Ask The Expert: Summer Interns
May, 2021

We are looking to bring in some summer interns. What type of benefits do we need to provide them and what rate of pay do we need to give them?

Expert Answer:
In New York state the minimum rate is higher than the federal rate, and depending on the county, your rate might also be different. Please see the schedule below form the NY DOL website at ny.gov. Although you may pay minimum rate to your summer interns, if they happen to be college students, especially with a in demand profession, you may want to consider paying them above the minimum wage depending on the market and the industry.

General Minimum Wage Rate Schedule
Location	12/31/16	12/31/17	12/31/18	12/31/19	12/31/20	2021*
NYC – Big Employers (of 11 or more)	$11.00	$13.00	$15.00
NYC – Small Employers (10 or less)	$10.50	$12.00	$13.50	$15.00
Long Island & Westchester	$10.00	$11.00	$12.00	$13.00	$14.00	$15.00
Remainder of New York State Workers	$9.70	$10.40	$11.10	$11.80	$12.50	*

* Annual increases for the rest of the state will continue until the rate reaches $15 minimum wage (and $10 tipped wage). Starting 2021, the annual increases will be published by the Commissioner of Labor on or before October 1. They will be based on percentage increases determined by the Director of the Division of Budget, based on economic indices, including the Consumer Price Index.
One of the benefits that you must provide your seasonal/summer interns is paid sick time which can be calculated at 1 hour for every 30 hours worked and can accrue as they work. Please see the schedule of sick leave which must be provided to all employees depending on the size and or revenue of your company found at https://www.ny.gov/programs/new-york-paid-sick-leave

It is not necessary to pay your summer interns vacation or holiday pay, although I would suggest considering paying them holiday pay since they are only working during the summer when they are not in school and will most likely only have July 4th as a holiday.

You are also not required to provide them with health benefits unless your health plan provides them with benefits. You may want to check with your health broker. As long as your summer interns do not work full time past the summer (usually from May to August), you can exclude them from health benefits.