What Is the Non-Compete Agreement Checker?
The Non-Compete Agreement Checker is a free online tool designed for users who need quick, accurate calculations in the practical calculation space. By entering your state where you work, industry, position level, you get instant results including enforceability, risk level. No formulas to memorize, no spreadsheets to build — just enter your numbers and get the answer in seconds. Whether you're a beginner or experienced professional, this calculator saves you time and eliminates guesswork.
Why This Calculation Matters
Getting enforceability right can make the difference between success and costly mistakes. In practical calculation, small errors compound quickly. Manual calculations are error-prone and time-consuming, especially under pressure. This calculator applies proven formulas used by users worldwide, giving you confidence that your numbers are correct. Use it to get accurate results with precision and avoid common pitfalls that trip up beginners.
When Should You Use This Calculator?
This tool is most useful when you know your state where you work and need to find the right enforceability. It's also great for quick estimates before committing to a decision, and to double-check manual calculations or professional quotes, and when comparing different scenarios side by side. Bookmark this page and come back whenever you need a fast, reliable answer — the calculator is always free and requires no signup.
Non-Compete Agreement Checker
Non-Compete Laws by State (2026)
Selected states showing enforceability status and key restrictions
| State | Status | Income Threshold | Max Duration | Key Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | Banned | N/A | N/A | Void and unenforceable for all workers |
| Minnesota | Banned | N/A | N/A | Banned effective July 2023 |
| Colorado | Limited | $120,578+ | No cap | Banned below threshold; penalties for violations |
| Illinois | Limited | $75,000+ | No cap | Banned for low-wage; requires consideration |
| Washington | Limited | $116,593+ | 18 months | Employer must pay during restriction |
| Texas | Enforceable | None | No cap | Must be reasonable; tied to consideration |
| New York | Enforceable | None | No cap | Ban bill vetoed 2023; reform expected |
How to Use This Calculator
- Enter Your State Where You Work: Start by entering your state where you work — this is the primary input for the calculation.
- Fill In Additional Details: Complete the remaining fields: industry, position level, annual income, non-compete duration, geographic scope. Each value refines the calculation for greater accuracy.
- Click Calculate: Hit the Calculate button to run the numbers. Results appear instantly below.
- Review Your Results: Check your enforceability, risk level. Use these figures to inform your next decision or compare against alternative scenarios.
How It Works
This checker evaluates your non-compete agreement's likely enforceability based on your state's laws, your position level, income, the agreement's duration, and geographic scope. Laws vary dramatically — some states ban non-competes entirely while others enforce them broadly.
The basic rule:
- California, Minnesota, North Dakota, and Oklahoma ban non-competes entirely for nearly all workers
- Colorado, Illinois, Oregon, Washington, and others ban non-competes below specific income thresholds ($75K-$120K+)
- Courts generally look at reasonableness: duration over 2 years, overly broad geography, or restrictions on low-wage workers are disfavored
- The FTC proposed a near-total ban in 2024 but it was blocked by federal courts — the legal landscape continues to evolve
Even in states where non-competes are enforceable, courts often narrow overly broad agreements. Many employers include non-competes they never intend to enforce. However, the chilling effect is real — always consult an employment attorney before assuming your non-compete is unenforceable.
Tips & Considerations
- Double-check your state where you work before calculating — even small input errors can significantly change your results.
- Run the calculator with different values to compare scenarios and find the optimal approach for your situation.
- Pay attention to both enforceability and risk level — they work together to give you the full picture.
- Bookmark this page for quick access next time you need to get accurate results.
- If you're unsure about your geographic scope, start with a conservative estimate and adjust from there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which states ban non-compete agreements?
As of 2026, California, Minnesota, North Dakota, and Oklahoma effectively ban non-compete agreements for employees. Colorado bans them for workers earning under ~$120K. Illinois bans them under $75K. Washington bans them under ~$116K. Oregon bans them under ~$113K and limits duration to 12 months. Several more states have introduced ban legislation in 2025-2026.
Did the FTC ban non-competes?
The FTC voted to ban most non-competes in April 2024, but the rule was blocked by a federal court in Texas (Ryan LLC v. FTC) before it took effect. As of early 2026, the FTC ban is not in effect and its future is uncertain. State-level bans remain the primary protection for workers.
Can my employer enforce a non-compete if I was fired?
In many states, courts are less likely to enforce non-competes against employees who were terminated without cause, as opposed to those who voluntarily resigned. Some states like Montana, Oregon, and Washington explicitly limit enforcement when an employee is fired. The rationale is that it's unfair to restrict someone's livelihood when they didn't choose to leave.
How long can a non-compete last?
Courts generally consider 6-12 months reasonable and 2+ years excessive. Oregon caps non-competes at 12 months by statute. Washington caps at 18 months. Even in states without statutory caps, courts routinely strike down or narrow agreements exceeding 2 years. Shorter durations are more likely to survive legal challenge.
Do non-competes apply if I move to another state?
This is a complex choice-of-law question. If your agreement specifies a governing state (e.g., 'governed by Texas law') but you move to California, California courts will generally refuse to enforce it due to California's strong public policy against non-competes. Moving to a ban state can provide significant protection, though it is not a guarantee.
What is a garden leave clause?
Garden leave means the employer continues paying your salary during the non-compete period in exchange for you not working for competitors. This makes enforcement much more likely because the court sees you are being compensated for the restriction. Massachusetts requires garden leave provisions for non-competes to be enforceable. It's becoming more common in other states as well.