How To Make An Extra $1000 A Month: 50+ Profitable Side Gigs

Woman on laptop learning how to make an extra $1000 a month

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Start making an extra $1000 a month

When you’re playing catch-up with your retirement savings, the most effective strategy includes following a budget, cutting expenses, and prioritizing savings. All of these will help you reach your financial goals.

But one that will propel you towards financial independence even faster is finding ways to make extra money. Earning just an extra $1000 a month can make a huge difference in your money goals.

In the personal finance blogosphere, there is a widespread belief that stems from an abundance mindset:

There are limited ways to cut spending, but there are limitless ways to create income.

In other words, there are only so many corners you can cut in your budget. You can be diligent at using coupons, shopping sales, and eliminating expenses, but these things will only get you so far in improving your personal finance situation.

In order to remove the boundaries that keep you from reaching your big vision for retirement, you have to create ways to earn extra money.

In this post, I’m going to show you how to make an extra $1000 a month with both online and offline opportunities. There are 51 money-making side gigs all together.

Some of these can generate $1000 extra a month on their own. Others can be combined with one or two more side gigs to give you that extra grand. 

For more inspiration, get this free list of 101 Side Hustle ideas!

 

How to make an extra $1000 a month with online side gigs

If you’re looking for ways to make extra money with the internet, here are 25 profitable side-hustle ideas to make some cash online. This is a great way to build an emergency fund, pay off credit cards and student loans, or save for your dream retirement.

Even if you have a full-time job, you could easily make more money in your spare time. In this first section, I’ll give you 25 online side hustles that can turbocharge your savings. Keep reading to learn how to make an extra $1000 a month.

1. Get paid for online proofreading jobs

If you’re quick to spot grammatical and spelling errors, then you might be a good candidate to make extra money being a proofreader. 

So, what is proofreading?

Proofreading is the process of finding and correcting errors in written content before being published. Proofreaders focus mainly on grammar and spelling mistakes. Unlike editors, they don’t advise changing or restructuring content.

Proofreaders are hired to polish up many different types of content, including:

  • Blog posts
  • Essays and white papers
  • User manuals
  • Press releases
  • Court transcripts

You can find proofreading jobs online with services like Writer’s Relief and Edit Fast.

You can start your own freelance proofreading service with minimal investment, and start making extra money at home with this popular side hustle. All you need is a computer and internet access.

Glassdoor reported a 2020 average income of $44k/year for freelance proofreaders. However, once you gain experience or become in expert in a specific niche, you can make considerably more than that.

Although a college degree will open up more doors to proofreading jobs, you don’t necessarily need one to get started. However, you do need a strong command of the English language. Vocabulary, spelling, grammar, and sentence structure are necessary skills to be competitive.

If you think proofreading could be a great way for you to make a little extra money on the side, check out Caitlin Pyle’s free proofreading workshop to learn more about how to build a profitable, online proofreading business.

2. Earn extra income selling printables

One of the easiest ways to make extra money online is to create digital printables you can sell.

Printables are digital downloads that a customer can instantly print and use for various purposes.

These popular products have excellent income potential, and can be offered in many different forms, such as:

  • Calendars
  • Planners
  • Journals
  • Inspirational quotes
  • Trackers
  • Checklists

The great benefit of creating and selling printables is the potential it has to generate passive income. You create a printable once, but it can be purchased and downloaded an endless number of times.

Also, there is no physical inventory, shipping, or shelf life!

You don’t even need to be a professional graphic designer. With the help of various tools like Canva, PicMonkey and Powerpoint, you can easily learn to create quality content that is useful and in demand.

Platforms such as Etsy and Shopify make it easy to set up an online store to sell your printables. You could also choose to sell them on your own blog.

So, how much extra money can you make?

Well, if you read Sarah Titus’ story, you’ll learn that she found financial independence by building her printables side gig into a multimillion dollar business!

3. Start an online transcription side hustle

Are you a fast typist? If so, you can make extra money every month with remote online transcription jobs. 

Transcriptionists basically convert audio recordings into written documents. To be successful, you need to have excellent typing, grammar and listening skills, as well as a sharp sense of hearing.

The three types of transcription jobs are medical, legal, and general.

If you have experience in the fields of law or medicine (and, are therefore familiar with the professional jargon), then transcription could be an easy way to make an extra $1000 a month.

General transcription covers everything else, such as:

  • Business: interviews, seminars, conference calls
  • Media: radio and television shows, podcasts
  • Financial: annual meetings, press conferences
  • Academic: lectures, presentations

General transcription doesn’t require specialized knowledge, so it’s easier to find jobs and start making money.

Here are a few online transcription services that you can apply to:

Transcription jobs typically pay by the audio minute, and the average transcriptionist earns a minimum of $15/hour, but many make up to $25/hour.  With specialized knowledge, the potential to make $1,000 a month or more is even higher.

4. Get paid to be a virtual bookkeeper

If you’re a numbers nerd, online bookkeeping might be a smart money-making side hustle for you.

Virtual bookkeeping services offer the management of financial transactions for companies and small business owners.

Here are a few responsibilities of a virtual bookkeeper:

  • Record income and expenses
  • Track a company’s financial progression
  • Make financial spending decisions that benefit the company
  • Prepare financial statements
  • Create financial reports
  • Keep financial records

Companies hire virtual bookkeepers to help them stay on track with their finances and keep their businesses profitable.

Starting a virtual bookkeeping business is a great way to make money without needing a degree or formal training. Virtual bookkeepers do not give financial counsel, so no previous education is required.

But, to be successful, you must have knowledge of general accounting and mathematics. In addition, you need to be comfortable with basic computer skills and accounting software. If you have no previous work experience using bookkeeping skills, then some training would be beneficial.

Like most online businesses, the startup costs are low. You just need access to the internet, a computer with the right software, and possibly some training.

As a virtual bookkeeper, you can set your own rates and hours. You will likely have multiple clients, which can make your average hourly income higher than in-house bookkeepers.

Zip Recruiter reports the average salary of a virtual bookkeeper is a little over $38k a year. This can vary depending on experience and location.

