Find a Job You Really Want In
In 2026, per diem jobs continue to be a valuable option across a range of industries such as healthcare, construction, and education. These roles are typically filled based on the immediate needs of organizations, allowing for increased flexibility and adaptability in the workforce.
As a per diem employee, your hours are not guaranteed, unlike those in full-time or part-time positions. However, depending on the company and workload, you might find yourself working as much as a full-time employee.
Key Takeaways:
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Per diem jobs are temporary positions where employees are compensated on a “per day” basis.
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While highly popular in healthcare, per diem roles can also be found in human resources and the renewable energy sectors.
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Some rewarding per diem jobs include nursing, pharmacy, and benefits counseling.
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Per diem positions are ideal for individuals seeking flexibility in their work schedules.
What Is A Per Diem Job?
If you’ve ever wondered about the term ‘per diem job,’ you’re not alone. “Per diem” is Latin for “per day,” and a per diem job is precisely that. These positions are perfect for individuals seeking maximum flexibility, additional professional experience across various fields, or temporary income streams.
Organizations typically utilize per diem roles to cover staffing shortages due to vacations, sick days, or other absences. Individuals in these positions are generally paid daily and will negotiate rates and job responsibilities with employers prior to starting the assignment.
Finding Per Diem Work
There are numerous ways to discover per diem employment opportunities. While they are predominantly found in the healthcare sector, such jobs are also available across various industries. Interested candidates should explore online job boards and connect directly with local hiring offices, hospitals, medical facilities, or organizations to assess their staffing needs.
Available short-term positions may include roles in nursing, hospice care, pediatrics, midwifery, phlebotomy, operating room assistance, pharmacy, admissions coordination, event management, design, and administrative support.
As illustrated, these opportunities can vary significantly and require diverse skill sets. Below, we delve into some specific per diem job roles.
Per Diem Jobs
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Per Diem Fingerprinting Technician
Average Yearly Salary: $35,637For those experienced in fingerprinting, a per diem position as a fingerprinting technician can fulfill a critical need for many organizations. Responsibilities often include assisting human resources or recruiting teams in efficiently processing fingerprint candidates.
Typical duties may involve verifying identifications, processing payments, managing fingerprints, and making independent decisions regarding quality control.
Experience/skills required: Candidates may also assist with reference and background checks, light data entry, and other application responsibilities.
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Per Diem Pharmacist
Average Yearly Salary: $119,000Licensed pharmacists should consider per diem roles, especially during peak periods.
Responsibilities often include verifying prescription medications, consulting with patients and healthcare professionals, and managing high volumes of customer interactions during busy times.
Experience/skills required: These roles necessitate prior experience in retail or specialty pharmacy settings along with valid licensure and compliance with local, state, and federal regulations.
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Per Diem Registered Nurse
Average Yearly Salary: $63,000Per diem nurses often earn higher hourly rates compared to their full-time counterparts. Pay rates can vary based on the hospital’s policies, location, and specialty.
This role can be a lucrative way for nurses to supplement their income while offering flexibility in their work schedules, particularly for those available on short notice.
Experience/skills required: Licensed graduates from bachelor’s, associate, or diploma programs are usually eligible for entry-level positions as a staff nurse. Some employers may prefer candidates with a bachelor’s degree.
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Per Diem Hospice Care
Average Yearly Salary: $29,000Organizations may need to hire per diem hospice care nurses to meet patient demands. This role typically requires nurses to plan, organize, and direct care for clients.
Physical stamina is essential as nurses may need to assist patients with mobility and other physical tasks.
Experience/skills required: Strong communication skills are crucial for interacting with clients and their families, along with comprehensive nursing knowledge.
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Per Diem Operating Room Nurse
Average Yearly Salary: $85,000For nurses with operating room experience, per diem roles can be advantageous, especially in various healthcare settings.
Reliability and the ability to work independently are critical, as operating rooms can require nurses to be available at all hours.
Experience/skills required: Strong clinical skills and experience in surgical environments are necessary.
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Help Center Agent Per Diem
Average Yearly Salary: $26,000Individuals with customer service experience may explore help center agent roles. These agents support daily operations to enhance customer satisfaction.
Depending on the company, training on specific products and procedures may be required.
Experience/skills required: Previous experience in customer-facing roles is typically preferred.
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Per Diem Care Manager
Average Yearly Salary: $61,000Care managers provide essential advice and information regarding patient care services.
Common tasks include coordinating discharge needs, advocating for post-acute services, and collaborating with physicians.
Experience/skills required: Care managers must be knowledgeable about service options and able to create individualized care plans.
Find Care Manager jobs near me
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Benefits Counselor Per Diem
Average Yearly Salary: $37,644A benefits counselor manages employee benefits programs within organizations. They educate employees about options and assist with enrollment processes.
Experience/skills required: Strong communication skills and an understanding of company operations are essential.
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Per Diem Patient Access Representative
Average Yearly Salary: $30,000A patient access representative serves as the first point of contact for patients in healthcare facilities.
Typical duties include patient check-in/out, gathering essential information, and processing billing.
Experience/skills required: Strong communication, computer, and customer service skills are necessary.
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Per Diem Registered Dietitian
Average Yearly Salary: $51,000Per diem registered dietitians provide medical nutrition therapy and promote nutrition education.
Experience/skills required: Candidates typically need a Bachelor’s degree in Food and Nutrition, along with any necessary licenses and registrations.
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Per Diem Medical Screener
Average Yearly Salary: N/AA medical screener evaluates patients entering healthcare facilities, asking health questions to document information for staff.
Experience/skills required: Strong attention to detail and communication skills are crucial for success in this role.
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Per Diem Solar Engineer
Average Yearly Salary: $90,417Per diem solar engineers assist clients with solar energy installations and maintenance.
They may also collaborate with sales teams to ensure the safety and efficiency of solar systems.
Experience/skills required: Strong analytical skills, proficiency with technology, and advanced math skills are necessary.
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Per Diem Plumber
Average Yearly Salary: $55,337Plumbers can find diverse per diem opportunities, often working on smaller projects that require specialized skills.
This role demands physical aptitude, problem-solving skills, and knowledge of plumbing codes.
Experience/skills required: Most plumbers gain expertise through technical training or apprenticeships, requiring state licensure.
Per Diem Frequently Asked Questions
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What does per diem jobs mean?
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How do per diem jobs work?
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Do per diem employees get benefits?
Per diem jobs refer to “per day” employment. This means employees are compensated on a daily basis to fill temporary staffing needs, such as in hospitals hiring per diem nurses during peak periods.
Per diem positions are compensated daily based on pre-agreed terms. Employers and per diem employees negotiate daily rates and responsibilities, typically without a fixed employment duration. These jobs can be consecutive or on an as-needed basis.
No, per diem employees typically do not receive benefits. Because they are not full-time employees, per diem workers enjoy flexibility in their schedules instead.
Author
Caitlin Mazur is a freelance writer at Zippia. Caitlin is passionate about helping Zippia’s readers land the jobs of their dreams by offering content that discusses job-seeking advice based on experience and extensive research. Caitlin holds a degree in English from Saint Joseph’s University in Philadelphia, PA.
