Shift Differential Calculator – Shift Premium Pay
Calculate shift differential pay and premium rates
Table of Contents
How to Use
- Enter your base hourly rate
- Enter the differential percentage (e.g., 10% for nights)
- Enter the number of hours in your shift
- Click calculate to see your total pay with differential
What is Shift Differential Pay?
Shift differential is additional compensation paid to employees who work outside of standard business hours. This premium pay incentivizes workers to take less desirable shifts like nights, evenings, or weekends.
Typical Shift Differential Rates
| Shift Type | Typical Rate | Common Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Evening/Second shift | 5-10% | 3 PM - 11 PM |
| Night/Third shift | 10-20% | 11 PM - 7 AM |
| Weekend shifts | 10-15% | Saturday - Sunday |
| Holiday shifts | 50-100% | Federal holidays |
| On-call/standby | Flat rate or % | As needed |
Industries with Shift Differentials
- Healthcare: Nurses, doctors, technicians often receive 10-20% night differential
- Manufacturing: Production workers may get 5-15% for second and third shifts
- Retail: Late night and holiday workers receive premium pay
- Security: Night guards often receive higher hourly rates
- Hospitality: Night auditors and overnight staff get differentials
How Shift Differential is Calculated
Shift differential can be calculated as a percentage of base pay or as a flat dollar amount per hour. The formula for percentage-based differential is:
- Differential Amount = Base Rate × (Differential % ÷ 100)
- Total Hourly Rate = Base Rate + Differential Amount
- Total Pay = Total Hourly Rate × Hours Worked
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is shift differential pay required by law?
- No, shift differential is not required by federal law in the US. It's a benefit offered by employers to attract workers to less desirable shifts. However, some union contracts may require it.
- Is shift differential included in overtime calculations?
- Yes, if the differential is a regular part of your pay, it should be included in your 'regular rate' for overtime calculations. Consult your HR department for your company's specific policy.
- What's the difference between shift differential and overtime?
- Overtime is legally required pay (typically 1.5x) for hours over 40/week. Shift differential is optional extra pay for working specific shifts regardless of total hours worked.
- Can I negotiate shift differential?
- In non-union settings, shift differentials are typically set by company policy. However, you may be able to negotiate during hiring or ask HR about available shift premiums.