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Job outlook for social media interns in the United States
Social media internship job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected social media internship job growth rate is 8% from 2018-2028.
About 22,300 new jobs for social media interns are projected over the next decade.
Social media internship salaries have increased 8% for social media interns in the last 5 years.
There are over 43,002 social media interns currently employed in the United States.
There are 79,411 active social media internship job openings in the US.
The average social media internship salary is $31,145.
Are social media internship jobs in demand?
Social media internship job and salary trends over time
Social media internship jobs over time
Social media internship job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 43,002 | 0.01% |
| 2020 | 43,114 | 0.01% |
| 2019 | 43,099 | 0.01% |
| 2018 | 41,971 | 0.01% |
| 2017 | 40,910 | 0.01% |
Average social media internship salary over time
Social media internship salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $31,145 | $14.97 | +2.7% |
| 2025 | $30,322 | $14.58 | +1.9% |
| 2024 | $29,751 | $14.30 | +1.2% |
| 2023 | $29,404 | $14.14 | +2.2% |
| 2022 | $28,770 | $13.83 | +2.2% |
Social media internship jobs by state
Most common states for social media interns
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 326 | 47% |
| 2 | Vermont | 623,657 | 239 | 38% |
| 3 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 189 | 33% |
| 4 | Delaware | 961,939 | 304 | 32% |
| 5 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 220 | 29% |
| 6 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 241 | 28% |
| 7 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 365 | 27% |
| 8 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 340 | 25% |
| 9 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 262 | 25% |
| 10 | Idaho | 1,716,943 | 411 | 24% |
| 11 | Alaska | 739,795 | 174 | 24% |
| 12 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 244 | 23% |
| 13 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 1,428 | 21% |
| 14 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 364 | 19% |
| 15 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 1,038 | 17% |
| 16 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 514 | 17% |
| 17 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 546 | 15% |
| 18 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 466 | 15% |
| 19 | New Mexico | 2,088,070 | 318 | 15% |
| 20 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 590 | 14% |
Most common cities for social media interns
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Farmington | 1 | 4% | $32,745 |
| 2 | DeLand | 1 | 3% | $25,187 |
| 3 | Bloomington | 2 | 2% | $25,445 |
| 4 | Bowling Green | 1 | 2% | $29,592 |
| 5 | Bristol | 1 | 2% | $32,760 |
| 6 | Atlanta | 6 | 1% | $28,546 |
| 7 | Burbank | 1 | 1% | $33,328 |
| 8 | Davie | 1 | 1% | $25,423 |
| 9 | Mountain View | 1 | 1% | $34,432 |
| 10 | Orange | 1 | 1% | $33,189 |
| 11 | San Ramon | 1 | 1% | $34,384 |
| 12 | Chicago | 2 | 0% | $30,755 |
| 13 | New York | 2 | 0% | $30,314 |
| 14 | Austin | 1 | 0% | $28,190 |
| 15 | Phoenix | 1 | 0% | $27,405 |
Social Media Internship job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of social media internship experts
University of North Texas
Seattle University
Seattle University
Oklahoma City University
Duke University
Rowan University
Duquesne University
Dominican University of California
University of the District of Columbia
University of Central Oklahoma
Lehman College
Clarion University of Pennsylvania
University of Nebraska - Omaha
Colorado Mesa University
Syracuse University
California State University, Fresno
Henderson State University
Columbia College Chicago
Adelphi University
University of Minnesota
Brittany McElroy
Senior LecturerUniversity of North Texas
Mayborn School of Journalism
What soft skills should all Social Media Interns possess?
Brittany McElroy: As far as soft skills go, they are the same skills they've always been- good networking and communication skills. Understand that while a lot can get done in a digital space, a face-to-face connection (even if that is on zoom) can go a lot farther than an email. Some of our recent grads hate having to pick up the phone and make an actual call. They are much more comfortable with text or email, but they need to push themselves out of their comfort zone to connect with people. While I think younger generations have a lot of new skills and perspectives that can be so valuable to potential employers, those old-fashioned networking skills still go a long way.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Social Media Interns?
