Per Diem

Per diem (Latin for "per day") is a fixed daily cash allowance given to touring personnel to cover meals and incidental expenses while on the road. It's one of the most talked-about line items in a tour budget, and for crew members, it's a significant part of their compensation package.

How per diems work on tour

The tour manager distributes per diem cash — usually weekly — to band members, crew, and sometimes support staff. The rate is set before the tour starts and stays consistent regardless of whether the tour is in New York City (expensive) or a random stop in the Midwest (less expensive). Per diems are meant to cover meals not provided by the tour, plus personal expenses like laundry, toiletries, and the occasional late-night gas station run.

Typical per diem rates

Rates vary widely depending on tour size, budget, and territory. In the US, touring crew per diems commonly range from $20-$75 per day, depending on the size of the tour and the artist, though major tours can go higher. International per diems are often adjusted for local cost of living. Some tours provide a lower per diem on days when full catering is provided (since meals are already covered) and a higher rate on days off or travel days when crew are on their own.

Per diems vs. buyouts

Per diems shouldn't be confused with buyouts. A buyout is when the promoter gives the tour manager cash instead of providing a service — like a meal buyout instead of catering. The TM might pocket that cash into the tour budget or distribute it. Per diem, on the other hand, is a pre-determined daily allowance that comes out of the tour's operating budget regardless of what the promoter provides.

Managing per diems

Tracking per diem distribution across a multi-week tour with 20+ people is one of those tasks that sounds simple and isn't. Tour managers need to track who's been paid, how much, what currency (on international tours), and reconcile it against the tour budget. This is where spreadsheets historically ruled — and where mistakes happened.