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Job outlook for finance interns in the United States
Finance internship job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected finance internship job growth rate is 15% from 2018-2028.
About 50,900 new jobs for finance interns are projected over the next decade.
Finance internship salaries have increased 6% for finance interns in the last 5 years.
There are over 62,905 finance interns currently employed in the United States.
There are 115,143 active finance internship job openings in the US.
The average finance internship salary is $38,458.
Are finance internship jobs in demand?
Finance internship job and salary trends over time
Finance internship jobs over time
Finance internship job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 62,905 | 0.02% |
| 2020 | 81,739 | 0.02% |
| 2019 | 78,845 | 0.02% |
| 2018 | 63,048 | 0.02% |
| 2017 | 61,766 | 0.02% |
Average finance internship salary over time
Finance internship salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $38,458 | $18.49 | +2.6% |
| 2024 | $37,474 | $18.02 | +1.7% |
| 2023 | $36,859 | $17.72 | +1.1% |
| 2022 | $36,460 | $17.53 | +0.1% |
| 2021 | $36,434 | $17.52 | +4.2% |
Finance internship jobs by state
Most common states for finance interns
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 604 | 57% |
| 2 | Arkansas | 3,004,279 | 1,366 | 45% |
| 3 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 228 | 33% |
| 4 | Vermont | 623,657 | 198 | 32% |
| 5 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 185 | 32% |
| 6 | Kansas | 2,913,123 | 893 | 31% |
| 7 | Delaware | 961,939 | 293 | 30% |
| 8 | Oklahoma | 3,930,864 | 1,106 | 28% |
| 9 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 200 | 26% |
| 10 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 232 | 22% |
| 11 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 188 | 22% |
| 12 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 636 | 21% |
| 13 | Alaska | 739,795 | 159 | 21% |
| 14 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 1,349 | 20% |
| 15 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 274 | 20% |
| 16 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 664 | 19% |
| 17 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 252 | 19% |
| 18 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 342 | 18% |
| 19 | Idaho | 1,716,943 | 312 | 18% |
| 20 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 1,435 | 17% |
Most common cities for finance interns
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Juneau | 5 | 15% | $28,688 |
| 2 | Hartford | 7 | 6% | $43,271 |
| 3 | Atlanta | 22 | 5% | $34,672 |
| 4 | Stamford | 5 | 4% | $44,324 |
| 5 | Washington | 22 | 3% | $42,169 |
| 6 | Boston | 12 | 2% | $40,443 |
| 7 | Minneapolis | 7 | 2% | $32,892 |
| 8 | New Orleans | 7 | 2% | $32,341 |
| 9 | Des Moines | 5 | 2% | $29,748 |
| 10 | Chicago | 22 | 1% | $37,329 |
| 11 | Denver | 10 | 1% | $38,100 |
| 12 | Phoenix | 10 | 1% | $40,444 |
| 13 | Detroit | 9 | 1% | $34,316 |
| 14 | San Diego | 8 | 1% | $41,990 |
| 15 | San Francisco | 8 | 1% | $41,068 |
| 16 | Indianapolis | 7 | 1% | $32,569 |
| 17 | Sacramento | 7 | 1% | $40,006 |
| 18 | Los Angeles | 10 | 0% | $41,914 |
| 19 | New York | 6 | 0% | $45,469 |
Finance Internship job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of finance internship experts
Manhattan College
University of Oregon
Stonehill College
American University
Albion College
Pacific Lutheran University
University of Indianapolis
The University of Akron
Westminster College
Mount Mercy University
Fairleigh Dickinson University
Governors State University
Davis & Elkins College
Virginia Wesleyan University
California State University - Stanislaus
Bay Path University
What general advice would you give to a Finance Internship?
Dr. Natalia Boliari PhD: First, learn everything about the company you just started working for - its historical path, management, the way it's dealt with crises, etc. Second, learn everything about the specific industry the company belongs to and see how the company has developed relative to the development of the industry domestically and internationally. Third, always be extremely alert to notice new opportunities and be prepared to take calculated risks. That is, actively look for opportunities to complete as many and diverse tasks as possible, and volunteer to complete any type of work regardless of whether it seems relevant to your assigned job or not. Opportunities to learn, grow, and improve and thus to maximize your income, will only come up if you are exposed to diverse situations.
What Finance Internship skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Natalia Boliari PhD: Be open minded. Finance is the broad definition of an industry which provides opportunities for careers in financial consultancy, financial analysis, stock brokerage, foreign investment, modeling, exchange rate forecasts, and many more. While most of those careers are attributed to the banking industry, you can find those and others in other sectors of the economy, such as insurance, technology, health care/medical, government, and so on. So, be open and look beyond the banking sector, examine the current and predicted trends in the economy to hunt for exciting career options.
