What Is 1st Shift? Definition, Examples & Guide

What Is 1st Shift?

First shift (also called day shift) is the daytime work schedule, typically 7 AM to 3 PM or 8 AM to 4 PM.

In Short

First shift (7 AM–3 PM or 8 AM–4 PM) is the standard daytime schedule with no pay differential but better work-life balance and free evenings.

Shift scheduling guidance reviewed by workforce management specialists with expertise in operational planning and employee wellness.

Typical 1st Shift Hours by Industry

Common variations: Manufacturing (6 AM–2 PM), healthcare (7 AM–3 PM), office (8 AM–4 PM or 9 AM–5 PM), retail (9 AM–5 PM), construction (6 AM–2 PM), warehousing (7 AM–3 PM).

Many schedules include a 30-minute to 1-hour unpaid lunch and two 10–15 minute paid breaks.

Difference Between 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Shift

Key Differences

Timing and Lifestyle

• 1st shift workers wake early (5–6 AM) but have free evenings for family, activities, and appointments
• 2nd shift workers sleep in but sacrifice evenings and dinner time with families
• 3rd shift workers sleep during the day and face significant circadian rhythm disruption

Pay and Benefits

• 1st shift earns standard base pay with no differential
• 2nd shift earns 5–15% premiums depending on industry
• 3rd shift earns 10–25% premiums to compensate for overnight hours

Supervision and Autonomy

• 1st shift typically has full management presence and structured oversight
• 2nd shift has reduced supervision with more autonomy
• 3rd shift often works with minimal or no on-site management

Health and Safety

• 1st shift aligns with natural circadian rhythms, promoting better sleep and health
• 2nd shift has minor circadian disruption but manageable
• 3rd shift significantly increases health risks including sleep disorders, metabolic issues, and cardiovascular problems

Learn more about 2nd shift and 3rd shift work and health impacts, and explore night shift job opportunities.

Advantages of 1st Shift

For Workers: Evenings free for family and social activities, natural sleep schedule, access to daytime services (banks, appointments), daylight commutes, better health outcomes.

For Employers: Full management and vendor availability, higher productivity during natural waking hours, easier recruitment, no shift premium costs (saves 5–25% on labor).

Disadvantages of 1st Shift

For Workers: Early wake-up times (5–6 AM), no shift differential pay, more supervision, rush hour traffic.

For Employers: Higher competition for talent, may need higher base rates, limited flexibility for workers needing daytime availability.

Industries Using 1st Shift

Primarily day shift: Office and professional services, education, government, retail (non-24-hour), construction and trades.

Day shift as primary with 2nd/3rd coverage: Manufacturing (60–70% of output on 1st shift), healthcare, warehousing, hospitality, transportation and logistics.

Managing 1st Shift Teams

Schedules: Standard Monday–Friday (7 AM–3 PM or 8 AM–4 PM), compressed 4×10 workweeks, or rotating weekends for coverage.

Recruitment: Highlight work-life balance, free evenings, and competitive base pay. Market to families and those valuing traditional schedules.

Retention: Provide clear advancement paths, offer flexible scheduling when possible, use scheduling software, and post schedules 2–4 weeks ahead.

Transitioning Between Shifts

Moving to 2nd/3rd shift: Gradually adjust sleep by 1–2 hours per day. Expect easier transition to 2nd shift; 3rd shift requires 2–4 weeks adjustment.

Moving to 1st shift: Faster adaptation back to natural rhythm, improved sleep within 1–2 weeks, but earlier wake-up and reduced pay (losing differential).

The Bottom Line

First shift (7 AM–3 PM or 8 AM–4 PM) is the standard daytime schedule with no pay differential but superior work-life balance and health outcomes. Most workers prefer day hours for family and social benefits, despite lower pay than 2nd and 3rd shifts.

Optimize your shift schedules with ShiftFlow’s workforce management platform.

Further Reading

• 2nd Shift Work Guide – Afternoon and evening operations
• 3rd Shift Work Guide – Overnight operations and pay differentials
• Double Shift Rules – Extended hours and overtime laws
• Flexible Scheduling Strategies – Modern workforce management

Frequently Asked Questions

What are typical 1st shift hours?

First shift typically runs 7 AM–3 PM or 8 AM–4 PM, covering standard daytime business hours.

What is the difference between 1st shift and 2nd shift?

First shift runs daytime (7 AM–3 PM) with no pay differential. Second shift runs evening (3 PM–11 PM), pays 5–15% premiums, and limits evening activities but allows morning flexibility.

Do 1st shift workers get paid more?

No, first shift earns standard base pay with no differential. Second shift earns 5–15% more, and third shift earns 10–25% more for less desirable hours.

What industries use 1st shift schedules?

Nearly all industries use first shift as their primary schedule including manufacturing, healthcare, retail, construction, education, and professional services.

Is 1st shift better than 2nd or 3rd shift?

First shift offers better work-life balance and health alignment. However, 2nd shift and 3rd shift pay premiums of 5–25% and offer more autonomy. Best choice depends on priorities.

Can you work 1st shift with kids?

Yes, first shift is often ideal for parents because evenings are free for family time and align with school schedules.