From career flexibility to the chance to boost your earnings, per diem careers offer many advantages. But it also takes knowledge to get the most from them. And we’re here to help provide all the info you need with our rundown of the most frequently asked questions (FAQ) about per diem careers.
- Did you know that HealthTrust specializes in per diem placements? Search hundreds of per diem career opportunities now
Healthcare Per Diem FAQ: Answering All Your Questions about Per Diem Careers
How much do per diem nurses and clinicians earn? What skills and qualifications does it take to work per diem, and how can you find the best jobs? Read on to find answers to all your per diem career questions — and then browse our per diem jobsite for openings!
What does per diem mean in nursing and healthcare?
Per diem is a type of job where nurses and clinicians serve as on-call substitutes for a healthcare provider’s core staff. Sometimes they're called upon to work every day, and other times just on occasion.
What's the purpose of per diem healthcare jobs?
Per diem workers help facilities stay fully staffed at all times. They might be used strategically, like when a full-time employee goes on vacation, or when a hospital expands services. Or, they may be used on an as-needed basis, like when an employee calls in sick, or during a surge in patients.
What’s the difference between per diem and PRN?
Per diem nurses are contractors who can work for any employer or agency they choose, while PRN nurses are usually employed full-time by a single organization.
What are the different types of per diem jobs?
Per diem jobs are open to RNs, LPNs, LVNs, and CNAs, as well as allied clinicians like RTs, PTs, OTs, and techs. Some of these jobs are temporary, lasting a specific amount of time, while others are permanent.
Where are allied and nursing per diem jobs located?
While hospitals and health centers are the biggest per diem employers, per diem careers can also be found in acute care centers, outpatient facilities, physician practices, rehab centers, nursing facilities, and many others.
What are the benefits of per diem careers?
Although the actual benefits you get will vary based on each job — check with your recruiter for details — all per diem careers offer a number of advantages to nurses and healthcare professionals, including:
- The flexibility to set your own schedule
- The versatility of getting to work in different settings on different days
- The chance to build experience in new practice areas or facility types
- More opportunities to develop skills with new equipment, tech, or EHR systems
- More ways to grow your professional network
- A higher rate of pay than most salaried positions
What can you expect from per diem careers?
Per diem professionals are only called upon when they’re needed. For busy facilities that always need help, this can still be a full-time job. Some per diem jobs let you choose which days you work.
How can you qualify to work a per diem job?
The qualifications for per diem careers are generally the same as any other job in your field, except you may need a minimum amount of experience in your specialty, plus some acute care experience.
What skills & certifications do you need for per diem?
Some employers look for per diem workers skilled in multiple settings, and with soft skills like adaptability, communication, and teamwork. Many also prefer certifications — not just the basics like BLS and ACLS but also PALS, MSNCB®, or other more specialized certifications. Earning CE credits and active membership in certain groups and associations can also help you land a per diem job.
Can you make your own schedule with per diem jobs?
You can with most HealthTrust! Our app also lets you book shifts in advance, including a bulk booking option that also makes it easier to search for new jobs.
How much do per diem nurses and clinicians earn?
Although the specific amount will vary, per diem healthcare jobs typically pay more than standard full-time employment opportunities. For instance, some per diem RN jobs pay more than $70 per hour on the HealthTrust jobsite.
What types of per diem jobs are most in demand?
The most in-demand per diem nursing jobs change regularly. As of late 2025, we’re seeing a huge demand for radiology and surgical techs, respiratory therapists, and nurses who specialize in critical care and telemetry. You can always check the latest per diem job listings to see what’s most in demand.
What questions should you ask before committing to a per diem job?
Before you commit to any per diem job, you should be clear on shift expectations and whether you’ll have the option to work extra shifts. Of course, you should also know exact amount you’ll earn, and whether you’ll have guaranteed hours. For more questions, see our guide to choosing the right per diem contract.
What’s the best place to find per diem jobs?
Whether you're a nurse or allied clinician, the best place to find per diem jobs is the HealthTrust jobsite! In addition to a huge variety of per diem jobs across the U.S.A., HealthTrust also offers premium pay, a convenient app for booking shifts, and amazing recruiters. See for yourself — search our open per diem jobs now!
Find the Best Per Diem Careers with HealthTrust
As America’s leading provider of per diem careers for healthcare professionals, we’re here to help you find the best opportunities! We’ve got hundreds of openings every day — search open positions now to see what's available.
