How to Realistically Make an Extra $1,000 a Month

Imagine you found yourself $1,000 richer each month. What would you do? Build your emergency fund? Pay down debt? Go on a vacation? While this might seem like a far-out scenario, adding an extra $1,000 a month to your bank account may be easier than you think. 

An extra income can go a long way to help you reach your financial goals and reach them faster. So, what can you do so you can see more dollar signs in your bank account each month? Aside from the solutions like negotiating a raise or finding a higher-paying job, you can take on additional work to supplement your income. This could be a part-time job, a side hustle, or even a lucrative hobby. If you’re wondering how to have a side hustle or where to even start, don’t worry, I have you covered. I’m sharing 32 ways you can earn an extra $1,000 a month (or more!).

This list is by no means a complete overview of all the ways you can earn an extra $1,000 a month, but I hope it gives you an idea of some of the best side hustle options and creative income opportunities available to help you reach your financial goals. Let’s dig in!

1. Start Freelance Writing

If you love to write, picking up freelance writing may be your ticket to an extra $1,000 a month. And the awesome thing is there are many different forms of freelance writing you can take on. From article writing to copywriting to SEO writing to technical writing, you can find what style of writing works best for you. All you need to get started is a computer, great writing skills, knowledge of correct grammar, and the ability to research, depending on the style of writing you choose. 

There are a few ways you can search for freelance writing work. You can search traditional job boards like Indeed or LinkedIn for available opportunities. You can check out specific publications or companies to see if they’re for hiring freelance or part-time roles. You can also browse websites like Upwork and Fiverr to find writing projects or one-off opportunities. If you can turn one of these opportunities into a long-term gig, even better to ensure a steady stream of income. 

Your earning potential while freelance writing is limited to the amount of extra work you can take on and the amount of work you can find. Many freelancing writing jobs pay per piece or hour, and rates vary depending on the length and difficulty of the assignment. According to Upwork, the average per hour ranges from $15 to $65, and per piece ranges from $50 to $500 or more based on the type of work and complexity. If you find clients to work with on an ongoing basis, you can charge a retainer (i.e., upfront cost for the month to perform an agreed-upon service). 

2. Begin Blogging

Speaking of writing, blogging isn’t dead, so don’t count it out of the earning extra income equation. Starting a blog, especially a blog that caters to a specific niche, is a nice way to earn extra income on your terms. Determine what you’re passionate about and use that as a jumping-off point. The key to blogging is your audience. The bigger and more engaged your audience, the more money you can earn per month. Also, as with most side hustles, your earnings potential is going to be based on how many hours a week you can dedicate to first start a blog and then maintain it.

The streams of income for a blog range from sponsored content to ads to affiliate marketing. If you’re just starting out, your rates will be much lower than a seasoned blogger. Since most bloggers set their own rates, the income potential greatly varies based on your audience and traffic. Think from a couple of hundred dollars per sponsored post to a couple of thousand dollars.

3. Practice Graphic Design

Graphic design is a fun side hustle to start, no matter if you’re looking for easy money to expand on your day job or to learn new skills as a hobby. Similar to freelance writing, there are a multitude of ways to dabble in graphic design, like logo design, website design, social media graphic design, making your own designs to sell printables online, and more. To build your design clientele, it helps to have a portfolio of your work ready to share (a website helps!). You can then reach out to your network to inquire about opportunities or apply for opportunities on job boards. 

Taking on this side hustle to earn extra money helps if you already have the basic skills down. This way, there’s less lead time to learn the work, meaning more money in your pocket faster. The amount you can earn per project or that you can charge per hour is going to be based on your level of expertise. According to ZipRecruiter, the average hourly freelance design rate is $35.

4. Assist with Bookkeeping

Do you have an accounting or business background? Are you good with numbers? If so, bookkeeping might be the part-time work that can help you pad your pocket. Bookkeepers help clients with their bookkeeping and accounting needs, like payroll, recording transactions, monitoring accounts, and data entry. To find bookkeeping clients, you can connect with local small business owners in person or online, hit up traditional job boards, or utilize freelance sites like Freelancer or Flexjobs to find opportunities. 

