Night Shift Bonus 2026 — How Much and How to Calculate It

Working through the night demands extra effort, which is why labour law protects this group of workers with clear financial rights.

What the law says (25% of base salary)

Under labour law in force in 2026, work performed between 22:00 and 06:00 is classified as night work. Employees who meet the legal conditions are entitled either to a one-hour reduction in their daily schedule (with no pay cut), or to a night shift bonus of 25% of their base salary. In most shift-working organisations, the 25% bonus applies.

Who qualifies for the night shift bonus?

To receive the 25% bonus, an employee must meet one of these conditions:

1. Performs night work for at least 3 hours of their daily working time.
2. Performs night work for at least 30% of their monthly working time.

If these criteria are met, the employer is legally obliged to calculate and pay the bonus for all hours worked between 22:00 and 06:00.

How to calculate it in practice (worked example)

• Base gross salary: 6,000 RON
• Monthly norm: 160 hours
• Hourly rate: 6,000 ÷ 160 = 37.50 RON/hour
• Night hours worked: 48 hours (6 shifts × 8h nights)

Bonus per hour: 25% × 37.50 = 9.375 RON/hour
Total bonus: 48 × 9.375 = 450 RON gross

The employee receives 6,000 + 450 = 6,450 RON gross that month.