Depending on the state, state jobs usually are unionized gigs with a few entry points. The “happy path” is entry-level. You need to understand the benefits and how they work as it’s a major component of compensation. For example, if you worked for NYC or NYS government, your pension is largely exempt from state and city taxes... but that pension changed during the Great Recession and its value may vary depending on your circumstances.

If you’re mid-career, you need to figure out the “side loading” path. Usually there’s a way to get non-political temp/term appointments, and sometimes if you work as a contractor there can be ways to be converted to an employee.