Shift Differential Pay Calculator
Calculate gross shift earnings when working second (evening), third (graveyard), or weekend shifts that carry an hourly pay premium. Enter flat-dollar or percentage differentials to calculate blended average hourly pay and total bonus compensation.
Standard daytime wage rate before shift differentials
Extra dollar amount per hour (e.g. $3.50) OR percentage bonus (e.g. 15%)
Select whether the shift premium is expressed in dollars or percent
Hours worked during the standard daytime rate window
Hours worked during the evening, night, or weekend premium window
Combined earnings from both standard and differential shift hours
How to Use This Calculator
- Enter your base daytime hourly wage rate.
- Enter the differential premium amount and choose flat dollars ($/hr) or percentage (%).
- Enter the number of regular daytime hours worked on the shift.
- Enter the number of differential premium hours worked.
- Review total shift pay, premium bonus earned, and your blended average hourly rate.
Formula & Calculation Methodology
Differential hourly rate is calculated by adding a flat amount or percentage markup to the base daytime wage. Total shift pay sums base hours and premium hours. Blended hourly rate is total pay divided by all hours worked.
Worked Example
Healthcare worker working 4 daytime hours at $28/hr and 6 evening hours with a $3.50/hr flat differential
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a typical shift differential percentage or dollar amount?↓
In manufacturing, logistics, and healthcare, second shifts (evenings) typically pay an extra $1.00 to $3.00/hr (or 5% to 10%), while third shifts (overnight/graveyard) often pay $2.50 to $6.00/hr (or 10% to 20%) above base pay.
Does shift differential pay increase overtime rates under FLSA?↓
Yes! Under FLSA regulations (29 CFR § 778.207), shift differentials must be included in the employee "regular rate of pay" when computing time-and-a-half (1.5x) overtime. Overtime cannot be calculated solely on the unadjusted base rate.
What is a blended hourly rate?↓
A blended hourly rate is the weighted average rate earned when working across multiple wage tiers (e.g. 4 hours at $28/hr + 6 hours at $31.50/hr = $30.10/hr average). Employers must use this blended rate when calculating overtime across mixed shifts.
What limitation should I keep in mind when calculating shift differentials?↓
This calculator evaluates straight-time shift differential earnings and does not automatically calculate FLSA weekly overtime multipliers if total weekly hours exceed 40.
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Open calculator →Source Citation & Disclaimer
Informational tool only; not licensed tax, legal, or financial advice.