How can someone under 18 start making money with web development?

You can also build your own small products instead of only taking client work. Examples include an online store, a niche tool, or a content-driven site. For more serious projects, learning a modern stack such as Next.js with a headless CMS like Strapi or Payload can give you useful experience and something impressive to demonstrate.

Age doesn’t matter as much as whether you can make something useful. Build a few solid projects that solve real problems, then show them to potential clients. If your work is good and you communicate well, some people will be happy to hire you.

Look for local businesses with outdated or poorly designed websites. Explain what could be improved, create a couple of sample designs, and offer to build or update the site. Starting with a friend or family member can also help you create your first portfolio piece, even if you do it for free.

Keep in mind that minors may not be able to sign contracts or open payment-processing and business accounts independently. A parent or guardian may need to handle the legal and banking side while you focus on development, client communication, and delivering the work.