Direct answer
Calculate each hourly rate as its own gross pay line, then add the lines together before estimating taxes, deductions, overtime, or shift premiums.
Best fit search phrase: "calculate paycheck with two different hourly rates". Use the calculator after you have the source record, policy wording, or pay-stub line in front of you.
Open Gross Pay CalculatorReal workplace situation
Two rates can happen after a promotion, training shift, role change, weekend assignment, or split department week. One blended rate can hide where the paycheck is off.
Role A: 24 hours x $21 = $504. Role B: 14 hours x $25 = $350. Total straight-time gross = $854 before any overtime or deductions.
Working rule
Gross pay with two rates = hours at rate A x rate A + hours at rate B x rate B.
Comparison table
| Part to verify | Use this | Avoid this shortcut |
|---|---|---|
| Source record | Time card, pay stub, PTO balance, contract, policy, approval note, or invoice wording | Memory of a normal week |
| Calculation | Gross pay with two rates = hours at rate A x rate A + hours at rate B x rate B. | A blended number that hides hours, rates, dates, or deductions |
| Result note | Role A: 24 hours x $21 = $504. Role B: 14 hours x $25 = $350. Total straight-time gross = $854 before any overtime or deductions. | A final answer with no assumptions attached |
Checklist before you rely on the number
Key checks
- Split hours by the rate that applies to each block.
- Calculate gross pay for each rate separately.
- Add the straight-time lines.
- Check whether overtime changes the rate calculation.
- Compare each line with the pay stub before checking net pay.
Practical notes
If overtime applies, the regular-rate method may be more complex than simply using the higher rate.
If the second rate is a shift differential, separate base rate and premium if the pay stub does that.
If the rate changed midweek, use the effective date to split hours.
Mistakes that change the result
Do not average the rates before checking the individual lines.
Do not put all hours under the newest rate unless it applies to all hours.
Do not compare gross two-rate pay with net deposit.
Next pages to check
How To Calculate Pay When I Change Shifts Midweek: /guides/how-to-calculate-pay-when-i-change-shifts-midweek/
How To Calculate Paycheck After Shift Differential Change: /guides/how-to-calculate-paycheck-after-shift-differential-change/
Open the related calculator: /tools/gross-pay-calculator/
Open Gross Pay Calculator