Daylight Saving Time 2026–2030: Payroll & State Rules

Daylight Saving Time (DST) is the twice-yearly clock adjustment observed by most U.S. states. Clocks move forward one hour in March and move back one hour in November. For employers, the primary concern is payroll accuracy—especially for overnight shifts.

Modern electronic time clocks and automated time-and-attendance systems calculate actual elapsed work time, not just the wall-clock display. When configured correctly, this prevents overpayment or underpayment during DST transitions.

DST schedule (2026–2030)

Unless federal law changes, DST will continue to follow the second Sunday in March and the first Sunday in November.

How time clock systems handle DST

During the spring transition, the hour between 2:00 AM and 3:00 AM does not exist. During the fall transition, the 1:00 AM hour repeats. Properly configured systems apply time-zone rules to calculate true worked hours automatically.

States and territories that do not observe DST