Plain-English guides on shift differential pay, overtime, and payroll rules — written to help employees check their paychecks and employers stay compliant.
Start here if you're not sure how your shift pay should be calculated.
The complete answer — plus why it looks different on your paycheck even though the tax rate is the same.
Read ArticleDoes Texas require shift differential pay? What employers and workers need to know about Texas overtime rules.
Read ArticleDoes California require shift differential pay? Here's what state law actually says.
Read ArticleDoes New York require shift differential pay? Here's what NY labor law says, including spread-of-hours pay.
Read ArticleDoes overtime include your shift differential? Yes — here's the FLSA rule, with worked examples.
Read ArticleAre they different terms for different things? Here's the clear answer, plus how each is taxed.
Read ArticlePlain-English definition — what it is, who typically qualifies, common types, and typical rates by industry.
Read ArticleHow to correctly count qualifying night hours, apply your differential rate, and factor it into overtime pay under FLSA rules.
Read ArticleA step-by-step walkthrough of calculating shift differential pay by hand, with worked examples for percentage-based and fixed-dollar premiums.
Read ArticleMore guides on state laws, industry-specific rules, and overtime are added regularly.
Once you understand the rules, use our calculators to get an exact number.
The main calculator — combine multiple differentials, overtime, and pay periods in one place.
Open CalculatorA focused tool for night premium pay with overtime.
Open CalculatorCalculate weekend premium pay for Saturday and Sunday shifts.
Open CalculatorCalculate 1.5× overtime pay, with optional differentials.
Open CalculatorCalculate 2× double time pay, with optional shift differentials.
Open CalculatorCalculate holiday premium pay, including overtime and other differentials.
Open Calculator