Looking for a career with the state of California?
You don’t necessarily need a college degree to land a state job in California.
While many state jobs require specialized education or experience, nearly 90 positions are open to applicants with only a high school diploma or equivalent, according to CalCareers.
“There are plenty of state careers that don’t require a college degree,” the state’s hiring website says.
California offers a wide range of state careers that don’t require a college degree, including positions in road maintenance, construction and food service.
Whether you’re starting your career or looking for a new job opportunity, here are 10 California state jobs that don’t require a college degree:
BEHIND THE STORY MORE Why we did this story
Our community-driven series — How to California — is here to answer your questions about state laws, history, culture, recreation and travel in the Golden State.
McClatchy’s service journalism team, focused on helping our readers navigate daily life, works in communities across the state, including San Luis Obispo, Fresno, Merced, Modesto and Sacramento.
Ask us your questions — big and small — by emailing howtocalifornia@mcclatchy.com or filling out a form here.
California Capitol stands in downtown Sacramento on Tuesday, July 7, 2026. ZIYU JULIAN ZHU julian.zhu@sacbee.com Which California state jobs don’t require a college degree?
Analyst l | Permanent, full time
Department: JusticeLocation: Sacramento CountySalary: $3,861 to $6,276 monthlyApplication due date: Tuesday, Aug. 4
The analyst performs analytical work related to government claims for money damages.
Typical tasks related to this position include processing documents and reviewing report documents.
Caltrans highway maintenance worker | Permanent, full time
Department: TransportationLocation: San Bernardino CountySalary: $4,102 to $4,865 monthlyApplication due date: Saturday, Aug. 15
This position performs several tasks related to maintaining state highways.
Duties include road construction, landscaping and litter pickup.
Cook specialist I | Permanent, full time
Department: State HospitalsLocation: San Luis Obispo CountySalary: $3,799 to $4,656 monthlyApplication due date: Tuesday, Aug. 4
The cook specialist assists in nutrition services.
The position is responsible for cooking ingredients, dispersing food and maintaining a clean work station.
Legal secretary | Permanent, full time
Department: Public Utilities CommissionLocation: San Francisco CountySalary: $4,371 to $5,748 per monthApplication due date: Tuesday, Aug. 4
The legal secretary performs clerical work for the commission’s Intervenor Compensation Program.
Duties related to this position include drafting legal documents, filing case requirements and making sure deadlines are met.
Mailroom office assistant | Permanent, full time
Department: State PrisonsLocation: Marin CountySalary: $3,167 to $4,357 monthlyApplication due date: Monday, Aug. 3
The mailroom office assistant works in the mailroom of the San Quentin Rehabilitation Center.
This position will process incoming mail and perform other office duties, such as answering phone calls.
Motor vehicle representative | Permanent, full time
Department: Motor VehiclesLocation: Sacramento CountySalary: $3,745 to $5,429 monthlyApplication due date: Friday, Aug. 7
The motor vehicle representative delivers customer service to the public.
Typical tasks include cashiering, data entry and issuing identification cards.
Painter l | Permanent, full time
Department: General ServicesLocation: Sacramento CountySalary: $4,930 to $6,476 monthlyApplication due date: Wednesday, Aug. 5
The painter will work alongside a team to improve the department’s infrastructure.
Duties include maintaining and painting government buildings.
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Regional office administrative support supervisor | Permanent, full time
Department: High Speed Rail AuthorityLocation: Fresno CountySalary: $7,172 to $8,910 a monthApplication due date: Wednesday, Aug. 5
The regional office administrative support supervisor will supervise staff.
Other key functions related to this role include project management and providing customer service.
Security guard | Permanent, full time
Department: Veterans AffairsLocation: San Diego CountySalary: $3,167 to $3,963 per monthApplication due date: Wednesday, Aug. 5
The security guard is responsible for ensuring the safety of residents, staff and visitors in the Health and Safety Department of the Veterans Home of California in Chula Vista.
The security guard will monitor surveillance systems, patrol the premises and respond to emergencies.
Student assistant | Limited, part time
Department: State HospitalsLocation: Napa CountySalary: $3,167 to $4,268 monthlyApplication due date: Friday, Aug. 14
Under the supervision of a trained professional, the student assistant will learn how to assess people’s needs and create treatment plans.
Along with providing therapy and support, they will also help prepare patients to leave care and assist them in returning to everyday life while improving their physical, emotional and social well-being.
Have a question about life in California?
How to California — a guide to help you live, work and enjoy life in the Golden State, is here to help.
We’ll answer your questions — big and small — about state laws, history, culture, recreation and travel.
Ask your questions in the form below (can’t see it? Click here) or email howtocalifornia@mcclatchy.com.
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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.