Z. Jay Wang
Department Head, Associate Professor of FinanceUniversity of Oregon
Finance And Financial Management Services
What will help Finance Interns increase their earning potential?
Z. Jay Wang: Students who have a history of doing work in the field outside the classroom either through internships, industry projects, or school-sponsored clubs managing financial decisions are better poised to maximize starting salary potential. Starting early to secure internships with top companies will also position students well for higher earning potential. Most top banks and firms will post internships from April/May to August, and close by the end of September for the following summer. They are also rolling, so may fill the roles by as early as June of the sophomore year for the following summer after junior year. Finally, networking with industry and alumni professionals in the companies, firms, banks prior to applying for an internship or full-time position will have an impact. The candidate will learn more about the opportunity and company culture for their resume and potential interview, and most top companies in finance will have a referral program. If the candidate impresses the internal connection with excellent questions and strategic answers, they may get a referral that moves them up in the stacks of applicants.
What general advice would you give to a Finance Internship?
Dr. Wayne Durr: Maximizing your salary potential starts with understanding your value. What skills and
capabilities can you articulate to a prospective employer? The ability to articulate these skills
and what you bring to that company can be challenging. Think of your resume like an artist
thinks of their portfolio. What projects or analysis have you worked on? You cannot articulate
the value you will bring to that prospective company without the ability to articulate your skills
and capabilities. Do your research to determine what other employers pay people with the
same abilities. Ask employers what the salary range is and use that as your baseline. As you
get close to graduating, your classmates talk about the job offers they receive and most likely
share the salaries they are being offered. Listen and use this as a baseline. All this gives you
an idea of your value. Your first job isn't always the place where you'll be able to maximize your
earning potential. Think of your first job as where you will get the work experience to maximize
your future earning potential. Look at this as the place where you will sharpen your skills and
develop new ones. This first job will be where you fill out your resume and either have an
opportunity to maximize your earning potential there or elsewhere in the future.
Additionally, think about passive income and the "side gig". If you don't feel like you're
maximizing your earning potential at that first job, think about how you can make money on the
side. I believe we now live in a society where truly maximizing your earning potential comes
from more than your current employer. The ability to earn money from a side gig is more
prevalent than ever before. I think every student should take an entrepreneur class. Think
about your skills, which one could make you some side money. Don't dismiss jobs you did
growing up, like delivery service, landscaping, etc. There are so many apps and websites that
people and companies are looking for anything from an hour to a couple of days worth of work.
Take that first six months on the job to get settled in, and then start thinking about that side gig.
Octavian Ionici PhD
Sr. Lecturer in FinanceAmerican University
Finance And Financial Management Services
What Finance Internship skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Octavian Ionici PhD: The finance profession is lucrative, rewarding and very competitive. Graduates should do their research about the organization they are interviewing with and be able to discuss how their skills can contribute to the business. They should also know if they would rather interact with people and clients or if they are drawn to intellectual pursuits such as analysis. Do they value power, prestige status, risk, or something else? Ultimately our core values, personal goals, interests, aptitudes, and personality will shape our career paths.
Being able to articulate what sparked their interest in the financial field and why they are interested in a chosen role will be an advantage during the hiring process. While still in college, students should join a professional association like the Financial Management Association to give them more access to that broad network, as well as access to career development resources that can set them apart from the crowd.
It's also critical to get an internship (paid or unpaid) in order to show some real-life experience. They can do this while they are still in college, during the summers, or even afterwards, to get a foot in the door.
Reading the WSJ and FT daily, and listening to Bloomberg, or other financial programs as a regular practice will help them to have fluency in the language of our profession. Because the finance sector is heavily regulated and changes occur due to changing economic and political conditions, they will need to stay updated with those changes. Financial media sources will help bring them that context to stay up to date on all of these moving parts.
What Finance Internship skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Noah Alatza: Prior to graduation, gain as much relevant experience as possible through internships. Having multiple internships where you've proven yourself to be successful and hardworking is essential to getting the best offers for full-time roles. In the early years of your career, take note of the qualifications of your next promotion and proactively take steps to ensure that you achieve those qualifications. Finally, make sure to do your research on salary levels for similar positions and don't be afraid to ask for an increase when your work performance and data support that request.
What will help Finance Interns increase their earning potential?
Dr. Kimberly Gaither: Maximize your salary potential by asking questions and learning as quickly as possible. Be a good communicator with those above and below you as well as your peers. Be dependable. Persons who show up early and work hard will be valued and rewarded.
