Night Shift Differential Calculator
Enter your shift and your employer's night window to see how much of the shift earns a differential.
Your details
Results update as you type.
$211.60
Pay for this shift with differential
- Paid hours
- 8 hrs
- Hours in night window
- 8 hrs
- Night rate
- $26.45/hr
- Differential earned
- $27.60
- Pay at base rate
- $0.00
- Effective rate for the shift
- $26.45/hr
How this calculator works
- 1The overlap between your shift and the night window is measured in minutes, across midnight if needed.
- 2Those hours are paid at your base rate plus the differential percentage.
- 3The remaining hours are paid at base rate, and the two are added together.
Formula
Night pay = Night hours × Rate × (1 + Differential ÷ 100)
Worked example
- A 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM shift with a 6:00 PM–6:00 AM night window.
- All 8 hours fall inside the window, so all 8 earn the 15% premium.
- At $23 base, the night rate is $26.45 and the shift pays $211.60.
What we assume
- Night differentials are set by employer policy or union contract, not federal law.
- Differentials may be included in the regular rate used for overtime.
Frequently asked questions
Is night shift pay required by law?
Federal law does not require a night differential. It is typically employer policy or a bargained benefit.
What is a typical differential?
Commonly 5%–15% of base pay, or a flat dollar amount per hour.
Does the differential affect overtime?
Often yes — shift premiums are usually part of the regular rate used to calculate overtime.
Results are estimates based on the information you provide and may differ from your actual paycheck. This calculator is for informational and planning purposes and is not tax, payroll, legal, or financial advice.