On a 4 on 4 off schedule you work four 12-hour shifts and then get four days off. Because the cycle is 8 days long, your days off move through the week.
The pattern
| Day | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hours | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | off | off | off | off |
Hours
Over one 8-day cycle that is 48 hours, an average of 42 hours a week. Because the cycle does not line up with a calendar week, some weeks have more hours than others: the calendar above shows each week’s total and the hours over 40.
Some weeks you work 36 hours, some 48: the calendar shows which.
Overtime
Under federal law, most hourly employees get overtime for hours over 40 in their employer’s fixed workweek, whatever the schedule. Fire and police departments can use a longer work period under section 7(k) of the FLSA; for fire protection that is 212 hours in 28 days. State rules and union contracts can add more.
Sources
Sources last checked 1 November 2026.
Frequently asked questions
How many hours is 4 on 4 off?
48 hours every 8 days, an average of 42 a week.
Do days off rotate?
Yes. The 8-day cycle moves your days off one day later each week.
Is it day or night shift?
Either. Some employers also rotate between days and nights.
