A swing shift is a work shift that falls between the day shift and the night shift, typically from about 3 or 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. or midnight. The name comes from its position: it “swings” between the two. In some workplaces, “swing shift” also means a rotating schedule where employees move between day, evening and night shifts.
Typical hours
| Shift | Common hours |
|---|---|
| Day | 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. |
| Swing (evening, “second shift”) | 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. |
| Night (“graveyard,” “third shift”) | 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. |
Exact times vary by employer, and 10- or 12-hour schedules shift these windows.
Who works swing shifts
Hospitals, factories, warehouses, police and fire departments, call centers, airports, power plants, restaurants and retail. Any operation that runs more than eight hours a day needs evening coverage. Manufacturing and energy careers often involve these schedules; see is industrial machinery a good career path.
Pay
Many employers pay a shift differential for evening and night work, either a fixed amount per hour or a percentage. In the US, federal law does not require extra pay for evening or night shifts; the Department of Labor explains that it is a matter between employer and employee, or a union contract. Overtime rules still apply normally.
Pros
- mornings free for appointments, errands, classes or child care handoffs
- often less supervision and a calmer pace than the day shift
- easier commutes outside rush hour
- extra pay where a differential exists
Cons
- less time with family and friends who work days
- dinner and evening activities are hard to schedule
- winding down after midnight can delay sleep
- rotating swing schedules are harder on the body than fixed ones
Staying healthy on evening shifts
Keep the same sleep schedule on days off as much as possible. Sleep in a dark, quiet room, with blackout curtains if you sleep late into the morning. Eat a proper meal before your shift rather than snacking all evening. Avoid caffeine in the last hours before you finish. The CDC’s NIOSH program publishes guidance on shift work and fatigue for workers and employers.
Know your rights
Changing schedules, mandatory overtime and breaks are covered by state laws and workplace policies. If a supervisor uses scheduling to punish or intimidate employees, that may cross into workplace abuse; see what abusive conduct is at work.