According to Indeed, bookkeepers make between $15 and $30 per hour. This rate can fluctuate depending on where you live and the location of your clients (i.e., virtual or in-person).

5. Become a Virtual Assistant

Virtual assistant work has become popular in recent years, especially given the shift to remote work during and after the pandemic. A virtual assistant side hustle looks like performing administrative tasks remotely for clients, like managing emails, scheduling appointments, making phone calls, booking travel, and other administrative items a client may need help with. To become a virtual assistant, you need to be organized, have great communication skills, and be highly efficient in time management. College degrees usually aren’t a requirement. 

According to ZipRecruiter, the national average hourly rate is $24. Like most jobs, the more experience you have under your belt, the more you can increase your rate.

6. Sell Something on Etsy

If you’re an artist, aspiring artist, or just really creative, Etsy can help you reach a larger audience than your local farmers market to sell your items at a low start-up cost. While there is more effort to take photos of your products, list the items, maintain your page, and facilitate any questions with customers, there is the potential to earn more than you could if you were to solely list on your own personal website. A few ideas of what you can sell on Etsy include handmade items, digital prints, spreadsheets (think budgeting or debt pay-off spreadsheets), jewelry, digital downloads, paintings, giftable items, and so much more. 

To help you get your page off the ground, Etsy outlines how to get started selling on its website. While there are some fees associated with listing your items on Etsy, you’re gaining access to more potential customers without having to leave home. From college students to stay-at-home moms to corporate girls with a creative side, everyone can make money on Etsy. How much you can make is really determined by what product you’re selling, how much you’re selling it for, and your associated costs.

No matter if you’re working as a social media manager for your day job or if social media is your hobby, you can find a side hustle as a freelance social media manager. Social media experts are hired by clients who want to outsource their social media strategy and execution to someone who knows the ins and outs of platforms. Individuals can also be hired to help with digital marketing strategy and to promote items on social media, like running Facebook ads for local businesses. To start, determine what type of clients you want to serve (i.e, a specific industry or niche, the size of the company, or individuals), start building connections to find clients, and secure your rates. You might also be able to find freelance opportunities on job boards. 

Your passion for social media could help you secure an extra income each month, the amount of which will fluctuate depending on how much you decide to charge and how much work you’re able to take on. According to Upwork, a freelance social media manager’s rate is $14 to $35 per hour.

8. Complete Online Surveys

Online surveys are an easy way to make money that requires no experience or expertise. Websites will ask you to answer questions about a specific topic and will pay you in exchange for your time. A few of these websites include BrandedSurveys, Google Online Rewards, Harris Poll Online, LifePoints, InBoxDollars.com, One Opinion, Survey Junkie, and more. Prolific is a well-regarded option that is commonly used by graduate students, though it does have a waitlist that varies based on your demographic. Despite this, it’s definitely worth applying, as once you’re approved, I’ve heard consistent praise about Prolific’s studies.

It’s a lucrative activity to engage in during your spare time if you’re looking to earn extra money from home. According to ZipRecruiter, you can make, on average, $31 an hour as an online survey taker.

9. Thrift Your Clothes or Household Items

Selling clothes, household goods, toys, and furniture can help you earn extra monthly income. You can sell your items online or to thrift stores so someone else can benefit from the gently used items. Or you can purchase used items and upcycle them to give them a new life. Thrifting is a hobby for many people, but with a little effort, it can be turned into a long-term profitable business. All it takes to get started is a smartphone camera, a little practice taking photos, and the time it takes to list the items online or visit a local consignment store.

The potential income from thrifting will depend on the type of items you’re selling and the frequency. Items like revamped furniture will likely bring in more money than a vintage t-shirt. But if you’re willing to take the time to hunt, you might be able to find hidden gems in thrift stores that you can sell for a profit on eBay.

