What is the pay scale for per diem nurses? This is the key question. The pay scale depends upon various factors. Like the number of years you are in this profession, the place where you are working, also the number of hours you are working and many other factors. But some of the high paying areas for Per Diem Nursing Jobs can fetch salaries more than 100K. The highest paying region is the San Francisco Bay area. The per diem registered nursing jobs are generally regulated by nursing unions. So you are assured of good salary and regular raises, plus the additional benefits like overtime and holidays.