Whether a non-compete can actually be enforced depends almost entirely on your state — some refuse to enforce them for most workers, while others will enforce a reasonable one. Walk through the factors courts weigh, then see how your state treats non-competes, with a link to the law. General information, not a verdict on your agreement.
In states that enforce non-competes, courts generally ask whether the restriction is reasonable: limited in time, limited in geography, and no broader than needed to protect a legitimate business interest like trade secrets or genuine customer relationships. They also look at whether you got something in exchange for signing — a job offer, a raise, or a bonus. A narrowly written agreement protecting something real is far more defensible than a sweeping one.
Non-compete law is set state by state, and the spread is wide. A few states refuse to enforce non-competes for most employees no matter how carefully they're written; others enforce reasonable ones; and some carve out specific occupations or salary thresholds. A nationwide ban the Federal Trade Commission announced in 2024 was blocked in court, so state law remains what governs. This tool shows your state's approach and links the underlying authority.
Whether your employer can stop you from taking a similar job after you leave depends on your state, which may ban these non-compete agreements outright, allow them only for workers above a pay line, or enforce them only if their time, scope, and geography are reasonable. Each value is cited to the state statute or agency; a state with no sourced figure shows "Not yet sourced."
General information, not legal advice. Rules change and exceptions apply — confirm the current rule with the cited source for your state.
Disclaimer: NotALawyer.com provides general legal information, not legal advice, and is not a law firm. Using a tool does not create an attorney–client relationship. Laws change and vary by situation — verify anything important with the official source or a licensed attorney in your state.