10. Create an Online Course

If you’re an expert in your field or you want to monetize your skillset, creating an online course can be a lucrative way to bring in extra income. This side hustle takes more upfront work than some of the other ideas on the list, but it can bring in more money passively in the long term. The first thing you need to do is pick your course subject and create your course outline. Then, you have to develop the course and choose your platform. Some websites you can utilize to host your course include Skillshare, Udemy, Teachable, Thinkific, and TrainerCentral. Once you have your course ready to go, arguably the most important part of the process is marketing your course. No one can sign up to take your course (and pay you) if they don’t know it exists. You can leverage your own social network on social media as well as a personal website or email list if you have one.

According to onlinecoursehost.com, you can make $1,000 to $100,00 a year selling online courses. The biggest variables are the price of your course or courses, the amount of traffic to your course, and the conversion rate at which people sign up to take your course.

11. Take Up Tutoring

If you’re looking to leverage your expertise from your day job as a teacher or academic or if you work in a specialized field, tutoring is an efficient way to transfer your skills into a side hustle. To get started tutoring, get connected with your local schools, search job boards, and reach out to your local network. Some companies hire online tutors, like Tutor.com, Elevate K-12, Brainfuse, and TutorMe. Once you secure a tutoring gig, there may be some upfront work to prepare for your sessions based on the needs of the person you’re tutoring.

The rate you’ll be paid as a tutor depends on a few different things, such as your qualifications, experience, and education level, the subject you’re tutoring on, the age group you’re tutoring, and whether it’s in person or virtual. Indeed states, the average tutor rate in the United States is $23.72 per hour.

12. Teach a Fitness Class

Looking for a way to work on your wellness and your wealth? Try teaching a fitness class. Depending on the class type you’re interested in teaching, there may be an upfront cost to get certified and land a teaching position. Some instructor positions require specialized training like the 200-hour teacher training course for yoga instructors, the National Academy of Sports Medicine Certified Personal Trainer (NASM-CPT) course to become a personal trainer or Zumba training. Other fitness studios may offer training as a part of the position, like cycling studios. 

Your pay will vary depending on if you get paid a flat rate per each class you teach or if you get paid hourly, and the type of class you’re teaching and where. According to ZipRecruiter, the national average hourly rate for a group fitness instructor is $25.

13. Deliver Food

If you have reliable transportation and want a seemingly simple side hustle, delivering food can help you land an extra $1,000 a month. To get started, pick the company you want to deliver for, like Instacart, Uber Eats, DoorDash, etc. Most companies clearly list on their website the criteria for applying to become a delivery driver. Follow the steps to apply and wait for the next steps from the company.

Per Salary.com, the average pay for a food delivery driver is $24 per hour, not including tips. That means to make $1,000 a month before taxes, you’d have to work around 41 and a half hours. If you consider there’s around four weeks in a month, that comes out to between 10 and 11 hours of work a week. That means you’re looking at an extra hour and a half of work a day split evenly between seven days.

14. Focus on Creating Content

If you’re already creating and posting content on social media, why not try to get paid for it? Becoming a content creator can be a fun hobby turned side hustle. And for some, being a part-time content creator can become so lucrative that they opt for turning it into a full-time job. To get the ball rolling, all you need is a smartphone to record videos and take photos, the time to edit your content, and some creativity. More established content creators might utilize professional photographers and videographers, but all you really need to get off the ground is an iPhone and an idea. Some creators opt for a specific niche, like fashion, beauty, nostalgia, or motherhood, while others go for the more lifestyle content route. You also need to pick your preferred platform and tailor your content to fit the style. Instagram tends to be more aesthetically pleasing pictures and reels, TikToks will be more casual and down-to-earth, and YouTube will be longer-form video content, for example.

No matter what you choose to focus on, your biggest goal as a content creator is to build an engaged audience. It’s not just about the followers but how engaged your followers are with your content. Brands and potential partnerships want to know that if they collaborate with you that their product is going to get in front of their target customer. Your rates will likely start lower and work their way up as you work to build your audience. 

15. Host Your Home

If you have a private room in a home, you can make money listing your space on rental platforms like Airbnb, VRBO, or Homestay. If you have an entire home to offer as a vacation rental, the more potential income you can bank. Most sites have easy-to-follow instructions to apply to host your place with helpful guides to get you started.

