Wage garnishment in Washington
On these earnings, Washington caps ordinary garnishment at $160 a week. Figures assume $1,000 gross and $800 disposable earnings in a week, for ordinary consumer debt.
| Limit | Weekly maximum |
|---|---|
| Federal (Title III)15 U.S.C. §1673 | $200 |
| WashingtonRCW 6.27.150(4) | $160 |
For consumer debt specifically, exempt is the greater of 35 times the state minimum wage or 80% of disposable earnings -- so at most 20% can be taken.
In the case of a garnishment based on a judgment or other order for the collection of consumer debt, for each week of such earnings, an amount shall be exempt from garnishment which is the greater of the following: (a) Thirty-five times the state minimum hourly wage; or (b) Eighty percent of the disposable earnings of the defendant.
What this does not cover
- Washington sets four separate tiers in one section: general judgments (75% / 35x federal), spousal maintenance (50% exempt), private student loans (85% / 50x the highest minimum wage in the state), and consumer debt as above. They must not be collapsed.
Source: RCW 6.27.150, read 2026-08-22. Minimum wage: Washington State Dept. of Labor & Industries — minimum wage.
Work out your own Washington garnishment
Already set to Washington. Enter your pay and this applies both limits — Washington’s and the federal one — and shows whichever binds. Disposable earnings are computed for you, so a voluntary deduction cannot quietly shrink the garnishment base.
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Washington garnishment: common questions
How much of my paycheck can be garnished in Washington?
For consumer debt specifically, exempt is the greater of 35 times the state minimum wage or 80% of disposable earnings -- so at most 20% can be taken. On $1,000 gross and $800 disposable earnings a week, that works out to $160. Federal law alone would allow $200.
Do these limits cover child support or back taxes in Washington?
No. Every figure here is for ORDINARY consumer debt. Child support and alimony carry their own, much higher federal limits — 50% to 65% of disposable earnings depending on whether you support another family and how far in arrears you are. Tax levies and bankruptcy orders are separate again, and Washington carves out further exceptions listed above.
How much can be garnished for a federal student loan in Washington?
Washington's limit above does not apply. A defaulted federal student loan can be collected by administrative wage garnishment without a court judgment, "notwithstanding any provision of State law" (31 U.S.C. §3720D). The most it can take is 15% of disposable pay, and never so much that you keep less than 30 times the federal minimum wage — $217.50 a week (34 C.F.R. §34.19). On $800 of disposable earnings a week that is $120. Private student loans are different: they are ordinary consumer debt, need a court judgment first, and follow Washington's limit.
What counts as disposable earnings?
Under federal law it is gross pay minus deductions REQUIRED by law: income tax, Social Security, Medicare, and legally mandated retirement. A voluntary deduction does not reduce disposable earnings even though it reduces take-home pay — a 401(k), health premium, HSA or union dues do not shrink what can be garnished.
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