Shift differential calculator
A shift differential is extra pay per hour for certain shifts. Type your base rate, the differential and your hours to see the pay and your average hourly rate.
Not legal, tax or payroll advice. General information only; results are estimates. Read the full notice.
Example: a base rate of $18.50 with 16 hours at a differential brings those hours to $20.00 an hour. With 24 base hours, HoursPad estimates $764.00 before taxes, an average of $19.10 an hour.
Estimate based on what you entered. Not legal or payroll advice; check it against your employer's records.
How to use it
- Type your base hourly rate.
- Under Differential is, choose Dollars more per hour or Percent more, and type the Differential amount.
- Type the hours at the base rate and the hours that carry the differential.
- Read the rate with the differential, the pay for each group and the average hourly pay.
Night shift differentials and the regular rate
- Under federal regulations, night shift differentials, whether a percent of the base rate or so many cents per hour, are included in the regular rate used to work out overtime.
Questions
Is the differential a dollar amount or a percent?
Either. Employers write it both ways, so the tool takes both. Choose the one on your pay policy.
What is the average hourly pay line?
It is the total pay divided by the total hours, so you can compare shifts. It is plain arithmetic.
Does this tool work out overtime on differential pay?
No. Overtime on top of a differential is not worked out here. The source quoted below is shown for reference and is not applied by this tool.
Official sources
-
29 CFR § 778.207 Other types of contract premium pay distinguished (opens in new tab), Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR).
“The Act requires the inclusion in the regular rate of such extra premiums as nightshift differentials (whether they take the form of a percent of the base rate or an addition of so many cents per hour)”
Checked November 11, 2026. Rules change; verify with the source.
These are summaries of what the official sources say, not legal advice. Laws change and exceptions apply. Check with your employer or your state labor department about your own job.