According to Earnest, Airbnb hosts make, on average, $924 a month. A few things to keep in mind that affect your potential earnings when hosting your home are the size of your home, frequency of hosting, the cost to pay for any cleaning services or maintenance, and any fees charged by the rental site.

Something to keep in mind when trying to find a way to earn extra money each month is the more enjoyable the work, the more likely you are to want to continue doing it. It’ll feel a lot less like work and more like a hobby you’re getting paid for. Also, you don’t only have to pick one thing to do each month to earn extra money. You can mix and match and choose multiple ideas from this list that will add up to an extra $1,000 a month. 

16. Become a Pet Sitter

If you’re an animal lover, why not get paid for something you love to do? Companies like Rover allow you to make money playing with pets. From dog walking to boarding to drop-in visits, there are many ways you can start earning money for your services. According to this Reddit thread, many individuals are making $1,000 a month or more through leveraging the app.

As a sitter on Rover, you have the ability to set your rates, so you can increase your rate as you gain more experience. In addition to Rover, you can also leverage websites like Wag and Fetch based on your location.

17. Lend a Hand with TaskRabbit

If you’re particularly handy, organized, or helpful, TaskRabbit might be your ideal source of extra income. You can sign up to become a tasker and assist with a multitude of projects, from running errands, assembling furniture, moving, home repair, and more. So, by filling some spare time each week with helpful tasks, you can be well on your way to earning an extra $1,000 a month.

Pay rates start as low as $15 an hour for tasks like baby proofing and car washing and go all the way up to $43 an hour for furniture repair, $47 an hour for electrical help, and $55 an hour for full-service moving help.

18. Rent Your Vehicle

Similar to how you can rent your room, apartment, or house, you can also rent your car. If you’re fortunate enough to own your vehicle, look into services like Turo or Getaround to list your vehicle and begin earning extra money. This service is especially useful when you know you won’t be using your car, you’ll be out of town, or if you live in a two-car household bcause you can earn cash with minimal effort.

Turo estimates the average annual income for hosting one car on their platform as $10,868, just shy of $1,000 a month. Your earning potential can increase based on the number of cars you list on their platform.

19.  Dabble in Affiliate Marketing

If you’ve been on social media lately, you’ve likely been exposed to affiliate marketing. As defined by Shopify, affiliate marketing is a performance-based marketing strategy where creators, influencers, and entrepreneurs earn money by promoting a product or service for a retailer. Simply put, people you follow or engage with online can share links to products or services, and when you act by clicking a link or purchasing a product or service, they make money. So, instead of being on the receiving end of affiliate marketing, you can flip the script and begin utilizing it to make money for yourself.

According to Influencer Marketing Hub, beginners can make up to $1,000, with the more advanced marketers earning tens of thousands a month. Shopify has a useful affiliate marketing for beginners guide to help you get started.

20. Get a Part-Time Job

If there isn’t a particular hobby or side hustle you’re drawn to, and your end game is more cash in the bank, you can always apply for a part-time job. There are many companies now that offer a minimum wage of $15 an hour, meaning that you can make at least that, if not more, for your efforts. PNC Bank increased their minimum wage to $18 an hour in 2021. That same year, CVS Health raised its minimum wage to $15 an hour. Target has a minimum wage ranging from $15 an hour to $24 an hour based on location. And that’s just a few companies. There are more that sit amongst the ranks of companies paying a minimum wage of $15 an hour, like Starbucks, Walmart, and McDonald’s.

Let’s do the math real quick. If you want to make an extra $1,000 a month and are earning $17 an hour, you’d have to work 58.82 hours a month, about 15 hours a week. If you pick up one eight-hour shift on the weekend and two four-hour shifts during the week, you’ll bring in $1,000 a month.

