CalPERS Salary

As of April 2026, the average annual salary for employees at CalPERS in the United States is $120,775. This translates to an approximate hourly wage of $58. Salaries at CalPERS typically range from $105,399 to $138,523 annually, reflecting the diverse roles and experience levels within the company.
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Current Job Openings at CalPERS

Ready for your next career move? Explore current job openings at CalPERS. Use the search tool below to find available positions by title and location and apply directly to start your career.

Is CalPERS’s Pay Competitive? Salary Benchmarking Analysis

How does CalPERS's compensation stack up against the industry and its key competitors? Our salary benchmarking analysis provides a clear comparison. The chart below visualizes this comparison alongside select peer companies.
Competitor / Benchmark Avg. Salary Variance Primary Market Influence Factor & Explanation
Orange County Auditor-Controller $121,998
+1.0%
Suggests Orange County Auditor-Controller utilizes a highly similar base-plus-benefits compensation model.
baltimorecountymd.gov/Agencies/police $117,294
-2.9%
Confirms baltimorecountymd.gov/Agencies/police is a direct competitor vying for the exact same talent pool.
Department of Health $114,140
-5.5%
Department of Health likely leverages performance bonuses over the high base salary shown here.
New York City Department of Finance $129,002
+6.8%
Supported by New York City Department of Finance's high-margin contracts allowing higher overhead.
Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit Industry $115,341
-4.5%
Pay variances are driven by organizational scale, specialized skill requirements, or geographic cost-of-living factors.
Need More Granular Data? The analysis above provides a high-level market overview. To benchmark specific job codes, adjust for real-time cost-of-living changes, or access verified HR-reported datasets, upgrade to Salary.com for Business. Precision matters when building your compensation strategy.

Employee Reviews: Working at CalPERS

Considering a career at CalPERS? Explore authentic employee reviews to learn about the work environment, career growth opportunities, pay transparency and benefits. These first-hand insights can help you set realistic compensation expectations and make informed career decisions.
Preserved historical documents perfectly. Work is steady, and communication is regular. Colleagues are passionate about their work, and teamwork is strong. Everyone felt heard. Good intentions, but administrative speed varies.
Their clear processes and community-centered focus help maintain a smooth, efficient public and educational operation. This company truly sets the standard for a positive workplace. Regular recognition programs ensure employees feel appreciated and motivated. Leadership encourages innovation and listens to feedback, fostering a collaborative culture. Meaningful projects improve community services ...
There’s support from colleagues, though some departments are more responsive than others. The environment here is both structured and flexible. Resources are allocated thoughtfully, and innovation is encouraged.

CalPERS Overview

Website
www.calpers.ca.gov
Founded In
1932
Employees
1,000 - 3,000 employees
Industry
Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit
Headquarter Address
400 Q St Sacramento California CA 95811
Revenue
$3B - $5B
Phone Number
+1 9167953400
Social Media
About CalPERS
CalPERS, headquartered in Sacramento, California, is a public pension fund that provides retirement and health benefits to state and local public employees.

What Benefits Does CalPERS Offer Beyond Salary?

A competitive compensation package is more than just a salary. CalPERS offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, financial future, and overall well-being. Below are the most common key benefits:
Social Security
401(K)
Disability
Healthcare
Pension
Time Off (days)
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What Is the Cost of Living Near Sacramento?

Understanding the cost of living near Sacramento is key to truly evaluating a salary offer or your current compensation at CalPERS.
Sacramento's Cost of Living Index is approximately 118.8 (18.8% more expensive than US average; 15.0% less than CA average). State capital, more affordable than coastal CA but housing costs have risen significantly. When planning your budget based on a salary from CalPERS, consider these typical monthly expenses:
Expense Category Estimated Monthly Cost Key Considerations / Notes
Housing (1-BR Apt Rent) $1,500 - $2,200+ A significant portion of CalPERS salary. Location choices impact this heavily.
Utilities (Basic) $170 - $280 Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water etc.
Public Transportation $100 (SacRT monthly pass) Essential for most commuters; car ownership is costly.
Groceries (Single Person) $420 - $620 Can be higher with more dining out or specialty stores.
Personal & Leisure $350 - $700+ Dining out, entertainment, shopping. Highly variable.
Healthcare (Individual) $360 - $680+ Varies significantly by plan & employer contribution.
Subtotal (Excluding Taxes) $2,800 - $4,480+ This subtotal does not include income taxes (federal, state, local), which can significantly impact your take-home pay.

FAQs of CalPERS

1. How much does CalPERS in the United States pay?

CalPERS pays its employees an average of $120,775 per year. The average salary at CalPERS range from $105,399 to $138,523 per year. It's important to remember that these are overall averages, actual salaries vary significantly based on specific job titles, years of experience, skills and location.

2. Do CalPERS employees get a higher salary than its peer company?

The salary at CalPERS is lesser than its peer company. The average annual salary at CalPERS is $120,775, or an hourly wage of $58, in comparison to Orange County Auditor-Controller which pays $121,998 per year or $59 per hour.

3. What are the highest paying jobs at CalPERS?

The higher-paying job at CalPERS, according to our data, include Chief Executive Officer (avg. $934,901 per year), Division Chief (avg. $934,901 per year), and Chief Medical Officer (avg. $512,208 per year). Pay for these roles reflects significant responsibility, specialized skills and experience.

4. How much does salary increase with years of experience at CalPERS?

Salary progression with years of experience at CalPERS is typical. Generally, as employees gain more relevant experience, develop more skills, and take on greater responsibilities, their earning potential increases. For example, a role with 5-7 years of experience will usually pay more than the same role requiring 0-2 years.

5. Do salaries at CalPERS vary by office location?

Yes, it's very likely that salaries at CalPERS vary by office location. Companies often adjust pay based on local market rates, cost of living, and talent competition in different geographic areas. For instance, a role in a high-cost city like New York City may offer a higher nominal salary than the same role in a lower-cost city like Omaha, NE. Our Cost of Living Insights for Sacramento section provides more context.

6. Does CalPERS offer good benefits?

CalPERS typically offers a comprehensive benefits package that adds significant value to an employee's total compensation. Common benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance, a 401(k) plan often with a company match, paid time off. For example, a strong 401(k) match or excellent, low-cost health insurance can be worth thousands of dollars annually, effectively increasing your overall earnings beyond your base salary. For a more detailed list of benefits, please see our "Employee Benefits at CalPERS" section on this page.