Shift Differential Pay Calculator
Enter wage and hours to calculate.

Why Offer a Shift Differential?

Employers often provide additional pay for undesirable or overnight shifts to attract workers. Known as a shift differential, this extra percentage boosts your hourly wage for specific schedules, such as night or weekend shifts. The calculator helps employees verify that their paycheck reflects the promised differential.

The Calculation

Total earnings are the base wage plus the differential. Mathematically:

P=WH1+D100

Here W is your hourly wage, H is the number of hours worked, and D is the differential percentage. The parentheses ensure the differential applies to your entire wage.

Example

If you earn $20 per hour, work 40 hours, and receive a 15% differential, the formula gives:

P=20401+15100=920

Your total earnings for the week would be $920 before taxes.

Planning Ahead

Use this calculator to compare the extra income from differential shifts with standard pay. If your employer offers multiple differential rates, plug in the numbers to decide which schedule is most lucrative. Keep in mind that overtime rules may still apply in addition to the shift differential.

Conclusion

Shift work can disrupt sleep and personal routines. A clear understanding of differential pay helps you weigh the benefits against the inconvenience.

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