A great benefit of having an online business is that you can have clients from all over the country. Simply look on freelance sites such as Upwork, Flexjobs, and Indeed to find small business owners looking for a virtual bookkeeper.

For more in-depth information about this legit work-at-home career, visit this comprehensive article about how to start a virtual bookkeeping business.

5. Make money as a Social Media Manager

For the social media enthusiast, becoming a social media manager could be a very lucrative way to make extra money.

Social media management has become an in-demand skill for many businesses. Companies need someone to represent their brand across relevant social media platforms, to optimize brand awareness and increase website traffic.

Successful social media managers can promote a company’s brand in a way that enhances their online presence. Their main goal is business growth through social networks. They are skilled in communication and customer service, and know how to convert casual consumers into committed customers.

Here are a variety of tasks some social media services would offer:

  • Create a social media strategy aligned with a company’s goals
  • Build social media campaigns
  • Track measurable goals for each channel
  • Write quality content for social media posts
  • Repurpose content between channels
  • Cover live events through social media
  • Keep up with new channel updates and algorithms
  • Pursue ongoing training

A degree in marketing, communications, public relations, or business administration will help you land a job in this growing industry, or start this low-cost side hustle as your own business.

According to Indeed.com, a social media manager’s average base salary in the U.S. is $44k/year. However, metropolitan cities such as Los Angeles and New York offer closer to $60k/year.

With the right education and skills, you could scale this side hustle quickly to make some decent money from home.

6. Earn extra income selling Pinterest pins & templates

Have an eye for design? You can easily make an extra $1000 a month by creating Pinterest pins for businesses that promote on this visual search engine.

Many companies use Pinterest to help potential customers find their services. On Pinterest, users engage with “pins”, which are basically images that act as bookmarks to save ideas and lead them to a company’s site.

Because of Pinterest’s popularity, a pin must be optimized visually in order to compete with all the other pins promoting the same service. This requires a keen sense of creativity and an awareness of what types of design the Pinterest user likes to engage with.

If you enjoy browsing Pinterest often, then you already know how pin design can be effective in attracting your attention. You can use this knowledge, paired with your design skills, to create pin images for companies that promote on Pinterest.

All you need is a good eye for pin design, knowledge of Pinterest search optimization, and access to the right graphic design software. You’ll also need to be familiar with Pinterest’s features such as the home feed, boards, and its visual search engine.

I create all of my own pins using Canva, but any program with graphic design capabilities will work. Many pin designers use Photoshop, Illustrator, PicMonkey, and even Powerpoint to create pins for their clients.

There are a couple of different ways you could offer these services. You could either create the actual pin images, or you could create pin templates that can be edited by anybody that uses them.

Many small businesses and startups simply do not have the time or skill to create pin images, so they often hire a freelancer for the job. You can find potential clients through online platforms like Fiverr, Upwork, Etsy, and Facebook groups for small business owners and bloggers.

Creating pin templates is more time-efficient, because they can be created once but sold to multiple customers.  You can sell your templates on sites such as Etsy, Creative Market, and even your own blog.

You set your own prices, but many designers sell bundles of 10-20 pin templates for $10-$20 each. Once you perfect your design skills and build up a repeat customer base, this side gig is an easy way to make a passive income of $500, $1,000 or even more every month.

7. Get paid to be a Facebook Ads Manager

If you want to combine your passion for Facebook and your knowledge of marketing, being a Facebook ad manager may be the perfect money-making side hustle for you.

Facebook ad managers create, manage, and troubleshoot Facebook ad campaigns for business clients to help them generate more leads.

According to Zip Recruiter, Facebook ad managers make an average of $50k a year, nationwide. And, depending on your number of clients, this profitable online side gig may only require a few hours a week.

Because this service is in high demand, there are many online trainings to get you up to speed with the skills required.  You can take free introductory marketing courses through Facebook, find Facebook Ad classes on Udemy, or take a paid online course such as the FB Side Hustle Course.

Managing Facebook ads for businesses is a great way to make extra money to pay off debt, save for retirement, or travel to your dream destinations.

8. Make extra cash evaluating search engines

A popular work-from-home side gig that can help you make some extra cash is being a search engine evaluator.

As smart as Google seems to be, it’s not a human being. Sometimes the search results returned can be irrelevant or inapplicable.

This is where search engine evaluators step in to give Google a helping hand. Search engine evaluators perform a variety of tasks, such as review search result pages and analyze them for relevance, accuracy, user intent, and comprehensiveness.

There is no previous experience required, but you will have to go through a rigorous, unpaid training course and evaluator test to be considered for this position.

There is no specific schedule with this money-making side hustle, but instead you would receive evaluation projects as they open up. You only have to complete the project by the given deadline, so you create your own schedule.

A few places you can find this unique opportunity are:

Evaluating search engines is a flexible way to make quick money from home, but you won’t get rich from it. How much you make depends on the number of jobs available, and these can be few and far between.

But, if you’re an information junkie that enjoys using search engines to find answers, this could be a great way to make a little extra money on the side.

9. Make some extra money using cashback apps

Using phone apps that offer cash back on your purchases is a great way to make some extra money doing something you already do.

These mobile apps provide discounts, rebates, and cash rewards for purchases you make. You can also build up points for future items you might buy.

Some provide savings for shopping in-store, some offer cash back for online shopping, and some provide both.

You won’t create a significant income, but as you implement various apps into your shopping routine, the pennies you save add up to dollars. And, being intentional with these tools will foster a money-saving mindset.

So, how can these apps just give you money for shopping?

Retail stores offer referral commissions to these apps, so the app gets a cut every time you buy something. The app gives the user a part of this commission to encourage them to use the app. It’s a win-win for everyone.

You can even maximize your cash back rewards by pairing an app with a cash back credit card or coupons.

A few of the best cashback apps that are compatible with both Android and IOS are:

Earning a little extra money with cash back apps is easy, and a great way to save money on items you’re already buying.

