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Paid Student Intern Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

Acs

Community Engagement Grant Intern

Irvine, CA

$18/hr

Be at least a 2nd year student at a college; * Intern at least fifteen (15) hours a week; * This is ... ACS CAN provides staff a generous paid time off policy; medical, dental, retirement benefits ...

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All JobsPaid Student Intern JobsPaid Student Intern Jobs in Riverside, CA

Paid Student Intern information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$9

$17

$25

How much do paid student intern jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for paid student intern in Riverside, CA is $17.77, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.05 and $20.05 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a paid student intern?

Paid student interns are students, often in college or high school, who temporarily work for an organization to gain practical experience in their field of study while receiving financial compensation. These internships are designed to provide students with hands-on learning opportunities, exposure to real-world work environments, and professional networking. Paid student interns typically have specific projects or tasks assigned to them and may work part-time or full-time, depending on the employer's needs and the intern's schedule. The compensation can vary based on industry, location, and the intern's qualifications.

How do paid student interns balance work responsibilities with learning opportunities?

Paid student interns are often given a mix of meaningful tasks and learning experiences. While you’ll contribute to ongoing projects and handle specific assignments, supervisors usually set aside time for mentorship, training, and feedback to ensure skill development. Most teams understand the importance of growth and provide support through regular check-ins or shadowing opportunities. Open communication with your manager about your goals can help you find the right balance between productivity and learning during your internship.

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

To thrive as a Paid Student Intern, you typically need a strong academic background, eagerness to learn, and foundational knowledge relevant to the industry or department. Familiarity with productivity software like Microsoft Office or Google Workspace, and sometimes basic knowledge of specific industry tools, is often expected. Strong communication, initiative, and time management skills help interns stand out by enabling them to contribute effectively and adapt quickly. These skills and qualities are crucial for maximizing learning opportunities, adding value to the team, and building a foundation for future career growth.

What is the difference between Paid Student Intern vs Paid Entry-Level Employee?

AspectPaid Student InternPaid Entry-Level Employee
CredentialsTypically enrolled in a degree program; minimal required certificationsUsually holds a degree or relevant certification
Work EnvironmentTemporary, learning-focused, often part-time or seasonalFull-time, professional setting, ongoing responsibilities
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in internships across industries like marketing, engineering, financeStandard entry-level roles in same industries

Paid Student Interns are primarily students gaining experience, often with limited responsibilities, while Paid Entry-Level Employees are full-time staff with defined roles and responsibilities. Internships serve as training periods, whereas entry-level positions are permanent roles for recent graduates.

What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Paid Student Intern jobs?

Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Paid Student Intern job openings:

Paid Student Intern jobs near you
Infographic showing various Paid Student Intern job openings in Riverside, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 19% Internship, 50% Full Time, 25% Part Time, and 6% Temporary. Highlights an 97% In-person, and 3% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $36,969 per year, or $17.8 per hour.

Intern, Rail Operations

Orange County Transportation Authority

Orange, CA • On-site

$20 - $23/hr

Part-time

Posted 12 days ago

Orange County Transportation Authority rating

9.7

Company rating: 9.7 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

6th of 852 rated public administrative organizations

Job description

Job Description
College Intern - Regional Rail
Under direct supervision, supports OCTA's Rail initiatives by assisting with compiling and analyzing rail performance data, preparing presentations and reports, attending and summarizing Committee and Board meetings, graphic design, and supporting special projects. The position will also provide opportunities to participate in field work and gain firsthand exposure to rail and transit operations, programs, and projects.
You will perform a variety of professional entry-level duties related to your major field of study and the sponsoring department's current business operations. As a College Intern, you will be exposed to OCTA's career opportunities in the transportation industry. You will gain deeper awareness of transportation's many facets through your OCTA orientation, projects and teams, and internal networking.
OCTA's College Intern Program is a year-round paid student/intern program. You will gain real world work experience on meaningful projects under the guidance of a transportation professional. You will have the opportunity to use problem solving, communication and decision-making skills as you gain valuable work experience. You will also work with a mentor and benefit from career counseling.
The pay range is from $20.00 - $23.00 per hour depending on your education level. This position is not eligible for employee benefits. The work schedule will consist of approximately 20 hours a week, not to exceed 1,000 hours within a continuous 12-month period.
This posting will remain open until a candidate is selected.
What You'll Do
  • Prepare presentations, reports, and materials highlighting rail performance metrics, including ridership and on-time performance.
  • Support analysis of rail system performance data and trends.
  • Assist with rail program, budget, and project tracking.
  • Attend Committee and Board of Directors meetings and prepare meeting notes and summaries.
  • Participate in rail and transit field work to gain firsthand industry experience.
  • Conduct research and complete special projects related to rail and transit.
  • Compile and organize data for reports, presentations, and decision-making.
  • Support document control, file organization, and records management activities.

What We're Looking For
  • Currently enrolled full-time college student (Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, or Senior) at an accredited two- or four-year college or university
  • Pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree relevant to transportation, planning, business administration, engineering, data analytics, public administration or a related discipline
  • Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher
  • Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills
  • Interest in public transportation, rail operations, transportation planning or related areas
  • Ability to manage multiple assignments and meet deadlines
  • Ability to learn technical concepts and take on increasingly responsible assignments.
  • Detail-oriented, dependable, and comfortable working collaboratively in a professional environment.

Why You'll Love It Here
  • Gain real-world transportation experience while working on rail and transit programs that serve Orange County.
  • Turn data into insights by working with ridership, on-time performance, and other key rail metrics.
  • See transportation in action through opportunities to participate in rail and transit field work.
  • Learn how public agencies operate through exposure to projects, budgets, programs, and OCTA's Committee and Board processes.
  • Build your professional network while learning alongside experienced transportation professionals.
  • Strengthen your resume with meaningful projects and practical experience related to your field of study.

Join a team where innovation, integrity, and strategic thinking are valued.
Apply now to gain meaningful experience and contribute to OCTA's transportation initiatives.
OCTA is an equal employment opportunity employer that recruits, hires, and promotes qualified people without regard to race, color, religion, creed, ancestry, national origin, age, sex, pregnancy, gender, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, medical condition, disability, genetic information, military and veteran status, or any other legally protected status.

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