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Shift schedule

48/96 schedule: calendar and hours

A fire service schedule: two 24-hour shifts in a row, then four days off.

By i-TimeManagement · Updated · How we calculate

Pattern48 hours on, 96 hours off
Cycle6 days
Average hours per week56
Hours per year, average2,922
Days worked per yearabout 122
Hours in any 28 days192 to 240
Shift length24 hours
Longest run of shifts2 in a row

The 48/96 schedule is used by many fire departments: 48 hours on duty, then 96 hours off, on a 6-day cycle.

The pattern

Day 1 2 3 4 5 6
Hours 24 24 off off off off

Hours

Over one 6-day cycle that is 48 hours, an average of 56 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.

It averages 56 hours a week, which is why fire departments usually pay overtime on a longer work period under FLSA section 7(k).

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 a 48/96?

48 hours every 6 days, an average of 56 hours a week.

Do firefighters get overtime on a 48/96?

Under FLSA 7(k), public fire departments can pay overtime after 212 hours in a 28-day work period. Many contracts set different rules.

What is the difference between 24/48 and 48/96?

Both average 56 hours a week. 48/96 groups shifts into two in a row with four days off.

Other shift schedules

Fire service 24-hour24/48 schedule One 24-hour shift, then two days off, on a 3-day cycle. Fire service 24-hourKelly schedule A fire service rotation of three 24-hour shifts on alternating days, then four days off.