What is Per Diem Work? Meaning, Benefits, and How to Find It

Looking to break free from the 9-to-5 grind? In today’s evolving job market, per diem work has emerged as a compelling option for many. Notably, according to the market.us, the per diem nurse staffing market is experiencing rapid growth, projected to reach USD 16.4 billion by 2033, up from USD 8.7 billion in 2023 . This trend reflects a broader shift towards flexible employment arrangements across various sectors.

Whether you’re a healthcare professional, educator, freelancer, or HR manager, understanding the various nitty-gritty of per diem work can open new avenues for career advancement and work-life balance. This begs the question: “what exactly is a per diem job?” 

Quick Summary: Per diem work offers flexible, short-term job opportunities where employees are paid daily rather than salaried. This guide covers what per diem means, how it differs from part-time work, and its pros and cons for both employers and workers. You’ll also discover the industries that rely on per diem roles, how to find these jobs, and what to expect in terms of pay and tax treatment. Whether you’re exploring new income streams or managing a flexible workforce, this post helps you understand the full scope of per diem employment in 2025.

In this blog, we’ll delve into per diem definition, discuss what is per diem work, explore its benefits, and provide practical tips on how to find such opportunities. Stay tuned to discover how per diem roles can align with your professional goals and lifestyle preferences.

What does Per Diem Mean?

Per diem means “per day,”( a Latin term) and in the modern job market, it refers to work arrangements where individuals are paid a daily rate rather than receiving a traditional salary or hourly wage. In per diem roles, employees are typically brought in on an as-needed basis—ideal for covering staff shortages, peak demand, or temporary assignments. 

Common in industries like healthcare, education, and gig work, per diem jobs offer flexibility and competitive pay. Unlike full-time positions, these roles don’t always include benefits, but they provide greater control over your schedule and workload.

What is Per Diem Work?

Per diem work refers to temporary, flexible job assignments where individuals are paid a daily or per-shift rate. These roles are typically not guaranteed on a regular basis and are offered as needed—often to fill in for absent staff or to manage short-term workload spikes. 

Per diem workers are common in healthcare (like nurses and medical techs), education (such as substitute teachers), and freelance or gig-based roles. Unlike part-time or full-time employees who generally work in different types of work schedules, per diem workers usually don’t receive benefits like health insurance or paid time off, but they gain the freedom to choose when and where they work. 

Now, that you have a clear understanding of per diem work meaning, let’s explore its benefits and disadvantages in the upcoming sections.

What Are The Benefits of Per Diem Work?

Per diem work offers unique advantages for both employees and employers, making it an increasingly popular employment model across industries.

For Employees:

• Flexibility: One of the biggest perks of per diem work from home is the ability to choose when and how often you work. A 2023 FlexJobs survey revealed that 65% of per diem workers chose this path primarily for its flexibility, allowing them to balance professional commitment with personal responsibilities. 
  
  This is especially valuable for parents, students, or anyone juggling multiple responsibilities or side gigs.
  
• Potential for Higher Pay: Per diem workers are often compensated at a higher daily or hourly rate compared to full-time staff. This is because their roles typically don’t include benefits like health insurance or paid time off.

• Diverse Work Experience: Working per diem allows professionals to gain exposure to different environments, teams, and challenges. As noted by TimeTrex, per diem roles often allow employees to work across various industries or departments, providing exposure to different practices and challenges. 
  
  This not only enhances your resume but also builds a well-rounded skill set that can open doors to future opportunities.
  
• Work-Life Balance: With control over your schedule, it becomes easier to prioritize personal commitments, avoid burnout, and maintain a healthier work life balance. This becomes especially important in high-stress fields like healthcare and education.
  
  Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs), for example, finds that flexible scheduling reduces burnout and empowers them to take control of their work environment and hours. 

For Employers

• Flexibility in Staffing: Employers can scale their workforce up or down quickly based on real-time needs. This is ideal for handling seasonal demand, staff absences, or unexpected workload increases.

