How to calculate shift differential
- Percentage: base rate × percentage = extra per hour. $25 × 10% = $2.50.
- Flat rate: the amount per hour, e.g. $2.00.
- Extra pay: extra per hour × hours worked with the differential.
Example: a nurse earning $40 an hour with a 12% night differential gets $4.80 extra per hour — $172.80 extra for a 36-hour week of nights, or about $8,985 a year.
Differential per hour at common rates
| Base rate | 5% | 10% | 15% | 20% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $18.00 | $0.90 | $1.80 | $2.70 | $3.60 |
| $20.00 | $1.00 | $2.00 | $3.00 | $4.00 |
| $25.00 | $1.25 | $2.50 | $3.75 | $5.00 |
| $30.00 | $1.50 | $3.00 | $4.50 | $6.00 |
| $35.00 | $1.75 | $3.50 | $5.25 | $7.00 |
| $40.00 | $2.00 | $4.00 | $6.00 | $8.00 |
| $50.00 | $2.50 | $5.00 | $7.50 | $10.00 |
Night shifts on a rotation
On rotating 12-hour schedules like the 2-2-3 (Panama) or DuPont, about half your shifts are nights. On a fixed schedule like the Pitman, night teams work nights all year. The shift pay calculator applies your differential to the actual nights in your rotation.
Frequently asked questions
What is shift differential pay?
Shift differential is extra pay for working less desirable hours — usually evenings, nights, weekends or holidays. It is paid either as a percentage of your base rate (for example 10%) or a flat amount per hour (for example $2).
How do you calculate shift differential?
For a percentage, multiply your base rate by the percentage: $25 × 10% = $2.50 extra per hour. Multiply by the hours worked with the differential to get the extra pay: 36 hours × $2.50 = $90 a week.
What is a typical night shift differential?
Many employers pay 10% to 15% extra, or $1 to $5 per hour, for night shifts. Hospitals and manufacturing plants often pay at the higher end. Federal law does not require a differential; it is set by the employer or contract.
Is shift differential included in overtime pay?
Yes. Under the FLSA, a shift differential is part of the regular rate of pay, so overtime must be paid at 1.5 times the base rate plus the differential.
Is shift differential required by law?
No federal or state law in the US generally requires it. Federal government employees receive a 10% night differential for regularly scheduled work between 6 PM and 6 AM.