DC non-compete highly-compensated employee threshold, 2026

As of January 1, 2026, the District of Columbia ban on non-compete provisions (D.C. Code 32-581.01 through 32-581.05) applies to employees earning less than $162,164 in minimum qualifying annual compensation, and to medical specialists earning less than $270,274. An employer may lawfully require a non-compete only from a highly compensated employee whose compensation is at or above the $162,164 threshold, subject to the conditions in D.C. Code 32-581.03. These thresholds adjust each January 1 by the Washington-area Consumer Price Index. Authority: D.C. Code 32-581.01 through 32-581.05; DC Department of Employment Services 2026 public notice.