• Cost Savings: Since per diem workers typically don’t receive full-time benefits or long-term contracts, businesses can manage staffing budgets more efficiently without compromising on productivity.
  
  According to Gotham Companies, per diem staffing is not just a cost-effective solution; it’s a strategic approach to managing the complexities of workforce demands. 
  
• Access to Specialized Skills: Per diem professionals often bring niche expertise or experience that can be tapped into as needed, without the cost and commitment of a permanent hire. 

Thus, it can be safely said that per diem work creates a win-win situation, delivering agility for employers and autonomy for workers in an ever-evolving job ecosystem. 

What Are The Disadvantages of Per Diem Work?

While per diem work offers flexibility and higher pay potential, it also comes with trade-offs that both employees and employers should consider.

For Employees

• Lack of Benefits: As noted by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, benefits constitute a significant portion of total compensation, and lacking them can impact overall financial well-being.
  
  Most per diem positions do not include traditional benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, or paid leave. This can be a significant drawback, especially for those who rely on employer-provided coverage for financial stability and health needs.
  
• Inconsistent Work: A study by the Economic Policy Institute notes that non-standard work arrangements, including per diem roles, often result in income volatility for workers.
  
  Since per diem roles are often offered on an as-needed basis, there’s no guarantee of consistent hours or income. This unpredictability can make budgeting and long-term planning challenging.
  
• Potential for Abuse: In some cases, employers may over-rely on per diem workers to avoid offering benefits or full-time employment. This leads to a cycle of underemployment, where workers are never given opportunities for more stable roles.

• Distorted Program Design: Some organizations may misuse per diem classifications to cut costs, which can undermine employee protections and create confusion over job responsibilities and pay structures.

For Employers:

• Potential for Fraudulent Expense Claims: A study found that 85% of employees have admitted to falsifying expense reports, with 82% never being caught.
  
  In certain industries, especially those involving per diem work travel, employees may overstate expenses or exploit vague reimbursement policies, leading to financial losses.
  
• Mismatch Between Actual Costs and Per Diem Rates: A study by the U4 Anti-Corruption Resource Centre emphasizes the need for regular reviews of per diem rates to align them with real costs.
  
  Standardized per diem rates might not accurately reflect local cost-of-living differences. This can result in overpaying or undercompensating workers, affecting morale or budget planning.
  
• Non-Compliance and Penalties: Misclassifying employees as per diem when they should be considered part-time or full-time can lead to regulatory issues, fines, and legal complications under US labor laws. 

Thus, we would not be in the wrong to say that while per diem work can be a strategic choice, understanding the risks is absolutely essential for making informed decisions that protect both employee welfare and employer accountability. 

Per Diem vs Part Time Work

Understanding per diem vs part time work comparison is essential for professionals deciding which type of employment best fits their lifestyle, and for employers choosing the right staffing model. Having a thorough idea about full time equivalent concept also won’t hurt. 

Now, let’s take a look at a side-by-side comparison:

Parameters	Per Diem Work	Part Time Work
Schedule & Stability	Highly flexible; shifts are offered as needed with no guaranteed hours or routine.	Typically has a set schedule with regular, recurring hours each week.
Pay	Often higher pay per hour or per day due to lack of benefits and short notice.	Generally lower hourly rate compared to per diem, but more consistent income.
Benefits	Usually does not include health insurance, retirement plans, or paid leave.	May include limited benefits depending on employer and hours worked.
Commitment	Minimal commitment; workers can accept or decline per diem work schedule at will.	Requires a formal commitment to a schedule and may include contractual terms,

Key Takeaways:

• Per diem work is ideal for individuals seeking maximum flexibility and are comfortable with fluctuating income.
  
• Part-time work suits those who prefer more predictable hours and some level of benefits without a full-time workload.
  
• Employers often use per diem staff to address short-term or emergency needs, while part-time workers are hired for ongoing, consistent support.
  

Choosing between per diem and part-time work comes down to your career goals, financial needs, and how much control you want over your schedule. Both models offer pros and cons, and the right choice depends on your individual situation.

