If you’re an international student looking to work in IT in North America, salary negotiation is probably one of your biggest concerns. When you’re just starting out, it’s normal not to know what kind of pay you can expect, or how internships compare to full-time jobs in terms of salary. Overall, IT jobs here pay pretty well, especially technical roles, which usually start off way ahead of many other fields.
For example, if you’re fresh out of school and land an entry-level software engineering job at a big company like Google, Meta, or Amazon, you might expect a total package between $120,000 and $160,000 a year. This includes your base salary, bonuses, and stock options. Smaller companies or startups usually offer less—somewhere around $80,000 to $110,000—but sometimes they make up for it with more stock or faster chances to move up.
Internships also pay decently. Summer internships at big tech firms often pay $45 to $65 per hour, plus things like housing and travel reimbursements. So over a summer, you can earn $15,000 to $20,000 or more. For many international students, that kind of internship not only boosts your resume but also helps cover living costs.
Location matters a lot too. Places like the Bay Area, Seattle, and New York usually offer higher pay to offset their high living expenses. But if you’re in a city with a lower cost of living, your salary might be lower. So when you’re looking at offers, don’t just focus on the salary number—think about what you’ll actually have left after taxes and rent.
And remember, your starting salary is just the beginning. After a few years—whether you switch jobs or get promoted—your pay can jump a lot. Senior engineers often make over $200,000 a year. For international students, it’s really important to keep building your skills, work on your communication, and stay up to date with the market. That’s how you’ll keep growing and earn more over time.
Release time:2025-07-08
