What is a shift differential?

A shift differential is extra pay for working less desirable hours such as evenings, nights, weekends, or holidays. It is typically a percentage of your base hourly rate. For example, a 15% night differential means you earn 15% more per hour on night shifts.

How is overtime calculated for shift workers?

Most U.S. states pay overtime at 1.5× your base rate for hours worked over 40 in a week. California uses a daily overtime rule: overtime applies after 8 hours in a single day and double time applies after 12 hours.

Does shift differential apply to overtime hours?

Yes. If you work overtime during a differential-eligible shift, you receive both the overtime multiplier and the differential percentage. Shift Diff Calculator applies differential pay to all hours logged with that shift type.

What's the difference between gross pay and net pay?

Gross pay is your total earnings before deductions such as taxes, health insurance, and retirement contributions. Shift Diff Calculator focuses on gross pay so you know what to expect before payroll deductions.

How often should I use this calculator?

Use it any time your schedule changes, you pick up extra shifts, or you want to compare a new job offer. Many shift workers run it before each pay period to forecast their next paycheck.

California labor law ready

California Overtime Calculator

California overtime works differently than federal rules — you earn time-and-a-half after 8 hours in a single day, and double time after 12 hours. This calculator applies California's daily OT rules automatically so your pay estimate is accurate, not just close.

Base hourly rate

Hourly rate before differentialsState

▾

Pay period

▾

Weekly schedule

Enter hours (0–24) and select shift type

Mon

▾

Tue

▾

Wed

▾

Thu

▾

Fri

▾

Sat

▾

Sun

▾

Gross pay summary

Regular pay

40.0 hrs × base rate

$880.00

Overtime pay

5.0 hrs × 1.5×

$165.00

Gross pay

$1,045.00

Annual estimate: $27,170.00

Other calculators

Shift Differential Calculator (Home)Warehouse OT Calculator Retail Shift Calculator