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Job outlook for communications interns in the United States
Communications internship job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected communications internship job growth rate is 8% from 2018-2028.
About 22,300 new jobs for communications interns are projected over the next decade.
Communications internship salaries have increased 8% for communications interns in the last 5 years.
There are over 27,088 communications interns currently employed in the United States.
There are 62,641 active communications internship job openings in the US.
The average communications internship salary is $33,458.
Are communications internship jobs in demand?
Communications Internship job and salary trends over time
Communications Internship jobs over time
Communications Internship job growth rate over time
| Year | # Of Jobs | % Of Population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 27,088 | 0.01% |
| 2020 | 27,294 | 0.01% |
| 2019 | 27,314 | 0.01% |
| 2018 | 26,678 | 0.01% |
| 2017 | 26,086 | 0.01% |
Average communications internship salary over time
Communications Internship salary by year
| Year | Avg. Salary | Hourly Rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $33,458 | $16.09 | +2.7% |
| 2023 | $32,574 | $15.66 | +1.9% |
| 2022 | $31,961 | $15.37 | +1.2% |
| 2021 | $31,588 | $15.19 | +2.2% |
| 2020 | $30,906 | $14.86 | +2.2% |
Communications Internship jobs by state
Most common states for communications interns
| Rank | State | Population | # of Jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 377 | 54% |
| 2 | Vermont | 623,657 | 234 | 38% |
| 3 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 186 | 32% |
| 4 | Delaware | 961,939 | 302 | 31% |
| 5 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 246 | 28% |
| 6 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 203 | 27% |
| 7 | Alaska | 739,795 | 167 | 23% |
| 8 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 293 | 22% |
| 9 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 278 | 21% |
| 10 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 221 | 21% |
| 11 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 219 | 21% |
| 12 | Idaho | 1,716,943 | 346 | 20% |
| 13 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 305 | 16% |
| 14 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 1,011 | 15% |
| 15 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 856 | 14% |
| 16 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 440 | 14% |
| 17 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 1,115 | 13% |
| 18 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 453 | 13% |
| 19 | New Mexico | 2,088,070 | 246 | 12% |
| 20 | Hawaii | 1,427,538 | 177 | 12% |
Most common cities for communications interns
| Rank | City | # of Jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Juneau | 2 | 6% | $42,005 |
| 2 | Dover | 2 | 5% | $37,815 |
| 3 | Broomfield | 2 | 3% | $35,369 |
| 4 | Annapolis | 1 | 3% | $39,109 |
| 5 | Columbia | 2 | 2% | $39,150 |
| 6 | Stamford | 2 | 2% | $42,614 |
| 7 | Topeka | 2 | 2% | $25,673 |
| 8 | Atlanta | 7 | 1% | $30,105 |
| 9 | Washington | 7 | 1% | $42,218 |
| 10 | Sacramento | 3 | 1% | $41,887 |
| 11 | Baton Rouge | 2 | 1% | $24,857 |
| 12 | Glendale | 2 | 1% | $30,036 |
| 13 | Albany | 1 | 1% | $30,246 |
| 14 | Indianapolis | 3 | 0% | $27,580 |
| 15 | Boston | 2 | 0% | $38,860 |
| 16 | Chicago | 2 | 0% | $32,567 |
| 17 | Aurora | 1 | 0% | $32,386 |
| 18 | Baltimore | 1 | 0% | $39,474 |
Communications Internship job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of communications internship experts
Grand Valley State University
Saint Mary's College
San Francisco State University
California State University - Dominguez Hills
Hartwick College
University of Texas at Tyler
California State University - Sacramento
University of Maine
College of New Jersey, The
East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania
West Liberty University
Pennsylvania State University
Seattle University
Seattle University
Rowan University
Dominican University of California
University of the District of Columbia
What Communications Internship skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Alice Veksler Ph.D., BCPA: Practice your interpersonal skills and think about how what you have learned in your coursework translates to your chosen field of work. Teamwork, conflict resolution, social media savvy, and professionalism can make or break a career. Being able to articulate and demonstrate mastery of these skills with concrete examples during an interview can help land the job and then embodying the skillset of an excellent communicator will lead to professional success. Networking is also key so making sure that you do internships and engage with others in your chosen field helps with securing a job. Forging connections early in one's career can pay massive dividends down the road. We say that 'you get jobs by talking to people' and this maxim is especially true for a broad field like communication studies. Finally, I always encourage a healthy work-life balance to avoid burnout and maximize productivity.
What Communications Internship skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Mikhila Wildey PhD: I think the ability to engage and connect with people will be very important in the field as we shift more and more to a culture that is driven by AI. Although AI can be a useful tool, it likely won’t ever fully replace the value of human interaction and connection. In addition, employers often comment that they want to see employees with strong work ethic, and I think this will continue to be the case in 3-5 years. Having a strong work ethic can separate the people that move forward in their careers to those who remain stagnant.
What will help Communications Interns increase their earning potential?
Dr. Mikhila Wildey PhD: My general advice for a graduate beginning their career in the field is to work hard, stay open-minded, and network! Most employees won’t stay in the same position for their entire career, and so I often tell graduates to not get too hung up on the first job needing to be the 'perfect' job for them. Often, the first job will be a place where they learn how to navigate the workplace, learn about their own strengths/weaknesses, and figure out what they like and don’t like. I encourage graduates to use this information to help them make decisions about the next steps in their career. And, if they are working hard and networking with people at their job, then opportunities will often times present themselves or be more available to them as they navigate their future career path.
What Communications Internship skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Veronica Hefner: Knowing how to brand yourself, both in person and online, is becoming increasingly important. If you're networking at an event, do you have short stories or anecdotes that you can share that help you come across as interesting? A story can tell a listener about your values, work ethics, drive, and competencies much better than you sharing a laundry list of your achievements. The same thing is true when branding yourself online. Another skill is the ability to communicate, even if that sounds simple. Are you able to write a professional email? Can you carry on an intelligent conversation with a potential client? Do you know when to stop talking and actively listen? Are you able to get your message across to diverse audiences? These skills are applicable no matter what job you do.
What Communications Internship skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Geri Merrigan: Listening, empathy, and perspective-taking remain as important as ever, because change is the only certainty, and globalization connects us to people quite different from ourselves. That means skills for inclusive communication matter – analyzing an audience and crafting messages for diverse stakeholders. Finally, understanding the technology (especially AI) that is most consequential for your industry/sector, for Communication Studies majors, means understanding current events, reading about AI, and evaluating the credibility of what you read.
What will help Communications Interns increase their earning potential?
Larry Hygh Jr., Ed.D.: Be open to all opportunities even if the opportunity is not something you have planned for your career trajectory. Networking is extremely crucial in the field of communications. Network, network, network, then network some more!
What will help Communications Interns increase their earning potential?
Jerry Gibbs: It’s extremely important that you show that you have skillsets in a variety of areas, so make sure you are active on campus at your radio, TV, and newspaper opportunities.
What general advice would you give to a Communications Internship?
Stephanie Hollander: To a graduate, beginning a career in their field, don't give up, be patient, and be resilient. It is going to take persistence and some creativity to utilize your resources and piece together a satisfying and meaningful career in the arts. It takes time and you can't compare yourself to others so just go at your own pace and define your own levels of success.
Dr. David Scott
Associate ProfessorUniversity of Texas at Tyler
Social Sciences
What Communications Internship skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. David Scott: Work hard! Do the job to the best of your ability and establish a strong work ethic. Seek as much education (postgraduate) and training as you can to become more marketable. Don't be afraid to leave the organization if your personal needs and beliefs are not being met. It is just a job. Stay on top of the current skills needed for the job market and fulfill those needs when possible. In many industries, they need you more than you need them today. Become a team player but also be investing in yourself with continuing education and training.
Miguel Bota
Associate Professor of SpanishCalifornia State University - Sacramento
Romance Languages, Literatures, And Linguistics
What Communications Internship skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Miguel Bota: Make the most of your time in college by attending seminars and symposiums on the job market and articulating how your degree contributes to the world.
Engage in student organizations to enhance soft skills that can be showcased with concrete examples in job applications and interviews.
Ensure a thorough understanding of literary criticism, theory, linguistics, and literature in your targeted language(s), demonstrating their applicability beyond teaching and translation roles.
