Whether you’re looking for your first government job or ready to move up to a career with a pension and full benefits, this page is your starting point. Below you’ll find every current opening we’re tracking — organized by urgency, job type, and salary — with direct links to full details on each position.

These positions have deadlines within the next 30 days. Don’t miss them:

These positions require passing a competitive civil service exam. Your score determines your place on an eligible list, and appointments are made from the top of the list as vacancies open.

These positions are filled through a direct application and interview process — no written exam required. They’re among the fastest paths into a New York government career.

MTA NYC Transit positions are not civil service jobs but are highly competitive union positions with strong pay, shift differentials, and pension benefits. They have their own exam and application system at a856-mtaexams.nyc.gov.

NYS and NYC government agencies actively hire IT professionals at competitive salaries — often without a civil service exam for upper-level positions.

The New York State Unified Court System is one of the largest employers in the state, with positions ranging from entry-level aides to sworn court officers and IT professionals.

Explore the full range of government job opportunities available across New York State:

New York State’s civil service system is one of the most structured government hiring systems in the country. Here’s how it works from exam to paycheck:

• 1 Find an open exam. Browse our NYC Exams, State Exams, or NYS Courts pages for current open exam periods. Each exam has a fixed application window — missing it means waiting for the next cycle, often 2–4 years.
• 2 Apply and pay the fee. NYC exams are filed through nyc.gov/examsforjobs (OASys). NYS court exams use their own portals. Most exams charge $30–$68, with fee waivers available for veterans, unemployed individuals, and those receiving public assistance.
• 3 Take the exam. Most are computer-based multiple-choice tests. A score of 70% or higher is typically required to pass. Your exact score — plus any veterans’ or other credits — determines your rank on the eligible list.
• 4 Get placed on an eligible list. After the exam, a ranked list of passing candidates is published. Agencies must hire from the top of the list as vacancies open. Lists typically remain active for 4 years.
• 5 Background investigation & appointment. Before appointment, candidates undergo background checks, fingerprinting (~$75 fee), medical and psychological evaluations, and for some titles, physical fitness testing.
• 6 Probationary period & career growth. Most titles require a 12–24 month probationary period. After that, civil service employees receive automatic salary increments, pension enrollment, and promotion opportunities through additional exams.

Here’s a side-by-side look at current starting and maximum salaries for the positions we track: