Maryland follows the federal CCPA baseline for wage garnishment, allowing creditors to garnish up to 25% of disposable earnings or the amount exceeding 30 times the federal minimum wage, whichever is less. Maryland has some additional state-specific procedures and protections. For comparison, check out our California Wage Garnishment Calculator and Texas Wage Garnishment Calculator.
How Much Can Be Garnished in Maryland? A Worked Example
The math matters more than the percentages. In Maryland, a creditor with a judgment for consumer debt is limited by two tests, and must use whichever takes less: the percentage cap, and the protected floor of $217.50 per week (30× the federal minimum wage of $7.25/hour). Everything at or below that floor is untouchable.
Here is what that means at three income levels. The table assumes roughly 25% of gross pay goes to legally required deductions (federal and state taxes, Social Security, Medicare); your actual disposable earnings — the number the law actually uses — will vary with your tax situation.
| Gross weekly pay | Estimated disposable earnings | Max weekly garnishment | Share of disposable pay |
|---|---|---|---|
| $600.00 | $450.00 | $112.50 | 25.0% |
| $900.00 | $675.00 | $168.75 | 25.0% |
| $1,500.00 | $1,125.00 | $281.25 | 25.0% |
Notice how the protected floor changes the picture for lower incomes. To run your own paycheck through the current formula, use the Maryland wage garnishment calculator.
Maryland vs. the Federal Baseline
| Rule | Federal (CCPA) | Maryland |
|---|---|---|
| Consumer debt limit | 25% of disposable earnings | 25% of disposable earnings |
| Protected weekly floor | $217.50 (30× federal minimum wage) | $217.50 per week (30× the federal minimum wage ($7.25/hr)) |
| Child support | 50–65% of disposable earnings | 50% supporting another family / 60% otherwise, +5% for arrears |
| Federal student loans | 15% of disposable earnings | 15% (federal administrative rule) |
| Head-of-household protection | None | No additional state protection |
Maryland follows the federal baseline, so the CCPA numbers above are your actual protection — there is no additional state cushion for consumer debts.
Maryland Garnishment Process
In Maryland, a creditor must obtain a judgment and then file a request for garnishment with the court. Maryland uses a continuing garnishment system. Your employer must comply with the garnishment order and begin withholding from your paycheck.
Calculate your garnishment with our Maryland Wage Garnishment Calculator. Also, see how Maryland compares with other states using our state wage garnishment laws.
Maryland Exemptions
Maryland exempts Social Security, veterans benefits, unemployment compensation, and workers compensation from garnishment. Maryland also provides some protection for retirement benefits and has specific rules about the garnishment of joint bank accounts. Learn more about exemptions in other states like Florida and Illinois.
Taking Action
Maryland Wage Garnishment FAQ
Can my wages be garnished in Maryland without a court judgment?
Not for consumer debts. A creditor must sue you, win a judgment, and obtain a garnishment order before your employer withholds anything. The exceptions that skip the lawsuit are child support orders, federal student loans (administrative wage garnishment), and tax levies — those follow their own separate procedures.
How much of my paycheck is completely safe in Maryland?
For consumer debts: everything at or below $217.50 per week (30× the federal minimum wage ($7.25/hr)) — plus whatever the percentage cap leaves above that line. Note that tax debts play by different rules: Maryland Comptroller can levy wages for state tax debts.
What income can never be garnished in Maryland?
Key protections include: 25% limit in most counties, 15% in Caroline, Kent, Queen Anne's, and Worcester; Higher weekly protection threshold than federal baseline; Court judgment required before garnishment. Once protected funds are commingled in a bank account, tracing them can get complicated — keep records of exempt deposits.
Can I be fired for having my wages garnished in Maryland?
Federal law (CCPA §304) prohibits firing an employee because of a single garnishment order, no matter the state. Protection for multiple garnishments varies — if you face more than one order, review your state's rules or speak with an employment attorney before assuming you are protected.
Need Help Beyond the Calculator?
If you're dealing with wage garnishment or debt issues, professional help may be the fastest path forward. Visit our Resources page to explore vetted options for debt relief.
If facing garnishment in Maryland, consider negotiating a settlement or filing an exemption. Compare Maryland with other states at our comparison tool. For more helpful guides, check out Can My Employer Fire Me for Wage Garnishment? and How Much Can Be Garnished From My Paycheck?.