Want $42,000 a month in CA? Here are 9 of highest-paying state jobs available
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- California offers high-paying state jobs in health care and investment sectors.
- Salaries reach up to $47,208 monthly, with roles tied to public pension systems.
- Most positions include hybrid work options and oversee critical public services.
Looking for high-paying jobs?
The state of California is hiring for several open positions in fields including health care, investment and corrections — and some roles pay up to $47,000 a month.
State jobs are known for offering competitive benefits and enrollment in the nation’s largest public pension plan.
Many of the following jobs have specific requirements, which are linked.
Sift through some of the state’s highest paid positions available on the CalCareers website, as of Thursday, July 10:
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.
Program head | Permanent, full-time
- Department: Public Employees Retirement System
- Location: Sacramento County
- Salary: $25,750 to $42,916 per month
- Application due date: Until the position is filled.
The program head leads teams that manage investment strategy.
Duties include overseeing risk management, leading economic research and analyzing total fund risk.
This position is eligible for a hybrid work schedule, CalCareers said.
Receiver’s assistant deputy medical executive | Limited term, full-time
- Department: Correctional Health Care Services
- Location: Sacramento County
- Salary: $32,757 to $40,864 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.
Investment director | Permanent, full-time
- Department: State Teachers’ Retirement System
- Location: Yolo County
- Salary: $23,667 to $35,417 monthly
Application due date: Until the position is filled.
The investment director oversees investment programs, working closely with the senior investment director.
This role involves managing various tasks, from risk management to investment strategies.
This position is eligible for a hybrid work schedule, CalCareers said.
Chief dentist | Permanent, full-time
- Department: State Hospitals
- Location: Napa County
- Salary: $29,687 to $35,396 per month
Application due date: Until the position is filled.
The chief dentist leads and manages dental care services for patients, including exams, cleanings, fillings, oral surgery and other treatments based on patient needs.
In addition to treating patients, the chief dentist oversees daily operations of the dental department, including setting goals, scheduling appointments and managing staff.
Chief psychiatrist | Permanent, full time
- Department: Correctional Health Care Services
- Location: Kern County
- Salary: $33,417 to $34,252 per month
- Application due date: Friday, July 25
The chief psychiatrist works in California prisons or headquarters, overseeing mental health care for inmates.
Duties can range from diagnosing and treat mental health issues to planning treatment programs and supervising staff who help provide care.
Senior psychiatrist | Permanent, full time
- Department: Correctional Health Care Services
- Location: San Luis Obispo County
- Salary: $31,320 to $32,070 per month
- Application due date: Monday, July 21
The senior psychiatrist oversees other psychiatrists and mental health staff.
Duties include helping run specialized treatment programs, taking part in hiring new psychiatrists, advising correctional staff on mental health issues and handling other tasks when needed.
Director | Limited term, full time
- Department: Correctional Health Care Services
- Location: Sacramento County
- Salary: $28,568 to $32,853 per month
- Application due date: Thursday, July 17
The director oversees all medical care provided in California’s state prisons for adults.
While reporting to top health officials, the director leads efforts to make sure care is safe, timely, effective and focused on patients.
This position is eligible for a hybrid work schedule, CalCareers said.
Dentist | Permanent, full time
- Department: Correctional Health Care Services
- Location: Kings County
- Salary: $19,535 to $30,945 per month
- Application due date: Monday, July 21
The dentist provides dental care — including checkups, cleanings and other treatments — to people incarcerated in state prisons.
Duties include improving the prison dental program; making sure dental assistants and hygienists do quality work and ensuring safety by supervising inmates during appointments.