Dr. Ellen Taylor she/her
Professor of EnglishUniversity of Maine
English Language And Literature
What Communications Internship skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Ellen Taylor she/her: Critical reading, clear writing, being nimble with technology, and critical thinking are more important than ever. Knowing how to judge accurate information and to refute misinformation has never been more critical.
What general advice would you give to a Communications Internship?
Ellen Stockstill Ph.D.: Go ahead and get started prior to graduation. Seek out internships. Get on LinkedIn and network. Connect with alumni and see how they've pursued their careers. English majors can land in a number of industries, so it helps to get a sense of all the options out there.
Yachao Li
Assistant Professor of Communication Studies and Public HealthCollege of New Jersey, The
Public Health
What general advice would you give to a Communications Internship?
Yachao Li: Communication Specialist is an excellent profession to enter now for several reasons. First, the
role offers tremendous versatility, as communication skills are universally valuable across
industries and sectors. Communication specialists can work in various fields such as marketing,
public relations, corporate communication, nonprofit organizations, government agencies, and
more. This versatility opens a wide range of career paths and opportunities for growth, allowing
them to explore different areas and find the best fit for their interests and strengths.
In addition, there is a consistently high demand for skilled communication professionals in
today's competitive landscape. Effective communication is essential for organizations to
succeed, as they need to craft compelling messages, manage brand reputation, and engage
audiences across different channels. With the ever-increasing importance of digital platforms and
social media, the need for professionals who can navigate these spaces and deliver clear,
consistent, and impactful communication has never been greater. Communication specialists
possess the skills to help organizations achieve their communication goals, making them an
important asset in the job market.
Finally, the role of a communication specialist is constantly evolving given the rapid changes in
technology and consumer behavior. This dynamic nature of the profession ensures that they will
always have opportunities to learn and grow, adapting to new communication trends and
strategies. Whether it is mastering the art of storytelling, leveraging data-driven insights, or
harnessing the power of emerging platforms, a career as a communication specialist offers a
continuous learning curve that keeps this profession engaged and relevant.
What will help Communications Interns increase their earning potential?
Yachao Li: A communication specialist's day-to-day responsibilities are very diverse and dynamic, which
requires creativity, strategic thinking, and effective communication skills. Their daily tasks also
vary based on their specific role and the organization they work for.
For example, they may spend time researching industry trends, target audience preferences, and
competitor strategies, analyzing data to identify communication opportunities or challenges. In
addition, content creation is also a significant part of their role, involving writing articles, blog
posts, social media updates, press releases, or designing visual content such as infographics or
videos, as well as scripting speeches or presentations for executives. Moreover, communication
specialists often liaise with journalists, bloggers, and other media representatives, pitching
stories, arranging interviews, and managing press releases while maintaining media lists and
building relationships with key contacts.
Social media management is another crucial aspect, where they are responsible for managing
accounts, creating content calendars, engaging with followers, and monitoring conversations
related to their organization or brand. Furthermore, facilitating internal communication within
the organization is also part of their tasks. This includes drafting newsletters, organizing town
hall meetings, or managing intranet platforms to ensure employees are informed about company
updates, policies, and initiatives. During times of crisis or negative publicity, communication
specialists play a crucial role in managing the organization's reputation by developing crisis
communication plans, drafting statements, and coordinating responses across various channels.
Depending on the organization, communication specialists may also be involved in planning and
coordinating events such as product launches, press conferences, or industry conferences, which
include logistics management, promotion, and ensuring smooth execution. They often measure
the effectiveness of their communication efforts through metrics such as website traffic, social
media engagement, or media mentions, compiling reports to assess performance and identify
areas for improvement. Last, staying updated with the latest communication tools, technologies,
and best practices is crucial, which may involve reading industry publications, attending
workshops or webinars, and networking with peers to enhance their skills and knowledge.
What general advice would you give to a Communications Internship?