What is A Per Diem Job?

A per diem job is a type of employment where workers are hired on an as-needed basis, often paid by the day or shift rather than a regular salary. These roles offer flexibility and are common in industries like healthcare, education, construction, and hospitality. 

Unlike part-time or full-time jobs, per diem work from home jobs do not guarantee consistent hours or benefits, making them ideal for someone exploring freelancing opportunities or for that matter, anyone seeking a flexible schedule or supplemental income. 

Employers use per diem workers to fill short-term staffing gaps, manage seasonal demand, or cover absences, allowing both parties to benefit from a more adaptable working arrangement. 

Now, that you have a clear idea of what does per diem mean for jobs, let’s take a look at the common industries offering per diem work in the next section. 

Common Industries Offering Per Diem Work

Per diem work is becoming increasingly popular across a range of industries that require flexibility, rapid staffing solutions, and access to specialized talent. Here are some of the most common sectors where per diem jobs are widely available:

Healthcare

The healthcare industry is the largest provider of per diem opportunities. In 2023, the U.S. per diem nurse staffing market generated approximately $4.36 billion in revenue and is projected to reach $6.36 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 5.5% .

Hospitals (holding a 68.3% market share), clinics, and nursing homes frequently hire per diem nurses, medical assistants, respiratory therapists, and other professionals to fill last-minute staffing gaps or cover peak demand. This model helps facilities maintain high standards of patient care while managing labor costs.

Education

Per diem work near me is also common in the education sector, particularly for substitute teachers, aides, and administrative staff. Educational institutions, particularly K – 12 schools rely on per diem professionals to maintain classroom continuity when full-time educators are absent. It’s a great option for retired teachers or those pursuing flexible teaching careers.

Hospitality

Hotels, event venues, and catering companies often hire per diem workers to meet fluctuating guest volumes or seasonal spikes. Against this backdrop, we would like to point out that government-related travel alone supports nearly 300,000 hospitality jobs and contributes $33.5 billion in travel spending annually. 

Roles can include servers, bartenders, housekeeping staff, and event coordinators. It allows businesses to scale operations without long-term commitments.

Construction

Construction projects often require skilled labor on a temporary or project-by-project basis. Electricians, carpenters, plumbers, and safety officers may be brought on per diem for specific phases of a build. This allows for agility and access to experience tradespeople without permanent hires. 

Consulting and IT

Tech and consulting firms sometimes use per diem models for short-term contracts or client-based work. IT specialists, project managers, and business consultants are brought in for specific deliverables. Such an approach offers flexibility for both the worker and the company.

Now, that you know what does per diem mean in a job as well as the common industries offering per diem work, let’s explore the top per diem job in 2025 in the next section. 

Top Per Diem Jobs in 2025

Per diem jobs continue to gain momentum in 2025 as more professionals seek flexible, short-term work that offers control over their schedules. Here’s a breakdown of some of the top per diem work type across key industries:

Healthcare

The healthcare sector continues to see a surge in per diem roles due to staffing shortages and increased demand. According to Grand View Research, the U.S. per diem nurse staffing market will reach $13.07 billion by 2030. This bears a clear testament to the fact that per diem work from home nursing jobs are booming at a never-seen-before scale. Key roles include:​

• Physicians:  Hospitals often need physicians on-call or for short-term coverage in emergency departments or rural facilities.

• Nurses: : From travel RNs to PRN nurses, flexible shifts and premium pay make per diem work from home rn jobs a top per diem choice.

• Physical Therapists: Rehab centers and hospitals need therapists to fill in gaps or meet post-op demand.

• Registered Dietitians: Short-term nutrition consults in clinical or wellness settings are increasingly common.

• Medical Technicians: Lab techs, radiology techs, and others are in high demand for on-demand diagnostics.

• Personal Support Workers (PSWs): Assist patients with daily care in homes and long-term care facilities.

