The 10 Hour Shift Schedule, Explained
The 10-hour shift, usually run as four days on and three days off, is one of the most popular alternative schedules. Here is how it works, what it pays, and where the overtime line falls.
What a 10 Hour Shift Schedule Is
The most common version is the 4/10 schedule: four 10-hour days per week instead of five 8-hour days. The weekly total is the same 40 hours, but compressed into fewer, longer days, giving a three-day weekend every week.
Paid Hours on a 10 Hour Shift
A 10-hour shift is 10 hours of clock time. After an unpaid break the paid hours are lower:
| Break | Paid hours | On site |
|---|---|---|
| Paid break | 10.0 | 10h |
| 30 min unpaid | 9.5 | 10h |
| 1 hour unpaid | 9.0 | 10h |
Common 10 Hour Shift Times
| Start | End (10h) | Pattern |
|---|---|---|
| 6:00 AM | 4:00 PM | Early day |
| 7:00 AM | 5:00 PM | Standard 4/10 |
| 8:00 AM | 6:00 PM | Day |
| 12:00 PM | 10:00 PM | Evening |
| 9:00 PM | 7:00 AM | Night 4/10 |
The Overtime Catch
This is the part workers most often miss. If your workplace uses a daily 8-hour overtime rule, every 10-hour shift contains 2 overtime hours — even though the weekly total is only 40. If your workplace uses a weekly 40-hour rule, a 4/10 week of exactly 40 hours has no overtime at all.
Same 40-hour week, very different pay: under a daily 8-hour rule a 4/10 schedule earns 8 hours of overtime a week; under a weekly 40-hour rule it earns none.
This is why the overtime rule that applies to you matters so much on a 10-hour schedule. See the full breakdown in our overtime pay guide.
Pros and Cons
Advantages
- Three-day weekend every week
- Fewer commutes — four days instead of five
- Longer continuous blocks of work can improve focus for some roles
Drawbacks
- Long days can cause fatigue, especially on night 4/10s
- Less daily flexibility for appointments and family
- Under a daily overtime rule, employers may resist paying the extra 2 hours, so schedules are often arranged to avoid it
See your 10-hour shift pay
Enter a 10-hour shift and the calculator shows paid hours, overtime and take-home instantly.
Open the Shift CalculatorFrequently Asked Questions
What is a 10 hour shift schedule?
The most common version is the 4/10 schedule: four 10-hour days per week instead of five 8-hour days. The weekly total stays at 40 hours but is compressed into fewer, longer days with a three-day weekend.
How many paid hours is a 10 hour shift?
A 10-hour shift is 10 hours of clock time. With a 30-minute unpaid break you are paid for 9.5 hours; with a 1-hour unpaid break, 9 hours. With a paid break, the full 10 hours.
Does a 10 hour shift get overtime?
It depends on the rule. Under a daily 8-hour overtime rule, every 10-hour shift has 2 overtime hours. Under a weekly 40-hour rule, a 4/10 week of exactly 40 hours has no overtime.
What does a 4/10 work schedule mean?
Four work days of 10 hours each, then three days off, totalling 40 hours a week. It is the most popular form of the 10-hour shift schedule.
Is a 10 hour shift better than an 8 hour shift?
It depends on priorities. A 4/10 gives a three-day weekend and fewer commutes, but the days are long and may cause fatigue. Pay is the same per week unless a daily overtime rule applies.
This guide explains common scheduling practice for general education. Overtime rules vary by region and employer — always confirm the rules that apply to your job.