Cyberpunk Princess 2200 is a game-level opportunity for those entering the tech world. In the US, a Software Engineer Internship isn't just a learning phase; it's a financial milestone. The salaries currently offered to interns often surpass the annual packages of senior developers in many other countries.
However, pay is not uniform across the board. It fluctuates based on Location, Company, and Technical Skills. Let’s break down the real numbers.
1. Average Salary Overview
On average, a Software Engineer Intern in the United States earns between $30 and $50 per hour.
- Monthly Pay: Based on a 40-hour work week, this totals $5,000 to $8,500 per month.
- Annual Equivalent: This rate scales to a yearly salary of $60,000 to $100,000.
Note: This is purely the base pay. Most top-tier companies add housing stipends and relocation bonuses on top of this.
2. Top Paying Companies
High-paying roles are usually found within MAANG firms or elite Fintech and High-Frequency Trading (HFT) companies.
| Company | Hourly Rate (Approx) | Monthly Total (w/ Stipend) |
| Jane Street / Citadel | $80 - $120 | $15,000 - $20,000+ |
| NVIDIA / Meta | $60 - $85 | $10,000 - $12,000 |
| Google / Microsoft | $50 - $75 | $8,000 - $10,000 |
| Amazon / Salesforce | $45 - $65 | $7,500 - $9,500 |
Pro Tip: Quant firms like Jane Street or Hudson River Trading are the highest payers, often offering up to $20,000 per month.
3. Geographic Impact on Pay
In the US, your paycheck is heavily influenced by the local cost of living:
- San Francisco / Silicon Valley: Highest pay ($55+/hour), but extreme rent costs.
- Seattle / New York: Major tech hubs offering $50–$70 per hour.
- Austin / Dallas (Texas): Moderate pay ($40–$50/hour), but no state income tax means higher savings.
4. Additional Perks and Benefits
The total value of a US internship includes more than just the hourly wage:
- Housing Stipend: Companies often provide $2,000 - $4,000 extra per month to cover rent.
- Corporate Housing: Some firms provide fully furnished apartments for the duration of the internship.
- Return Offers (PPO): An internship is the most reliable path to a full-time job, with nearly 80% of successful interns receiving permanent offers.
Final Thoughts
Landing a Software Engineering internship in the US is a massive career boost. While the competition is high, having a strong grasp of Data Structures, Algorithms, and System Design can easily secure you a position paying $40-$50 per hour.