Dr. Jiangmeng Helen Liu Ph.D.: Communication skills (verbal and written, especially written) are the critical baseline for a successful career in PR. PR is still about communication and content, even in an era of digital media, memes, and emojis.
Social media management ability is also critical, particularly for entry-level PR positions. Most employers recognize Millennials and, even more, Gen Z are true social media natives and rely on younger, junior staff to navigate their social media accounts. It would be particularly impressive if applicants demonstrate their ability to understand and use Google Analytics, social media analytical tools, media aggregators, and monitoring tools.
An ability with media relations, both digital and traditional, is another critical skill simply because most PR clients demand it. As a result, PR agencies prioritize applicant resumes that showcase experience and accomplishment in successfully generating earned media for their clients and organizations. For this reason, internships that provide an opportunity for students to demonstrate their ability with media relations are highly valuable.
Measurement and research skills are vital as well, although many students might neglect them. As a result, knowledge of basic statistics could set a candidate apart from many other PR majors. It is also necessary that students know how to conduct primary research (both qualitative and quantitative) and interpret the results for the clients.
Jim Clune
InstructorSeattle University
Communication Department
What hard/technical skills are most important for Social Media Interns?
Jim Clune: Communication skills (verbal and written, especially written) are the critical baseline for a successful career in PR. PR is still about communication and content, even in an era of digital media, memes, and emojis.
Social media management ability is also critical, particularly for entry-level PR positions. Most employers recognize Millennials and, even more, Gen Z are true social media natives and rely on younger, junior staff to navigate their social media accounts. It would be particularly impressive if applicants demonstrate their ability to understand and use Google Analytics, social media analytical tools, media aggregators, and monitoring tools.
An ability with media relations, both digital and traditional, is another critical skill simply because most PR clients demand it. As a result, PR agencies prioritize applicant resumes that showcase experience and accomplishment in successfully generating earned media for their clients and organizations. For this reason, internships that provide an opportunity for students to demonstrate their ability with media relations are highly valuable.
Measurement and research skills are vital as well, although many students might neglect them. As a result, knowledge of basic statistics could set a candidate apart from many other PR majors. It is also necessary that students know how to conduct primary research (both qualitative and quantitative) and interpret the results for the clients.
Beth Adele Ph.D.
Director of the Mass Communications Department, Director of Marketing at Lyric TheatreOklahoma City University
Mass Communications Department
What skills stand out on Social Media Internship resumes?
Beth Adele Ph.D.: Resumes that go above and beyond the required academic coursework for a degree get a second look. Internship/externship experience is almost a must to prove demonstrated skills in addition to learning. The pandemic has enhanced the need for virtual communication skills (virtual meeting and social media management). Without being able to hold face-to-face events and conferences, understanding and using online platforms is important. Online security and privacy setting knowledge are also valued.
Michael Munger
Director of Undergraduate Studies, Director, PPE ProgramDuke University
Department of Political Science
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Social Media Interns to find work opportunities?
Michael Munger: The best "place" to work is one with a very fast and reliable internet connection. This means that many rural areas, on top of their previous economic difficulties, are now even further behind because of lack of broadband.
Julia Richmond Ph.D.
Assistant ProfessorRowan University
Public Relations and Advertising
What skills stand out on Social Media Internship resumes?
Julia Richmond Ph.D.: Public Relations (PR) is strategic communication that builds, maintains, and repairs relations between organizations and their publics. Individuals who wish to succeed in PR roles should focus on developing communication competencies, improving time management skills, and fostering flexibility in their professional pursuits. As the industry continues to change due to the COVID-19 global pandemic, job seekers need to prove that they can produce clear, timely, and relevant work while demonstrating their ability to build relationships virtually as well as in person.
