Field guide
4×10 vs 3×12 vs 9/80 vs 5×8 Pay Comparison
Compare compressed work schedules side by side. See weekly hours, annual hours, extra days off, and pay differences. Interactive compressed workweek calculator for U.S. workers.
Reviewed 2026-09-12 · Shift Ledger
Understand the common compressed schedules
A standard 5/8 schedule is 40 hours per week (5 days × 8 hours). A 4/10 compresses those 40 hours into 4 days of 10 hours each. A 3/12 uses 3 days of 12 hours for 36 hours per week. The 9/80 works 9 days across 2 weeks, alternating 9-hour and 8-hour days, totaling 80 hours every two weeks.
Compare weekly hours and annual hours
Standard 5/8 = 2,080 hours/year. 4/10 = 2,080 hours/year with 52 fewer commute days. 3/12 = 1,872 hours/year (4 fewer hours weekly). 9/80 = 2,080 hours/year with 26 fewer commute days. Each schedule has different implications for overtime eligibility.
Account for state overtime rules
California, Alaska, and Nevada require daily overtime after 8 hours in most cases. Under a 4/10 schedule in California, you would earn 2 hours of daily overtime per day unless your employer has an alternative workweek agreement. Colorado requires daily overtime after 12 hours for most nonexempt employees, so a 4/10 does not trigger daily OT there. Other states only require weekly overtime after 40 hours.
Calculate your actual pay difference
Use the schedule comparison calculator to input your hourly rate and compare any two schedules side by side. A 4/10 at the same rate as a 5/8 gives the same gross pay if no overtime applies. But with daily OT rules, a 4/10 could pay more — or require employer approval.
Consider non-pay factors
Compressed schedules reduce commute costs and days away from home. They also mean longer individual workdays, which can affect childcare, energy levels, and shift coverage. These factors do not appear in a pay calculation but matter for the decision.
Frequently asked questions
What is a compressed workweek?
A compressed workweek packs the same total weekly hours into fewer, longer workdays. The most common are 4/10 (four 10-hour days), 3/12 (three 12-hour days), and 9/80 (nine 8-9 hour days over two weeks).
Does a 4/10 schedule pay more than a 5/8?
It depends on your state. In California, Alaska, and Nevada, a 4/10 triggers 8 hours of daily overtime per week unless your employer has an approved alternative workweek agreement. Colorado requires daily OT only after 12 hours, so a 4/10 does not trigger daily OT there. In other states, 40 hours is 40 hours regardless of daily distribution.
What is a 9/80 schedule?
The 9/80 schedule works 80 hours over 9 days in a 2-week period. You alternate between 9-hour and 8-hour days, getting every other Friday off. It is popular because it gives a day off every two weeks without reducing total hours.
How many hours do I work in a year on a 4/10?
2,080 hours per year — the same as a standard 5/8 schedule. The difference is you work 4 days instead of 5, saving 52 commute days annually.
Are compressed schedules legal in all states?
Yes, but overtime rules differ. California, Alaska, and Nevada require daily overtime after 8 hours unless your employer has an approved alternative workweek agreement. Colorado requires daily overtime after 12 hours. Check your state's rules before switching.
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