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Shift Differential Calculator

Work out your pay when some hours earn a night, evening or weekend differential. Enter the differential as dollars or a percentage, split your hours, and get the differential rate, weekly gross pay and overtime figured the FLSA way.

Last updated:

Rates
$/ hr

e.g. 2.50 per hour, or 10 for 10%.

h

Used for the pay-per-shift figure.

Hours this week
h
h
Overtime
h / week
×
Overtime is calculated on
Enter your values to see the result.
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How to use the Shift Differential Calculator

  1. Enter your base hourly rate and the differential, choosing dollars per hour or a percentage.
  2. Split the week's hours into regular hours and hours that earn the differential.
  3. Check the overtime rules: the weekly threshold, the multiplier and how overtime is calculated.
  4. Read your gross pay along with the differential rate and the overtime premium.
  5. Review the breakdown table and chart, or copy the results.

Shift differential and overtime formulas

Differential rate = base rate + flat differential, or base rate × (1 + differential % ÷ 100).

Straight-time pay = regular hours × base rate + differential hours × differential rate.

Regular rate (FLSA) = straight-time pay ÷ total hours. Overtime premium = overtime hours × regular rate × (multiplier − 1). Gross pay = straight-time pay + overtime premium.

Example: $22 base, $2.50 differential, 24 regular and 24 night hours. Straight-time pay = 24 × 22 + 24 × 24.50 = $1,116; regular rate = 1,116 ÷ 48 = $23.25; overtime premium = 8 × 23.25 × 0.5 = $93; gross pay = $1,209.00.

Differential rates for common base pay

Base rate+ $1.00+ $2.50+ 10%+ 15%+ 20%
$15.00$16.00$17.50$16.50$17.25$18.00
$18.00$19.00$20.50$19.80$20.70$21.60
$20.00$21.00$22.50$22.00$23.00$24.00
$22.00$23.00$24.50$24.20$25.30$26.40
$25.00$26.00$27.50$27.50$28.75$30.00
$30.00$31.00$32.50$33.00$34.50$36.00
$35.00$36.00$37.50$38.50$40.25$42.00
$40.00$41.00$42.50$44.00$46.00$48.00

Over a year, a $2.50 differential on 24 hours a week adds 24 × 2.50 × 52 = $3,120 before tax.

Frequently asked questions

What is a shift differential?

A shift differential is extra pay for working less desirable hours, such as nights, evenings, weekends or on-call shifts. It is usually a fixed amount per hour (for example $2.50) or a percentage of the base rate (for example 10%).

How do I calculate shift differential pay?

For a dollar differential, add it to the base rate: $22 + $2.50 = $24.50 an hour. For a percentage, multiply: $22 × 1.10 = $24.20. Then multiply the differential rate by the hours worked on that shift.

Does shift differential count toward overtime?

Yes, under the US Fair Labor Standards Act shift differentials are part of the regular rate of pay. The regular rate is total straight-time pay divided by all hours worked, and overtime hours earn an extra half of that rate (for time and a half).

Why is my overtime rate higher than 1.5 times my base rate?

Because the differential raises your regular rate. If you earned $22 for 24 hours and $24.50 for 24 hours, your regular rate is $23.25, so each overtime hour earns an extra $11.63 premium, not $11.

Is shift differential required by law?

In the US, federal law does not require employers to pay a shift differential; it is set by company policy or a union contract. Once paid, it must be included when calculating overtime.

What is a typical shift differential?

It varies widely by industry and employer. Many employers pay a flat amount per hour or a percentage, with night shifts usually paying more than evening shifts. Check your employer's policy or contract for your rate.

Are all the tools on FreeToolCabin tested for quality and accuracy?

Yes! Every tool on our site undergoes automated Q/A testing in real browser environments to ensure high precision, correct output, and zero errors. If you happen to spot a bug or have a suggestion, please contact us at [email protected] and our team will review it right away.

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