CompClaimTimeline

← All states

North Carolina: noncompete laws

Whether your employer can make you sign a noncompete, and the pay thresholds and job types that are protected.

Single detailed source
Can employers use noncompetes?Allowed if reasonable
DetailsCourts enforce agreements that are reasonable in time, area and scope and protect a legitimate business interest.

Rules apply based on where you work. Many states also limit agreements not to solicit customers or co-workers. Thresholds change each year; check the current figure.

General information only, not legal, insurance or financial advice. Not affiliated with any government agency. Exceptions can apply. Confirm with the state agency, the court or a licensed professional in North Carolina.

How North Carolina compares

33 of 51 states and DC share this answer (Allowed if reasonable): Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin.

Alaska: Allowed if reasonableAKMaine: Restricted by pay level or jobMEVermont: Allowed if reasonableVTNew Hampshire: Restricted by pay level or jobNHWashington: Restricted by pay level or jobWAIdaho: Allowed if reasonableIDMontana: Allowed if reasonableMTNorth Dakota: BannedNDMinnesota: BannedMNIllinois: Restricted by pay level or jobILWisconsin: Allowed if reasonableWIMichigan: Allowed if reasonableMINew York: Allowed if reasonableNYRhode Island: Restricted by pay level or jobRIMassachusetts: Restricted by pay level or jobMAOregon: Restricted by pay level or jobORNevada: Restricted by pay level or jobNVWyoming: BannedWYSouth Dakota: Allowed if reasonableSDIowa: Allowed if reasonableIAIndiana: Allowed if reasonableINOhio: Allowed if reasonableOHPennsylvania: Allowed if reasonablePANew Jersey: Allowed if reasonableNJConnecticut: Allowed if reasonableCTCalifornia: BannedCAUtah: Allowed if reasonableUTColorado: Restricted by pay level or jobCONebraska: Allowed if reasonableNEMissouri: Allowed if reasonableMOKentucky: Allowed if reasonableKYWest Virginia: Allowed if reasonableWVVirginia: Restricted by pay level or jobVAMaryland: Restricted by pay level or jobMDDelaware: Allowed if reasonableDEArizona: Allowed if reasonableAZNew Mexico: Allowed if reasonableNMKansas: Allowed if reasonableKSArkansas: Allowed if reasonableARTennessee: Restricted by pay level or jobTNNorth Carolina: Allowed if reasonableNCSouth Carolina: Allowed if reasonableSCDistrict of Columbia: Restricted by pay level or jobDCOklahoma: BannedOKLouisiana: Allowed if reasonableLAMississippi: Allowed if reasonableMSAlabama: Allowed if reasonableALGeorgia: Allowed if reasonableGAHawaii: Allowed if reasonableHITexas: Allowed if reasonableTXFlorida: Allowed if reasonableFL
  • Allowed if reasonable (33)
  • Restricted by pay level or job (13)
  • Banned (5)

Also for North Carolina: Workers' comp deadlines in North Carolina · Workers' comp benefits in North Carolina · Paid leave programs in North Carolina · Minimum wage in North Carolina · Final paycheck rules in North Carolina · Unemployment benefits in North Carolina · Meal break laws in North Carolina · Tipped minimum wage in North Carolina · Payday frequency in North Carolina · Rest break laws in North Carolina · All North Carolina rules on one page

How we checked this

Rules come from Foley & Lardner's July 2026 federal and state overview, with 2026 pay thresholds from law firm updates and full bans checked against two other 2026 trackers. Last checked: November 12, 2026. Laws change; confirm with the state agency or a licensed professional before acting.

Cross-checked sources agree   Checked on official source confirmed on a government, court or legislature site   Single detailed source one detailed table built from statutes or official data   Under review sources disagree; read the note and the law.