How the 48/96 schedule works
Each platoon works 48 hours on, then 96 hours off: two days at the station followed by four days at home, repeating every 6 days. Three platoons, two days apart, keep the station staffed.
Like 24/48, it averages 56 hours a week, with about 122 shifts (61 tours of 48 hours) a year. The difference is how the time is grouped: fewer, longer stays at work, and a 4-day break every time.
The 48/96 is especially popular in California and other western states, where long commutes make fewer trips to the station attractive.
| Platoon | M | T | W | T | F | S |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Platoon A | 24 | 24 | · | · | · | · |
| Platoon B | · | · | 24 | 24 | · | · |
| Platoon C | · | · | · | · | 24 | 24 |
48/96 schedule at a glance
- Cycle length
- 6 days
- Shifts per year
- about 122
- Average hours per week
- 56
- Hours in a single week
- 48 to 72
- Weekends fully off per year
- about 17 of 52
- Longest break
- 4 days in a row
- 24-hour shift (typical)
- 7:00 am – 7:00 am (next day)
Calculated from the rotation itself, assuming the cycle starts on a Monday. Your weekends and holidays depend on how your employer lines up the cycle, so set your own date in the calendar above.
Pros and cons
What people like
- A 4-day break after every tour.
- Half as many commutes as 24/48.
- More weekends fully off than 24/48.
- Easier to plan trips and family time.
What's hard
- 48 hours on duty can be exhausting at a busy station.
- Calls late in a tour come when you're most tired.
- Missing two days in a row at home, every time.
- 56-hour average week.
Who uses the 48/96 schedule
Variations
- 24/48
- Single shifts with 2 days off. See the 24/48 schedule.
- Kelly
- Three single shifts and a 4-day break every 9 days. See the Kelly schedule.
Frequently asked questions
What is a 48/96 schedule?
A firefighter schedule where you work 48 hours in a row (two 24-hour shifts back to back), then have 96 hours (4 days) off. The cycle repeats every 6 days.
How many hours is a 48/96 schedule?
About 56 hours a week on average, the same as 24/48. Single weeks are either 48 or 72 hours.
Is 48/96 better than 24/48?
Many firefighters prefer 48/96 for the 4-day breaks and fewer commutes. Others find 48 hours at a busy station too tiring. Some departments that tried it kept it and others switched back, so it often comes down to how busy the station is.
Do you get overtime on 48/96?
Fire departments in the US usually don't use the regular 40-hour overtime rule. Under section 7(k) of the Fair Labor Standards Act, public fire agencies can use a work period of up to 28 days, with overtime starting after 212 hours in a 28-day period (about 53 hours a week). Many departments use Kelly days, extra paid hours or union contract rules to manage this, so check your department's policy or contract.
This page is general information, not legal or payroll advice. Calendars are for personal planning: confirm your official schedule, pay and overtime with your employer.