In today’s unpredictable economy, a side hustle isn’t just a luxury—it’s a necessity. Whether you’re looking to pay off debt, save for a big goal, or simply gain financial independence, having a reliable stream of extra income is more important than ever.
But not all side hustles are created equal. Many are overhyped, underpaid, or just not worth the time. That’s why we’ve done the research—and real-world testing—to uncover 10 side hustles that made at least $1,000 per month in 2024. These aren’t “get rich quick” scams, but sustainable, proven ways to earn extra cash.
Let’s dive in.
✅ 1. Freelance Writing
Monthly Potential: $1,000–$5,000+
Time Required: 10–20 hrs/week
Freelance writing continues to dominate as one of the most accessible and scalable side hustles. With AI tools speeding up research and editing, writers can now take on more clients in less time.
How to Start:
- Build a portfolio on Medium or your own blog.
- Join platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, or ProBlogger.
- Focus on profitable niches like finance, tech, and health.
Tested Tip: Specializing in long-form blog content or email copywriting can easily yield $150–$300 per article.
✅ 2. Print on Demand (POD)
Monthly Potential: $500–$2,000+
Time Required: 5–15 hrs/week
Print on demand lets you create and sell custom designs on t-shirts, mugs, tote bags, and more, without managing inventory. You upload designs, and when someone buys, a third-party prints and ships it.
Best Platforms:
- Redbubble
- TeeSpring
- Printful (with Shopify or Etsy)
Tested Tip: Focus on evergreen niches like teachers, pet lovers, or fitness. One creator earned $1,200/month in 2024 just selling teacher-themed mugs on Etsy.
✅ 3. Affiliate Marketing
Monthly Potential: $500–$5,000+
Time Required: 10–20 hrs/week
Affiliate marketing involves promoting other companies’ products and earning a commission. If you have a blog, YouTube channel, or social media following, you’re already halfway there.
Top Affiliate Networks:
- Amazon Associates
- ShareASale
- Impact
- PartnerStack
Tested Tip: One creator made $1,000+/mo in 2024 promoting budgeting tools on TikTok using affiliate links in their bio.
✅ 4. Virtual Assistant (VA)
Monthly Potential: $1,000–$3,000+
Time Required: 15–25 hrs/week
Virtual assistants handle tasks like email management, scheduling, social media, and customer support. It’s one of the easiest entry points into freelancing, especially for organized people.
Get Started On:
- Belay
- Zirtual
- Upwork
- OnlineJobs.ph (for remote work)
Tested Tip: Specialize in a niche (e.g., Pinterest management or podcast editing) to raise your rates and work with fewer clients.
✅ 5. Online Tutoring
Monthly Potential: $1,000–$2,500+
Time Required: 8–15 hrs/week
Got a knack for math, science, or language? Online tutoring is booming, with flexible schedules and great pay.
Popular Platforms:
- Wyzant
- Tutor.com
- Preply (great for ESL)
- Outschool (for teaching kids)
Tested Tip: One English tutor made over $1,200/mo in 2024 teaching conversational lessons to adults in Japan and South Korea.
✅ 6. Flipping Items Online
Monthly Potential: $500–$3,000+
Time Required: 5–10 hrs/week
Buy low, sell high—it still works! Flipping thrift store items, garage sale finds, or clearance products on platforms like eBay, Facebook Marketplace, or Poshmark is a tried-and-true side hustle.
Hot Items to Flip:
- Sneakers
- Electronics
- Home décor
- Vintage clothing
Tested Tip: In 2024, a side hustler made $1,100 in a month flipping refurbished iPhones sourced from local pawn shops.
✅ 7. Social Media Management
Monthly Potential: $1,000–$4,000+
Time Required: 10–20 hrs/week
Small businesses desperately need help with Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook. If you know how to create engaging content or grow followers, you can make great money.
Where to Start:
- Offer services on Fiverr or LinkedIn
- Build a portfolio with your own accounts
- Use Canva and scheduling tools like Later or Buffer
Tested Tip: One marketer made $1,500/month managing 3 local accounts, posting 3x per week and running monthly promos.
✅ 8. Selling Digital Products
Monthly Potential: $1,000–$10,000+
Time Required: 10–15 hrs/week
Create once, sell forever. Digital products like eBooks, templates, Notion dashboards, and planners have huge earning potential with minimal overhead.
Platforms to Use:
- Etsy
- Gumroad
- Payhip
- Sellfy
Tested Tip: A creator launched a set of budgeting templates in 2024 and now makes $1,200/month passively on Etsy.
✅ 9. Pet Sitting or Dog Walking
Monthly Potential: $500–$1,500+
Time Required: 5–10 hrs/week
If you’re an animal lover, pet sitting or dog walking is one of the most fun ways to earn extra income. It’s also in high demand post-pandemic as travel rebounds.
Apps to Use:
- Rover
- Wag!
- Local Facebook groups
Tested Tip: One college student made $1,000 in 3 weeks watching dogs overnight during spring break.
✅ 10. YouTube Shorts or TikTok Content Creation
Monthly Potential: $500–$3,000+
Time Required: 10–15 hrs/week
Short-form video is booming, and creators are making serious money through brand deals, ad revenue, and digital product sales.
Monetization Options:
- TikTok Creator Fund / YouTube Shorts Bonus
- Sponsorships
- Affiliate marketing
- Selling digital products
Tested Tip: A finance creator made $1,000 in one month combining affiliate links and a Notion template sale—all promoted through 15–30 second TikToks.
🧮 What Does It Take to Make $1,000/Month?
Here’s a simple math breakdown:
| Side Hustle | Hourly Rate Needed | Hours/Month |
|---|---|---|
| Freelance Writing | $50 | 20 |
| Tutoring | $40 | 25 |
| Print on Demand | $10 profit/item | 100 sales |
| Digital Products | $20 profit/item | 50 sales |
| Flipping | $25/item profit | 40 items |
Whether you have 10 hours a week or just weekends free, reaching $1,000/month is very realistic with the right strategy.
🧠 Final Thoughts: Choose One and Go All In
Too many people start 5 side hustles and master none. The real secret to making $1,000/month? Choose one hustle, commit for 90 days, and focus on consistent execution.
Each side hustle on this list has been tested in 2024 and continues to grow into 2025. Whether you’re a college student, stay-at-home parent, or full-time worker looking for financial freedom, there’s something here for you.
Take the leap. Test, learn, and scale. Your $1,000/month hustle is waiting.
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