Cem Zeytinoglu Ph.D: Most of our alumni who became very successful after graduation continually recommend communication graduates to engage in meaningful and professional networking. In addition to knowledge, skills, and experience (like internships) obtaining and maintaining social capital is an important aspect of the communication field. For example, being an active member of a professional national organization such as PRSSA or others would be promising. Secondly, having an open mind about evaluating potential job opportunities is also important. Thi8s is important for two reasons. One, communication is a multifaceted professional field and there are many opportunities are available in all industries, including for-profit, non-profit, and governmental organizations. Also, communication opportunities can range from marketing and sales to public relations and consumer affairs, from media content to technology and production. Lastly learning from each experience and carrying new knowledge and skillset to the next opportunity is very valuable.
Dr. Danielle Mehlman-Brightwell Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Communication; Director of The Trumpet & Academic Liaison to Topper StationWest Liberty University
College of Liberal and Creative Arts
What skills stand out on Communications Internship resumes?
Dr. Danielle Mehlman-Brightwell Ph.D.: Organizational skills stand out on a Communication Associates resume. I also take notice of how those skills are applied to the aesthetics of the resume.
What soft skills should all Communications Interns possess?
Dr. Danielle Mehlman-Brightwell Ph.D.: Top soft skills for a Communications Associate entail having excellent problem-solving skills and outstanding communication skills, both oral and written, emphasizing storytelling capabilities. Being able to work independently and as a team is also a valuable soft skill.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Communications Interns?
Dr. Danielle Mehlman-Brightwell Ph.D.: Top hard technical skills for a Communications Associate include digitally communicating using graphics, videos, and other visual media. Working knowledge of AP style and a keen understanding of Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint). Having presentation skills that are backed with research and data.
What skills will help Communications Interns earn the most?
Dr. Danielle Mehlman-Brightwell Ph.D.: Paying attention to detail and applying those details in quality deliverables by meeting deadlines.
Bob Martin
Assistant Dean for Internships and Career PlacementPennsylvania State University
Career Services, Telecommunications and Media Industries
What skills stand out on Communications Internship resumes?
Bob Martin: Depending on the role of the communications associate, different skills are required to stand out. For example, students seeking post-production roles in film/television will need to be proficient in editing software skills. Our students seeking public relations skills will need to develop media kits, press releases, and public relations campaigns. Students seeking advertising media planning roles will need to have strong research skills and understand media planning software utilized in the industry. These are just three snapshots of the different skills that apply and are necessary to different communications career paths. Regardless of the communications sector, everyone must be a strong storyteller. That is paramount.
What soft skills should all Communications Interns possess?
Bob Martin: I am not sure I would classify writing skills as a soft skill, but I would certainly put it at the top of the list of skills necessary for all up-and-coming communications professionals regardless of their career focus. The ability to work in teams under deadline, adaptability, leadership, emotional intelligence and problem-solving skills are critical soft skills that communications professionals must possess.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Communications Interns?
Bob Martin: Once again, different communications sectors require different hard/technical skills. Here is just a snapshot for specific sectors:
-Film/Television Editing: Final Cut Pro, Adobe Premiere, Avid
-Digital analytics: Google Analytics, Microsoft Office
-Media Planning: ComScore
-Public Relations: Cision, Sprout, Hootsuite
What skills will help Communications Interns earn the most?
Bob Martin: Adaptability, leadership, and possessing emotional intelligence will allow you to maximize your earning potential over the long haul of your career.
What skills stand out on Communications Internship resumes?
Dr. Jiangmeng Helen Liu Ph.D.: When evaluating a resume for an entry-level public relations (PR) position, such as account coordinator, the first thing an agency looks at is writing ability, including an ability to organize information. This tells you the recent graduate's key strategic communication skills are in place. Next would be relevant PR experience (e.g., school projects, internships, volunteering), especially experience with real-world projects. How the graduate describes their experience is another strong demonstration of their essential PR skills (e.g., writing skill, research skill, creativity, leadership, etc.) This is much more persuasive than simply listing a few words under the "Skills" section of their resumes.
While real-world experience is highly important, what most stands out is an ability to identify and effectively communicate specific outcomes from experience. If the candidate can attach some quantifiable measurements to their accomplishments, that would stand out even more. Most college graduates are good at listing their experiences; the few that take the extra step to cite accomplishments go immediately to the top of the list.
Jim Clune
InstructorSeattle University
Communication Department
What hard/technical skills are most important for Communications Interns?
