How much does a Intern make?
Interns play a vital role in many companies. They bring fresh ideas and energy to their roles. Interns often work with professionals to gain hands-on experience in their chosen field. This experience can lead to a full-time job after they graduate. Interns usually find their work rewarding, even if they earn less than more experienced workers.
Interns usually earn a range of salaries based on their field and experience. The lowest-earning interns make about $27,500 per year. The highest-earning interns can make up to $125,600 per year. Most interns earn somewhere in between these numbers. The average yearly salary for an intern is around $47,090. This gives interns a good idea of what to expect when they start their careers. Their earnings can grow as they gain more experience and skills.
What are the highest paying cities for a Intern?

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San Francisco, CA
Average Salary: $73,436
Gain experience in tech hubs where many innovative companies thrive. Interns often find mentorship and growth opportunities at well-known tech giants in the area.
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San Jose, CA
Average Salary: $65,346
Explore a thriving tech scene with prominent companies like Apple and eBay. Interns here enjoy hands-on experience and networking with industry professionals.
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Shreveport, LA
Average Salary: $62,419
Work in a smaller city with a strong community spirit. Interns benefit from a supportive environment with opportunities in healthcare and education sectors.
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Lafayette, LA
Average Salary: $59,320
Experience a vibrant mix of culture and industry. Interns in Lafayette can engage with a variety of sectors, including energy and education.
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Seattle, WA
Average Salary: $59,109
Join a bustling tech center home to companies like Amazon and Microsoft. Interns here enjoy a dynamic atmosphere and diverse opportunities for professional growth.
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Greensboro, NC
Average Salary: $56,125
Discover a blend of industries, including manufacturing and healthcare. Interns can expect mentorship and hands-on experience in a growing job market.
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Stamford, CT
Average Salary: $54,036
Work in a hub for finance and insurance. Interns benefit from proximity to major corporations and a professional environment that fosters learning.
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San Diego, CA
Average Salary: $53,906
Experience a vibrant coastal city with opportunities in biotech and defense. Interns can enjoy a laid-back atmosphere with a strong focus on innovation.
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Boston, MA
Average Salary: $53,799
Immerse yourself in a historic city with a strong tech and education presence. Interns here often find themselves part of dynamic startups and established companies alike.
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Santa Rosa, CA
Average Salary: $53,651
Enjoy a community-focused environment with opportunities in wine and tourism. Interns can gain practical experience in a supportive setting.
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What are the best companies a Intern can work for?

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Amazon.com
Average Salary: $144,541
Amazon.com offers internship opportunities that provide hands-on experience in various fields. Interns work in teams across the company, which operates in many locations worldwide. Internships are available in areas such as technology, marketing, and operations.
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Grit Marketing
Average Salary: $127,715
Grit Marketing provides marketing internship opportunities for those interested in advertising and brand strategy. Interns work closely with experienced marketing professionals. The company is based in San Francisco, California, and also operates in several other locations.
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PIMCO
Average Salary: $114,062
PIMCO offers internships that focus on investment management and financial analysis. Interns gain practical experience in a well-established financial environment. The company is based in Newport Beach, California, and has offices in several other locations.
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Barclays
Average Salary: $112,526
Barclays provides internships in finance, investment banking, and operations. Interns work on real projects and get to know the banking industry. The company operates globally, with a major presence in New York, London, and other cities.
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Waymo
Average Salary: $110,105
Waymo offers internships in autonomous vehicle technology and engineering. Interns work on cutting-edge projects in the automotive industry. The company is based in Mountain View, California, and has operations in other locations.
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Toyota Research Institute
Average Salary: $107,400
Toyota Research Institute provides internships in automotive technology and artificial intelligence. Interns collaborate on innovative projects in a research environment. The company is located in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
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Intuit
Average Salary: $106,767
Intuit offers internships in software development and finance. Interns work on developing financial and tax software. The company is based in Mountain View, California, and has offices in many other locations.
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Autodesk
Average Salary: $105,040
Autodesk provides internships in software development and design. Interns work on creating tools for design and engineering. The company is based in San Rafael, California, and has operations in various other locations.
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Samsung Research America
Average Salary: $103,552
Samsung Research America offers internships in technology research and development. Interns work on innovative projects in the tech industry. The company is located in Silicon Valley, California.
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Intuitive (Intuitive Surgical)
Average Salary: $101,681
Intuitive provides internships in medical device technology and engineering. Interns work on developing surgical robots and other medical technology. The company is based in Sunnyvale, California.
How to earn more as a Intern?
Earning more as an intern involves more than just doing the assigned tasks. It requires a proactive approach and the willingness to learn and grow within the role. By focusing on certain key factors, interns can enhance their experience and potentially increase their earning power. These factors include actively seeking feedback, taking on additional responsibilities, networking, showcasing skills, and asking for a raise.
Interns who actively seek feedback demonstrate their commitment to improvement and professional growth. Managers appreciate this initiative and may consider such interns for more challenging or lucrative projects. Taking on additional responsibilities allows interns to showcase their capabilities and dedication. Interns who go beyond the basic requirements of their role often find themselves being recognized and compensated accordingly. Networking with peers and supervisors helps interns build relationships that can lead to better opportunities and recommendations. Showcasing skills through completed projects or contributions to team goals makes interns valuable assets to their teams. Finally, interns who feel they have added significant value to the organization can consider asking for a raise. Clear communication of their contributions and the benefits they bring to the team can support their case for an increase in pay.
Here are the top factors to consider for earning more as an intern:
- Seek feedback regularly.
- Take on additional responsibilities.
- Network with peers and supervisors.
- Showcase skills and contributions.
- Ask for a raise if appropriate.



