> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://help.dscout.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://help.dscout.com/diary-studies/what-are-diary-studies-in-dscout/how-much-should-i-pay-for-diary-studies.md).

# How much should I pay for diary studies?

Diary studies can sometimes span several days or even weeks, depending on what you’re researching. However, we don’t recommend basing incentives on the length of the study alone. Instead, it’s a good idea to pay on a per-activity and per-entry basis.

{% hint style="info" %}
**A note on niche recruits:** The following guidance does not apply when recruiting from our Partner Panels. Partner Panels offer access to niche, B2B recruits whose expertise is hard to source. Their schedules are tight, and the compensation you offer should reflect that. Budget accordingly.
{% endhint %}

Most diary studies offer an incentive between $50 and $200. Use these specific guidelines to determine the right incentive for your study:

| Study component                                    | Baseline incentive |
| -------------------------------------------------- | ------------------ |
| Every activity                                     | $10                |
| Every additional entry (in a multi-entry activity) | $5                 |

So, let’s say your study has three activities, but the third activity requires two entries. The math for that would look like this:

* Activity 1: $10
* Activity 2: $10
* Activity 3: $15 ($10 for the activity and an additional $5 for the second entry)
* **Base study incentive:** $35

### When do participants get paid? <a href="#h_01k2fvt1r0wemdaga7zbwzrfg8" id="h_01k2fvt1r0wemdaga7zbwzrfg8"></a>

Participants generally receive their incentive at the conclusion of the diary study. You are not expected to issue partial compensation if a participant doesn't complete the full study, but you can of course accommodate unusual circumstances at your discretion.

### Who is responsible for processing payments? <a href="#h_01k2fvvb014p8yzapsdncq5vws" id="h_01k2fvvb014p8yzapsdncq5vws"></a>

#### If you screen with Dscout, we take care of processing payments. <a href="#h_01k2fzj9j8jdh35xedney3kb65" id="h_01k2fzj9j8jdh35xedney3kb65"></a>

If you build and launch a Dscout screener to find participants for your study(s), Dscout staff will pay your scouts [via PayPal](https://www.paypal.com/us/home) as soon as you close your study.

#### If you *don't* screen with Dscout, you're in charge of paying your participants. <a href="#h_01k2fzj9j8ct1s88w3n7sp1tqt" id="h_01k2fzj9j8ct1s88w3n7sp1tqt"></a>

If you do NOT screen with Dscout, you are in charge of paying your participants in whatever way you'd like. Keep in mind that participants expect to be paid soon after you [close your study](/study-basics/edit-close-or-relaunch-studies/close-a-study.md). You can find the **Close Study** button at the bottom of a study's **Setup** page.


---

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