Up to $42K a month in California? See 10 available high-paying state jobs
Looking for high-paying state jobs in California?
From consumer affairs to health care services, positions are available at multiple state departments, offering salaries as high as $42,000 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.
Here’s a look at some of the highest-paying state jobs listed on the CalCareers website, as of Friday, Nov. 14:
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 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.
Some telework may be allowed for California residents, depending on the role’s needs, according to CalCareers.
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 psychiatrist | Permanent, full time
- Department: Correctional Health Care Services
- Location: Kern County
- Salary: $34,420 to $35,280 per month
- Application due date: Monday, Dec. 1
The chief psychiatrist works in California prisons or headquarters, 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 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 job is mainly in-office, CalCareers said, but California residents might be allowed to work from home.
Medical consultant | Permanent, full time
- Department: Consumer Affairs
- Location: Fresno County
- Salary: $16,271 to $19,438 per month
- Application due date: Until the position is filled.
The medical consultant reviews the conduct of doctors and other medical professionals to make sure they meet legal and professional standards.
Duties include helping investigate complaints, reviewing medical records, organizing expert reviews and working with peer review panels.
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: $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 portfolio manager | Permanent, full time
- Department: State Teachers’ Retirement System
- Location: Yolo County
- Salary: $18,334 to $28,334 per month
- Application due date: Until the position is filled.
The senior portfolio manager helps oversee a large part of the total fund management division.
The manager assists with managing investment risks, ensures policies are followed and supervises staff.
A hybrid work schedule is available for this position, according to CalCareers.
Trade agreements manager | Permanent, full time
- Department: Public Employees Retirement System
- Location: Sacramento County
- Salary: $15,250 to $25,416 per month
- Application due date: Until the position is filled.
The trade agreements manager will handle contracts and agreements with outside trading partners and investment managers.
Duties with this role include drafting and negotiating contracts as well as ensuring compliance with global regulations and keeping agreements up to date as rules change.
This position is eligible for a hybrid work schedule, CalCareers said.
This story was originally published November 15, 2025 at 5:00 AM with the headline "Up to $42K a month in California? See 10 available high-paying state jobs."
