Wage Garnishment in Maryland

Maryland: Federal Default with High State Minimum Wage

Maryland follows the federal baseline CCPA limits under Md. Code Ann., Com. Law § 15-601 for the garnishment formula itself — 25% of disposable earnings with the standard 30× $7.25 exemption ($217.50/week). However, Maryland’s $15.00 state minimum wage (one of the nation’s highest) provides a substantially stronger earnings foundation than most other federal-default states.

The Minimum Wage Cushion

Maryland is a case study in how a high minimum wage can effectively compensate for standard garnishment rules. A full-time minimum-wage worker earns $600/week. With $217.50 protected by the federal formula, $382.50 is potentially exposed — but the maximum garnishment is $150/week (25% of disposable earnings). The worker retains at least $450/week.

Compare this to a $7.25 federal-default state like Virginia (though VA uses a 40× multiplier): a minimum-wage worker there earns $290/week with $217.50 protected. While the Maryland minimum-wage worker could lose up to $150/week, they still take home $450/week — more than the Virginia worker’s entire gross pay.

Regional Tension

Maryland’s position is unusual geographically. It is surrounded by states with stronger garnishment protections: Delaware (15% cap), Pennsylvania (near-complete ban), District of Columbia ($700/week protected), and Virginia (40× multiplier). West Virginia caps at 20%. Maryland is the only jurisdiction in its immediate region that applies the bare 25% federal cap — a notable gap given the state’s generally progressive policy profile.

What This Means

For Maryland workers earning well above the minimum wage, the garnishment rules are straightforward CCPA: 25% of disposable earnings, with $217.50 protected. A worker earning $1,000/week in disposable earnings faces up to $250/week garnishment — the same as in any other federal-default state, despite Maryland’s high cost of living and progressive reputation. The state’s legislative attention to the minimum wage has not yet been matched by attention to garnishment reform.

Statute: Md. Code Ann., Com. Law § 15-601; 15 U.S.C. § 1673 — Official source

This calculator is for consumer debt garnishment only. Not legal advice. Rules vary by debt type (student loans, child support, taxes). Verify with official sources before making any financial or legal decisions.