Pay calculator
Shift Differential Calculator
See how much extra you earn for night, evening, weekend, or holiday shifts.
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Your shift differential pay
Night shift · 8 hours · 5 shifts/week
What is shift differential?
Shift differential is the additional hourly pay you receive for working shifts outside normal daytime hours. Employers use it to make nights, evenings, weekends, and holidays more attractive, since those shifts are harder to staff.
The most common way to set a differential is as a percentage of your base rate. A night shift with a 15% differential means you earn your base rate plus 15% for every hour on that shift. Some employers use a flat dollar amount instead, such as an extra $2.00 per hour.
The calculator above handles both: pick a percentage or a flat amount, choose your shift type and hours, and it shows your differential rate, your per-shift pay, and your weekly total.
How shift differential pay is calculated
To work out shift differential pay, take your base hourly rate and add the differential, then multiply by the number of hours worked on the shift.
With a percentage differential, multiply the base rate by the percentage. A $20.00 base rate with a 15% night differential becomes $23.00 per hour ($20.00 × 1.15). With a flat amount, add the dollar value directly: a $20.00 base rate plus a $2.00 differential becomes $22.00 per hour.
Typical shift differential rates
Night and evening shift differentials commonly range from 5% to 20% above base pay. Weekend and holiday differentials are usually higher, and some employers stack a flat dollar amount on top of a percentage. The exact rate depends on the employer, industry, and the shift being worked.
Example night shift differential calculation
| Step | Calculation | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Base rate | $20.00 per hour | $20.00 |
| Night differential | +15% | $23.00 / hour |
| 8-hour shift | $23.00 × 8 hours | $184.00 |
| 5 shifts per week | $184.00 × 5 | $920.00 / week |
Enter your own base rate, differential, and shift hours in the calculator above to see your per-shift pay and weekly total.
Frequently asked questions
What is shift differential?
Shift differential is extra pay on top of your base rate for working less desirable shifts, such as nights, evenings, weekends, or holidays.
What is the shift differential meaning?
The shift differential meaning is the additional hourly rate an employer pays for working a less desirable shift, expressed as a percentage or a flat dollar amount above base pay.
How is shift differential pay calculated?
Multiply your base hourly rate by the differential percentage (or add a flat dollar amount), then multiply that rate by the number of hours worked on the shift.
How much is a typical night shift differential?
A good night shift differential typically falls between 5% and 20% above base pay, depending on the employer and industry. Weekend and holiday differentials are usually higher.
Is there a 12 hour shift pay calculator?
Yes. This calculator works as a 12 hour shift pay calculator — set hours per shift to 12 and it shows the differential and total pay for a 12-hour shift.
Is shift differential taxed?
Yes. Shift differential is part of your regular wages, so it is subject to the same income and payroll taxes as your base pay.
How do I calculate a 12 hour shift differential?
Set hours per shift to 12 and enter your base rate and differential. The calculator shows the differential rate, per-shift pay, and weekly total for a 12-hour shift.