Successful practitioners in PR must be expert communicators with the capability to develop relationships with their constituents. It is not enough for candidates to speak well and write proficiently; they must also build meaningful connections. Further, PR professionals must adopt a writing style that reflects the needs of a diverse and global audience through inclusive and equitable means. PR professionals must communicate via numerous social media platforms such as Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook, along with integrating virtual communication modalities such as video conferencing, voice-over communication, and instant messaging. These communication skills have become increasingly important for cultivating relations during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Time management is also a key skillset when considering a job in PR. In the context of PR campaigns, projects can be large, detailed, and fast-paced. Professionals utilize time management skills to forecast the scope of a project, manage the expectations of clients, and maintain schedules of benchmark data collection. In the context of day-to-day work, contemporary professionals can work from home, which might lead to procrastination and time-wasting. Time management skills help professionals stay on task and succeed during the day. With the increased erosion of the 9-5 workday, PR practitioners must set and maintain their own time boundaries and goals.
Finally, flexibility is an important skill set for public relations practitioners. When communicating on behalf of the organization, professionals must be open to the unique needs of various publics. When designing a public relations strategy, PR personnel cannot merely rely on past campaigns without considering the dynamics of the current case. In an ever-changing media environment, practitioners must exhibit flexibility in their approach to communication. The best practices in PR are constantly changing, and therefore the best practitioners in PR must be willing and able to change too.
The greatest part of preparing for a career in PR is that candidates can begin working on their career skills today. Job seekers can develop their verbal and written communication skills by writing and speaking to other professionals. Future practitioners can improve time management strategies by using planners, utilizing digital appointment applications, and working consistently to form positive scheduling habits. Moreover, job seekers can read campaigns and case studies by consulting professional organizations like The Arthur Page Society and The Public Relations Student Society of America.
What skills stand out on Social Media Internship resumes?
Dr. Mike Dillon: Evidence (courses, internships, other experience) that demonstrates competence in communicating with a wide array of audiences across multiple platforms. Our journalism program, for instance, is multiplatform: students learn to write, edit, shoot video, create podcasts, adapt stories to fit the requirements of multiple platforms, etc. Basically, we want to send students out of here like Swiss Army Knives -- able to work in their area of proficiency, be that writing or videography, but also adept with a wide variety of other competencies.
Bradley Van Alstyne Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Communications, Coordinator, Online Learning and Development, Chair of the Communications and Media Studies DepartmentDominican University of California
Communication and Media Studies
What skills stand out on Social Media Internship resumes?
Bradley Van Alstyne Ph.D.: Experience: internships, co-curricular and extra-curricular projects, and any jobs held while in college. Those jobs may not be directly related to a media coordinator job description but could have other benefits like the team environment at a restaurant.
What soft skills should all Social Media Interns possess?
Bradley Van Alstyne Ph.D.: Working well with others, time management, and the ability to teach and supervise others.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Social Media Interns?
Bradley Van Alstyne Ph.D.: Video (shooting and editing), audio applications that allow you to produce and edit sound, and social media literacy.
What skills will help Social Media Interns earn the most?
Bradley Van Alstyne Ph.D.: The hard skills (audio and video) usually get you the job, but the soft skills allow you to keep it and grow!
Dr. Yolandra Plummer Ph.D.
Associate ProfessorUniversity of the District of Columbia
Department of Management
What skills stand out on Social Media Internship resumes?
Dr. Yolandra Plummer Ph.D.: Key skills that stand out on Public Relations Coordinator resumes include strong verbal and written communication skills, ability to market and promote via social media content, attention to detail, superior presentation skills in person and via Microsoft Teams, Webex, and/or Zoom. Additional skills include excellent customer service and interpersonal skills.
Stacia Wert-Gray Ph.D.
Professor of Marketing, ChairpersonUniversity of Central Oklahoma
Department of Marketing
What skills will help Social Media Interns earn the most?
Stacia Wert-Gray Ph.D.: Currently, employers are looking for candidates who understand social media and search engine optimization. These forms of marketing communication are red hot in today's world because they are relatively inexpensive when compared to traditional media, and they are easier to measure outcomes. Companies are emphasizing return on marketing investment, and traditional media expenditures are not easy to quantify benefits.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Social Media Interns?