10. Get paid to be a Micro Job worker

Micro jobs (also known as microtasks, gigs, or short jobs) are small, simple tasks that you can do to make a little extra money.

This no-cost side hustle option is perfect for those that don’t have the spare time or energy for a second job or side business. There are no startup costs, no set hours, no meetings or phone calls, and no interviews required. You can complete these small tasks online or in person.

They also require very little experience, if any. As long as you have access to a working computer and internet connection, you can literally sign up with a micro job service and start making between $3 and $100 per assignment. You can make even more extra money if you have specialized knowledge that’s relevant to a specific job.

Online micro jobs could include a variety of tasks, including data entry, simple graphic design, freelance writing, or taking online surveys. Offline tasks range from a short babysitting assignment to running errands to walking someone’s dog.

Basically, any small task that can be completed easily in a short amount of time could be considered a micro job.

Here are some microtask platforms where you can find small jobs to make some extra money:

Keep in mind that you won’t be replacing your full-time income with micro job earnings. However, if you’re short on spare time or energy, they could be an easy way to make a little extra cash on the side.

Completing short micro job assignments is one of the easiest ways to make money online, and you don’t even have to leave the couch!

11. Offer helpful content with a niche site

The internet has forever changed the landscape for income-generating opportunities. The barrier to start your own online money-making side hustle has never been so low.

One of the best ways to make extra money is to share your expertise with others by creating a niche site.

A niche site is a website, much like a blog, that has a very narrow audience. The main topic is a more focused segment of a larger market, and caters to a specific persona.

The purpose of a niche site is to provide quality content for a particular topic in order to answer questions and offer solutions for that topic.

Because the content provided is very focused, the readers share a common interest in the information and solutions offered.

Using a content strategy to cater to a smaller, specific audience means you have less competition, so you can build a committed customer base faster. So, even though the market is smaller, you have higher earning potential.

Niche sites take time to build, promote, and generate traffic, so you won’t make quick money right away. In fact, you’ll need to pay some money upfront for things like hosting and building a website to get it off the ground.

But, if you consistently provide helpful content that meets the needs of your readers, the money-making potential is almost unlimited!

There are several ways to make money blogging by monetizing a niche site. A few popular strategies include:

  • Income from ads
  • Affiliate links
  • Selling your own products
  • Site memberships
  • Online courses
  • Sponsored posts

This business model can be highly profitable, but it takes time and patience. If you’re starting from scratch with little startup capital, you’ll need to invest in learning a variety of skills to cover the many moving pieces needed to get a website off the ground.

But, if you can persist through the learning curve, having your own niche site can be a flexible way to make thousands of extra dollars a month from home.

12. Make money building websites

Building websites for businesses and individual bloggers can be one of the best ways to make money online. And, the good news is, being a web designer is a lot easier than it used to be.

In fact, I built this entire website myself using Elementorand I’ve never had any training in building websites before!

Elementor is what’s known as a “drag and drop page builder”, and doesn’t require coding experience. This page building tool is a visual way to create websites and much more intuitive than using coding languages like HTML and CSS.

Many professional website designers now use Elementor or similar page building programs to create amazing sites for their clients.

Of course, knowing some basics of coding will give you an advantage and more flexibility with what you can offer. But, even the average person with no design skills can learn to build websites for profit.

If you want to try your hand at this legit work-at-home side-gig, but you have no experience, then start small. Find a local small business without a website and offer to build them a one-page site.

Keep strengthening your skills with video tutorials on YouTubeonline courses you can find on Coursera and Udemy, and local community college classes.  You can also check social media platforms for web design enthusiasts to get free guidance and input.

Freelance web designers either charge by the hour or a flat fee. According to RipeMedia, the pay typically ranges between $27-$60/hour.

13. Get paid to sell on Etsy

Etsy is the popular online marketplace for handmade products, vintage items, craft supplies, and unique gifts (and, my favorite place to go Christmas shopping!).

If you have a creative side and enjoy making things for people, this online home-based business opportunity could be a great way for you to make extra money on the side.

Being successful on Etsy depends on a number of things:

  • Offering items that are in demand
  • Quality images of your products
  • Well-written, thorough descriptions
  • Product listings that are optimized for the Etsy search function
  • Excellent communication and customer service

The great thing about selling on Etsy is that you don’t need to drive customers to the site. Etsy has a focused, built-in audience that’s already looking for quality, handmade, unique products. All you have to do is effectively promote your brand to drive buyers to your store.

Etsy charges 20 cents to post a product listing to their marketplace. When an item sells, you’ll pay a 6.5% transaction fee based on the total price of the product (including shipping, if any). There is also a small payment processing fee if you choose to use Etsy Payments as a payment option.

Most sellers do not make a full-time income on Etsy, but many make an extra $1000 a month. If you enjoy being creative, having an Etsy shop can be a fun way to earn extra income.

14. Make extra money answering questions

Yes, you can actually make extra money by answering other people’s questions online!

This easy money-maker is perfect for those that love to share their knowledge and give professional advice.

The website JustAnswer will pay you to share your expertise with their readers. You’re hired as an “expert” after your credentials are verified and you pass their screening process.  Positive customer ratings result in extra money for you!

You can also use your experience and knowledge at Studypool, where you can make extra money answering homework questions.

According to a recent interview with a Studypool representative, there is no special training or qualifications required. However, there is still a screening process that includes a knowledge quiz and grammar skills test. Studypool claims you can make up to $7,500 a month being a tutor on their site.

Other sites where you can get paid for your expert knowledge are:

Sharing your answers to questions people ask the most could be a great online freelance gig to make extra money while helping others.

15. Start a logo design side gig

With so many people choosing to start their own online business these days, there is a great need for logo design.

If you’re handy with design software, there are several ways to make extra money with this in-demand side hustle.

You can offer freelance services on sites like Fiverr and Upwork, where you would create logos based on your client’s requirements.

Or, you could create logo templates that can be sold repeatedly, and only need to be slightly adapted for the customer’s needs.  You can sell your logo templates on Creative MarketDesignhill, and Graphic River.

