Looking for work in California? See 10 state jobs starting at $16K a month
California is currently hiring for several high-paying state jobs.
From health care services to veterans affairs, positions are available at multiple state departments, offering salaries starting at $16,000 a month.
State jobs offer competitive benefits and access to the nation’s largest public pension system.
Many positions come with specific qualifications — which are linked below.
Sift through some of the state’s highest paid positions available on the CalCareers website, as of Wednesday, Jan. 28:
What are the highest-paying state jobs in California?
Chief medical officer | Limited, full time
- Department: Veterans Affairs
- Location: Los Angeles County
- Salary: $17,638 to $32,374 per month
- Application due date: Until the position is filled.
The chief medical officer is responsible for overseeing and managing all aspects of the medical program at the Veterans Home of California in west Los Angeles.
Duties include making sure resident veterans receive the highest standard of medical care, following state laws and meeting specific needs of residents.
Chief psychiatrist | Permanent, full time
- Department: Correctional Health Care Services
- Location: Kern County
- Salary: $34,420 to $35,280 per month
- Application due date: Friday, Feb. 6
The chief psychiatrist works at Wasco State Prison, overseeing mental health care for inmates.
Duties range from diagnosing and treat mental health issues to planning treatment programs and supervising staff who help provide care.
Chief of rail operations | Limited, full time
- Department: High Speed Rail Authority
- Location: Sacramento County
- Salary: $24,541 to $27,819 monthly
- Application due date: Until the position is filled.
The chief of rail operations is in charge of making sure the state’s high-speed rail system runs smoothly.
Duties include leading the rail operations team, setting policies and advising leaders on rail issues.
“This position works primarily in the office, but limited telework may be available for California residents,” CalCareers said.
Chief of safety and security | Limited, full time
- Department: High Speed Rail Authority
- Location: Sacramento County
- Salary: $18,334 to $20,834 per month
- Application due date: Until the position is filled.
This position oversees safety and security programs, including workplace and construction safety.
Duties include making sure rules and regulations are followed; managing federal grant requirements; setting goals for the team and leading with ethical standards.
“This position works primarily in the office, but limited telework may be available for California residents,” CalCareers said.
Chief technology officer | Limited, full time
- Department: High Speed Rail Authority
- Location: Sacramento County
- Salary: $16,820 to $18,188 per month
- Application due date: Until the position is filled.
The chief technology officer oversees the department’s technological needs, from computers and software to rail technology and cybersecurity.
“This position works primarily in the office, but limited telework may be available for California residents,” CalCareers said.
Deputy chief investment officer | Permanent, full time
- Department: Public Employees Retirement System
- Location: Sacramento County
- Salary: $28,325 to $47,208 monthly
- Application due date: Until the position is filled.
The deputy chief investment officer leads investment decisions for public assets, including global stocks and bonds.
Duties include managing how investments fit into the overall portfolio and helping shape team culture and operations to support strong performance.
A hybrid work schedule is available for this position, according to CalCareers.
Physician and surgeon | Permanent, full time
- Department: Correctional Health Care Services
- Location: Fresno County
- Salary: $26,677 to $29,640 per month
- Application due date: Until the position is filled.
The physician and surgeon provides medical care to patients inside Pleasant Valley State Prison in Coalinga.
The physician examines and treats patients; manages medical needs and makes sure care is delivered according to professional medical standards.
Other duties include advising medical staff, helping guide treatment decisions and training staff on medical procedures.
Receiver’s assistant deputy medical executive | Limited term, full time
- Department: Correctional Health Care Services
- Location: Sacramento County
- Salary: $33,740 to $42,090 monthly
- Application due date: Until the position is filled.
The receiver’s assistant deputy medical executive helps make sure health care services at correctional facilities are safe, high quality and constantly improving.
Duties include supervising doctors and other licensed medical staff in quality and safety programs, as well as giving them guidance, support and training.
A hybrid work schedule is available for this position, according to CalCareers.
Senior psychiatrist | Permanent, full time
- Department: Correctional Health Care Services
- Location: Amador County
- Salary: $32,260 to $33,032 per month
- Application due date: Tuesday, Feb. 3
The senior psychiatrist oversees other psychiatrists and mental health staff at Mule Creek State Prison in Ione.
The senior psychiatrist also helps run specialized treatment programs, takes part in hiring new psychiatrists, advises correctional staff on mental health issues and handles other tasks when needed.
Staff psychiatrist | Limited, full time
- Department: Correctional Health Care Services
- Location: Marin County
- Salary: $30,259 to $31,136 per month
- Application due date: Until the position is filled.
The staff psychiatrist works as part of a team at San Quentin Rehabilitation Center that includes doctors, psychologists and social workers.
Duties include evaluating inmates’ mental health, creating treatment plans, prescribing medications and providing therapy.
The staff psychiatrist also helps train and advise other staff on treatment methods.
