In 2025, tech internship pay is reaching new heights as companies – especially startups – compete for top talent. After completing a tech internship, how much can you really earn? This expert overview from Refonte Learning answers that question with up-to-date salary insights for 2025 across roles like software engineering, data science, UI/UX design, and cybersecurity. We also explore offer types (full-time vs. contract), conversion rates to full-time jobs, and cost-of-living considerations. Drawing on 10+ years of tech hiring experience, Refonte Learning provides a data-driven look at tech intern salaries by role and what to expect from startup intern compensation in today’s market.
Tech Internship Salary by Role and Location in 2025
Not all tech internships pay the same – compensation varies by role and location. Software engineering interns often earn $30–$40 per hour (with top offers around $57/hour); data science interns average about $28–$30/hour. Design roles pay less – UI/UX design interns earn around $21/hour, and cybersecurity interns about $22/hour (roughly $45,000/year).
Major tech hubs offer higher intern pay to offset the cost of living, whereas internships in smaller cities often pay less. Always factor in location – a generous internship stipend in an expensive city might not go far. Some companies (including startups) provide housing stipends or relocation assistance, which can significantly increase the overall value of an offer.
Startup Intern Compensation vs. Big Tech Offers
Startup intern compensation can differ from big tech. Large tech firms usually offer generous pay, housing, and other perks, whereas early-stage startups often have tighter budgets. A small startup might only afford $20–$30/hour or a shorter internship. However, well-funded startups can sometimes match big tech pay – some have offered $40/hour or more to attract top talent.
Startups also vary in how they structure internship roles. Some may bring you on as a contractor or part-time intern instead of a traditional salaried intern. A contract intern can still be well-paid but might not receive benefits, so always clarify what’s included.
From Internship to Full‑Time: Offers and Conversion Rates
A successful internship often leads to a full-time job offer. At some companies, over 70% of interns get return. Even startups frequently hire interns they’ve trained (if not immediately, then once they have the budget).
Overall, roughly half of interns across industries receive full-time, but tech companies often exceed that average. In 2025, tech interns usually receive offers to start after graduation – many even get “return internships” if they have another year of school.
If you do land a full-time role, starting salaries are lucrative. In 2025, entry-level software engineers often make $90K–$120K, and data science roles can start well into six figures. Even UX designers commonly see offers around $75K–$85K. Your exact number will vary, but having internship experience gives you a strong negotiating position.
Key Career Takeaways for Aspiring Interns
Prioritize paid internships: A paid tech internship is not just about the money – it strongly improves your job prospects. Studies show a paid internship is 32% more likely to lead to a job offer than an unpaid. Whenever possible, aim for paid roles where your work is valued (Refonte Learning advocates for fair intern pay for this reason).
Know the market rates: Research tech intern salary by role so you have a benchmark. For example, if you’re a data science intern offered $20/hour at a startup, knowing the average is ~$28/hour gives you leverage to negotiate or manage expectations. Refonte Learning provides resources and salary guides to help you judge if an offer is competitive in 2025.
Consider cost of living: Always factor location into an offer’s value. $30/hour in San Francisco or NYC might leave you less disposable income than $20/hour in a smaller city once you account for rent. If you have a choice, do a quick budget analysis for each location (consider housing, transport, taxes) to see where you truly come out ahead.
Leverage your internship for a full-time role: Treat your internship as an extended interview. Network, impress your team, and express interest in returning. Even if a startup isn’t ready to hire you immediately, stay in touch – many interns land full-time roles months later when new opportunities open up.
FAQ
Q: What is a good tech internship pay in 2025?
A: It depends on your role and location. In general, a good pay for a tech intern in 2025 is around $25–$35 per hour. Software engineering and data science internships tend to be on the higher end (even $40+ at top firms), while roles like UX design might average closer to $20–$25/hour. Anything in that range (or above), plus maybe a housing stipend, would be considered a strong offer.
Q: Do tech interns usually get full-time job offers after?
A: Often, yes. Many tech interns receive a full-time offer if they perform well. Overall about half of all interns convert to full-time, and at some tech companies over 70% of interns are offered . It’s not guaranteed, but if you intern at a company that’s hiring and you’re a good fit, there’s a good chance you’ll get an offer. Be sure to express interest in returning and ask about the return offer process.
Q: How does startup intern compensation compare to big tech?
A: Big tech companies usually pay interns very well (sometimes the equivalent of $6,000–$8,000+ per month, with housing included). Startups can vary a lot. Some lean startups might only offer a modest stipend or part-time hours, whereas well-funded startups might pay nearly as much as a big firm. The gap has narrowed in recent years, but generally expect slightly lower pay at a small startup – unless it’s a hot startup with resources to spare, in which case you could do just as well there.
Conclusion
A tech internship in 2025 is more than a learning experience – it’s a gateway to substantial early-career earnings. Interns in software and data roles can make impressive pay during the internship, and even roles like UX and cybersecurity offer solid compensation. More importantly, completing a tech internship often leads directly to a high-paying full-time job offer. The exact salary you can earn after your internship will vary, but the trend is clear: tech companies are investing in interns as future employees. By understanding startup vs. big-tech pay patterns, knowing your worth by role, and considering factors like location, you can make savvy decisions about which opportunities to pursue. At Refonte Learning, we believe informed interns become empowered professionals – so use these salary insights to fuel your career growth.