What Is a Split Shift and How Does It Work?
A split shift is a work arrangement where an employee works two or more separate shifts in one day with a break in between. Understanding split shifts is crucial for workers in industries like hospitality, retail, and healthcare, as they can affect your pay and work-life balance.
Definition of a Split Shift
A split shift occurs when an employee works two or more separate shifts in a single workday with a break or gap between them. The gap between shifts is called the "split." For example:
Example Split Shift:
- 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: 8 hours worked
In this example, the employee works 8 hours total but has a 4-hour break in between, making it a split shift.
Common Industries Using Split Shifts
Split shifts are common in industries with fluctuating demand throughout the day:
Hospitality
Restaurants often use split shifts to cover breakfast and dinner rushes, with a break during slower afternoon hours.
Retail
Retail stores may schedule split shifts during busy seasons or to cover peak shopping hours.
Healthcare
Nurses and caregivers may work split shifts to cover morning and evening patient care needs.
Transportation
Bus drivers and delivery workers may work split shifts to cover rush hour periods.
Split Shift Premiums
A split shift premium is additional compensation some states require when employees work split shifts. This premium compensates workers for the inconvenience of having to return to work after a break.
California Split Shift Premium
California is currently the only state that mandates split shift premiums. The premium is 1 hour of minimum wage, and it applies unless the employee's total daily earnings exceed minimum wage for all hours worked plus the premium hour.
For example, if you work 8 hours at $15/hour and the minimum wage is $16/hour, you'd earn $120 for the 8 hours. The premium would be $16 (1 hour of minimum wage), bringing your total to $136. However, if your total earnings already exceed $144 (9 hours × $16), the premium doesn't apply.
Most other states do not require split shift premiums, though some employers may offer them voluntarily. Use our state-by-state guide to see what applies in your location.
How to Calculate Split Shift Pay
Calculating split shift pay involves several steps:
- Calculate total hours worked: Add up all shift hours (Shift 1 + Shift 2 + Shift 3 if applicable)
- Calculate regular earnings: Multiply total hours by your hourly wage
- Determine if premium applies: Check if your state requires a split shift premium and if you meet the threshold
- Add premium (if applicable): Add the premium amount to your regular earnings
- Calculate overtime separately: Overtime is calculated separately from split shift premiums
Use our Split Shift Calculator to automatically calculate your pay, including any applicable premiums.
Split Shift vs. Spread-of-Hours Pay
Split shift premiums are different from spread-of-hours pay, though they serve a similar purpose:
Split Shift Premium
Compensates for working two separate shifts in one day with a break in between. Currently only mandated in California.
Spread-of-Hours Pay
Compensates when the workday exceeds a certain length (e.g., 10 hours in New York). Applies regardless of whether shifts are split.
Employee Rights and Split Shifts
When working split shifts, you're still entitled to:
- Minimum wage: You must be paid at least minimum wage for all hours worked
- Overtime pay: If you work more than 40 hours in a week (or 8 hours in a day in some states), you're entitled to overtime
- Break requirements: State and federal break requirements still apply
- Split shift premium: If your state requires it (currently only California)
Employers can generally require split shifts as long as they comply with minimum wage, overtime, and break requirements. However, some states have restrictions on split shifts for certain industries.
Calculate Your Split Shift Pay
Use our free split shift calculator to estimate your pay, including any applicable premiums: