How to negotiate an internship salary

To negotiate an internship salary, you need to do research on similar internships and their salaries, understand your value, and write down some notes. Here are some details on these steps and others you can take to negotiate an internship salary:

• Do research on similar internships and their salaries

A good tactic to start with is to do some research into similar internships and their average salaries. This can help to give you a baseline on what you should be paid for this internship position. Keep in mind not all internships are paid, but some are, and if you are committing to a paid internship you deserve to be appropriately compensated for your efforts.

• Understand your value

Make a list of all of the things that make you a valuable internship candidate. This might include things like your education, GPA, achievements and awards, specific skills, or organizations you were involved with during your education. If you end up with a long list then you have plenty to cite during your internship salary negotiation.

• Write down some notes

Before actually participating in your internship salary negotiation, it is a good idea to write down some notes regarding your argument for the compensation figure you have in mind. You can use your list created in the last step to create a more comprehensive argument. Try to cite the most impressive experiences and skills you have.

• Remain professional

Even if your salary negotiation isn't going the way you want it to, it is absolutely essential that you remain professional and polite during this process. You should be respectful and avoid doing things like making ultimatums or firm demands. Try to present your case concisely and in a persuasive tone.

• Try to be flexible

You should be open to negotiations and not simply demand a specific figure. It is helpful to keep other employee benefits in mind during this process, such as opportunities for growth, flexible working hours, insurance plans, or the possibility of having your internship role turn into a full-time position with a higher salary.

• Be positive

Employers like motivated and positive employees, even interns. If you can highlight your enthusiasm for the role, this might increase your chances of getting close to or exceeding the figure you have in mind for your internship salary.

• Know when to walk away

Summer internships, on average, pay $12.88 per hour in the United States. If your employer is not offering you around this average or the average you found in your research of related intern roles, be prepared to thank them and walk away. You should not let an employer take advantage of you because you are new to the job market. You deserve proper compensation.