A third way to sell your logos is entering logo design contests.  Multiple designers create a logo for a business, and the chosen winner is the one who gets paid.

Once you get familiar with the logo design process, logos can be created quickly.  You don’t need to be a graphic designer who uses complicated software. There are some easy online tools to help get you started and provide inspiration, such as Logomaker and Designhill.

As a logo designer, there are different aspects of the creation process you should focus on to be successful. Being skilled with positioning and color psychology will give you a competitive edge over other designers. 

Using your creative skills, you can easily make extra money on the side while working from home.

16. Make money with a Print on Demand store

Print-on-demand is an easy way to make extra money, and can generate a nice passive income for you.

As a print-on-demand seller, you create original designs that can be sold on t-shirts, mugs, hats, tote bags, and even pillows.

The great advantage of offering print-on-demand products is that you only have to come up with the artwork, and then choose which merchandise to print them on. The rest of the process is outsourced to a manufacturer that does the printing, packaging, and shipping for you. Easy peasy!

There are several print-on-demand sites where you can sell your designs, including:

You don’t even have to be a gifted artist, because simple graphics, unique photos, and clever slogans are big sellers on these platforms.

So, if you have a creative streak, or you’re often praised for your wit, selling print-on-demand products could be an easy money-maker to earn passive income from home.

17. Sell an online course using a LMS platform

If you like to teach and want to share your knowledge, but you don’t have the spare time to hold in-person classes, creating an online course might be perfect for you.

This money-making idea has huge potential to make you an extra $1,000 or more every month – and even every week.

This is a great way to create passive income while reaching a wider audience with an online teaching platform. You would complete most of the setup required before you even offer the class, but once it’s created you only need to keep it updated.

The great news is you don’t need to do your own promotion. There are several learning management system (LMS) platforms that will host your class and promote it to the audience it already has.

Some of these sites are:

However, if you want to keep more control and profits, you can always create your own website and offer your course through it.

There is no limit to what you can teach, but it’s important that your online course is thorough, helpful and a quality production. The online class market has exploded in the last few years, and there is a lot of competition out there.

Read here to learn how to create an online course that sells.  And for some serious inspiration, read how Michelle has made over one million dollars with her online course!

18. Get paid to teach English online

Did you know you can teach kids living in China how to speak English – right from the comfort of your own living room? Teaching English online has become a very popular side gig to make extra money from home.

The market for English language teachers has always been pretty strong, and many people have fulfilled their dream of traveling by taking teaching jobs around the world.

But with the internet, companies have now developed online programs that connect native English-speaking teachers with students in China who want to learn a new language. All that’s needed is a computer and an internet connection.

So how do you get this kind of money-making gig?

If you’re interested in teaching children, check out VIPKid and SayABC.  You’ll need to meet certain requirements, like having a bachelor’s degree and possibly teaching experience.  There is typically a live interview and a demo lesson you’ll need to teach.

If you’d rather teach adults, you can look into Lingoda or Education First.

Although you decide how heavy you want your teaching load to be, you’ll need to be available at odd hours in order to accommodate your students who live in a different time zone.

Sound like something you’d like to try?  Read this personal story about teaching English online to give you additional insight, and then consider submitting an application to one of the companies mentioned above.

19. Make money creating & selling online resources for teachers

If you already have experience in creating lesson plans and using them in a classroom, you may be able to turn those skills into profit outside the classroom.

Teachers are rarely able to clock out when the bell rings and call it a day. There are still papers to grade and plans to make, which can really take a big chunk out of evenings and weekends.

That’s why websites such as TeachersPayTeachers have become so popular in the education marketplace.  Educators can find ideas, resources and support from other educators who understand their needs.

If you have a knack for developing creative lesson plans, this could be a good source of extra income.  Learn more by checking out these 7 tips to selling on TpT.

20. Get paid for freelance writing

Do you have a talent for the written word? Before you say no, I’d encourage you to ask others in your life first. It’s easy to brush off our own natural abilities as “nothing special”.

The truth is, *most* do not know how to write well. And yet, reading is such a huge part of our daily existence. That’s why good writers are always in demand.

Long ago, being a writer mainly meant you were an author or a journalist.

These days, there are so many more opportunities to get paid for writing:

  • websites & blogs
  • magazines
  • speechwriter
  • ghost writer
  • technical writer
  • marketing specialist
  • social media
  • proposals & grants
  • content strategist
  • advertising
  • travel writer
  • and more!

As a freelance writer, you choose what you want to write and for which clients. You don’t work for one specific company. Instead, you work for yourself and offer your services to people and businesses that need good copy.

However, it’s not for the faint of heart. Building a freelance writing business takes time and persistence and *definitely* a love of writing. But, if it’s something you’ve always thought of pursuing, there has never been more opportunity to get paid for writing online.

To get started, it can be as easy as signing up with a website such as Hubpages or Medium.  These are great places to start strengthening your writing chops, build an audience, and find your niche – all while making extra money online.

Read how Jaime made over $50K in her first year as a freelance writer.

21. Write an e-book to sell for extra income

Remember the days when a published author had celebrity status? If you had your name on a book you were a rockstar!

These days (fortunately), the barrier to get a book published is much lower.  You don’t even need a publisher because you can self-publish your own books through Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing platform.  This has leveled the playing field and now the door is wide open for anybody to publish their own book.

If the thought of teaching others in person or online doesn’t appeal to you, consider writing an ebook about something you’re very knowledgeable about.

This could include:

  • a skill you’ve developed
  • a fascinating life experience
  • behind the scenes info not many know about
  • how you overcame a life struggle
  • places you’ve traveled to
  • what you’ve learned in your life

Some of the benefits of publishing digitally is the immediate availability, low startup cost, and the ability to edit easily at any time. And ebooks don’t have to be that long – many popular ones are less than 50 pages!

There are definitely a lot of steps to writing an ebook that you’ll need to learn.  But once you’ve published the completed product, it can be an easy way to make passive income from home over several months or even years.

You can read Steve’s post about how he made $2,000 from his Kindle ebook.

