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Congressional Internship Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Federal Legislative Intern

Washington, DC ยท On-site +1

$17 - $22/hr

This internship is designed to provide experience in legislative and governmental affairs, policy, and the Congressional appropriations process. The intern will gain experience in shaping ...

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Congressional Internship information

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How much do congressional internship jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for congressional internship in the United States is $15.54, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.50 and $17.55 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a congressional internship?

Congressional internships are temporary positions offered to students or recent graduates who want to gain firsthand experience working in the United States Congress. Interns typically assist with legislative research, attend hearings, answer constituent inquiries, and perform various administrative tasks in the offices of Senators or Representatives. These internships provide valuable insight into the legislative process, public policy, and government operations. They are often highly competitive and can be a stepping stone to a career in public service or politics.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a congressional intern?

To thrive as a Congressional Intern, you need strong research, writing, and organizational skills, often supported by academic coursework in political science, public policy, or related fields. Familiarity with legislative tracking tools, office productivity software, and communication platforms is highly valuable. Professionalism, discretion, and strong interpersonal skills help interns excel in a dynamic and high-profile political environment. These abilities are crucial for effectively supporting legislative staff, managing sensitive information, and building professional relationships within government offices.

What are some common challenges faced by congressional interns, and how can they overcome them?

Congressional interns often encounter challenges such as managing a fast-paced workload, adapting to a formal professional environment, and handling multiple tasks with tight deadlines. It's essential to stay organized, communicate proactively with supervisors, and seek feedback regularly. Taking initiative, being adaptable, and building strong relationships with staff members can help interns maximize their learning experience and effectively contribute to the team.

What is the difference between Congressional Internship vs Legislative Assistant?

AspectCongressional InternshipLegislative Assistant
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or college student; some positions prefer political science or related majorsBachelor's degree; often in political science, law, or related fields
Work EnvironmentTemporary, entry-level; working in congressional offices, assisting with research and administrative tasksFull-time, professional; conducting policy research, drafting legislation, and advising lawmakers
Employer & Industry UsageCongressional offices, government agenciesLegislative bodies, government agencies, advocacy groups

While both roles involve working within the legislative process, a Congressional Internship is typically an entry-level, temporary position for students or recent graduates gaining exposure to congressional operations. A Legislative Assistant is a more advanced, full-time role responsible for policy analysis, drafting legislation, and advising lawmakers, often requiring more experience and education.

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States with the most job openings for Congressional Internship jobs include:

Infographic showing various Congressional Internship job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 17% Internship, 28% Full Time, 44% Part Time, and 11% Temporary. Highlights an 83% In-person, and 17% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,333 per year, or $15.5 per hour.

Research Internship, Government Relations, Fall 2026

Hudson Institute

Washington, DC โ€ข On-site

$17 - $22.75/hr

Internship

Posted 14 days ago


Job description

Description

Hudson Institute is seeking an intern looking to gain experience in research that informs policymakers in Congress and the executive branch on a broad range of issues. This intern will provide research and administrative support to the Government Relations team. In addition to being exposed to critical issues in the aforementioned subject areas, interns will spend significant time discussing these issues with their expert(s). Those who work onsite will also have the opportunity to assist with and attend Hudson Institute public events, as well as intern-specific events featuring Hudson scholars and experts across Washington, DC.


About Hudson Institute


Hudson Institute is a research-focused public policy think tank headquartered in Washington, D.C., dedicated to promoting American leadership for a secure, free, and prosperous future. For more than half a century, Hudson Institute has been challenging conventional thinking by developing new ideas and practical solutions to shape critical foreign and domestic policy decisions.


Responsibilities include

  • Tracking legislative and executive developments relevant to Hudson Institute.ย 
  • Support Government Relations strategic planningย 
  • Attending congressional hearings and preparing memos summarizing key points of discussion.
  • Assisting in organizing bipartisan briefings and discussions through regular communication with congressional offices on behalf of Hudson Institute.ย 
  • Writing and editing an internal newsletter updating the institute on congressional developments.ย 
  • Assisting with administrative tasks and event support.

How to Apply:

Please upload a cover letter, resume, and short, relevant writing sample (2-3 pages) in a single PDF to the cover letter file upload. Please title the document "First, Last Application" (e.g. Jane Doe Application). Those who do not submit a writing sample will be disqualified ย 


Due to the large number of applications that we receive, we regret that we can only contact those applicants who have been selected for an interview.

Requirements

  • Candidates should be recent graduates or current students working towards a degree in political science, international relations, economics, government relations, history, or related fields.ย 
  • Candidates should have prior experience working on the Capitol Hill or in a research environment.ย 
  • Candidates should show a demonstrated interest in and a comprehensive understanding of the structure of the US government and current US policies on major foreign-policy issues.ย 
  • Candidates should have experience working independently, managing their time wisely, and meeting deadlines.
  • Candidates should possess strong research, writing, editing, and analysis skills, as well as excellent communication, public-speaking, and interpersonal skills.
  • Candidates should be proficient in all Microsoft Office applications.
  • Candidates should be able to work a minimum of 30 hours per week.ย 
  • Remote work is not an option for this position. Please note that you are able to work in-person in your cover letter.