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Wage garnishment calculator

How much of your paycheck a creditor can take after a court judgment for a consumer debt like a credit card or medical bill, using your state's limit.

Last updated September 24, 2026 · 51 states
What's new: now covers all 50 states plus DC in our debt guides (latest: RI, AL, AR, SD, ND, AK, VT, WY, DC). Minimum wage rates from the U.S. Department of Labor's state table (updated January 1, 2026).






Gross pay minus deductions the law requires: income taxes, Social Security and Medicare, and mandatory retirement. Not voluntary items like health insurance or 401(k).



Prefilled from the U.S. Department of Labor state table, or $7.25 where the state's rule uses the federal rate. If your city or region has a higher rate (for example NYC area or Portland), enter it here.


What this calculator covers

  • Ordinary consumer debts after a court judgment: credit cards, medical bills, personal loans. Child support, alimony, back taxes, federal student loans and bankruptcy orders follow different, usually higher limits.
  • The result is the most a creditor can take under your state's cap and the federal cap (15 U.S.C. § 1673), whichever protects you more. Weekly dollar floors are scaled to your pay period (2x for every two weeks, 13/6 for twice a month, 13/3 for monthly).
  • Only one creditor can usually garnish at a time, and some states let a court lower the amount for hardship. Each state page explains its exceptions and links the statute.
  • This is general information, not legal advice. If you have been served with a garnishment, contact legal aid right away. Many states have short deadlines to claim an exemption.

Also see: debt collection laws by state · debt payoff calculator