn a little extra money. In fact, some people do this as their full-time job! Depending on the type of test subject job you get, it can be a fun way to try out new products or help scientists test theories. However, some of these trials do involve risks to your health.

Drug Trials

Clinical trials that test humans' reactions to drugs or medical devices are a lucrative way to be a test subject. These trials may involve taking a drug and coming into a testing center to have your blood drawn, get an echocardiogram and other tests, and get physical checkups over the course of several weeks or months. Participants may be paid thousands of dollars to participate. The downside is that this type of work, although lucrative, can also be dangerous. Some drugs may have unexpected side effects that can lead to hospitalization, permanent injury or, in rare cases, even death.


Surveys and focus groups provide a non-invasive way that you can be paid to be a human test subject. Although less lucrative than clinical trials, this method does not involve risking your health. You can join an online survey company, where you'll fill out a profile and be notified when you are eligible to take a survey on your computer. You may even qualify to test new household products that companies are designing. Focus groups are similar, except you are paid to go to a location and answer questions about a product with a group of people. For example, you may be paid to try a new flavor of pizza or try out a new type of remote control.

Space Flight

NASA frequently recruits people for bed-rest studies that mimic how prolonged space flight can affect human bodies. You can visit their website to see which study they are recruiting for, and fill out an application online. The Exercise Study, for example, is a 70-day test where you lie in a bed for 24 hours a day with your head tilted down. The only time you're allowed out of bed is for very specific, time-limited exercises. This study usually pays thousands of dollars to participants.

Mystery Shopping

Another way to get paid for being a test subject is by working as a mystery shopper. For this job, you're usually paid between $20 to $100 to pose as a customer and report back on how you're treated. You'll also report on the cleanliness of the facility, how the store represents itself and your shopping experience overall. These assignments can involve trips to a restaurant, a grocery store, a clothing store or even a car dealership.

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