Dr. Jon Hooks Ph.D., CFA, CFP®
Professor of Economics and ManagementAlbion College
Economics
What general advice would you give to a Finance Internship?
Dr. Jon Hooks Ph.D., CFA, CFP®: Do not underestimate the importance of your GPA. Work hard in every class to get a 4.0. An increasing number of employers are requesting students with at least a 3.7 or 3.8 GPA. Also, set yourself apart. Add some skill that distinguishes you from the huge number of other finance graduates.
Fang Lin
Assistant Professor of FinancePacific Lutheran University
Finance And Financial Management Services
What Finance Internship skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Fang Lin: Don't be afraid to negotiate your starting salary. Young journalists have a lot to offer newsrooms through social media skills and a willingness to adapt to new technologies such as artificial intelligence. Technology skills have value and should not be undersold. Also, young journalism students should not discount the value of their student media and internship experiences. Young journalists must use everything on their resumes to show how they bring value to their position and ask to be compensated fairly for the work they will contribute to the newsroom's success.
How have salaries changed over time for Finance Interns?
Dr. Larry Belcher: What we have seen in terms of salaries is something old, something new. The marketplace always pays more for technical skills like those in economics/accounting/finance (that's the old). However, the market in the last few years seemed to tighten and so firms have been willing to pay more for the talented students (that's the new). We had many of our top majors get very significant internships that led to offers after graduation at very good salaries. We also had firms literally begging us for candidates in technical fields because the pool was smaller. I don't know if this will continue, but for the last couple of years we have seen more competition for our graduates. Other old things still persist. The ability to set oneself apart from other candidates means a better shot at a high paying job. Significant experiences like internships or study abroad, technical skills (Excel, Bloomberg, data analysis), and the aforementioned ability to adapt and react mean more value added to an employer.
Julianne Jones
Associate Professor of PracticeThe University of Akron
George W. Davario School of Accountancy
What's a day at work look like for a Finance Internship?
Julianne Jones: Although other fields may have suffered a significant decline, hiring in accounting has not changed when compared to the prior year. Employers are actively hiring accounting graduates. This is important for our students and graduates to know, especially when making their post-graduation plans. A typical day at work will vary by employer and industry. Accounting is an exceptional degree because it gives graduates a large variety of options for career choices. Accountants can align their career choices with their strengths and the values that are important to them. Due to this variety, it is difficult to pinpoint what "a day at work" will look like. However, in most circumstances, the graduate will be working with a team to analyze data and provide insights to help make business decisions. For example, the work could be anywhere from: determining if there is an income tax due, to reviewing financial statements to determine if investment in a new location is a good idea, or to verifying whether a company's financial statements is prepared in accordance with the appropriate accounting standards. With the abundance of options in this field, a graduate can find a path that fits with their vision and develop a fulfilling career.
What will help Finance Interns increase their earning potential?
Julianne Jones: Data have consistently shown that people with either a CPA or a CMA license can earn substantially more. People should consider obtaining a Master's degree either in accounting or in taxation. This will not only help them pass the CPA or CMA exam, but also help them gain specialized knowledge and advance their careers. These advanced degrees can enhance people's expertise, the likelihood for faster promotions, the ability for lateral moves, and thus increase their long-term earnings. A specialized Master's degree has a greater link to students' success at the CPA exam and promotions than a second major or minor. Statistics consistently report that people in accounting with a specialized Master's degree earn substantially more over lifetime than those with a Bachelor's degree. Students at The University of Akron can enroll in our Accelerated Accounting degree programs, which allows them to graduate in 5 years with their Bachelor's and Master's degrees (BS/MSA or BS/MTax). This saves the students money and time and increases their long-term earning potential!
What will help Finance Interns increase their earning potential?
Michael Mamo Ph.D.: Not sure how this relates to the previous themes but I do not believe the quest to increase one's earning potential is a noble goal. As humans we value (or should value) the benefits of enlightenment that come from education and life-long learning. Of course, enlightenment could translate to monetary gains. Enlightenment also comes with a greater sense of fulfilment in life and provides the person with traits of empathy, integrity, and other virtues such as justice and perseverance. Beyond improving ones earningn potential, education is a life-affirming process and that is what I would advise people in my field to aspire for.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Finance Interns?
