High-paying government jobs in New York City include roles in law, finance, healthcare, technology, and public safety. These jobs are available through municipal, state, and federal agencies. Each level offers different pay scales, hiring rules, and employee benefits.
New York City has a large public workforce with many career options. Some senior government roles offer annual salaries above $200,000. However, pay depends on the role, experience, and agency. This guide covers 15 well-paid municipal jobs, their salaries, and key duties. It also lists official websites where you can find and apply for these jobs.
15 High-Paying Government Jobs in New York City and Their Salaries
New York City agencies offer well-paid jobs in several fields. These include senior management, law, finance, public health, and policy. The city’s public workforce has more than 280,000 full-time employees. This creates job options for people with different skills and levels of experience.
The following list features 15 municipal jobs with high salary ranges. It uses salary details from the official NYC government job portal.
1. Chief of Staff
- Salary: $260,000
- Department: Department of Correction
A Chief of Staff works closely with senior agency leaders. The role involves managing daily work, guiding teams, and tracking key projects. It also helps turn agency goals into clear plans. Strong leadership and communication skills are important, which is often the case for many high-paying government jobs in New York City.
2. Division Chief of Behavioral Health and Trauma Services
- Salary: $220,000–$240,000
- Department: Mayor’s Office
This role leads city programs for behavioral health and trauma care. The person guides key projects and works with other public agencies. They also help improve access to support for people affected by violence and trauma.
3. Division Chief of Neighborhood Safety
- Salary: $220,000–$240,000
- Department: Mayor’s Office
A Division Chief of Neighborhood Safety helps lead city safety programs. The role involves setting goals, guiding local projects, and working with agency leaders. It also supports plans to address safety concerns across city neighborhoods.
4. Controller/Assistant Commissioner, Bureau of Controller
- Salary: $94,050–$208,631
- Department: Department of Health/Mental Hygiene
This senior finance role manages accounting and financial control work. Duties include checking financial records, guiding budget processes, and preparing reports. The person also helps ensure that the agency uses public funds well.
5. Managing Attorney, Equity and Inclusion
- Salary: $75,443–$201,607
- Department: Police Department
The Managing Attorney handles legal matters linked to equity and inclusion. The role includes advising agency leaders and reviewing workplace policies. It also helps the department follow laws and address issues related to fair treatment.
6. Assistant Commissioner of Payroll and Timekeeping
- Salary: $196,683
- Department: Fire Department of the City of New York (FDNY)
This role manages payroll and timekeeping work across FDNY. Key tasks include checking work hours, handling pay records, and reviewing payroll systems. The person also works with staff to fix payment and record issues.
7. Family Court, Juvenile Delinquency Evening Court Team, Evening Court Supervisor
- Salary: $122,300–$188,235
- Department: Law Department
The Evening Court Supervisor manages legal work for the Juvenile Delinquency Evening Court Team. The role includes guiding staff, planning court work, and supporting attorneys. It also helps keep cases moving through the court system.
8. Assistant Borough Chief – Family Court: Juvenile Justice
- Salary: $122,300–$188,235
- Department: Law Department
This role supports the Family Court Division’s work on juvenile justice cases. Duties include guiding attorneys, reviewing complex cases, and managing legal work. The person also helps the department handle its court duties.
9. EEO Director, Office of the Deputy Commissioner
- Salary: $68,213–$180,000
- Department: Department of Health/Mental Hygiene
The EEO Director leads equal employment efforts within the department. The role includes reviewing workplace concerns and guiding fair hiring practices. It also helps the agency follow equal employment rules and build a fair work culture.
10. Deputy Controller for Fiscal Management, Bureau of Controller
- Salary: $83,718–$180,000
- Department: NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene
Among high-paying government jobs in New York City, the Deputy Controller helps manage the agency’s finances. Key duties include reviewing budgets, tracking spending, and checking financial records. The person also advises senior staff on how to plan and use funds.
11. Assistant Commissioner for Strategic Planning and Procurement
- Salary: $101,424–$179,721
- Department: Department of Homeless Services
This role leads planning and purchasing work within the department. Duties include managing contracts, reviewing purchase plans, and tracking resources. The person also helps ensure that spending meets the agency’s needs and goals.
