Are Internships Paid? What to Know in 2026
The short answer: most internships in the United States are now paid. According to NACE's 2025 Internship & Co-op Report, over 74% of internships at for-profit companies offer compensation. The average hourly pay for interns is $22.26, with significant variation by industry — tech and finance interns earn $30–$55/hour, while non-profit and media interns may earn $15–$20/hour or work unpaid.
Average Intern Pay by Industry
Technology leads with average intern compensation of $38/hour at major companies (some FAANG interns earn $50+/hour plus housing). Finance and consulting follow at $30–$45/hour. Engineering internships average $25–$35/hour. Marketing, media, and non-profit internships typically range from $15–$25/hour. Government internships vary widely, from paid ($20–$30/hour) to stipend-based to unpaid.
When Are Unpaid Internships Legal?
Under the Fair Labor Standards Act, for-profit companies must pay interns unless the internship passes the 'primary beneficiary' test — meaning the intern benefits more than the employer. In practice, this means unpaid internships at for-profit companies are rare and legally risky. Non-profit organizations, government agencies, and educational institutions have more flexibility to offer unpaid positions.
Beyond Hourly Pay: Additional Benefits
Many competitive internship programs offer benefits beyond base pay: housing stipends ($3,000–$10,000 for the summer), relocation assistance, transportation credits, free meals, gym memberships, and learning budgets. Some companies (particularly in tech) provide corporate housing or fully-furnished apartments for summer interns.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I accept an unpaid internship?
Consider it only if the learning opportunity is truly exceptional and you can afford it financially. In most cases, paid internships exist in the same field — keep looking before accepting unpaid work.
Can I negotiate internship pay?
Generally, internship pay is standardized within a company and not negotiable. However, you can sometimes negotiate start date, housing support, or signing bonuses at companies that offer them.