$42,000 a month in California? See high-paying state jobs with hybrid work perks
California is hiring — and some state jobs pay as much as $42,000 a month.
Full-time positions are available across multiple departments, from health care services to retirement systems.
State jobs are offer competitive benefits and access to the nation’s largest public pension system. Some feature hybrid schedules with the option of working remotely from home.
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 Thursday, Sept. 18:
What are highest-paying California state jobs available?
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.
Chief psychiatrist | Permanent, full time
- Department: Correctional Health Care Services
- Location: Kern County
- Salary: $33,417 to $34,252 per month
- Application due date: Tuesday, Sept. 30
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.
Staff psychiatrist | Permanent, full time
- Department: Correctional Health Care Services
- Location: Kings 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 that includes doctors, psychologists and social workers.
Duties include evaluating inmates’ mental health, creating treatment plans, prescribing medications and providing therapy.
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.
They assist with managing investment risks, ensure policies are followed and supervise 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; 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.
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, planning and 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.
State epidemiologist | Limited, full time
- Department: Public Health
- Location: Multiple
- Salary: $20,834 per month
- Application due date: Oct. 15
The state epidemiologist is responsible for tracking and controlling diseases along with other health threats in California.
The state epidemiologist studies health data to spot trends, investigate outbreaks and guide decisions that protect public health.
This position is eligible for telework, according to CalCareers.
Assistant chief counsel | Permanent, full time
- Department: Social Services
- Location: Sacramento County
- Salary: $14,513 to $17,742 monthly
- Application due date: Until the position is filled.
The assistant chief counsel leads a legal team by supervising attorneys, giving legal advice and representing the department.
Other duties include helping shape policies and supporting staff development.
A hybrid work schedule is available for this position, according to CalCareers.
Regional programs director | Permanent, full time
- Department: Transportation
- Location: San Diego County
- Salary: $13,892 to $15,782 per month
- Application due date: Wednesday, Oct. 1
The regional programs director helps manage major transportation projects, including highway upgrades, transit improvements and regional corridor plans.
The director also helps shape transportation policies and oversees projects the agency leads.
“This position may be eligible for telework,” CalCareers said.
This story was originally published September 19, 2025 at 5:00 AM with the headline "$42,000 a month in California? See high-paying state jobs with hybrid work perks."
