Most temporary shifts are paid hourly, but a flat daily rate is common for certain roles and arrangements. Knowing the difference helps both hirers and workers set clear expectations before a shift starts.
How hourly rate shifts work
The worker logs their actual start and end time (minus any unpaid break), and pay is calculated from hours worked multiplied by the agreed rate. This suits shifts where hours might vary slightly, or where precise time tracking matters to the hirer.
How daily rate shifts work
Instead of tracking hours, the worker simply confirms they worked that day, and pay is a fixed amount regardless of the exact hours within reason. This suits roles where the work is naturally day-based rather than hour-sensitive, and it simplifies timesheets for both sides.
When hourly makes more sense
If shift length can vary meaningfully, or the hirer needs precise records of hours worked for their own reporting, hourly gives that detail.
When daily makes more sense
If the role is naturally structured around a full day regardless of exact finish time, a daily rate removes the friction of minute-by-minute time tracking for something that doesn't need it.
What to agree before the shift starts
Whichever structure applies, it should be clear before the worker arrives — stated on the shift posting, not decided afterward. Switching between the two after a shift has started is where disputes happen.
How Meet Resources handles this
Meet Resources lets hirers choose hourly or daily rate when posting a shift, shows workers clearly which applies, and adjusts the timesheet experience accordingly — hourly shifts log time as usual, daily-rate shifts just confirm attendance, with pay calculated correctly either way.