Nearly 300,000 clinical trials are actively recruiting participants across the United States, yet most people have no idea they can earn thousands of dollars simply by qualifying. Trials listed on CenExel Research show compensation reaching $26,700 for a single study — real money for time you'd otherwise spend on side gigs. If you're exploring other ways to find funding, paid clinical trials are one of the fastest legitimate options available. Ready to find the highest-paying studies near you? Let's get started!
Quick Answer
Nearly 300,000 clinical trials are actively recruiting across the U.S. The highest-paid studies can pay up to $26,700 per trial. To find them, search ClinicalTrials.gov or CenExel Research by ZIP code. Longer inpatient studies, rare disease trials, and Phase I studies typically offer the highest compensation.
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Summary Table
| Item Name | Price Range | Best For | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diabetes Type 2 Trial | Up to $26,700 | Adults 18–70 with Type 2 diabetes | Visit Site |
| Altasciences Clinical Trials | $2,400–$19,000 | Healthy adults willing to stay on-site | Visit Site |
| Overweight/Obesity Trial | Up to $6,400 | Adults 18–65 with BMI qualifying criteria | Visit Site |
| Chronic Plaque Psoriasis Trial | Up to $17,550 | Adults with diagnosed chronic plaque psoriasis | Visit Site |
| American Institute of Research Trials | $500–$15,000+ | Participants seeking varied condition-based studies | Visit Site |
| Major Depression Trials | $500–$5,000+ | Adults diagnosed with major depressive disorder | Visit Site |
6 Highest-Paid Clinical Trials Near You (2026)
Below you'll find detailed information about each option, including what makes them unique and their key benefits.
1. Diabetes Type 2 Trial
Type 2 diabetes studies consistently rank among the highest-paid clinical trials available locally, often compensating participants $1,500–$4,500 depending on visit frequency and duration. These trials test new medications, insulin therapies, or lifestyle interventions, and researchers actively recruit adults with a confirmed diagnosis. If you're searching for top-paying studies near you, diabetes-focused trials are a reliable category to prioritize.
What to expect:
- Compensation typically $1,500–$4,500 per completed study
- Requires confirmed Type 2 diagnosis, usually 6–12 months minimum
- Multiple in-person visits to a local research site required
2. Altasciences Clinical Trials
Altasciences operates dedicated Phase I research units across North America, making it one of the more accessible options when hunting for well-compensated paid research studies nearby. Their facility-based trials — particularly pharmacokinetic and first-in-human drug studies — frequently pay $2,000–$7,000 because participants stay on-site for extended periods. You can browse open studies directly at Cenexel Research, which lists similar high-paying facility trials.
Key details:
- Pay range: $2,000–$7,000+ for inpatient confinement studies
- Healthy volunteers accepted for many Phase I trials
- On-site stays typically 1–14 days depending on protocol
3. Overweight/Obesity Trial
Obesity and weight-management trials are among the most frequently available and highest-compensating studies you'll find when searching for lucrative local research opportunities. With the surge in GLP-1 and metabolic drug development, demand for participants with a BMI of 30+ has grown significantly, pushing compensation into the $1,200–$5,000 range. Eligibility is broad, making these studies accessible to a large portion of adults seeking meaningful research income.
Notable perks:
- Compensation ranges from $1,200 to $5,000+ per study
- BMI 30+ typically the primary qualification requirement
- Some trials include free health screenings and lab work
4. Chronic Plaque Psoriasis Trial
Chronic plaque psoriasis studies are among the highest-compensated dermatology trials available, often paying $2,000–$5,000+ per completed study. These trials test new biologics and topical treatments, requiring participants with confirmed moderate-to-severe psoriasis covering at least 10% of body surface area. Trial durations typically run 12–24 weeks with multiple in-person visits.
What to expect:
- Compensation commonly ranges $1,500–$5,500 depending on visit frequency
- Free study medication, labs, and dermatology assessments included
- Most sites require a formal psoriasis diagnosis from a physician
5. American Institute of Research Trials
The American Institute of Research connects participants to well-compensated local clinical studies across multiple therapeutic areas, making it a practical starting point for finding high-paying trials near you. Their database includes Phase II and Phase III studies in dermatology, cardiology, and metabolic conditions — categories that consistently offer above-average participant compensation.
Notable perks:
- Searchable by condition, location, and compensation level
- Studies frequently pay $500–$4,000+ per completed trial
- No insurance required — all procedures covered by study sponsor
6. Major Depression Trials
Depression and mood disorder studies rank among the top-paying psychiatric trials, with compensation typically reaching $1,800–$4,500 for full participation. Sponsors funding antidepressant and ketamine-adjacent compound research require frequent check-ins and psychiatric evaluations, which drives higher per-visit rates. Adults 18+ with a documented MDD diagnosis and no current antidepressant use usually qualify.
Key details:
- Payment averages $150–$300 per visit across 10–18 sessions
- Inpatient overnight stays may increase total compensation significantly
- Washout periods required — expect 2–4 weeks off current medications
Final Words
Your best bet depends on your health profile, location, and how much time you can commit to a study. Explore these six opportunities alongside paid survey opportunities to diversify your earnings while contributing to medical research.