How to Calculate Split Shift Premiums
Calculating split shift premiums can be complex, especially when state-specific rules apply. This step-by-step guide will help you understand how to calculate your split shift pay, including any applicable premiums.
Step 1: Identify Your Shifts
First, identify all the shifts you worked in a single day:
Example:
- Shift 1: 6:00 AM - 10:00 AM (4 hours)
- Break: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM (4-hour gap)
- Shift 2: 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM (4 hours)
Total hours worked: 8 hours
Step 2: Calculate Total Hours Worked
Add up all shift hours:
Formula: Total Hours = Shift 1 Hours + Shift 2 Hours + Shift 3 Hours (if applicable)
Example: 4 hours + 4 hours = 8 total hours
Step 3: Calculate Regular Earnings
Multiply total hours by your hourly wage:
Formula: Regular Earnings = Total Hours × Hourly Wage
Example: 8 hours × $15/hour = $120
Step 4: Determine if Premium Applies (California)
In California, the split shift premium applies unless your total daily earnings exceed a threshold. The premium is 1 hour of minimum wage.
California Premium Calculation
Premium Amount: 1 hour of minimum wage
Threshold: Premium applies if Regular Earnings < (Total Hours + 1) × Minimum Wage
Example Calculation:
- Total Hours: 8
- Hourly Wage: $15/hour
- Minimum Wage: $16/hour
- Regular Earnings: 8 × $15 = $120
- Threshold: (8 + 1) × $16 = $144
- Since $120 < $144, premium applies
- Premium: $16 (1 hour of minimum wage)
- Total Pay: $120 + $16 = $136
Step 5: Calculate Total Pay
Add the premium (if applicable) to your regular earnings:
Formula: Total Pay = Regular Earnings + Premium (if applicable)
Example: $120 + $16 = $136
Step 6: Consider Overtime (Separate Calculation)
Overtime is calculated separately from split shift premiums. If you work more than 40 hours in a week (or 8 hours in a day in some states), you're entitled to overtime pay:
Important: Overtime is calculated on your regular hourly wage, not including the split shift premium.
For example, if you work 45 hours in a week with split shifts, you'd get:
- 40 hours at regular rate
- 5 hours at 1.5× regular rate (overtime)
- Plus any split shift premiums for days with split shifts
Common Calculation Scenarios
Scenario 1: Premium Applies
- Hours: 8 hours (4am-8am, 2pm-6pm)
- Wage: $15/hour
- Min Wage: $16/hour
- Regular Pay: $120
- Threshold: $144
- Premium: $16 (applies because $120 < $144)
- Total: $136
Scenario 2: Premium Doesn't Apply
- Hours: 8 hours (4am-8am, 2pm-6pm)
- Wage: $18/hour
- Min Wage: $16/hour
- Regular Pay: $144
- Threshold: $144
- Premium: $0 (doesn't apply because $144 ≥ $144)
- Total: $144
Use Our Calculator
Don't want to calculate manually? Use our free split shift calculator to automatically calculate your pay, including any applicable premiums: