How much do internships pay per hour?

Internships pay $20.76 per hour, on average. This is according to data from the summer of 2020. Internships may include free housing, travel expenses, and signing bonuses. Tech and finance companies typically pay the best, while government and non-profit companies may offer only unpaid internships.

Legally an employer must be clear upfront whether the internship is paid or unpaid. Any promise of compensation expressed or implied suggests that the intern is an employee and would receive, at least, minimum wage. The US Department of Labor has a list of 7 standards to establish if an intern qualifies for unpaid work.