Education

Educational institutions rely on per diem staff to maintain continuity in instruction. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics notes a steady demand for substitute teachers and tutors.

• Substitute Teachers: Schools rely on substitutes to maintain classroom instruction during staff absences.
  
• Tutors: Online and in-person tutors are hired on a per diem basis to help students with specific subjects or exam prep.

Other Industries

Beyond healthcare and education, several industries offer per diem work opportunities:

• Temporary Event Staff: ​Roles like ushers, security, and setup crews are in high demand for conferences and events.

• Patient Transporters: Hospitals use these workers to move patients efficiently during busy hours.

• Construction Workers and Electricians: Skilled technicians are hired for short-term project phases. 

• Food Service Workers: Cooks, servers, and caterers are hired on a per diem basis during peak business times or during an event. 

• Truck Drivers and Delivery People: Logistics companies take advantage of per diem work for truck drivers to cope up with delivery surges and cover for absent staff. This, in turn, ensures seamless supply chain management. 

• Warehouse Workers & Sales Representatives: Retail and logistics companies use per diem help during seasonal surges. 

• Heavy Equipment Operator: Hired on demand for specialized machinery use in construction and industrial work. 

These per diem work opportunities offer both flexibility and competitive pay — ideal for professionals looking to stay in control of their schedules in 2025. 

How to Find Per Diem Job Opportunities? 

Finding per diem work requires a mix of proactive searching and smart use of available resources. Whether you are a nurse, teacher, consultant, or gig worker, here are effective strategies to uncover per diem job opportunities. 

Utilize Industry Resources

• Specialized Job Boards: According to a 2023 survey by the Society for Human Resource Management, online platforms filled up 72% of per diem roles.
  
  Start with job boards custom-tailored to your profession. For example, sites like NurseFly (now Vivian Health) and Health eCareers are great for healthcare workers. Educators can look to SchoolSpring or K12 JobSpot for substitute teaching roles. These platforms filter listings to show per diem or on-demand positions. 
  
• FlexJobs: FlexJobs is a subscription-based job site that focuses on flexible and remote work. It offers curated, scam-free listings including per diem jobs across healthcare, education, and consulting. It’s especially helpful for professionals seeking legitimate, flexible opportunities.

• Networking: Never underestimate the power of networking. As career expert Richard N. Bolles emphasized in What Color Is Your Parachute?, personal contacts often lead to the most fruitful job opportunities. 
  
  Reach out to colleagues, join LinkedIn groups, or attend local industry events. Employers often fill per diem roles quickly through referrals. So having connections can give you an edge before jobs are publicly listed.

Explore Staffing Agencies and Freelance Platforms

• Staffing Agencies: Many companies rely on staffing agencies to fill per diem positions. Agencies like AMN Healthcare, Kelly Services, and Robert Half specialize in placing professionals in short-term, flexible roles. 
  
  These agencies often have strong relationships with employers. Thus, they can help match you with suitable per diem work remote based on your skills and availability.
  
• Freelance Platforms: For independent professionals, best freelance websites like Upwork, TaskRabbit, or Fiverr offer gig-based, per diem-like opportunities. These sites are ideal for consultants, creatives, and skilled tradespeople looking to work on their own terms.
  
  By combining traditional job search methods with digital tools and personal connections, you can find per diem jobs near me that align with your goals, lifestyle, and expertise.

How Much Does Per Diem Work Pay? 

​Per diem pay varies based on location, time of year, and job role. For 2025, the General Services Administration (GSA) sets the standard per diem rates for the continental U.S. (CONUS) at $178 per day ($110 for lodging and $68 for meals) and incidental expenses (M&IE) per day. However, rates can be higher in designated non-standard areas (NSAs) due to increased living costs. 

Per Diem Breakdown

• Lodging: The standard lodging per diem rate for CONUS in 2025 is $110 per night. In high-cost areas, this rate can be higher. For instance, certain locations have rates exceeding $272 per night during peak seasons. ​

• Meals & Incidentals (M & IE): If you are in the dark about m & ie meaning, it covers daily expenses for meals and incidental costs like tips and transportation. The standard M&IE rate is $68 per day. However, in high-cost areas, this can increase up to $92.