22. Earn extra money testing websites

Creating a website can take a lot of time and money, so companies want to make sure they’re getting their message across loud and clear.

One way they do that is through user testing, which is the process of a typical user browsing a site to test its form and functionality. The user’s feedback lets the company know how they can improve their site.

Since the average website user is not super technical, you do not need to know anything about how websites are made or structured. You simply need to “test” the site to see how easy it is to navigate and understand its function.

This is an easy, no-stress, flexible way to make some extra cash.  Here are just a few of the sites that are looking for testers:

These places are free to join and you work when you want. Win-win!

23. Start a Virtual Assistant side hustle

I’ve had a few office jobs in my day. I’d file papers, answer phones, type up letters (on an old-fashioned electric typewriter). And, of course, make coffee. I enjoyed it because I didn’t have to deal with selling fast food or counting change.

What I *didn’t* particularly enjoy was getting up at 6:30am, fighting rush-hour traffic, and listening to office gossip.

If I were to ever pursue an office job again, I would definitely go virtual.

Virtual assistants do similar tasks to an in-office assistant, except most are done electronically and they don’t report to an office.

Instead of typing letters, they send emails. Rather than answer the phone, they communicate through text.

No office or desk required. Just a laptop, cell phone, and internet connection.

Other responsibilities of virtual assistants often include managing social media accounts, editing website content, and graphic design. The more comfortable you are with doing administrative tasks digitally, the more jobs you’ll be able to take.

Online businesses and bloggers are always looking for extra help with a variety of tasks they don’t want to be bogged down with. To find opportunities, you can explore various avenues:

  • ask friends and family if they know anyone needing an assistant
  • list yourself on freelance sites like Upwork
  • create your own website to promote your services and attract clients
  • join a virtual staffing company like Zirtual or Fancy Hands

More and more people are working in online fields such as blogging and social media, which means virtual assistants are in high demand.  If you’re good at organizing and comfortable with working online, this may be a smart money-making side hustle for you.

Since 2014, Gina Horkey has been building her own virtual assistant business, as well as teaching others how to do the same.  If this is something you want to learn more about, check out her website.

24. Get paid to fill out surveys

Okay, I don’t really consider survey sites a legit side gig where you can make a lot of extra money.

*But* – it’s a free, easy, way to kill time and make a few bucks. (Emphasis on few.)

Surveys are basically a form of market research, and companies depend on people in different demographics to provide their opinions and ideas. This helps these companies understand what their customers are looking for and how they can improve their products.

There are a lot of survey sites and apps out there, and the best way to maximize your cash-making potential is to sign up for as many as you can. This way you can receive the most surveys and make the most money.

But beware – there are some scams out there so do your research and choose wisely!

Here are a few legit survey sites you can check out for yourself:

I have been doing surveys for Pinecone Research for a couple of years, and I enjoy the $3 Amazon gift cards I get for every survey I complete.

Again, it’s basically good for spare change. But, if you’re watching Netflix anyway, might as well earn a little money at the same time!

25. Make extra money with passive investing

How would you like to make extra money, every time you spent money?

You can, when you use Acorns, the micro-investing app that invests your spare change passively.

The app works by rounding up your purchases to the nearest dollar (taken from your funding account), and investing that money in exchange-traded funds (ETFs).

All you have to do is create an Acorns profile, sign up for one of their monthly plans (as low as $1/month), and start using your linked debit or credit card to pay for purchases.

You can boost your savings by adding recurring deposits to your round-up investments. These extra, automatic contributions can help offset the monthly flat fee you’ll pay to use your account.

Another way you can make extra money with this app is to multiply your roundup change by up to 10 times. So, instead of Acorns investing 55 cents after a $9.45 purchase, you can set your account to invest up to $5.50. And, the more change you invest, the more money you can make.

Make an extra $1000 a month with these offline side gigs

If you’d rather do business face-to-face or don’t want to be chained to your laptop or phone, there are many ways to put your money-making skills to use offline.

Here are 26 ways you can make an extra $1000 a month with these offline side hustles.

1. Get paid to be a small business consultant

If you’ve clocked years into your career, then you have a level of expertise in your field that you can now monetize.

Small startup businesses need guidance from professionals with experience. Most small business owners aren’t adept in every facet of running a company, so they look to consultants for guidance. You can find these potential clients through networking, or browsing online platforms like Facebook or Twitter.

If you’ve built up skills in marketing, accounting, public relations or business planning, you can turn those assets into a money-making side hustle, or even a full-time income. 

Many retirees often return to the workforce in this capacity, because they can supplement their retirement income while also getting some fulfillment from helping others be successful.

According to Salary.com, small business consultants make an average of $47k/year, depending on experience, education, and certifications.

If this high-paying, offline side hustle sounds like it’s right up your alley, check out this post about how to become a small business consultant.

2. Make money using your bilingual skills

Are you bilingual? If you’re competent in a second language, you could teach someone else.

Being a private foreign language tutor could be a flexible and fun way to make extra money. Depending on your expertise, you could ask for $25-$80 an hour.

Another way to profit from your linguistic talents is to offer freelance translating and interpreting.  You can find plenty of jobs on freelance sites like Upwork.

If you’d rather offer online instruction, you could start a foreign language YouTube channel or create an online course for sites like Udemy and Coursera. Creating videos can require a major time investment, but once they’re polished and published online, they could be a great way to make easy passive income.

Teaching someone how to speak another language can be a rewarding side hustle option that requires no start-up costs and can start earning you an extra $1000 a month quickly.

3. Earn extra income by teaching an instrument

Remember all those piano lessons your mother made you take? (Or, is that just me?)

Well, now you can redeem all of those hours of practice by making real money to teach others.

You don’t have to be a master of the instrument to teach someone else how to play it. You can teach students who simply want to learn a few songs or just the basics.

Giving music lessons is a fun, easy side hustle you can do online or in-person. You can set your own rates, your own schedule, and get paid in cash every week.

Advertise online through sites like NextDoor, Facebook Marketplace, or Craigslist to find students and start making extra money.

