Shift Differential Calculator
Calculate premium pay for night, evening, weekend or holiday shifts. Enter your base rate, the differential (percent or flat dollar amount) and your hours to see the premium and total pay.
Shift differentials are set by employer policy, not federal law. General information, not legal or payroll advice.
Shift differential counts toward your "regular rate" for overtime. Use the Overtime Calculator for 1.5×/2× hours and the Time Card Calculator to total your week.
What is a shift differential?
A shift differential is extra pay for working a less desirable shift — typically nights, evenings, weekends or holidays. It is not required by federal law; employers offer it to staff hard-to-fill shifts. It is usually expressed as a percentage of base pay (often 5%–15%) or a flat amount per hour (often $1–$5).
How it is calculated
Percent: premium/hr = base rate × (differential % ÷ 100)
Flat: premium/hr = the flat dollar amount
Differential pay = differential hours × (base rate + premium/hr)
Example: base $20/hr, 10% night differential, 8 night hours. Premium = $2/hr, differential rate = $22/hr, differential pay = 8 × $22 = $176 ($16 of it is the premium).
Frequently asked questions
Is a shift differential required by law?
No. Federal law (the FLSA) does not require shift differential pay — it is set by employer policy, a union contract, or state/local rules. When offered, it is extra pay for less desirable shifts such as nights, evenings, weekends or holidays.
How much is a typical night shift differential?
It varies by employer and industry. Common night-shift differentials run about 5%–15% of base pay, or a flat amount such as $1–$5 per hour. Healthcare, manufacturing and 24/7 operations are the most common.
Does shift differential affect overtime pay?
Yes. Under the FLSA, shift differential is included in your "regular rate" when overtime is calculated, so overtime on differential hours is based on the higher rate, not just the base rate. This tool shows the differential pay; use the overtime calculator for 1.5×/2× hours.
Percentage vs flat differential — what is the difference?
A percentage differential adds a percent of your base rate (e.g. 10% of $20 = $2/hr extra). A flat differential adds a fixed dollar amount per hour (e.g. $2.50/hr) regardless of base rate. Switch the type above to match your employer.
Related tools
Overtime Calculator · California Overtime Calculator · Time Card Calculator
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