• Conus vs Non- Conus: CONUS refers to the 48 contiguous states and the District of Columbia. Non-CONUS includes Alaska, Hawaii, U.S. territories, and foreign countries. 
  
  Per diem rates for Non-CONUS locations are established by the Department of Defense and the Department of State. They often differ from per diem CONUS rates due to varying costs of living. 
  
• Non-Standard Areas (NSAs): NSAs are specific locations within CONUS identified by the GSA where per diem rates differ from the standard due to higher living costs. As of FY 2024, there are 302 such locations.

• IRS High-Low Substantiation Method: The IRS provides an alternative method for employers to reimburse employees without detailed expense tracking. For FY 2025:

• High-cost areas: $319 per day ($86 allocated for M&IE)
  
• Other areas: $225 per day ($74 allocated for M&IE)​

This method simplifies accounting but requires adherence to IRS guidelines to ensure compliance.

Understanding these rates along with the intricacies of payroll schedule helps both employers and employees manage travel expenses effectively and remain compliant with federal guidelines. 

Is Per Diem Taxable?

Yes, per diem payments can be taxable, depending on how they’re issued and used. If an employer provides a per diem allowance that doesn’t exceed the IRS-approved rates and the employee submits an expense report, it’s non-taxable. 

However, if the allowance exceeds federal rates or lacks proper documentation, the excess is considered taxable income. According to the IRS, per diem rates vary by location but typically include lodging, meals, and incidental expenses. Always consult a tax advisor or IRS guidelines to ensure compliance and proper reporting of per diem income on your tax return. Mention not, understanding the difference between gross and net pay is critical in this regard. 

Download Free Per Diem Expense Report Template

What is A Per Diem Allowance (Travel & Reimbursement)? 

A per diem allowance is a daily payment provided by employers to cover expenses incurred by employees while traveling for work. Instead of reimbursing itemized receipts, companies offer a fixed daily rate that simplifies travel reimbursements and ensures consistency.

What it Covers 

Per diem allowances typically encompass:​

• Lodging: Hotel or accommodation expenses.​
  
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.​
  
• Incidentals: Tips, laundry, and other minor expenses.​
  

These rates vary on the basis of location and are set annually by the General Services Administration (GSA) for domestic travel within the continental U.S. (CONUS). As aforementioned, for fiscal year 2025, the standard travel per diem rate is $178, comprising $110 for lodging and $68 for meals and incidentals.

How It Works

Employers assign a daily per diem rate based on the destination and duration of travel. Employees receive either an advance payment or a reimbursement after submitting travel documentation. If they spend less than the allowance, they may keep the difference. However, most employers require a record of travel dates and purpose to validate the claim.

Benefits

• Simplifies accounting for both the employer and employee by eliminating the need for receipt collection and approval.
  
• Provides financial predictability for travel budgets.
  
• Allows employees some spending flexibility during work-related travel.
  
• Saves time in processing reimbursements, especially for frequent travelers.

Tax Implications

If the per diem allowance is within IRS-approved limits and the employee submits appropriate documentation, it is non-taxable. However, any amount paid above the federal per diem rate, or without proper substantiation, is considered taxable income.

Alternatives

Some companies prefer a receipt-based reimbursement model, where employees receive reimbursement for actual expenses. Others may use corporate credit cards or stipend systems based on job grade or project type.

Understanding how per diem allowances work helps both employees and employers manage travel expenses efficiently while staying compliant with tax regulations.

Expert Tips for Succeeding As A Per Diem Worker

Thriving as a per diem worker takes more than just accepting flexible gigs — it requires professionalism, communication, and strategic planning. Let’s take a look at some expert tips to help you stand out and build a rewarding per diem career. 

Flexibility and Adaptability 

• Embrace the Unpredictable: Per diem jobs can be unpredictable, with last-minute calls or rapidly changing environments. Be open to new assignments and quick shifts in duties—it’s part of what makes this work dynamic.

