10 Tips for Negotiating Your Internship Salary

1. Get the Timing Right

Never bring up the subject of money before there is a job offer on the table. If the employer hasn’t made a decision on whether to hire you, asking for a specific salary can make it seem like you care more about the perks than the role.

Also, because you don’t know for certain the employer wants you, you have little to no leverage to make requests. No matter how promising the outlook is, always wait until you have an offer to negotiate your intern salary.

2. Gauge Appropriateness

Have you gotten an offer? Congratulations! The first step toward asking for a specific figure is deciding whether negotiations are appropriate. Some job listings name salary or course credit expectations outright. Others do not.

In many cases, employers will expect you to negotiate and have a particular number they are willing to meet in mind.

Even if you have minimal experience, don’t be part of the 18% of people who never approach the conversation. In many cases, employers will expect you to negotiate and have a particular number they are willing to meet in mind.

3. Do Your Homework

Before you start the intern salary conversation, you need to know that the number you want is realistic. Asking for wages that are too high can make your case laughable. Asking for a figure that is too low is even more dangerous: It signals to the recruiter that you don’t know your worth.

Instead of guessing at numbers, spend some time researching the real market value for your role using resources like Payscale, Glassdoor, and Salary.com.

4. Consider Your Case

Now that you know the going rate for the position, consider your situation. Do you have an advanced skill set or previous experience in the industry? You may bring additional value to the role, giving you leverage to ask for a reasonably higher salary. You should also factor in the location and cost of living where you will be working to make sure your wages are appropriate.

It’s best to avoid discussing your own finances with the employer.

Although you should ensure you’re making enough money to support yourself, it’s best to avoid discussing your own finances with the employer. Never use your financial standing as justification to ask for a higher salary. Instead, keep the focus on the value you add to the company.

5. Have a Bottom Line

Before arranging the intern salary conversation, you need to know your bottom line. Now that you’ve done your market research and thought about what you bring to the role, it’s time to determine two different numbers: your best-case scenario and your absolute minimum. Decide in advance whether you are willing to decline an offer that does not or cannot meet your goal.

6. Schedule the Conversation

With your two evidence-based numbers in mind, go ahead and schedule negotiations. Find out what the deadline is to accept the job offer. Set up the conversation well ahead of this date. It’s best to talk in person if possible, but over the phone is also fine. Never discuss salary over email, where it is extremely easy to receive a written “no.”

Never discuss salary over email, where it is extremely easy to receive a written “no.”

When reaching out, express your excitement and gratitude over the offer. Then, let the recruiter know you have a few questions and would like to set up a time to discuss them. You do not need to disclose that you want to negotiate pay.

7. Believe in Yourself

The moment is finally here! As you prepare to argue your intern salary, it’s crucial to be positive and believe in yourself. Again, the employer has already deemed you the best candidate for the role. It’s time to sell your rock-star abilities. If the hiring manager says, “You have no experience; why should I give you a higher salary?” there’s no need to panic. Instead, be ready to remind him or her of the skills, knowledge, and drive you bring to the position.

8. Make the Request

Throughout the salary conversation, do your best to stay cool and calm. Leave emotions out of negotiations and keep an objective mindset. Never carry a sense of entitlement. After reiterating your excitement over the company and role, share the research you’ve done on comparable pay for someone with your experience. Be prepared to back up your argument with hard evidence. Do not haggle. Instead, ask politely if your best-case scenario figure is possible.

9. Weigh Other Benefits

Although some employers have flexibility in their budget, others simply do not. Be ready with a decision for either outcome. If the intern salary is non-negotiable, determine whether other benefits such as vacation days, quick advancement, or health care make the offer worthwhile.

“In our case, there just isn’t any wiggle room in pay for new hires,” says Brian Magrath, who works in staff development for an international education company. “We offer a flat rate; however, that flat rate comes with many benefits, opportunities to travel, and excellent bonus potential.”

Don’t let a fixed rate discourage you from trying.

Don’t let a fixed rate discourage you from trying. Magrath adds that, although their offer is set in stone, the company does not discourage or frown upon new hires for attempting to negotiate pay.

10. Get the Results In Writing

If you are happy with your final offer, be sure to get it in writing. Review the details thoroughly and ensure they include everything you and your employer discussed. You may have a few days to mull over your decision to accept. Do not delay!