What Is the Swing Shift? Definition & Tips for Getting Hired

As the clock strikes 4 p.m., you find yourself lacing up your work boots, ready to start your shift just as most of the city is winding down for the night. The streets are quieter, the air cooler, and while others are tucking into bed, you’re clocking in. This is the reality of the swing shift—a work schedule that doesn’t conform to the traditional 9-to-5. It’s a rhythm that requires adaptability, resilience, and often a strong cup of coffee.

In this article, we’ll dive into what working the swing shift really means, the challenges and rewards it presents, and most importantly, what it pays. Whether you’re considering a switch to this unconventional work schedule or simply curious about the lifestyle and compensation it entails, we’ll provide a comprehensive look at the pros, cons, and everything in between.

Read more: How Many Hours Is Part-Time?

What is a swing shift?

There’s the morning shift, there’s the night shift, and then there’s the swing shift. Sometimes called the afternoon or second shift, this type of schedule is most common in businesses that are either: a) open 24 hours or b) are busiest late at night.

The exact hours of a swing shift can vary widely and largely depend on your field. Typically, the afternoon shift hours stretch from 3 p.m. to midnight, give or take a few hours on either side, ending work very late at night or in the early hours of the morning.

A few industries that have a swing shift include:

Health care, like urgent care facilities and hospitals
Retail, like big-box and grocery stores
Customer service, call centers and live chats
Hospitality, like hotels and hotel restaurants/bars
Transportation, like cab drivers and bus drivers
Food service, like fast food and restaurants

There are advantages and disadvantages to working the second shift of the day, but it may take some adjusting before you’re fully used to the flow—and in the end, it may not work for everyone.

The pros of working a swing shift

Employees are may be paid more or offered perks for working the swing shift
Non-traditional hours means you won’t have to deal with as much traffic during your daily life (shopping for groceries, working out, literal traffic)
No waking up early for morning shifts
Your mornings and early afternoons are open, making it easier to go to school, pick up another part-time job, or take your kids to and from school.

The cons of working a swing shift

You’ll be starting your shift midday, so you may lose out on time with friends and family, i.e., dinner with friends is out
Most of your free time will be in the morning, unless you choose to stay up after your shift
Since swing shift hours aren’t ideal for everyone, it can be harder to get time off or find someone to cover your shift
You may have to adjust your sleep and eating schedule to more non-traditional hours to accommodate your shift

How is swing shift different from a rotating shift?

When you work a swing shift, your schedule is fixed, usually covering the late afternoon to midnight hours. This means you always know you’ll be working the same block of time every day, allowing you to establish a routine, even if it's an unconventional one.

In contrast, a rotating shift involves changing your work hours regularly. One week, you might work the morning shift, the next week the swing shift, and then perhaps the night shift after that. This rotation can disrupt your sleep patterns and make it harder to maintain a consistent routine. While the swing shift offers stability in your daily schedule, a rotating shift demands flexibility and adaptability to constantly shifting work hours.

Should I be getting paid more for working the swing shift?

Since swing shift workers are giving up their free time during prime hours of the day, many employers offer advantages or extra compensation—but it isn’t required. Although the hours aren’t ideal, it’s still considered the same as other shift work, so the only real requirement is that your pay meets the minimum wage.

In the United States, the federal minimum wage is $7.25, but your state may have a different threshold; for example, the minimum wage in Georgia is just $5.15. According to the Department of Labor, however, your employer is required to pay you the higher of the two, whichever it may be. Currently, 29 states pay above the minimum wage, and in 2019, 18 states increased their minimum wage requirements.

The good news is you might naturally make more money by working the swing shift. If you work in a hotel restaurant, for example, you’ll be working the dinner shift and have the chance to make more money. If you drive a cab or a Lyft, you’ll get the business of rush hour traffic.

Adjusting to the swing shift lifestyle

If you’re permanently working the swing shift, you’ll have to adjust to the new lifestyle that the schedule brings. Here are a few tips to ease the transition:

Get ahead of managing your sleep schedule. You’ll likely be working late nights, which means falling asleep when you get home can be tough. Try turning off your phone when you get home, and do a calming activity like reading, journaling, or yoga, and make your bedtime a set routine.
Lean into it. Instead of thinking of all the things you miss out on during your shift, think of all the ways you can spend your time off—slow mornings sipping coffee, fitting in workouts before the 5 p.m. rush, and daytime hours to learn new skills.

How do you get a job with a swing shift?

Think swing shift is for you? Getting a job with a swing shift involves a few key steps that you can follow to improve your chances:

1. Identify your target industry

Certain industries, such as healthcare, manufacturing, hospitality, and customer service, are more likely to offer swing shift positions. Start by focusing your job search on these fields.

2. Search job listings

Use job search engines and company career pages to find listings that specifically mention swing shift or second shift. Keywords like "afternoon shift," "evening shift," and "second shift" will help you narrow down your options.

3. Tailor your resume

Highlight any previous experience you have with non-traditional work hours. Employers appreciate candidates who already have experience working outside the typical 9-to-5 schedule.

4. Prepare for the interview

Be ready to discuss why you are interested in the swing shift and how you plan to manage the unique challenges it presents, such as maintaining a work-life balance and staying productive during unconventional hours. Prep using our comprehensive list of interview questions to ask candidates.

5. Network

Reach out to contacts in your industry who may know of swing shift openings. Networking can often lead to job opportunities that aren’t advertised publicly.

6. Show flexibility

During interviews, emphasize your willingness to adapt to the swing shift and how you can be a reliable part of their team during these hours. Highlight your time management skills and ability to work independently during quieter times.

By following these steps, you can position yourself as a strong candidate for swing shift positions and increase your chances of landing a job that fits this schedule. Good luck!

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