Internship Stipend & Rate Negotiation Guide

Reputable employers almost never rescind an offer simply because a candidate asks for a polite, data-backed salary adjustment. Doing so is a major red flag about the company's culture and operational standards. As long as your tone is enthusiastic and professional, negotiating is viewed as a standard, mature business practice.

If the internship is unpaid, you should ask if they offer a small stipend to offset living costs or if they can cover direct expenses like commuting and parking. If monetary compensation is completely off the table, negotiate for a flexible schedule that allows you to work a part-time paid job elsewhere. You can also request that they provide academic credit or pay for professional development certifications.

A standard and professional request is to ask for a 10% to 15% increase over the initial offer. You must back this request up with market research showing that similar roles in your area pay this higher rate. Asking for anything above 20% is rarely successful unless you have a competing offer or highly specialized, hard-to-find skills.

Email the recruiter at your preferred company to let them know you have received another offer but would prefer to join their team if they can match the compensation. State the specific rate or stipend of the competing offer clearly and ask if there is any flexibility to bridge the gap. Frame the request as a desire to finalize your decision quickly so you can enthusiastically commit to their program.