Want to Make $1,000 a Month with a Side Hustle? Let’s Talk Options
- liveyourmoneystyle
- Apr 29
- 3 min read
Thinking about starting a side hustle that can actually move the needle financially? In this episode, we’re diving into side hustles with the potential to earn $1,000 or more per month, while also breaking down the time, effort, and commitment each one requires—so you can figure out which options make the most sense for you.
Active vs. Passive: What Kind of Hustler Are You?
Before we dive into specific examples, here’s a quick breakdown:
Active Side Hustles: You trade your time for money. Think: dog walking or bartending.
In-Person vs. At-Home: Your day job and lifestyle matter. If you're always at home, consider in-person gigs. Always on the go? Maybe remote is the way to go.
Passive Side Hustles: These earn while you sleep (after some upfront work). Think: selling digital products or stock photography.
We’ve also put together a master file with all the side hustles discussed, complete with earning potential and effort levels. You can find it in the show notes to follow along or read after - if you are listening on the go!
💸 In-Person Active Side Hustles
🐾 Dog Walking
How You Make $1,000: $25 per walk × 2 walks/day × 5 days/week = $1,000/month
Effort Level: Low to medium (depending on how many pups you're walking!)
Pros: Flexible, great pay per hour (not to mention the extra steps with the walks!)
Watchouts: Weather, client reliability
🍸 Bartending or Waitstaff
How You Make $1,000: $100/shift × 3 shifts/week = ~$1,200/month
Effort Level: Medium to high, depending on the restaurant
Pros: High earning potential from tips
Watchouts: Potential late nights, inconsistent tip income
🚗 Amazon Flex Delivery
How You Make $1,000: $20/hour × 10 hours/week = $800–$1,000/month
Effort Level: Medium
Pros: Set your own hours, solo work
Watchouts: Gas, wear and tear on your car
🏡 At-Home Active Side Hustles
📱 Social Media Management
How You Make $1,000: $25–$150/hour × 10 hours/week
Effort Level: Medium
Pros: Creative, flexible, scalable
Watchouts: Client management
🐶 Pet Sitting (Overnights)
How You Make $1,000: $75/night × 13 nights/month
Effort Level: Low (but consistent)
Pros: Stay home while earning
Watchouts: Wear and tear in your home (e.g., furniture, floors)
🎨 Selling Crafts on Etsy
How You Make $1,000: $25/item × 40 items/month
Effort Level: High (creating and selling products ongoing)
Pros: Turn your hobby into income
Watchouts: Platform fees, time it takes to create products
🖥️ Virtual Assistant Work
How You Make $1,000: $25/hour × 10 hours/week
Effort Level: Medium
Pros: Steady work, potential to grow
Watchouts: Juggling multiple clients
💤 Semi-Passive Side Hustles
📚 Sell Digital Products
How You Make $1,000: Sell e-books, guides, templates, or printables
Effort Level: High upfront, low ongoing
Pros: Passive income potential
Watchouts: Requires marketing and subject matter expertise
📸 Sell Stock Photos
How You Make $1,000: Build a photo portfolio across stock sites
Effort Level: Medium
Pros: Great for photographers
Watchouts: Competitive market, lots of tagging/uploading
🎥 Create an Online Course
How You Make $1,000: Sell a $100 course to 10 people (or $50 to 20, etc.)
Effort Level: High upfront
Pros: Good income potential
Watchouts: Requires marketing and subject matter expertise
Final Thoughts
Earning $1,000/month from a side hustle is 100% possible—you just need the right fit for your schedule, interests, and goals. Whether you want something creative, customer-facing, or completely remote, there’s an option out there for you.
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