She's just trying to 'earn a living'. [=to earn the money needed for food, clothing, etc.]
He will do anything to 'earn his keep'. [=to earn what is needed to support himself]
He 'earned/won his spurs' by doubling the company's profits in the past year.
(..) but I'll do this. They need help over at the Assisted Living Center. You get that job, stop loafing around here like some princess... and I will match what you earn, penny for penny. You would do that? Why? Because I'm your grandmother. Oh, I don't think so. (..)2005 In Her Shoes