4. Get paid to be a personal shopper

If you love shopping but don’t have a lot to spend, consider being a personal shopper. You spend someone else’s money – *and* earn extra cash for this easy, fun side hustle.

A personal shopper is hired to shop for someone else. Everyday people use personal shoppers because they don’t have the time, energy, or interest to do their own shopping.

Personal shoppers typically shop for clothing & accessories, but can also be hired to shop for furniture, gifts, and even go to the grocery store.

As a personal shopper, you can freelance and work with clients directly. Or, you can work in high-end shops and department stores that offer this service.

Much of the personal shopper’s responsibilities rely on a solid understanding of their client’s personal style and likes. A strong sense of fashion and a sharp eye for a good deal can help you be successful with finding clients and earning income.

Personal shopping is a low-cost business to start, and a great way to make money without working a 9 to 5 job.  You can browse sites like Thumbtack to find people looking for personal shoppers in your area.

5. Make extra money by renting out your vehicle

Does your vehicle sit in the garage for days at a time? Perhaps you live within walking distance of the shops you frequent, or you live in a big city where it’s easier to hop a bus than find a parking spot.

If you can go for days or weeks leaving your car in the garage, you can start making extra money by renting out your vehicle.

Car sharing services like Getaround and Turo allow you to list your vehicle for rent according to the availability you set.  Drivers book your car through a mobile app, and the service includes insurance in the rental cost.  Set your own price or let the service determine the competitive rate so you can maximize your earnings.

You can rent out your car by the hour or the day, whenever it’s convenient for you!

Your vehicle will need to meet certain registration, insurance, and maintenance requirements. Check out the sites mentioned above to find out more. 

6. Get paid for babysitting or nanny jobs

There will always be a need for responsible, reliable babysitters.

If you enjoy being around children and have a gift for maintaining authority while also having fun, you can make extra cash every week watching other people’s kids.

Raising your own kids is probably the best experience you could have, but getting certifications in CPR and first aid can increase your asking hourly rate.

Other ways to make more money with babysitting are to accept jobs for larger families, and offer to work late at night or early morning.

You could easily find neighborhood opportunities by posting your availability on NextDoor, and that way you keep your commute short.

But, you can also sign up on sites like Care.com and SitterCity to widen your reach and find more jobs.

Of course, you set your own prices, and acceptable rates will depend on where you live. Residing in a big city like Los Angeles or Boston can get you $15/hour or more. If you live in a smaller town, you will probably need to charge less.

7. Make extra money as a mobile notary

The few requirements to become a notary public allow the majority of people the opportunity to pursue this money-making side gig.

If you’re a resident of your state, are over 18, and don’t have a criminal record, your chances are very good that you could make extra cash in your spare time with this easy, low-stress option.

Notary publics (also known as public notaries, or loan signing agents) are licensed by their state to carry out certain duties concerning legal documents, for the purpose of preventing fraud. The most commonly known duties are witnessing the signing of documents and verifying their authenticity.

You can often find notaries at banks or post offices, but many work as independent contractors for the state. A mobile notary is one that travels to the customer’s location to perform the notarization.

Mobile notaries typically charge between $75-$200 for each signing, which usually takes less than an hour. With this high-paying side hustle, you could easily make thousands in extra income a month!

The process to become a notary public varies, based on the state you reside in. But, in general, you would take these steps to be commissioned:

  • Meet your state’s qualifications
  • Submit the application and pay the filing fee
  • Get training and pass an exam (if required)
  • Get a background check

For more information about this easy way to add to your earnings, check out the NationalNotary.org website.

8. Get paid for tutoring local students

Do you have expertise in a particular field? Tutoring could be a profitable side gig that makes you real money every week.

There is always a need for students to get 1-on-1 help, from elementary school all the way through college. Popular subjects are math and foreign language, but you could create your own niche such as SAT prep or essay writing.

Even if your strength is not academic, you can still help kids get more organized, manage time better, and help them get their homework done.

If you’re not great working with kids or teens, you could focus on the college crowd. And with tools like Skype and online tutoring services, you’re not necessarily limited to your own local area.

There is a lot of flexibility with tutoring, and you can either start your own business or sign up with tutoring companies.

Here are just a few:

To find new clients, you can rely on word of mouth or leave some business cards at your local libraries.  But if you really wanted to make an extra $1,000 a month or more, you’ll need to get good at marketing yourself.

To be inspired, read Joanne’s story about how she started her own profitable tutoring business.

9. Make extra money teaching a skill locally

Do you have a passion for a certain hobby or skill? There are people that want to learn from you, and they’ll pay you for your expertise.

This is a an excellent option if you want to teach others in a less formal, group setting. Contact local rec centers and libraries to see if you can hold a class at one of their locations.

And don’t limit yourself in what you can teach. My local rec center has classes ranging from archery to cooking to zombie survival!

10. Increase your income by substitute teaching

I had to include this one! I’ve been “subbing” for several years now, and I really like it as a way to bring in extra income.

Of course, you’ll need to have your days open because of typical school hours. But if you enjoy being around kids or teens, it’s an easy way to bring in extra income.

I appreciate the fact that I can work when I want, and where I want. Personally, I prefer to stick with high schools because the classroom management issues are minimal with teens.

Qualifications will vary between states, so be sure to check the districts you’re interested in.

11. Get paid to house sit

When people go out of town, they sometimes want someone to keep an eye on their home. Maybe they have plants that need to be watered, or packages to retrieve from the front porch.

This side gig is easy and flexible. You just need to get the word out that you offer this service.

You can do this by putting up flyers at local shops and posting on neighborhood sites like NextDoor.

There are also websites that will connect you with those looking for a sitter, such as:

You don’t need to limit your options to your local neighborhood.  Many people like to take house sitting jobs to get a change of scenery or have their own “paid-for” vacation in a desirable location.

You can read here about how to become a house sitter and make extra money for staying at someone else’s house.

12. Make extra cash with pet sitting

This is a job that’s a little more involved than house sitting, because you’re responsible for a living creature. But, if you’re an animal lover, it’s a fun way to make some side income.