Robert Valentine: Most of our undergraduate History majors either become social studies teachers or enter a graduate program. If they are certified to teach social studies in middle or high school, the Middle & High School Education Department helps them with certification and job placement. Their minor is in Middle & High School Education, their major is in History. Some of our majors decide to pursue social studies teacher certification after they receive their bachelor's degree in History. In this case, they enroll in a graduate program to receive a master's degree in Social Studies Education, administered by the Middle & High School Education Department. Part of their curriculum involves taking about half their coursework in master's-level History courses.
Other graduating History majors apply for our own master's program in History. From there, they could apply to doctoral programs either at the Graduate Center or elsewhere if they want to become History professors. As far as the impact of the pandemic goes, the hiring of social studies teachers depends upon whether or not the public schools are hiring at all at this time. There has been no effect on enrollment into graduate programs, however. In fact, I believe there has been a slight increase, since the job market is frozen.
Dr. Lacey Fulton
Department ChairClarion University of Pennsylvania
Department of Communication
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Social Media Interns?
Dr. Lacey Fulton: There will be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on everyone--graduates included. Recent graduates have the experience learning virtually and working independently on their assignments in a virtual environment. If they can adapt to virtual learning, virtual gradation, virtual everything- I have no worries that they can adapt to an in-person or remote work place after graduation. The flexibility our students have shown is inspiring.
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Social Media Interns?
Dr. Lacey Fulton: A bachelor degree can help to get you in the door. Learning does not stop once you graduate. Finding ways to keep up with the latest trends and technology is imperative for Public Relations professionals. With the number of micro-credentials available at a low cost or for free, professionals at any stage in their career can remain current in their chosen specialty areas. Social media. Live events. Logistics. With the impact of COVID on in-person events, so many conferences and traditionally in-person events are being planned in innovative ways. Public Relations professionals have the perfect skill set to plan these new events and manage the messaging around them.
Joe Hayes
Associate Director Career Development and Employer RelationsUniversity of Nebraska - Omaha
UNO’s Academic & Career Development Center
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Social Media Interns?
Joe Hayes: I don't think there ever has been or will be one specific course, certificate or degree that will guarantee job success. Any continued education is individual specific and tailored to a person's unique goals. The key part is understanding required skills in one's field, reflecting on your own abilities and developing a game plan to reduce the perceived knowledge gap. Overall, life-long learning will be key as industry skills continue to evolve.
Elaine Venter Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Mass CommunicationColorado Mesa University
Communication Department
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Social Media Internship job market given the pandemic?
Elaine Venter Ph.D.: In my opinion, we are going to see an increase in remote work. Graduates should be prepared to be able to work effectively independently and collectively in remote situations relying on computer-mediated communication tools like Zoom.
What soft skills should all Social Media Interns possess?
Elaine Venter Ph.D.: Writing skills are still one of the most sought after skills. Even as graduates are told to strengthen their skills in multimedia production whether a graduate in journalism or PR, written communication skills are still core to a lot of the work that happens. This even more now with remote work that requires the extensive use of email and other texting apps beyond Zoom for efficient and quick communication between teams. Graduates should also possess good verbal communication skills and especially be comfortable in both in-person and virtual communication situations - learn to be comfortable and capable speaking to people in person and over a mic and camera. Flexibility is another key skill graduates should possess. This was already a skill prior to the pandemic, but even more so now. Graduates should learn how to deal with situations when they don't go there way, especially with technology situations, and be flexible and adaptable on the fly rather than getting lost in frustration that can lead to situations getting worse.
How have salaries changed over time for Social Media Interns?
Elaine Venter Ph.D.: Mass Communication is a broad field that covers anything from journalists, social media managers, camera operators, video editors, PR specialists, copy edits, etc. While salaries are higher for some of these jobs than others, overall, general salaries over the years have been rising in all job sectors of Mass Communication and projections have noted growth especially from 2019 to 2029. The national average for graduates in with a Mass Communication degree falls between $55,000 to $60,000, but early grads can expect to come in on the lower side before moving into positions that can pay even higher than the national averages.
