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Per Diem

A per-diem is a flat rate you get each day to cover living expenses. Per-diem is standard when a project or production has you working outside of your typical geographic area, and the things a per-diem are meant to cover aren’t included already. Per-diem rates are typically between $50 and $75. You can use per-diem money however you want, but generally they cover expenses for being away from home. You do not need to disclose how you use a per-diem. Whatever you don’t spend is yours to keep.

Per-diems show up as a tax-exempt addition to your pay-check or are given to you separately on a check or in cash. This rate is untaxed as long as it falls below the federal standard ($79 in 2024).

Example Uses of Per-Diem:

  • Meals or Snacks at: Restaurants, Cafes, Bars
  • Groceries
  • Emergency Laundry
  • Emergency Clothes
  • Pharmacy things

Per-Diems do not cover expenses that should be covered separately or reimbursed by your client (aka “covered by the job”):

  • Flights
  • Taxis
  • Luggage
  • Shipping
  • Tools
  • Equipment
  • Client Dinners
  • Hospital Costs

If you are on a job and you are in a position where something that you need exceeds a normal per-diem allocation – say for example, you’re working in a nightclub on an island and the only meal options are $90 sandwiches, then you need to address this with your client. A quick text that says “the only meals here exceed per diem, I need to be reimbursed” will cover you, unless your client is not-very-nice. In my experience, even the worst clients will cover these kinds of things (“you should try the ceviche!”). It’s an understanding.

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