12. Assistant District Attorney – Youth Justice Bureau
- Salary: $97,000–$178,000
- Department: Bronx District Attorney’s Office
An Assistant District Attorney handles legal cases that involve young people. The role includes reviewing evidence, preparing court cases, and working with law enforcement. It also involves presenting legal arguments and supporting fair court outcomes.
13. Supervising Attorney for Mental Health, Assigned Counsel Plan
- Salary: $68,213–$175,000
- Department: Office of Criminal Justice
The Supervising Attorney oversees legal services for people who need court-appointed lawyers. The role involves guiding attorneys, reviewing casework, and managing legal support. It also helps maintain service standards across the assigned counsel program.
14. Director of Research
- Salary: $175,000
- Department: Mayor’s Office
The Director of Research leads studies that support city plans and public programs. Duties include managing research projects, reviewing data, and preparing reports. The person also shares findings that help city leaders make better policy choices.
15. Associate General Counsel
- Salary: $165,000
- Department: Department of Consumer and Worker Protection
The Associate General Counsel provides legal support to the department. The role includes advising teams, reviewing legal issues, and supporting rule enforcement. It also helps ensure that consumer and worker protection policies follow the law.
Note: Salaries are annual figures from the job listings. They show the advertised pay range, not a guaranteed starting salary. Job openings and pay details may change. Check each vacancy notice for current openings, job duties, and eligibility rules.
These roles show the range of careers available across city agencies. However, municipal jobs are not the only high-paying government jobs in New York City. Residents can also apply for state and federal positions.
Read More: The Local Impact of Startup Companies in New York
Where Can You Find and Apply for NYC Government Jobs?
You can search for government jobs through three main portals. These cover city, state, and federal agencies. Each website lists open roles, pay details, job rules, and application steps.
1. City of New York jobs
Visit NYC Government Jobs to find jobs across city agencies. You can filter openings by agency, salary, borough, and job type. Some roles need civil service exams, while others accept direct applications.
2. New York State government jobs
Visit StateJobsNY to search for jobs across state departments. You can filter roles by agency, location, and salary grade. The site also lists NY HELPS jobs, which may not require a civil service exam.
3. Federal government jobs
Visit USAJOBS to find federal jobs in New York City and beyond. Create a profile, add your resume, and review job rules. You can then apply for roles that match your skills and experience.
Before applying, check the job duties, required skills, and closing date. Also, review any exam or educational qualifications. Tailor your resume to match the role and its listed needs.
What Benefits Do High-Paying Government Jobs in New York City Offer?
Government jobs offer more than a steady salary. Many city roles also include health plans, retirement savings, and paid leave. These benefits can help employees manage their money and plan for the future. However, the exact benefits depend on the job and union terms.
Health coverage is one key benefit for city workers. The New York City Independent Budget Office reported that nearly 95% of active city employees were enrolled in the city’s General Health Incorporated (GHI) or Health Insurance Plan of New York (HIP) health plans. The city also offers retirement and deferred pay plans.
These benefits add value to high-paying government jobs in New York City. They also make public sector careers a good long-term choice.
Conclusion
New York City offers well-paid public sector jobs in law, finance, health, and leadership. These 15 roles show the range of salaries across city agencies. However, salary is not the only factor to check. Review job duties, hiring rules, and employee benefits before applying. Explore high-paying government jobs in New York City through official career portals and find a role that fits your skills.
FAQs
1. What is the highest-paying government job in NYC?
The Chief of Staff listing from the NYC Department of Correction offers $260,000 per year.
2. Do NYC government jobs pay well?
Yes. Some senior city roles offer annual salaries above $200,000, plus employee benefits.
3. How do I apply for government jobs in NYC?
Search NYC Government Jobs, StateJobsNY, or USAJOBS and follow the listed application steps.
4. Do high-paying government jobs in New York City require civil service exams?
Some jobs require exams, while others allow direct applications without a competitive exam.
5. What benefits do NYC government employees receive?
Benefits may include health insurance, retirement plans, paid leave, and deferred pay savings plans.
