High-paying Side Gigs That Earn $1,000 Or More Per Month

Are you looking for a high-paying side gig? You're not alone, but the bar for "high-paying" is higher than most people realize.

Here's the reality: according to LendingTree's 2026 survey, the average side hustler earns $1,242 per month. But averages are misleading. Bankrate's data shows the median side hustle income is just $200 per month — meaning half of all side hustlers earn less than that. A small group of high earners pulls the average way up.

So the real question isn't "can you earn $1,000 per month on the side?" It's "which side gigs actually get you there?"

After interviewing people who've done it, we can say the answer comes down to one number: $25 per hour or more. At $25 per hour, you need about 10 hours per week to hit $1,000 per month. That's achievable alongside a full-time job. At $15 per hour, you'd need 17+ hours per week — and that's a second job, not a side gig.

In this article, we outline 11 side hustles where real people earn at least $1,000 per month, based on our interviews. If you're looking for more ideas, check out our 80 Ways To Make Money At Home.