Though you could take care of a variety of different pets, there is a big demand for dog walking right now. Some owners want their beloved Spot to get out and have some fun while they’re slaving away at work, so they’ll hire someone to walk him around the neighborhood or take him to the doggy park.

Others are looking for people to watch their pets when they go out of town for business or play. You may be asked to let Spot out a few times a day, or even keep him at your place full-time. If you already have dogs, this probably wouldn’t add much to your daily schedule.

You could even have your own niche – like exotic pets or birds. (I’m guessing if you don’t mind snakes, you probably wouldn’t have a lot of competition!)

And if you don’t normally travel around the holidays, you could potentially charge more because the demand increases around that time.

You can get the word out locally, through NextDoor or Craigslist.  Or you can also use a site like one of these that will try to match you with someone in your area:

If this money-making side hustle sounds interesting to you, read this helpful article about how to make money as a pet sitter.

13. Get paid to clean houses & offices

This offline side gig is a flexible and active way to bring in an extra $1000 a month.

Most people either dread doing their own cleaning or they’re too busy to keep up with it. If you’re a stickler for cleanliness and don’t mind this type of work, it can be a profitable side business for you.

You can choose to clean private homes while the kids are in school, or offer your services to businesses and work after your day job.

You could probably find jobs in your neighborhood or through friends. But, to secure contracts with businesses and boost your side hustle income every month, you may need to invest some money to get licensed and bonded. Not only may this be legally required in your area, it will add a level of professionalism and trustworthiness to your business.

If you’re ready to start offering cleaning services and possibly make $1,000 a month or more, read about 8 ways to grow your cleaning business.

14. Earn more income by delivering stuff

What stuff? Groceries, pizzas, packages, fast food, and flowers are just a few options.

You can get a part-time job with a local restaurant or flower shop that offers delivery, or you can sign up with a company that offers delivery as a stand-alone service.

Places like DoorDash and GrubHub hire drivers to pick up food ordered from restaurants and deliver to the customer.

With Instacart and Shiptyou actually shop grocery stores for the customer and then deliver the items to their house.

As a Postmates driver, you would pick up restaurant orders, groceries, and even alcohol for delivery.

And then there’s Amazon Flex, which hires local drivers to deliver packages to businesses and residences.

All of these opportunities are really flexible and easy ways to make extra cash, and you accept jobs when you want.  And not only do you get paid for delivery, you could also get cash tips from generous customers.

Check your area to see if any of these companies operate near you, and start earning money with your vehicle.  If you find your choices are few, check out these 26 ways to deliver in your spare time.

15. Make money by running errands

In my humble opinion, people are way too busy these days. Too busy to clean, walk their dogs, run their own errands, and even do simple tasks.

Not good for them, but a money-making opportunity for you.

If you like being on the go, listening to podcasts and audio books in your car, and generally helping others, this could be an easy way to make extra money every month.

There are a variety of niches you could focus on:

  • Small businesses that need their few employees to stay on-site
  • Wealthy corporate workers that work 15 hours a day
  • Elderly or disabled people who are home-bound
  • New moms who are stressed out and sleep deprived

You decide who you want to serve, and what hours you’re available.

To easily connect with everyday people who need this service, you can become a “tasker” with TaskRabbit.

But if you’d like to build your own business, read this beginner’s guide to making money running errands for other people. It’s an easy way to make money offline.

16. Get paid to drive people around

If you want to make easy money fast without a lot of startup effort, sign up to be a driver for Uber or Lyft.

You’ll need to own a late model vehicle in great condition and meet a few other requirements, but it’s possible you could start this money-making side hustle fairly quickly.

It’s a highly flexible job, and you drive as little or as much as you want.

You will sometimes have strangers in your car that may not be your cup of tea, but most everyday people who hire a driver are on vacation and generally in good moods.  You can also choose not to take passengers on weekend nights so you can avoid the party crowd.

To learn more, read this interview about Harry’s experience as a Lyft and Uber driver.

17. Make extra cash by selling used stuff

Do you tend to collect more than you get rid of? If so, your house probably feels a bit disorganized and cluttered.

A great way to regain precious space and make some extra cash is to sell the stuff you no longer need.

  • Look through your closets for old clothes, shoes, and accessories you haven’t worn in a while.
  • Get rid of collectibles and home decor that no longer fit your style.
  • Open up your kitchen cabinets and take out all the gadgets, dinnerware, and small appliances that haven’t seen the light of day in the past year.
  • Consider letting go of furniture pieces you don’t value and are just taking up space.

You can hold a good old-fashioned garage sale, or list your items on sites like CraigslistNextDoor, Facebook Marketplace or OfferUp to find local buyers.

If you don’t mind shipping, try selling them an Ebay where you’ll reach a wider market.  (Read how one woman makes $800 a month selling clothes on eBay.)

To find targeted buyers, try Decluttr to sell old cell phones, CDs, games and books.  You can get cash for clothes on Poshmark, a social marketplace for fashion.

Of course, this doesn’t produce sustainable income because eventually you’ll run out of things to sell. But it’s an easy way to make some quick cash and simplify your life at the same time.

18. Make money flipping items

Have you ever found something at a thrift store or garage sale and thought I could sell this for more money? The truth is, you could be onto something.

Professional flippers find their inventory by scouting second hand shops, yard sales, flea markets, and Craigslist.

They know that just because the price tag says one thing, it doesn’t mean someone else wouldn’t pay more.  In fact, some people make 6 figures counting on it.

If you like to hunt for hidden treasure, this might be a profitable way to generate an extra $1000 a month for you.

19. Waitress or bartend to make quick cash

I tried waitressing. Once. Total fail.

But don’t let that discourage you. If you can get a job in a busy restaurant, you can make some quick cash from tips alone.

As someone with a horrible memory, I really had no business waiting tables. And besides that, I’m an introvert. So, yeah. Not the ideal personality for inspiring others to leave extra cash after their meal.

But, if you like to chat up with strangers and have a knack for keeping 23 different requests organized in your brain, then go for it!

