What is a shift differential?

A shift differential is additional pay for working non-standard hours like nights, weekends, or holidays. Common rates are 10–25% above base pay. A $20/hr worker with a 15% night differential earns $23/hr on nights.

Shift Differential Calculator

Estimate pay with a shift differential percentage added to base pay.

This tool runs in your browser. None of your data is saved or sold.

Base hourly rate ($)

Shift differential (%)

Hours per week at differential (hours)

Weeks per year (weeks)

About This Calculator

Many employers pay a premium — a 'differential' — for working night, weekend, or holiday shifts. This calculator shows your effective hourly rate with the differential applied, your weekly earnings for those hours, and your annual earnings if you worked those shifts consistently.

Estimates only — not financial, tax, legal, or investment advice. Verify important results with a qualified professional before making decisions.

effective hourly rate = base rate × (1 + differential %); weekly earnings = effective rate × hours per week; annual earnings = weekly earnings × weeks per year