Job opportunities in California
California continues to lead the nation’s economy, adding 96,700 new jobs in January 2023 – which accounts for 18.7 percent growth of the nation’s 517,000 overall job gains for the month. Eight of California’s major industry sectors gained jobs in January and the state outpaced the nation in year-over-year job growth with 559,500 jobs added – an increase of 3.5 percent. The nation has added approximately more than 3 million jobs since April 2020 – the biggest hiring spree in the country.
Top Ten Highest Paying Jobs and Salary in California
| Job | Qualifications | Average Salary (USD) |
| Hospitalist Physician | Gain a bachelor’s degree. Pass the MCAT. Pass the first two parts of the USMLE. Complete your residency. Pass the third part of the USMLE. Get a license. Become board-certified. | $235,100 |
| Primary Care Pediatrician | Doctors having an MBBS Degree and a PG or MD can take up specialization in pediatrics. Biological science or a pre-med degree field is required. | $224,019 |
| Board Certified Orthodontist | Obtain an undergraduate degree Pass the National Board Dental Examination Obtain a license to practice orthodontics as a specialty, which may require a special state exam | $213,070 |
| Staff Psychiatrist | Must be a graduate of an accredited medical school and completion of Psychiatry Residency at an ACGME-accredited program | $212,643 |
| Medical Director | Get experience. You typically need to work as a licensed doctor for many years before you are qualified as a medical doctor. Many employers prefer medical director candidates to have at least 10 years of practice experience | $206,896 |
| Md Physician-Dermatologist | A five-and-a-half year degree, MBBS, and a two to three years of MD (Pulmonary & Critical Care Medicine) Course. | $206,712 |
| Chief Medical Officer | Must possess an M.D. or equivalent degree and possess Board Certification in a clinical specialty | $203,140 |
| Pulmonary Physician | Qualified candidates must possess an MD or DO degree, must be a board-eligible or board certified pain specialist, completed an ACGME-certified fellowship in pain medicine, and be eligible for licensure in the state of California. | $200,669 |
| General Surgery Physician Assistant | You must have an accredited bachelor’s degree in any discipline with a minimum GPA of 2.8. Also, the college requires you to have at least 1000 hours of healthcare experience. | $199,736 |
| Pain Management Physician | Qualified candidates must possess an MD or DO degree, must be a board-eligible or board-certified pain specialist, completed an ACGME-certified fellowship in pain medicine, and be eligible for licensure in the state of California. | $196,495 |
Benefits of working in California
Health Insurance.
Choose from a variety of health benefit plans for you and your family. The state may pay up to 100 percent of the premiums depending on the plan selected. If you already have qualifying medical coverage through another source, such as a spouse, you can receive cash in lieu of your health coverage.
Vision care Insurance
As a state employee, you are automatically enrolled in the state’s Vision Program.
Employee Assistant Program
EAP is an assessment, short-term counseling, and referral service designed to provide you and your family with assistance during difficult times, as well as consultation on managing everyday concerns. Benefits include confidential consultation and referrals, as well as support groups, wellness programs, and noontime meetings and seminars. Most EAP benefits are free to state employees and their families.
Medical Reimbursement Accounts
Set aside money to reimburse eligible medical expenses.
Holidays
11 paid holidays per year, plus one personal holiday.
Sick Leave
Earn sick leave each month to provide income protection in the event of illness or injury.
Vacation
Earn vacation leave each year based on years of employment.
Annual Leave
Eligible employees accrue a combined pool of “annual leave” credits instead of separate vacation and sick leave.
Bereavement Leave
As a state employee, you are allowed paid time off if a member of your immediate family dies.
Pregnancy Disability Leave
Female employees disabled by pregnancy, childbirth, or a related medical condition can take up to four months of unpaid, job-protected leave
See all leave-related information on the CalHR site.
Transfer, Training, and Advancement Opportunities
Make the most out of your state service with a wide range of desirable career options and transfer, training, and promotional opportunities throughout California.
Flexible Work Arrangements
In some cases, alternative work arrangements such as flextime, alternative, and telework work schedules can help employees balance career and family life.
Merit Salary Adjustment
Annual 5 percent increase after 12 months of satisfactory performance, as certified by your supervisor, until maximum salary is reached for your classification.
