Per diem or daily allowance is a specific amount of money that an organization gives an individual, typically an employee, per day to cover living expenses when travelling on the employer's business. A per diem payment can cover part or all of the expenses incurred.

What does per diem mean in a job?

While per diem means "for each day" and not "as-needed," a per diem position applies to someone who may be needed one day but not the next. Per diem workers' schedules can vary significantly from week to week. ... Some people make a career out of per diem jobs and work with multiple employers at once.

What does it mean to be paid per diem?

Per diem is an allowance paid to your employees for lodging, meals, and incidental expenses incurred when travelling. This allowance is in lieu of paying their actual travel expenses.