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Stem Internship Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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Stem Internship information

See California salary details

$6

$16

$23

How much do stem internship jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for stem internship in California is $16.11, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.23 and $18.99 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a STEM internship?

STEM internships are short-term work experiences in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. They provide students or recent graduates with practical, hands-on experience related to their academic studies. These internships help participants develop technical skills, gain industry insights, and build professional networks, often increasing their chances of securing a full-time job in a STEM field after graduation.

What types of projects or tasks can I expect to work on during a STEM internship?

During a STEM internship, you can expect to work on a variety of hands-on projects that align with your field of study, such as assisting with research experiments, developing software prototypes, analyzing data, or supporting engineering design processes. Interns often collaborate closely with experienced professionals and may participate in team meetings, contribute to ongoing projects, and present their findings. This experience not only builds technical skills but also helps interns understand workplace dynamics and professional expectations within STEM industries.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a STEM intern, and why are they important?

To thrive as a STEM Intern, you typically need a solid academic background in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics, often pursuing or holding a relevant degree. Familiarity with technical tools such as programming languages, data analysis software, laboratory equipment, or engineering design platforms is commonly expected. Strong problem-solving abilities, effective communication, and eagerness to learn are standout soft skills in this position. These skills and qualities are crucial for contributing to projects, adapting to new challenges, and maximizing learning opportunities during the internship.

What is the difference between Stem Internship vs STEM Technician?

AspectStem InternshipSTEM Technician
Required CredentialsTypically students or recent graduates; may require coursework or related experiencePost-secondary education or certifications in STEM fields; technical training often required
Work EnvironmentEducational settings, labs, or industry internships; learning-focusedLaboratories, manufacturing, or technical facilities; hands-on technical work
Employer & Industry UsageEducational institutions, companies offering internship programsResearch labs, manufacturing firms, technical service providers

While both roles involve STEM skills, a Stem Internship is primarily an educational opportunity for students to gain experience, whereas a STEM Technician is a more technical, hands-on role requiring specific training or certifications. Internships often serve as a stepping stone into the STEM industry, while technicians perform essential technical tasks in various industries.

What are the most commonly searched types of Stem jobs in California?

The most popular types of Stem jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Stem Internship jobs?

Cities in California with the most Stem Internship job openings:

Infographic showing various Stem Internship job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 13% Internship, 62% Full Time, and 25% Part Time. Highlights an 87% In-person, and 13% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $33,513 per year, or $16.1 per hour.

MBA Intern & CSUMB UROC Husbandry Exhibit Internship

Monterey Bay Aquarium

Monterey, CA โ€ข On-site

$18/hr

Part-time

This job post hasย expired today.ย Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

At the Monterey Bay Aquarium, we are passionate about creating an inclusive workplace that celebrates and values diversity. We firmly believe that having a team of diverse backgrounds and voices working together increases our capacity to serve our visitors and fulfill our mission. We welcome people from all walks of life into our team and strongly encourage people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, veterans, and people with disabilities to apply.
The deadline to apply to this opportunity is September 2, 2026 at 12:00 PM PST.
Job summary:
The Monterey Bay Aquarium (MBA) is seeking a qualified candidate to participate in the Monterey Bay Aquarium Internship Program (MBAIP), California State University Monterey Bay (CSUMB) Undergraduate Research Opportunities Center (UROC) Husbandry Exhibit Internship program under the guidance of the Husbandry Operations Fish and Invertebrate team.
The primary reporting area will be the Drifters and Schooling Fishes galleries with additional task assignments that may include assisting in the Into the Deep exhibit and holding spaces. This internship is designed to provide students with an in-depth exposure to jelly biology and culture work and involves training in a variety of protocols such as exhibit maintenance, diet preparation, animal handling, data recording, and animal behavioral observations. Mentors will supervise interns in the development of a research project to be conducted during the internship and presented upon completion of the term.
Core Responsibilities
  • Daily exhibit maintenance including acrylic care, siphoning, cleaning, and aqua-scaping
  • Maintenance of aquatic animal holding systems
  • Cleaning and organization of service areas and behind-the-scenes workspaces
  • Diet preparation and feeding of both live and frozen seafood items
  • Culturing and harvesting of live food items (brine shrimp larvae, rotifers, copepods)
  • Maintenance and feeding of jelly culture systems
  • Completion of a husbandry-related research project on laboratory culture methods for jellies, comb jellies, and general aquaculture methods for other aquatic animals to be presented at the end of the internship
  • Physical task requirements can include: handling chemicals, kneeling, bending, lifting, squatting, climbing ladders, scrubbing, and sweeping

Absolutely Required Skills / Knowledge / Ability / Experience or Education
  • At least 18 years of age
  • Must be a current student at an accredited college or university, or graduated during the term immediately preceding the internship
  • Must submit a cover letter and resume of relevant coursework and/or experience related to the position applying for
  • Must provide a minimum of 2 letters of recommendation from college/university professors or faculty/staff
  • Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0
  • Schedule requirements include a minimum commitment of 16 hours per week with total cumulative hours not to exceed 520 for the duration of the internship, which will span the fall and spring semesters
  • Proof of current tetanus and COVID-19 vaccination
  • Able to lift and carry up to 40lbs
  • Self-motivated and able to work independently and efficiently with minimal supervision
  • Tolerant of wet and dirty environments, and able to work in cold water temperatures (~52F) for extended periods at a time
  • Able to follow written and verbal instructions
  • Able to work comfortably around animals in a frequently-changing environment

Desired Skills / Knowledge / Ability / Experience or Education
  • At least one-weekend workday preferred
  • Attention to detail in working with delicate animals
  • Strong interest in and awareness of animal husbandry and marine science/ecology
  • Usage of tools such as Image J and R
  • Interpersonal skills and proven ability to work effectively with colleagues
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint

Ancillary Responsibilities
  • Animal health observations
  • Guest interaction/interpretation

This internship is a paid STEM internship opportunity. Pay rate is $18.00 USD per hour.
College credit may also be available. Please refer to your College/University's student services division.
Early submission of applications is encouraged.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.