12 Hour Shift Pay Calculator
Calculate your pay for 12-hour work shifts, including overtime calculations under FLSA rules. This calculator helps you understand how long shifts affect your earnings with time and a half overtime.
Shift Pay Summary
Overtime Breakdown
Shift Information
Understanding 12-Hour Shift Pay
12-hour shifts are common in industries like healthcare, manufacturing, emergency services, and transportation. These long shifts often trigger overtime pay under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), which can significantly impact take-home pay.
FLSA Overtime Rules for 12-Hour Shifts
Federal Overtime Requirements
Overtime pay applies when weekly hours exceed 40
12-Hour Shift Scenarios
- 3 shifts/week: 36 hours (no OT)
- 4 shifts/week: 48 hours (8 hours OT)
- 5 shifts/week: 60 hours (20 hours OT)
- 6 shifts/week: 72 hours (32 hours OT)
Overtime Calculation
- Regular rate × 1.5 for OT hours
- OT hours = Total hours - 40
- Applies to workweek basis
- Not per shift or per day
Common 12-Hour Shift Schedules
| Schedule | Shifts/Week | Hours/Week | Overtime Hours | Work Days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3-4 Schedule | 3 | 36 | 0 | 3 days on, 4 days off |
| 4-3 Schedule | 4 | 48 | 8 | 4 days on, 3 days off |
| 3-3-2 Schedule | 4.3 avg | 51.6 avg | 11.6 avg | 3 on, 3 off, 2 on, repeat |
| 5-2 Schedule | 5 | 60 | 20 | 5 days on, 2 days off |
Pay Calculation Examples
12-Hour Shift Pay Examples
Example 1: 3 Shifts/Week ($25/hour)
36 hours × $25 = $900/week (no overtime)
Monthly: $900 × 4.3 = $3,870
Example 2: 4 Shifts/Week ($25/hour)
40 hours × $25 = $1,000 (regular)
8 hours × $37.50 = $300 (overtime)
Total: $1,300/week
Example 3: 5 Shifts/Week ($25/hour)
40 hours × $25 = $1,000 (regular)
20 hours × $37.50 = $750 (overtime)
Total: $1,750/week
State Variations on Overtime
While federal law sets the baseline at 40 hours/week, some states have stricter overtime rules. California requires double time for hours over 12 in a day, and some states have different weekly thresholds.
| State | Weekly Threshold | Daily Rules | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | 40 hours | 2x after 12 hours/day | Stricter daily overtime |
| New York | 40 hours | 1.5x after 10 hours/day | Daily overtime trigger |
| Texas | 40 hours | None | Follows federal rules |
| Florida | 40 hours | None | Follows federal rules |
Benefits of 12-Hour Shifts
For Employees
- More days off per week
- Potential for overtime pay
- Less commuting time
- Better work-life balance
- Higher hourly earnings
For Employers
- Reduced shift changeovers
- Lower staffing costs
- Improved continuity
- Better coverage for 24/7 operations
- Fewer handoffs between shifts
Considerations for 12-Hour Shifts
Important Factors to Consider
Fatigue and Safety
- Extended work hours can cause fatigue
- Impact on concentration and safety
- Recovery time between shifts
- Sleep quality considerations
Work-Life Balance
- More consecutive days off
- Family time scheduling
- Social life adjustments
- Exercise and health routines
Tax Implications
Overtime pay is taxed at the same rate as regular wages. However, the compressed work schedule of 12-hour shifts may affect tax withholding calculations. Employees should review their W-4 forms to ensure proper withholding.
Key Takeaways for 12-Hour Shifts
- 12-hour shifts become overtime when weekly hours exceed 40
- Overtime pay is calculated at 1.5 times regular rate
- Common schedules: 3-4, 4-3, 3-3-2, 5-2 shifts per week
- Some states have additional overtime rules
- Consider fatigue and work-life balance
- Overtime pay increases effective hourly earnings
- Taxed the same as regular wages
- Popular in healthcare, manufacturing, and emergency services