21. Freelance Copywriting

If you’re looking for a flexible way to make some extra money from home, copywriting could be the perfect side hustle. It’s one of those gigs that can easily bring in $1,000 a month or even more, depending on how much time you want to invest. Basically, you’re writing content for websites, emails, ads—anything that helps businesses connect with their audience and boost sales. The best part is you can do this from home and on your own time. You don’t need a lot of upfront investment to get started, and you can set your own rates. According to Upwork, the average copywriter in 2024 makes $19-$45 an hour, but can be even more based on your level of experience.

Start by creating a portfolio showcasing your writing skills and experience. Squarespace and Wix are easy-to-use platforms for quickly creating a professional-looking portfolio. Then, sign up on freelancing platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, or Freelancer to connect with clients looking for copywriters. You can also network through social media or reach out directly to small businesses and marketing agencies that may need help with their content.

22. Freelance Video Editing

With the rise of TikTok and Youtube Shorts, there’s a growing demand for skilled video editors who can produce high-quality content. Whether you’re working with small businesses, influencers, or brands, freelance video editing allows you to offer your services and make money online, even with just part-time hours. As influencers increasingly embrace video-first content, the demand for skilled video editing is on the rise, making it a time-consuming task for many. To be competitive, they require eye-catching, fast-paced edits to keep their content engaging and on-trend. By offering your video editing services tailored to their specific needs, you can create a lucrative and niche side hustle. To get started, connect with influencers on social media, showcase your previous work, and highlight your ability to deliver quick turnarounds. This efficiency will enable them to produce more content, which is especially beneficial for platforms like TikTok that reward creators for posting regularly. This same tactic can be used to help businesses embrace short-form video content. You can provide valuable guidance on trending sounds and suggest outlines for their shoots, helping them create more compelling content.

23. Transcription Services

Offering transcription services is a great way to make extra money from home, especially if you have good listening and typing skills. Many businesses, podcasters, and content creators need accurate transcriptions of their audio or video content to improve accessibility and SEO. You can find transcription jobs on freelancing platforms like Rev, TranscribeMe, or Upwork, where clients frequently seek reliable transcriptionists. The best part is that transcription work comes with very flexible hours, allowing you to choose when and how much you want to work. Apart from listing your services online, consider reaching out to local businesses like law firms, medical practices, real estate agents, and local universities to see if they are in need of transcription services.

24. Tutoring

Tutoring is an excellent way to make extra money, especially if you have expertise in a specific subject or skill. Whether you offer one-on-one sessions or group classes, tutoring can easily fit into your schedule and help you earn $1,000 a month or more. You can teach academic subjects like math, science, or English, or even offer specialized lessons in areas like music or art. With the rise of online education, you can tutor from home by finding students through platforms like Tutor.com or Wyzant. If you live near a university, local tutoring companies are likely actively seeking flexible tutors to meet the needs of their students.

25. Sell Print-on-Demand Products

With print-on-demand products, you can create custom designs for a wide range of products, such as t-shirts, mugs, phone cases, digital art, or invitations without having to manage inventory or production. Simply upload your designs to platforms like Redbubble or Printful and as customers order your products, you earn a commission on each sale, allowing you to generate income without the hassle of traditional retail. You can also use Etsy to sell digital products or designs and let the customer decide the best way to print.

26. Event Staffing

Event staffing can be an excellent option for those who find it challenging to fit side hustles into their busy weekday schedules. This flexible work allows you to pick up shifts on weekends or during special events. Whether it’s serving drinks at a wedding, assisting with registration at a conference, or helping set up for a festival, event staffing offers the chance to leverage a variety of skills without interfering with your 9-to-5 job. If you’re passionate about weddings, try reaching out to local wedding coordinators and planners to see what day-of help they may need for events. Event staffing for extra money is a great way to meet new people and gain experience in the events industry.

