Salary and Benefits in the State of California

California Pay Scales

In California state government, pay for civil servants is standardized at the class specification level. This means that each individual class specification has its own specific salary range, displayed as compensation-per-month. For example, an Associate Mental Health Specialist (8329) has a salary range of $6,031-$7,547 per month, according to the 2026 Civil Service Pay Scale. The minimum rate listed in the range is the typical entrance rate for new employees of that class specification.

How do you get from the minimum to the maximum end of a salary range?

Salary growth within the same class specification is done through merit salary adjustments. Following each 12-month period of satisfactory job performance, employees receive a 5% salary increase, up to the maximum end of the given range.

Alternate Ranges

Some class specifications may have expansive salary ranges that encompass multiple ranges within one. These ranges are labeled alphabetically and each subsequent range will have a slightly higher starting pay.

For example, you could see something like the following alternate range breakdown: Range A: $3,861-$4,839, Range B: $4,181-$5,233, Range C: $5,014-$6,276. While the specific requirements for alternate ranges may differ across class specifications, they typically focus on increasing levels of training and experience, though some may also be related to alternative duty locations. Across any of the alternate ranges, it is normal to start out at the base of the range as a new employee.

Pay Differentials

In addition to the standardized pay ranges, some employees in select class specifications may be eligible for supplemental pay. Typically established through collective bargaining units, pay differentials recognize employees who have specialized skills or unusual circumstances, such as secondary language skills, job-related certifications or challenging working conditions.

Details regarding individual pay differentials, including payment amounts and eligibility standards, can be found on CalHR.

Leave and Holidays

Annual Leave vs. Vacation Leave

California offers two different leave structures: annual leave and vacation leave. The selection of the leave format is determined by the bargaining unit associated with a particular job, which may require one or the other, or a choice between the two.

• Annual leave is a flexible bank of paid time off that can be used for a variety of purposes, including vacation, illness or personal time. Accrual rates vary from 11-20 hours per month depending on the length of service and specific bargaining unit. Earners of annual leave do not accrue separate sick leave, but annual leave accrues faster than vacation leave.
• Vacation leave is a more traditional form of leave which is accrued separately from sick leave. Accrual rates vary from 7-16 hours per month depending on the length of service and specific bargaining unit.

Accrued leave may be carried over each year. Most employees using annual leave or vacation leave can carry over up to 640 hours of unused leave.

Sick Leave

Sick leave is accrued at a rate of eight hours per month for full time employes enrolled in vacation leave, and this leave may be carried over each year without limit.

Holidays

State of California employees receive 11 paid holidays per year. See the State of California holiday schedule.

Health, retirement and other benefits

Health Care Benefits

Health Insurance

The California Public Employees Retirement System manages health insurance plans for both state employees and retirees, with multiple plans available to select from depending on your location.

The state makes significant contributions towards coverage across each bargaining unit. To be eligible, employees must be appointed to a job that will last longer than six months and work at least half-time.

If you have insurance through a spouse or another source, you may be eligible for cash benefits.

Vision & Dental Insurance

CalHR administers the state’s vision and dental plans, with employer contributions determined by each bargaining unit’s agreement. Most employees will have all or the majority of their vision and dental covered by the state contribution.

FlexElect Medical & Dependent Care Reimbursement Accounts

A FlexElect account enables California state employees to put aside up to $3,300 for medical and $7,500 for dependent care expenses annually, pre-tax.

Retirement benefits

The California Public Employees Retirement System provides retirement benefits to all eligible California state employees. Both the state and the employee contribute a percentage of your salary to the pension fund, which you would vest into after five years of service.

As you grow your career in state government, so do your retirement benefits. Each year you work, you earn additional service credit that increases the value of your future CalPERS pension. Together with your contributions and the state’s contributions, this builds a guaranteed lifetime benefit when you retire.

Retirement Health Benefits

Retirement health benefits help cover your medical costs after you leave state service, and your eligibility is based on a vesting schedule that typically requires 10–20 years of service, depending on your bargaining unit and hire date. Once vested, the state pays a percentage of the employer health‑contribution amount toward your retiree medical premium, increasing with each year of service until you reach the maximum.

Savings Plus Plans

The Savings Plus Plans offer additional benefits through voluntary 401(k) and 457(b) plans.

Other Benefits

Life Insurance

California’s Basic Group Term Life Insurance program provides eligible state employees with employer paid life insurance coverage. The benefit is automatically provided to employees in designated classifications with no medical exam required. Employees may also choose to enroll in additional voluntary life insurance to increase their coverage.

Employee Assistance Programs
California offers an Employee Assistance Program, a free service providing confidential counseling, wellness resources and support services to help state employees manage personal, family and workplace challenges.

Legal Services

The Group Legal Services Insurance Program offers state employees access to affordable legal assistance for common personal matters. It provides coverage for services such as wills, family law consultations, consumer protection issues and advice from network attorneys. Eligible employees can enroll during open enrollment or after certain qualifying life events, giving them reliable legal support when needed.