• Be Adaptable: Each assignment may bring new procedures, teams, and expectations. The more adaptable you are, the more valuable you become to employers who rely on your ability to jump in and contribute immediately. 

Communication is Key

• Regularly Update Your Availability: Inform employers and staffing agencies of your availability to increase your chances of being selected for open shifts. We would like to point out here that according to Pumble, effective communication can boost productivity by up to 25%.
  
• Clearly Communicate Expectations: Before accepting an assignment, ask about the role’s responsibilities, pay rate, and per diem work schedule. Clear communication avoids confusion and ensures mutual understanding. 

Reliability and Proactive Attitude

• Be Reliable and Punctual: Show up on time and ready to work. A study found that nearly half of American workers are never late, emphasizing the value placed on punctuality. 
  
  Reliability builds trust, and trusted per diem workers are often first in line for future opportunities. 
  
• Proactively Seek Out Opportunities: Don’t wait for calls — reach out to agencies or employers to check in on openings. Initiative shows motivation and helps secure steady work. 

High-Quality Work Ethic

• Demonstrate A Strong Work Ethic: Treat each assignment like a full time-job. Delivering high-quality work increases your chances of repeat offers and glowing recommendations. 

• Be A Team Player: Blend in quickly, support staff, and remain respectful. It enhances both your reputation and the work environment.

Financial Management

• Understand Your Earnings: Track your income across gigs and plan for taxes, since many per diem roles don’t withhold them. 

• File Expense Claims Promptly: If reimbursed per diem, submit accurate, timely expense reports to avoid delays and maintain trust. 

Track Per Diem Work Hours with Clockdiary

When working per diem, keeping accurate track of your hours is crucial for proper payment, tax filing, and personal budgeting. Clockdiary is the best free time tracking app, with in-built timesheet calculator, available for per diem workers who need a simple reliable way to manage their time across multiple assignments. Here’s how Clockdiary proves to be useful: 

• Free AI-powered Time Tracking: Clockdiary offers AI-powered time tracking, absolutely free of cost for up to 10 users. This make it a budget-friendly choice for per diem workers who handle several jobs or gigs.

• One-Click Timer: Start and stop tracking work hours easily with a single click, allowing you to accurately record time spent on each shift without manual entry errors. 

• Manual Time Entry: Forgot to clock in? No problem. You can manually add or edit time entries, ensuring your timesheet remains accurate.

• Timesheet Calculator: Utilize built-in timesheet calculator for time cards, hourly rates, overtime pay, and labor pricing, simplifying payroll processes and reducing errors .​ 

• Timesheet Approvals: Submit weekly timesheets for approval if your employer requires them, streamlining the administrative process. 

• Project and Client Tracking: Organize your per diem shifts by client, facility, or assignment. This is especially helpful for healthcare professionals, freelancers, or consultants, managing multiple projects or employers. 

• BIllable Hours Tracking: Easily mark hours as billable or non-billable, a useful feature for freelancers and independent contractors working per diem. 

• Multi-Time Zone Support: Clockdiary allows users to track time across different time zones. This ensures accurate logging for per diem workers operating in various locations.

• Detailed Reports: Clockdiary generates comprehensive reports that break down your work hours by day, project, or client. Perfect for submitting proof of work or analyzing you income patterns. 

• Integrations with Other Tools: Clockdiary integrates with tools like Slack, Trello, and QuickBooks. This, in turn, helps you manage projects, invoicing, and accounting, from a single platform. 

• Mobile Access: Clockdiary is mobile-friendly as well, allowing you to track your time on the go. It’s ideal for per diem workers who are always on the move. 

Thus, we can safely say that Clockdiary’s powerful features cater to the dynamic needs of per diem workers and their employers, making it a valuable tool for efficient time management and day-to-day productivity tracking. Get in touch with us to make this supremely engineered app an integral part of your daily life and see the difference for yourself. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Per Diem Work: