Shift-work guide
How to estimate night, weekend and overtime shift pay
A reliable estimate starts with the hours worked and then applies each pay rule in a clear order. Keep the official payslip and workplace agreement as your source of truth.
Updated 22 August 2026 · Published by Ynoxa
1. Record the complete shift
Write down the date, start time, end time and unpaid break. For an overnight shift, make sure the end belongs to the following day.
2. Separate the pay rules
Do not use one blended rate if your job has different rules.
- Base hourly rate
- Night or evening premium
- Saturday, Sunday and public-holiday rate
- Overtime threshold and rate
- Allowances, bonuses and mileage
3. Apply rules in the right order
Subtract unpaid breaks, determine ordinary and overtime hours, then apply the eligible premiums. Check whether your workplace rules combine premiums or use only the highest one.
4. Compare the estimate carefully
Rounding, payroll periods, tax, pension, deductions and employer-specific agreements can make a payslip differ from a gross estimate. Compare like-for-like periods and gross figures.