What do software engineering interns make?

Software engineering interns generally receive competitive pay, with rates varying based on factors like the company, location, and intern experience level. Here’s a breakdown of typical compensation for software engineering interns:

1. Hourly Pay Ranges

• Large Tech Companies: Major companies like Google, Microsoft, Facebook, and Amazon often pay between 30 to 60+ per hour for software engineering interns.
• Mid-Sized and Smaller Companies: Smaller tech companies or startups might pay between 20 to 40 per hour, depending on the company’s budget and the intern’s skills.
• International Rates: In countries outside the U.S., pay can vary widely. For example, in India, software engineering interns at top tech firms may earn 6 to 15 per hour.

2. Monthly and Annualized Pay

• Monthly Earnings: For an internship averaging 40 hours a week, interns can earn between 5,000 to 10,000 per month at top tech companies in the U.S.
• Annualized Pay (for longer internships): If an internship extends to 6-12 months, interns at these rates could earn 60,000 to 120,000 per year (though most internships are shorter).

3. Additional Benefits

• Housing Stipends: Many tech companies offer housing stipends, often around 1,000 to 3,500 per month, especially if the internship requires relocation.
• Relocation Assistance: Companies typically provide relocation support, covering travel expenses or providing relocation bonuses.
• Wellness and Transportation Stipends: Some companies offer additional funds for wellness programs, meals, or transportation.

4. Industry Norm for Paid Internships

• Standard Practice: In the tech industry, paid internships are the norm due to the demand for technical skills. Unpaid internships are rare in software engineering.
• High Pay in Competitive Fields: Software engineering roles, particularly in large tech companies, are known for offering some of the highest pay among all internship types.

Conclusion

Software engineering interns typically make 20 to 60+ per hour, with top companies offering higher rates and additional benefits like housing stipends and relocation support. This competitive compensation reflects the specialized skills required and the demand for technical talent in the industry.