It does not seem reasonable that my son would have to pay 953$ in taxes via 1099-misc without any other income. This includes some deductions. Is this right?

[MinhT]

Income reported on a form 1099-MISC is self-employed income. Your son can deduct any expenses which are ordinary and neccessary from this income to arrive at a net self-employed income. That income is subject to self-employment tax (which is the equivalent of Social Security and Medicare taxes) and income tax. 

Self-employment tax at calculated at 15.3% of 92.35% of the net self-employment income and income tax is calculated at the applicable tax bracket after deduction of the standard (or itemized) deduction.

[Bsch4477]

Self employment tax is about 15.3% of net self employment income.