What is the term for a specific sum paid for each day spent on the job by an engineer?

The term that describes a specific sum paid for each day spent on the job by an engineer is known as the per diem fee. This fee is intended to cover daily expenses incurred while working away from one’s home base, such as meals, lodging, and other incidentals. The per diem is typically established in a contract and reflects the rate at which engineers are compensated for their time while on site rather than for every hour worked. This is important in project management and fieldwork, where the duration of tasks can vary, and compensating daily allows for flexibility in billing clients.

In contrast, the hourly rate is a compensation model based on actual hours worked, which can vary significantly depending on the length of tasks. Salary represents a fixed annual amount that does not change based on daily work; it is paid regardless of actual time spent on specific projects. A fixed fee, on the other hand, encompasses a predetermined total payment for a project, not influenced by time spent on site. Thus, per diem is the most appropriate choice for the context of daily compensation for on-site work.