If you work in the District of Columbia, your right to move between jobs or start your own business has never been better protected. As of January 1, 2026, new updates to the District’s ban on non-compete agreements have further raised the bar for employers, making it even harder for companies to legally restrict your professional mobility.
For the vast majority of D.C. workers, non-compete agreements are now void and unenforceable. This means that if you earn less than a specific salary threshold, any employment agreement you sign that tries to stop you from joining a competitor or launching your own venture is likely unlawful under District law.
What is the Non-Compete Salary Threshold?
The District uses a highly compensated employee threshold that changes annually with inflation. If you earn less than the following amounts in 2026, your employer generally cannot enforce a non-compete:
- General Employees: You must earn at least $162,164 annually.
- Medical Specialists: Licensed physicians must earn at least $270,274 annually.
If your total compensation, including bonuses and commissions, is below these marks, your employer is legally prohibited from asking you to sign a non-compete.
Non-Compete Agreement Rules in Washington, D.C.
Even if you meet the high-earner threshold, your employer must follow a legally mandated process for introducing the non-compete. Employees are entitled to a 14-day review period of the non-compete, and the employer must provide a specific legal notice that outlines your rights.
Non-competes in the District are also time limited. For most high earners, a non-compete cannot last longer than 365 days after an employee ends employment. For medical specialists, the limit is 730 days after employment ends. Non-competes may not be enforceable if they’re too broad, lack a specific geographic area, or fail to define the employee’s restricted competitive role clearly.
Protect Yourself Against Retaliation
One of the strongest features of the District’s law is its anti-retaliation provision. An employer cannot fire, demote, or threaten you for refusing to sign an unlawful non-compete. They also cannot retaliate if you question a policy you believe violates the law, or for requesting a copy of your agreement.
If you have concerns about your Washington, D.C. non-compete agreement, or if your employer has asked you to sign an agreement, contact the employment attorneys at Potomac Legal Group.
Our lawyers are experienced in counseling and representing employees in non-compete matters, as well as defending employees against employers pursuing restrictive covenant enforcement.
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