What are the rules for paying interns?

In Virginia, the rules for paying interns depend on the nature of the intern’s job and the type of internship program. All interns who work for companies based in the state must be paid at least the minimum wage, which is currently $7.25 an hour. Interns who are working in certain non-profit programs may be exempt from this rule. In addition, interns who are working as volunteers, such as for a public service, may also be exempt from the minimum wage rate. If an intern is working with a company as part of an educational program, the intern is typically not eligible for wages and instead will be paid with college credits or other non-monetary benefits. In this case, the internship will usually be unpaid. In addition to the wage requirements, all interns in Virginia must abide by the same labor laws as any other worker, which includes the right to minimum wage, overtime pay, breaks, and safety regulations. It is important for employers to make sure that they are in compliance with all state and federal laws related to labor and employment, including those related to interns.

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