How to use the on call pay calculator
- Enter your regular hourly rate, the number of hours you are on call in the pay period and the on-call amount paid for each of those hours. You can also add a flat payment for the period.
- Enter the number of call-outs you worked, the average hours worked on each and any minimum paid hours per call-out.
- Enter the pay multiple for call-out hours. Use 1 if call-out work pays your regular rate.
- Choose whether the on-call amount stops during hours you spend working a call-out, then read the on-call pay, the call-out pay and the total.
Formula
On-call pay = hours on call x on-call amount per hour + flat payment
Paid hours per call-out = the greater of the hours worked and the minimum
Call-out pay = call-outs x paid hours x hourly rate x pay multiple
Total = on-call pay + call-out pay
If the on-call amount stops during call-outs, the hours worked on call-outs are subtracted from the hours on call before the on-call amount is applied.
A 120 hour on-call period at $28 an hour
You are on call for 120 hours at $2.50 an hour and work 4 call-outs of about 1.5 hours each. The policy pays a minimum of 2 hours for each call-out at 1.5 times your rate.
The 6 hours actually worked are not paid at the on-call amount, leaving 114 hours x $2.50 = $285.00. Each call-out pays 2 hours x $28 x 1.5 = $84.00, so four pay $336.00. The total is $621.00. If the on-call amount kept running during call-outs, it would be $636.00.
How on-call pay can be structured
Employers pay for being on call in different ways: a flat amount per shift or week, an hourly amount for each hour, or nothing at all unless you are called. Call-out work may be paid at the regular rate or a higher one, sometimes with a minimum number of hours. Because there is no single structure, every figure here is an input.
Whether on-call time counts as hours worked, and whether it counts toward overtime, depends on the law that applies and on how restricted you are while on call. This calculator does not decide that.
Related tools
Plan who covers which week with the on-call rotation generator. For extra pay on certain shifts, see the shift differential pay calculator, and for hours past 40 in a week, use the overtime calculator.
Assumptions and limits
- The on-call amount, minimum hours and pay multiple are examples. Use the terms in your policy or agreement.
- Call-out hours are paid at the rate times the multiple, and overtime beyond that is not modeled.
- The tool treats the period as one block of hours, with no tax or other deductions.
- Rules vary by state, employer and contract. This is not legal or payroll advice.
Frequently asked questions
How is on-call pay calculated?
Add the pay for being available, usually an amount per hour or per shift, to the pay for any call-outs you work. Call-out pay is the paid hours times your rate times any multiple.
What is a minimum call-out?
Some agreements pay a minimum number of hours each time you are called in, even for a shorter task. Enter it in the minimum field. If you leave it at 0, call-outs are paid for the hours worked.
Should on-call hours include time spent on call-outs?
Policies vary. Leave the checkbox on if the on-call amount stops while you work. Turn it off if you receive both at the same time.
Does on-call time count as overtime?
It can, depending on the law and how much the on-call restrictions limit what you can do. This tool does not decide that. Use the result as the arithmetic of the terms you enter.