Les Rose
Professor of PracticeSyracuse University
Broadcast and Digital Journalism Department
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Social Media Internship job market given the pandemic?
Les Rose: I always thought that journalism isn't a career, but a calling. Good journalists are frustrated social workers. They truly want to change the world!
There have been thousands of journalism jobs lost in recent years, but the losses are often medium specific. What is a decline in one segment (ie smaller newspapers) has given a rise in others (reputable websites and cable news). The problem of course is one "type" of coverage cannot be replaced to many consumers, especially without internet access.
The career of a journalist has never been a more valuable one. A journalist's "product" is seeking truths in another era of falsehoods. The pandemic shows how falsehoods and published lies can contribute to the deaths of thousands of people. Whether it comes from the highest government offices or a conspiracy-oriented website, lies can kill. And never forget that the withholding of truths can be as bad as publishing falsehoods. Journalism is a constant and is a career protected by the US constitution. Truth as a commodity has never been more valuable, it saves lives. It was journalism great Edward R. Murrow who gave light on Joeseph McCarthy during the Red Scare, Woodward and Bernstein who discovered Watergate that led to Nixon's resignation, and now a legion of journos seeking truths on a worldwide pandemic.
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Social Media Interns?
Les Rose: Morley Safer said, "I would trust citizen journalism as much as I would trust citizen surgery.." To be a decently trained journalist, you really do need to start with a bachelor's degree and several internships in a journalistic entity, additional specific instruction from places like the Poynter Institute or the NPPA News Video Workshop (both of which I have taught at many times) and other places specific to your career. You must know a plethora of technical skills for editing, writing, sound, visuals, and much more. What you need most is curiosity, a drive to seek truths and context, a great mentor, and gallons of coffee. And a very understanding spouse!
How have salaries changed over time for Social Media Interns?
Les Rose: Starting salaries are abysmal, but better pay is on the horizon. Think of your first job as a "paid internship", and sometimes it actually is. Don't forget if you wrote something libelous by mistake, your employer can and will be sued by your inexperience. But you want this because every day you don't know who you are going to meet, where you are going to go, or what you are going to learn and discover.
Betsy Hays
ChairCalifornia State University, Fresno
Department of Media, Communications and Journalism
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Social Media Interns?
Betsy Hays: Definitely. Most industries will keep a component of remote work -- some to a large degree and others not as much, but the impact will be lasting. The way a lot of companies do business has changed forever, so be good at self-direction and communicating through email and videoconferencing.
What's a good job out of college for Social Media Interns?
Betsy Hays: A good job out of college is one that provides you with an opportunity to grow some skills and pays enough so you can pay your bills and put a little money into your savings. The financial piece isn't one that we talk about enough, but it's important to create a budget, know what you need to make each month, and make sure that the jobs you are applying for at the very least cover your expenses. And if they don't, decide if you are willing to adjust your budget or take on another job as well before you say yes. Also, look for things that you will enjoy doing while leading you down the path you'd like to pursue.
What will help Social Media Interns increase their earning potential?
Betsy Hays: The more experience you can get -- by volunteering, via class projects, through internships, by being entrepreneurial, etc. -- the better, as this will help you get or negotiate a higher salary.
Michael Ray Taylor
Professor and ChairHenderson State University
Communication and Theatre Arts department
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Social Media Interns?
Michael Ray Taylor: Yes, but it will not be entirely negative. The obvious negative impact is that many news outlets that were barely hanging on before the pandemic have now closed, and more closures appear likely. But the pandemic also proved that it is possible and sometimes even preferable to report and edit remotely, and I think that graduates who mastered the basic remote tools--Zoom interviews, webcam framing and lighting, podcasting, sound editing, etc.--will be in high demand for the foreseeable future, at all sorts news organizations, both traditional and digital.
