Information on eligibility, salary and the hiring process for Student Interns
Eligibility
Employment Information for Students
Hiring Process
How to apply
Students who meet the eligibility requirements must do the following to apply:
- Complete the online iRecruitment application and upload a cover letter, resume and current unofficial transcript. Please note that students who fail to upload all the required documents will not be considered. (For step-by-step instructions, visit our How to Apply and read the section titled “Student opportunities.” If you have problems with the online application, visit our “Application Process Issues” page for assistance.)
- The cover letter should describe key aspects of the applicant’s background and include two or three academic areas of interest.
- The application and required documents must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. on the specified deadline.
- If you are selected for an internship, a hiring manager or your mentor will contact you directly, not the Student Programs Office.
Selection Process
Mentors select interns by searching the resume database in iRecruitment. We recommend that you explore the Lab's website and locate projects, programs, or research that interests you and aligns with your educational goals. You should contact organizations listed on these webpages and inquire about potential student internships and inform them of your interests. You may also review the Project Description Books to identify prospective mentors. Many students are selected for internships after networking with Lab employees.
Please keep in mind that internship positions are competitive and the decision to hire students rests entirely with the mentor. Once mentors have narrowed their search, they will contact students directly to conduct interviews over the phone or in person.
When a student is selected for an internship position:
- The student completes paperwork specified by the mentor for the hiring package.
- The mentor submits a hiring package to Human Resources (HR) for approval.
- Upon approval, an official offer letter is emailed to the student.
- The student reviews and accepts the offer and returns the signed offer letter to HR within two weeks of receiving the letter.
- Once the signed offer letter is returned, HR will confirm a start date and schedule the student for new-hire orientation.
Salary Structure
Salaries effective February 2, 2026, reflected in the February 19, 2026 paycheck
| 2026 Intern Salary Structure | Technical Hourly Rate* | Technical Annual Rate | Professional Hourly Rate* | Professional Annual Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High School (rising seniors) | $16.89 | $35,143 | $16.89 | $35,143 |
| UGS 1 (less than 60 semester hours or equivalent OR associate’s degree seeking) | $23.11 | $48,076 | $19.96 | $41,520 |
| Post-Associate's | $24.55 | $51,075 | $21.30 | $44,304 |
| UGS 2 (60 semester hours or equivalent in a bachelor’s program, not associate’s) | $31.26 | $65,021 | $26.90 | $55,963 |
| Post-Bachelor's | $33.71 | $70,133 | $29.14 | $60,626 |
| GRA 1 | $37.39 | $77,779 | $32.51 | $67,622 |
| Post-Master's | $41.47 | $86,276 | $33.63 | $69,953 |
| GRA 2 | $42.64 | $88,698 | $34.18 | $71,097 |
| GRA 3 | $43.37 | $90,222 | $34.75 | $72,285 |
Hourly rate is rounded 5 decimal places to arrive at annual rate.
For hiring group: Please work with your budget analyst to determine full cost including: standard labor rate, burden and fringe rates.