Jim Clune: Communication skills (verbal and written, especially written) are the critical baseline for a successful career in PR. PR is still about communication and content, even in an era of digital media, memes, and emojis.
Social media management ability is also critical, particularly for entry-level PR positions. Most employers recognize Millennials and, even more, Gen Z are true social media natives and rely on younger, junior staff to navigate their social media accounts. It would be particularly impressive if applicants demonstrate their ability to understand and use Google Analytics, social media analytical tools, media aggregators, and monitoring tools.
An ability with media relations, both digital and traditional, is another critical skill simply because most PR clients demand it. As a result, PR agencies prioritize applicant resumes that showcase experience and accomplishment in successfully generating earned media for their clients and organizations. For this reason, internships that provide an opportunity for students to demonstrate their ability with media relations are highly valuable.
Measurement and research skills are vital as well, although many students might neglect them. As a result, knowledge of basic statistics could set a candidate apart from many other PR majors. It is also necessary that students know how to conduct primary research (both qualitative and quantitative) and interpret the results for the clients.
Julia Richmond Ph.D.
Assistant ProfessorRowan University
Public Relations and Advertising
What skills stand out on Communications Internship resumes?
Julia Richmond Ph.D.: Public Relations (PR) is strategic communication that builds, maintains, and repairs relations between organizations and their publics. Individuals who wish to succeed in PR roles should focus on developing communication competencies, improving time management skills, and fostering flexibility in their professional pursuits. As the industry continues to change due to the COVID-19 global pandemic, job seekers need to prove that they can produce clear, timely, and relevant work while demonstrating their ability to build relationships virtually as well as in person.
Successful practitioners in PR must be expert communicators with the capability to develop relationships with their constituents. It is not enough for candidates to speak well and write proficiently; they must also build meaningful connections. Further, PR professionals must adopt a writing style that reflects the needs of a diverse and global audience through inclusive and equitable means. PR professionals must communicate via numerous social media platforms such as Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook, along with integrating virtual communication modalities such as video conferencing, voice-over communication, and instant messaging. These communication skills have become increasingly important for cultivating relations during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Time management is also a key skillset when considering a job in PR. In the context of PR campaigns, projects can be large, detailed, and fast-paced. Professionals utilize time management skills to forecast the scope of a project, manage the expectations of clients, and maintain schedules of benchmark data collection. In the context of day-to-day work, contemporary professionals can work from home, which might lead to procrastination and time-wasting. Time management skills help professionals stay on task and succeed during the day. With the increased erosion of the 9-5 workday, PR practitioners must set and maintain their own time boundaries and goals.
Finally, flexibility is an important skill set for public relations practitioners. When communicating on behalf of the organization, professionals must be open to the unique needs of various publics. When designing a public relations strategy, PR personnel cannot merely rely on past campaigns without considering the dynamics of the current case. In an ever-changing media environment, practitioners must exhibit flexibility in their approach to communication. The best practices in PR are constantly changing, and therefore the best practitioners in PR must be willing and able to change too.
The greatest part of preparing for a career in PR is that candidates can begin working on their career skills today. Job seekers can develop their verbal and written communication skills by writing and speaking to other professionals. Future practitioners can improve time management strategies by using planners, utilizing digital appointment applications, and working consistently to form positive scheduling habits. Moreover, job seekers can read campaigns and case studies by consulting professional organizations like The Arthur Page Society and The Public Relations Student Society of America.
Bradley Van Alstyne Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Communications, Coordinator, Online Learning and Development, Chair of the Communications and Media Studies DepartmentDominican University of California
Communication and Media Studies
What skills will help Communications Interns earn the most?
Bradley Van Alstyne Ph.D.: The hard skills (audio and video) usually get you the job, but the soft skills allow you to keep it and grow!
Dr. Yolandra Plummer Ph.D.
Associate ProfessorUniversity of the District of Columbia
Department of Management
What skills stand out on Communications Internship resumes?
Dr. Yolandra Plummer Ph.D.: Key skills that stand out on Public Relations Coordinator resumes include strong verbal and written communication skills, ability to market and promote via social media content, attention to detail, superior presentation skills in person and via Microsoft Teams, Webex, and/or Zoom. Additional skills include excellent customer service and interpersonal skills.