What's a good job out of college for Social Media Interns?
Michael Ray Taylor: Reporter for a local newspaper or broadcast outlet--no matter how low-paying or demanding of your time. The daily grind of reporting and producing accurate local news to deadline is an essential skill for a wide variety of more desirable jobs, which is something I've heard echoed over the years by successful network anchors, documentary producers, investigative journalists, web designers, directors of communication and marketing for large corporations, and even novelists.
What will help Social Media Interns increase their earning potential?
Michael Ray Taylor: Try to become a master of everything: writing, editing, video production, photography audio recording, social media promotion, website creation, and other media-related skills. The future belongs to generalists. While very few people can truly excel in all of these areas, if you become really good in one or two, and can at least get by in all the others, your skills will always be in demand. Also spend time every day on Twitter, no matter how much you might hate it--that's where journalists network, at least for now.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Social Media Internship job market given the pandemic?
Curtis Lawrence: The pandemic has many aspects-medical, political and the emotional narrative of so many Americans losing their lives in the span of a year. All of these have heightened the need for and interest in solid journalism and I see this continuing for at least the next several years. One trend to keep an eye on will be an emergence in reporting on science and environment, based not only on the pandemic, but also on the global climate crisis that has impacted weather patterns across the globe.
Another aspect to watch will be the impact of science, environment and medical developments on marginalized communities. These types of stories will take on a much larger space in news coverage in the near future.
What technical skills for a Social Media Internship stand out to employers?
Curtis Lawrence: In this field of multimedia reporting, the ability to produce solid reporting remains critical. Other critical skills include the ability to produce and edit video and audio. This is important no matter what area of journalism one pursues.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Social Media Interns?
Mark Grabowski: I'm not going to sugarcoat it: The pandemic could permanently setback the college students who graduated during it. Timing is very important in the job market. Research shows that college graduates who start their working lives during a recession really struggle for many years afterward. So, if you're graduating now, you really need to hustle to succeed.
What's a good job out of college for Social Media Interns?
Mark Grabowski: A good job would be one where you're happy, able to grow professionally and make enough money to get by. Your first job is probably not going to be your dream job. It may not pay great. And there will be boring days, bad days and perhaps all-nighters. But, because you're spending so much time working, you should try to find something you enjoy doing. You want to avoid taking on credit card debt or medical debt, so you may need to turn down opportunities that only provide "experience" or "exposure" over an actual salary and benefits. That said, it's hard to find an entry-level job that is both fun and pays a decent wage. So, you're going to have to strike a balance between doing what you love for peanuts versus making money but being miserable. Finally, you want to work at a place that will enable you to advance in your career or at least acquire skills that will help you in life. Otherwise, you're just wasting your time. And your first few years after college are prime years, so use them wisely.
What will help Social Media Interns increase their earning potential?
Mark Grabowski: In media, it's important to have multimedia skills, so that you can be an effective and compelling digital storyteller. You should know how to record sound, how to shoot video, how to edit sound and video, how to write using search engine optimization, how to create a webpage, etc. That said, being able to write and speak well remain the most important skills - and so few young people do that well because they've been isolated this past year and they primarily communicate through texting.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Social Media Interns?
Zhirong Zhao Ph.D.: I am the Director of Master of Public Policy Program (MPP). MPP is a professional graduate degree. The Covid condition has interrupted student internships and make it harder for students to navigate the job market in the traditional way, but I expect the market remains good for our students, who are mainly getting into public, nonprofit, or educational institutions.
What's a good job out of college for Social Media Interns?
Zhirong Zhao Ph.D.: Many of our students aim for a career in public or nonprofit organizations to address issues of social inequality and power imbalance. These are great jobs that align well with the skill sets of our students and their future career goals.
What will help Social Media Interns increase their earning potential?
Zhirong Zhao Ph.D.: People in a public or nonprofit career aims not only for the growth of personal earning potential, but also the opportunity to make positive changes to the society.