27. Flip and Restore Furniture

Flipping and restoring furniture on Facebook Marketplace is a fun way to earn extra money, especially if you’re trying to step away from the screen. The key is to scout for undervalued pieces, such as old dressers, chairs, or tables, in need of a little TLC. This can be on Facebook Marketplace, thrift stores, garage sales, or even driving around on trash day. Once you’ve selected a piece, think about how you can enhance its appeal with a fresh coat of paint, new hardware, or minor repairs. You’ll want to research your local marketplace to see what types of pieces sell the fastest or in the price point you want to hit so you know what your local market is looking for. You might find the piece would sell best by being cleaned up or with a fresh coat of white paint. Once you’ve restored the piece, take photos of it styled in your home or set up a staging area to help buyers envision how it would look in their space. Be sure to provide plenty of details in your product description, including dimensions and any unique features, along with relevant keywords to enhance searchability. Facebook is also prioritizing listings with short video clips, so make sure to take a few videos from different angles to give it an extra boost. You can even offer delivery for an additional charge.

28. Data Annotation

Data Annotation connects freelancers with companies that need help labeling and categorizing data for machine learning and artificial intelligence applications. By signing up, you can choose projects that fit your schedule, whether it’s tagging images, transcribing audio, or annotating text. The work is often straightforward and can be done from the comfort of your home, making it a flexible side hustle that allows you to boost your income, especially if you have a specific set of skills like coding or fact-checking. As you gain experience, you may have the opportunity to work on more complex and higher-paying tasks.

29. Amazon On-Site Commission Videos

Amazon On-Site Commission Videos are a unique way to earn extra money by creating engaging video content that promotes products available on Amazon. The most popular video format is product reviews that will be displayed on a specific item’s product page. When viewers click on your links and make purchases after watching your video, you earn a commission on those sales. This method allows you to tap into the growing popularity of video content while providing helpful shopping insight. Depending on how you shoot the videos, you can also repurpose them into YouTube or TikTok reviews, helping you reach a larger audience. You’ll start by becoming an Amazon Influencer and then applying to create on-site content. You can start by creating reviews on products you already have and you don’t need thousands of followers to be approved—just compelling content!

30. Focus Groups

Joining focus groups is a fantastic way to earn extra money, although opportunities may not arise frequently, so it’s a good idea to pair this with another side hustle to help you reach that $1,000-a-month goal. In these sessions, you often get to review a product—potentially even an unreleased one—and share your thoughts about your experience during an engaging hour-long discussion. With a low barrier to entry, focus groups are not only accessible but also one of the more enjoyable ways to make some extra cash.

31. Meal Prep Services

Cater to busy individuals and families looking to save time and eat healthier by offering personalized meal prep services. You can create tailored menus based on your clients’ dietary preferences and needs or shop and prep their favorite recipes. Start by marketing this through word of mouth to practice and build up the most efficient system with people you know. During this time, take photos and start building a social media account. It’s important to remember that you’re selling convenience and delicious food, so make sure to practice your food photography skills. To make your dishes look as appetizing as possible, shoot in natural light, ideally during the day when the light is soft and flattering. This might involve moving your food outside to your patio or setting up a dedicated photo area with a simple backdrop, like a blank poster board, to enhance the presentation. Once you feel like you’ve figured out what works best for you (whether it be cooking in your kitchen or theirs), start marketing your services through social media and local community groups on Facebook. With the rising demand for healthy, homemade meals, this flexible side gig allows you to set your own hours and turn your passion for cooking into a steady source of extra income.

32. Yelp Moderator

Earning extra money as a Yelp moderator by removing spam reviews is a unique opportunity that allows you to contribute to the integrity of local businesses. In this role, you’ll review flagged content and determine whether it violates Yelp’s guidelines, ensuring that genuine feedback shines through. This position typically offers flexible hours, making it a great side hustle for anyone looking to earn some extra cash. You can apply directly through Yelp and see the other positions they have available.

This list isn’t exhaustive by any means. There are so many more ways you can make extra monthly income, like getting a part-time job as a bartender or a boutique attendant or working sporting events. Get creative! There truly isn’t anything you can’t do if you set your mind to it.

MEET THE AUTHOR

Danielle Doolen, Contributing Career Writer

Danielle Doolen is a writer and communications professional whose writing and expertise have appeared in Career Contessa, Insider, Motherly, PopSugar, PRSA Strategies & Tactics, The Financial Diet, Thrive Global, and more. In addition to being a freelance writer, Danielle works in corporate communications, but her favorite role to date is being a mom.