How to estimate pay when you work shifts
Updated 17 October 2026
Understand hours, unpaid breaks and allowances before comparing totals.
Count paid time first
A shift from 06:00 to 14:00 lasts eight hours. With a 30-minute unpaid break, paid time is 7.5 hours. At an illustrative hourly rate of €20, the base gross estimate is €150 before allowances or deductions.
Separate the additions
Night, evening and weekend allowances may apply to a whole shift or just certain hours. Overtime rules can use daily, weekly or other thresholds. Enter the terms that actually apply to your contract rather than assuming one universal rule.
Keep actual and planned hours distinct
A month’s forecast can include future work. Recorded earnings should reflect the work you have entered so far. Update hours after a change, an early finish or an unpaid absence so the two views remain useful.
Compare like with like
Gross pay is before deductions. Take-home pay may also depend on taxes, pensions, allowances and other contract details. Use ShiftMoon as a personal estimate, and resolve differences using your employer’s payslip. This guide is not payroll or tax advice.