How to use this calculator
- Enter or choose base hourly rate.
- Enter or choose differential type.
- Enter or choose differential.
- Enter or choose hours on the differential shift.
- Enter or choose hours at the base rate.
- The total gross pay updates as you type. Use Copy result or Share to keep it.
Method
Shift rate = Base × (1 + Differential% ÷ 100) or Base + Flat; Total = Base × All hours + (Shift rate − Base) × Shift hours; Blended = Total ÷ All hours
- Base
- regular hourly rate
- Shift hours
- hours worked on the shift that attracts the differential
Worked example
- Shift rate = 20 × 1.10 = $22 an hour.
- Premium = (22 − 20) × 24 = $48.
- Total = 20 × 40 + 48 = $848, a blended $21.20 an hour.
A 10% night differential on 24 of 40 hours at $20 adds $48, for $848 gross.
What the result means
The blended rate is useful when comparing a rota with mixed shifts against a day-only job. In some jurisdictions the differential must also be included in the regular rate used for overtime.
Assumptions and limits
- All hours are straight-time hours; overtime is not included.
- Differentials that apply only to part of a shift (for example after 10 pm) need the hours entered accordingly.
Questions
Is a flat or percentage differential better?
A percentage grows with your base rate; a flat amount does not. At a $20 base, 10% and $2 are the same; at $30, 10% is worth $3.
Does shift differential affect overtime?
Often yes: some laws, including US federal rules, require shift premiums to be counted in the regular rate on which overtime is calculated.
Please note: This calculator gives estimates for planning. It is not financial advice, and lenders’ actual terms, fees and rounding may differ.