Patrick Cozza: Certain sectors of the US economy will continue to struggle returning to pre COVID levels of productivity, namely the service industries of hotels, transportation, restaurants, etc. So those graduates looking for careers in those industries may have difficulties. Fairleigh Dickinson's Hotel School is one of the top ten in the country, so that should help students in terms of prominence. Students should also not take for granted Zooming that exists today; I fully expect businesses to continue to utilize this technology post COVID so they should understand the protocols of professionalism when Zooming. Students may be more inclined to consider jobs which allow for a flexible work schedule, permitting them to work from home as they have gotten used to that environment. This would open up opportunities beyond their geographic reach.
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Finance Interns?
Patrick Cozza: I teach in the wealth management program at Fairleigh Dickinson (FDU), and in that field achieving the CFP (certified financial planner) designation would be critical to a successful career in wealth management. Fortunately, FDU's wealth management program is fully compliant with the requirements of the CFP Board which is a great first step. Upon graduating with a concentration in wealth management, a student can immediately sit for the CFP exam, then supplement that with practical training in wealth management. Other wealth management designations around the Series licenses which permit the sale of wealth management products would be helpful. Outside of that, any field which provides a level of technical rather than general expertise would be beneficial.
What will help Finance Interns increase their earning potential?
Patrick Cozza: Again, as mentioned above, achievement of the CFP designation is the single greatest way you can increase your earning potential in the field of wealth management.
What skills stand out on Finance Internship resumes?
Kristina Anderson: That is largely determined by the job you are applying for. I would recommend analyzing the job posting and determining what qualifications are needed for the specific position you are applying for. Besides describing any directly related skills on your resume, make sure to give examples that show your related "soft skills" or transferable skills. Something else to consider is the fact that many jobs are at least partly remote, so employers want to know candidates are comfortable with the technology needed to be able to work virtually. This means it will be important to add a technology/computer skills section that lists the different systems and tools you have experience using. It will also be important to describe on your resume if you do have any prior or current experience working remotely.
Dr. Carol Carter Ph.D.
Chair, Division of Business & Entrepreneurship, Professor of BusinessDavis & Elkins College
Division of Business & Entrepreneurship
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Finance Interns?
Dr. Carol Carter Ph.D.: Yes, I believe there will be a long-lasting effect of the pandemic on graduates. Much like the Great Depression and WWII affected the attitudes and values of the generation of young people who lived then, today's students will look back at this as the watershed moment in time. Expectations of freshmen, wanting to be independent and on their own, meeting new people and learning new ideas, have had to readjust their thoughts, which has been a struggle for most. Instead of coming face-to-face in the classroom, attending athletic and club events, they now take classes in their dorm rooms, online for the most part, and feel isolated from their peers.
My hope is that the graduates take this opportunity to reevaluate what is important to them and to value personal connections, family traditions, and the compassion to help others who are in need. Profit is essential to a viable business and economy, but graduates also have to realize that people are struggling and as business people they can have a positive effect on people's lives.
What experience really stands out on Finance Internship resumes?
Dr. Carol Carter Ph.D.: Internships!!! Nothing can replace the experience a student gets when completing a meaningful internship. The student has the opportunity to apply what they've learned in their business courses to real-world problems plus make invaluable contacts and learn the importance of networking to a successful career. I know that a lot of businesses strictly look for graduates who've been class leaders, who have volunteered countless hours during college, and have a 4.0 GPA; however in my opinion if that is all one looks for in a prospective employee they are missing out on some very fine talent.
What experience really stands out on Finance Internship resumes?
Jessica Harrington: Relevant work experience is always best. New graduates should keep in mind that an internship is a form of relevant work experience and should be placed toward the top of their resume. I also encourage new graduates to place their education at or near the beginning of their resumes. A college degree has helped prepare a new graduate for their field and should be highlighted.
Kim Tan Ph.D.
Professor, Accounting, ChairCalifornia State University - Stanislaus
Department of Accounting and Finance
What experience really stands out on Finance Internship resumes?
Kim Tan Ph.D.: Membership in student clubs. Leadership position in a student organization. Recipient of scholarship. Some work experience or internship.
Heather Antanavica
Adjunct InstructorBay Path University
Accounting
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Finance Interns?
Heather Antanavica: The coronavirus will have a lasting impact on all of humanity, and everyone's jobs will be affected in one way or another. New graduates will have to navigate the working world in a very different way, for example; virtual interviewing, increased competition (many people will be re-entering the workforce after being laid-off during the spring of 2020), and being flexible with businesses that are adapting to a new way of operating. If you are not tech-savvy, work on that now. Companies will be looking for prospects with tech skills in industries where it wasn't much of a factor before the pandemic hit. Most importantly, develop a self-care routine that speaks to you. Meditation, yoga, exercise, grounding practices, and a healthy diet are great options for tending to your well-being so that you can get out there and start your new career with a healthy mind, body, and spirit!