Missouri Non-Compete Agreement Template
Reviewed by the Agiled editorial teamUpdated June 2026
Non-compete law is the most state-divergent area in employment contracting — four states ban these agreements outright, a dozen more impose salary floors or notice rules, and the rest apply judge-made reasonableness tests that differ in temperament. This page covers what Missouri requires; the download is our standard non-compete template, to be scoped to Missouri's rules below.
Missouri non-compete rules at a glance
| Enforceability | Enforceable; statute blesses 1-year customer/co-worker non-solicits (§431.202). |
|---|---|
| Protected workers / thresholds | Secretaries and clerks statutorily exempt from non-competes |
| Required formalities | One-year non-solicits presumed reasonable by statute |
| Overbroad agreements | Courts may reform overbroad covenants |
State laws change frequently and this summary is not legal advice. Verify current rules against the state statute or with a licensed attorney before relying on them.
How Missouri handles non-compete agreements
Missouri's 'secretaries and clerks' exemption is a fossil with teeth — administrative staff can't be bound at all — while its statute pre-validates one-year non-solicitation clauses. The practical drafting rule for Missouri: enforceable; statute blesses 1-year customer/co-worker non-solicits (§431.202).. Before using this template, confirm the current statute — non-compete law has changed in more than a dozen states since 2020, and the FTC's federal ban attempt keeps the area moving.
Missouri non-compete agreement FAQs
Are non-compete agreements enforceable in Missouri?
Enforceable; statute blesses 1-year customer/co-worker non-solicits (§431.202). Coverage limits matter here: secretaries and clerks statutorily exempt from non-competes.
What happens to an overbroad non-compete in Missouri?
Courts may reform overbroad covenants Draft to the narrowest restriction that protects the actual business interest — the safety net (or lack of one) above is what you're betting on.
What formalities does a Missouri non-compete require?
One-year non-solicits presumed reasonable by statute Procedural failures are now the most common way non-competes die — more common than substantive overbreadth in states with notice rules.
Does the FTC non-compete ban apply in Missouri?
The FTC's 2024 rule banning most non-competes was set aside by a federal court before taking effect and remains in litigation, so it is not currently in force in Missouri or any state. State law controls — which is why the state-specific rules above are the ones to draft around.
The full non-compete agreement guide
Clause-by-clause guidance, common mistakes, and the complete template text live on the main page: Non-Compete Agreement Template — full guide and download.