Compare Wage Garnishment Protection: State vs. State
Add up to 5 states below to see how much of your paycheck each state protects. The difference can be dramatic — the same $1,000 weekly paycheck could be fully protected in Texas but lose $187 in a federal-baseline state.
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Understanding the Differences
The dramatic differences between states come from several factors:
- Percentage cap: Some states lower the federal 25% cap — New York goes all the way down to 10%.
- Exemption multiplier: States like Nevada and New Hampshire use 50× the minimum wage (instead of 30×), protecting nearly $150 more per week.
- Complete bans: Four states (NC, PA, SC, TX) prohibit consumer wage garnishment entirely.
- Basis type: Some states cap based on gross wages (more protective) rather than disposable earnings.
- Minimum wage differences: When states use state minimum wage for exemption calculations, the protected floor is higher in high-minimum-wage states.