Do state government jobs offer good job security?

I am of the opinion that state government jobs will always be around. You always hear about states trying to trim their budgets and cutting funding to programs, etc. but it still seems like a safer line of employment to be in than any type of job that can potentially be outsourced to India or China. It even seems like airline pilots face an uncertain future as planes may eventually fly themselves. Newspapers are facing a crisis as people get their news from other sources and several national papers are expected to eleminate their book sections in the near future. At least in a state job you have job security and are guaranteed a pension, right?

As someone that was employed by the federal government, I can say that any job in the public service sector (what that would be classified as) is always stable, provides great benefits, and guarantees a pension-depending on how long you have worked there. Depending on the department, you may have to take a civil servants exam, which are only given on occasion-unless you happen to be a veteran, then it's an on-demand test.

But, despite all that, I quit because of the overwhelming amount of ignorant bigots that polluted every hallway I walked down.

But-based on some of the answers you have given-you should fit in quite nicely in that environment.

I have worked at a state job for several years now and it is much more stable than other industries. Be prepared for several things:
It is hard to get the positions because of the number of applicants.
The pay is usually not as good as in the private sector.
By their very nature, they are very political.

Yes to answer question. I did work at state of maryland at one time. I had allot of benefits, retirement, lots of holidays, sick, and annual days. The pay was not much. The deal was almost excellent.

State jobs can be stable but watch out. The vast majority of state jobs are actually funded by the federal government through grants. Public Assistance, Public Health, education, transportation, natural resources, labor, even law enforcement is heavily funded by the feds.

So lets say the feds cut back on road funds to your state, your job as a clerk at the Department of Transportation might very well go bye-bye. In my state the feds cut almost all funding to employment services, including veterans, last year. The state Department of Labor laid off almost 300 people.

The fed is by far the most secure but determine the funding for any government position. If it is a grant funded position find out about the grant. If the grant stems from some 50 year old federal law mandating a service you are probably okay. If it a 50 year old law mandating rural utilities supply analog TV to all areas, next year your job is gone. If it is a test or demonstration program you are taking a chance.

Nothing is cast in stone.

www.workintexas.com

usually, yes. But, it is possible you would work in a local office which will be closed, and you have your choice of a job 70 miles away or being laid off. It is secure, but becoming less so.
The state of Pennsylvania wants to privatize the turnpike. You know what that means for toll booth attendants, maintenance workers, etc.
If you want a state job, apply for it now., Sometimes, it takes years to get hired.