It’s a flexible job that requires little training and opportunities are endless. And, you always have cash in your pocket!

20. Make money with a résumé service

Have you ever been complimented on your résumé? It’s possible you have a natural ability to organize and express your strengths on paper.

Or, if you’ve ever been in charge of hiring, you’ve probably developed a good eye for what works and what doesn’t in a résumé.

Either way, you can use this ability to make some extra money. Most job-seekers who are proficient at what they do are not necessarily good at communicating how and why, and need a little guidance.

You could help those who are insecure and self-conscious about promoting themselves to organize their strengths and accomplishments. Your service could be the difference between snagging a dream job and being unemployed.

You can promote your services locally by word of mouth, or reach a wider audience by offering your services on Fiverr.

One of the great things about this service is that it’s always in need.  Once you start getting clients that rave about your great work to others, you’ll be making easy money with this low-key side hustle.

Read “How to Start a Résumé Writing Service” to learn more about this income opportunity.

21. Get paid to be a mystery shopper

As a mystery shopper, you go “undercover” as a customer in order to gather certain information from the establishment you’re visiting.

Then, you share your experience and provide the requested information to the mystery shopping service. In return, you can get free meals, free products, or even extra cash.

I recently signed up with BestMark, a legitimate and reliable mystery shopping service that’s been around for 30 years.  I frequently receive emails from them with jobs in my area.

If you’d like to read about someone’s personal experience, you can read a veteran mystery shopper’s story here.

While restaurants and retail stores are typical mystery shopping assignments, there are actually a variety of niches where you can make extra money.  For example, Certified Field Associates offers theater checking services and hires people to “shop” while they watch movies.

Read the Pennyhoarder’s post about getting paid to go to concerts, test drive cars, rate realtors, and other fun opportunities.

22. Rent a spare room for extra income

Have a kid off to college? You can possibly make some extra cash with that empty bedroom.

Airbnb has changed the way travelers plan for their accommodations.  Now, instead of searching for a hotel, they can choose to stay in a stranger’s home.

Creepy? Apparently many people don’t think so, because the industry is booming.

Visitors can receive a more personal and unique experience, and the host can make a little money.

If you enjoy hosting others in your home and can offer a spare room during high-demand times, you could be on your way to making some easy money.

How much? On average, Airbnb hosts make close to $1,000 a month. But there’s potential to make ten times that.

Just ask Jerry, an Airbnb Super Host, who brings in $10K a month from his rentals.

23. Make money with a rental property

When you’re trying to catch up with your retirement savings, it’s tough to beat passive income. Make money without working? Sign me up!

One of the best ways to create a passive income stream is with a rental property. Once you make the initial investment and prep the property to be occupied, you can start receiving monthly rent checks in your mailbox.

When we moved from Vegas to Denver, the market was still bad. We decided to rent out our home until its value increased. One of the best decisions we made was to hire a property manager. She received 10% of the monthly rent, but she also took care of everything. EVERYTHING. All we ever had to do was pay for a new hot water heater.

The only downside was the financial burden when the home wasn’t occupied. Thankfully, that was only a couple months out of the 2 years we rented it out.

This is definitely a source of income I’d like to explore again as we get closer to retirement.

Read how Brady went from a newbie to making $40K in passive income a year from his rental properties.

24. Make extra cash with your baked goodies

Do you have the gift of making others happy with your yummy food creations? Well, that happiness could potentially make you a little richer.

If you enjoy baking cakes, cookies, and other sweet goodies, you can turn your hobby into a fun and profitable side hustle.

Birthdays, Bar Mitzvahs, retirement parties and family reunions are just a few occasions where a celebratory treat is expected.

Check your state’s laws to see if you need a permit before you start promoting your baked goods. Then look for local opportunities to get your products known – fairs, farmer’s markets and school events are good places to start.

The holidays are a popular time to order special treats. You could hold an open house with samples and take orders for Christmas parties and dinners.

When others start raving about your delicious creations, word of mouth alone will generate enough orders to keep you busy and making a ton of extra side income.

If you want to learn more, read this post about how to earn money selling baked goods.

25. Get paid to stage homes

Are you one of those people that can envision a beautiful transformation out of a cluttered and outdated space? Then you may just have an interior decorator hiding deep inside you that’s waiting to come out.

I say, let’er out. There are people who desperately need you.

One way you can help others and make some extra money with this coveted gift is by helping people stage their homes to sell. This not only relieves some of the stress a seller experiences during the process, it also increases their chances of getting a higher offer.

This low-cost side hustle can be started with a simple website and a partner in the real estate industry. Dropping off business cards at open houses and networking at realty events will get the word out and start bringing in clients.

To get started, read this post on starting a home staging business.

26. Make extra cash with “extra” work

Do you ever wonder how those background people you see in movies get those jobs?

These anonymous actors actually get paid to be in films and on TV, even when they don’t say anything. Some call it “extra” work, others call it background casting. Either way, it’s easy and fun and a unique way to make some extra cash.

When I used to live in Southern California I did a little bit of extra work. Probably my most famous assignment was on the set of Big Top PeeWee. Although it was exciting to work on a famous film, I remember thinking it was so cool that I could read a book during the long breaks between filming and still get paid for it.

If this sounds intriguing to you, read Nathan’s post about earning up to $200 a day working on film sets.  That’s easy money for just standing around and blending in!

For more inspiration, get this free list of 101 Side Hustle ideas!

 

In conclusion: Start making extra money

Okay, so no excuses, right? The money is there, as you can tell, from this long list of income opportunities. 

You just have to decide to go make it.

The only person stopping you from financial freedom is yourself.

So tell your cautious, uncertain you that your confident, money-making you is taking over. Don’t overthink it – just start.

Pick one (or two … or three …) from the list and see if it works for you. If it doesn’t, move on to something else.

Through the process, you’ll find that money-making side gig that fits your schedule and lifestyle. Who knows, you may even turn your profitable hustle into a full-blown business. But you’ll never know until you start.

So go start making extra money!


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How To Make An Extra $1000 A Month: 50+ Profitable Side Gigs

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