California

Want to earn $47,000 a month? CA is hiring for these 10 high-paying state jobs

The state of California is hiring — and some roles pay up to $47,000 a month.

High-paying state jobs are available in several departments, from health care to risk management.

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, June 13:

Staff psychiatrist | Permanent, part-time

  • Department: State Hospitals
  • Location: San Luis Obispo County
  • Salary: $26,849 to $33,109 monthly

The staff psychiatrist evaluates and diagnoses patients with mental health conditions, deciding on the care they need and providing treatment with the help of a team of health care professionals.

Telework options are available for this position.

The application period will close on Wednesday, June 18.

Senior psychiatrist | Permanent, full-time

  • Department: Correctional Health Care Services
  • Location: Kern County
  • Salary: $31,320 to $32,070 per month

The senior psychiatrist is responsible for evaluating, diagnosing and treating inmates in mental health units.

The senior psychiatrist provides therapy, treatment and discharge plans.

The application period will close on Monday, June 23.

Chief psychiatrist | Permanent, full-time

  • Department: Correctional Health Care Services
  • Location: San Bernardino County
  • Salary: $33,417 to $34,252 monthly

The chief psychiatrist oversees mental health care for inmates.

Duties can including managing psychiatric services, leading outpatient or diagnostic programs, maintaining safety or guiding statewide mental health planning and standards.

The application period will close on Friday, June 20.

General counsel | Permanent, full-time

  • Department: Public Employees Retirement System
  • Location: Sacramento County
  • Salary: $20,937 to $34,895 per month

The general counsel provides legal guidance to executive staff, helping ensure the organization follows laws and regulations.

The general counsel also oversees other legal departments and handles issues related to pensions, health care and corporate governance.

A hybrid work schedule is available for this position, according to CalCareers.

The application period is open until the position is filled.

Investment director | Permanent, full-time

  • Department: State Teachers’ Retirement System
  • Location: Yolo County
  • Salary: $23,667 to $35,417 monthly

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.

The application period is open until the position is filled.

Chief dentist | Permanent, full-time

  • Department: State Hospitals
  • Location: Napa County
  • Salary: $29,687 to $35,396 per month

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.

The application period is open until the position is filled.

Chief medical executive | Limited term, full-time

  • Department: Correctional Health Care Services
  • Location: Del Norte County
  • Salary: $31,399 to $38,918 per month

The chief medical executive is responsible for overseeing all patient care services.

The chief medical executive manages the medical team; handles assignments and critical cases and oversees admissions and discharges, and can step in to treat patients when needed.

The application period is open until the position is filled.

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

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.

The application period is open until the position is filled.

Program head | Permanent, full-time

  • Department: Public Employees Retirement System
  • Location: Sacramento County
  • Salary: $25,750 to $42,916 per month

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.

The application period is open until the position is filled.

Deputy chief investment officer | Permanent, full-time

  • Department: Public Employees Retirement System
  • Location: Sacramento County
  • Salary: $28,325 to $47,208 monthly

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.

The application period is open until the position is filled.

This story was originally published June 16, 2025 at 5:00 AM with the headline "Want to earn $47,000 a month? CA is hiring for these 10 high-paying state jobs."

Angela Rodriguez
The Modesto Bee
Angela Rodriguez is a service journalism reporter for The Bee. She is a graduate of Sacramento State with a bachelor’s degree in journalism. During her time there, she worked on the State Hornet covering arts and entertainment.
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