$47,000 a month in California? Here’s a list of highest-paying state jobs for hire
Looking for work? California is hiring for several high-paying state jobs in fields including health care and retirement investment.
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 Friday, May 9:
Senior psychiatrist | Permanent, full-time
- Department: Correctional Health Care Services
- Location: San Joaquin County
- Salary: $31,320 to $32,070 monthly
The senior psychiatrist oversees doctors and staff who diagnose and treat patients with mental illness.
The senior psychiatrist also provides direct psychiatric care and helps ensure smooth operations in the mental health unit.
The application period closes on Wednesday, May 28.
Supervising dentist | Permanent, full-time
- Department: Correctional Health Care Services
- Location: Imperial County
- Salary: $26,583 to $33,634 per month
The supervising dentist manages the dental team, making sure they follow all rules and policies.
Other duties include providing leadership, training and support to ensure inmates receive proper dental care.
The application period closes on Wednesday, May 21.
Chief psychiatrist | Permanent, full-time
- Department: Correctional Health Care Services
- Location: Kern County
- Salary: $33,417 to $34,252 monthly
The chief psychiatrist helps hire and train new psychiatrists; oversees mental health services in the correctional facility and helps improve mental health programs.
The application period closes on Wednesday May 28.
General counsel | Permanent, full-time
- Department: Public Employees Retirement System
- Location: Sacramento County
- Salary: $20,937 to $34,895 monthly
The general counsel handles legal issues related to pensions, health care, investments and finances.
General counsel personnel also oversee key departments, including legal services, compliance, investigations and cybersecurity.
The application period is open until the position has been filled.
Investment director | Permanent, full-time
- Department: State Teachers’ Retirement System
- Location: Yolo County
- Salary: $23,667 to $35,417 per month
The investment director is responsible for handling investment decisions and managing the department’s project portfolio.
The application period is open until the position has been filled.
Chief dentist | Permanent, full-time
- Department: State Hospitals
- Location: Napa County
- Salary: $29,687 to $35,396 monthly
The chief dentist oversees the dental program at the facility and also provides hands-on care, including exams, cleanings, fillings, oral surgery and other treatments as needed.
The application period is open until the position has been filled.
Private debt managing investment director | Permanent, full-time
- Department: Public Employees Retirement System
- Location: Sacramento County
- Salary: $25,750 to $42,916 monthly
The private debt managing investment director oversees private debt investment strategies and works closely with senior leaders to help guide risk-aware investment decisions for the overall fund.
This position is eligible for a hybrid work schedule, according to the CalCareers website.
The application period is open until the position has been filled.
Chief medical executive | Limited term, full-time
- Department: Correctional Health Care Services
- Location: Del Norte County
- Salary: $31,399 to $47,305 per month
The chief medical executive manages daily operations, assigns cases, advises on complex situations and treats patients when needed.
The application period is open until the position has been filled.
This story was originally published May 11, 2025 at 9:00 AM with the headline "$47,000 a month in California? Here’s a list of highest-paying state jobs for hire."
