California’s High-Paying State Jobs
In California, state government positions can earn salaries of up to $47,000 a month, especially for roles like pension fund directors and psychiatrists in the prison system.
The top salary belongs to the Deputy Chief Investment Officer at the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS) in Sacramento, offering between $28,325 and $47,208 per month. This position, as noted on CalCareers, involves supporting investment choices for the largest public pension fund, which had assets around $599.5 billion as of early January.
While the job listing doesn’t clarify the portion of the portfolio managed by the Deputy Chief Investment Officer, it does highlight that the role is significant in guiding private asset investment strategies within a complex organizational structure.
Pension fund roles aren’t limited to private markets alone. CalPERS also seeks a Global Fixed Income Managing Investment Director, with salaries ranging from $25,750 to $42,916, tasked with overseeing fixed income operations and shaping investment strategies for the fund’s extensive portfolio.
Certain roles within the pension fund come with potential annual performance-based incentives. There’s a long-term program linked to fund performance, meaning total compensation can potentially escalate to seven figures in successful years.
Specifically, the Deputy Chief Investment Officer could see their compensation soar to 180% of their base salary based on the overall performance of the fund.
Shifting focus, the California state prison system also offers substantial salaries. The Jail Medical Administration Executive role in Sacramento County has a salary range from $33,740 to $42,090 monthly, focusing on ensuring quality medical care in state prisons.
Another important role is the chief psychiatrist at North Kern State Prison, offering between $34,420 and $35,280 per month. This job entails overseeing mental health services for inmates, including recruiting and managing psychiatric staff and programming.
This is a full-time office role, and applications are due by March 4. Similarly, listings exist for comparable positions at other facilities, like Wasco State Prison and Valley State Prison.
The state also employs senior and staff psychiatrists to provide mental health care within various prisons, with pay for senior psychiatrists around $32,260 to $33,032 monthly, while staff psychiatrists earn between $30,259 and $31,136. Their duties include evaluations, medication management, and crisis intervention.
CalPERS is hiring for an Investment Director role as well, with a salary range of $20,062 to $33,437 to assist in managing private debt portfolios. The California Teachers Retirement System also offers competitive salaries, with a Senior Portfolio Manager position in Yolo County listed at $18,334 to $28,334 per month.
A complete list from CalCareers includes thousands of available state jobs. Lots of them pay over $10,000 monthly, and many high-paying positions remain open until filled.
