Arizona draws wealth that was made elsewhere: retired executives and founders moving from California and the Midwest settle in Scottsdale, Paradise Valley and Tucson. Real estate development and homebuilding fortunes add a local base.
The family office landscape in Arizona
Family offices in Arizona are concentrated in and around:
- Phoenix
- Scottsdale
- Tucson
Where family office candidates come from in Arizona
Phoenix has a deep pool of accountants from national firms' regional offices and from Arizona State University, one of the largest accounting programs in the country.
Across the state, accountants and auditors earn an average of $88,400, 7% below the US average of $94,750 and #23 of 51. Financial managers average $158,550, 15% below the US average of $186,910 (BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025). Family offices usually pay above these averages to win experienced people.
Family office salaries in Arizona
| Role | Base salary in AZ | Typical bonus |
|---|---|---|
| Family Office Controller | $165K–$225K | 15–25% |
| Family Office Accountant | $90K–$135K | 5–15% |
| Family Office Tax Manager | $140K–$195K | 10–20% |
| Family Office CFO | $280K–$445K | 25–50% |
| Family Office Chief of Staff | $140K–$230K | 15–30% |
| Family Office Operations Manager | $120K–$185K | 10–20% |
| Family Office Executive Assistant | $85K–$140K | 10–20% |
| Family Office Payroll Manager | $100K–$140K | 5–15% |
Our estimates for a single family office managing $250M–$1B, adjusted for Arizona using BLS pay levels for accountants and financial managers (7% below the national midpoint). Try the salary calculator for other office sizes.
Taxes, trusts and the law in Arizona
Arizona moved to a flat 2.5% state income tax, one of the lowest among states that tax wages, which helps attract relocating families and staff.
How Arizona compares with nearby states
| State | Accountant avg. (BLS) | Financial manager avg. (BLS) | Family office controller (estimate) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona | $88,400 | $158,550 | $165K–$225K |
| Colorado | $103,150 | $209,360 | $185K–$255K |
| Idaho | $79,940 | $142,420 | $155K–$210K |
| Montana | $82,750 | $150,850 | $160K–$215K |
| Nevada | $89,310 | $154,570 | $165K–$225K |
| New Mexico | $84,320 | $147,820 | $160K–$215K |
| Utah | $87,700 | $168,050 | $165K–$230K |
| Wyoming | $83,820 | $134,710 | $155K–$210K |
What this means for hiring in Arizona
Accountant pay in Arizona sits mid-pack nationally (#23 of 51). A family office that offers a clearly defined role, a meaningful bonus and some flexibility can stand out against corporate employers here. State taxes in Arizona are moderate, so pay conversations usually center on base salary and bonus rather than tax. With several metro areas to draw from, most staff-level searches in Arizona can be filled locally; senior roles still benefit from a confidential, recruiter-led search.
Family office questions for Arizona
Is Arizona a good place to set up a family office?
Many relocating families choose Scottsdale and Paradise Valley for the climate and Arizona's flat 2.5% income tax, and Phoenix has a large accounting talent pool.
How much do family office jobs pay in Arizona?
We estimate a family office controller in Arizona earns about $165K–$225K base and an accountant about $90K–$135K. For context, accountants and auditors in Arizona earn an average of $88,400 across all employers, 7% below the US average (BLS, May 2025).
Where are family offices in Arizona?
Mostly around Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tucson.
Does Arizona have a state income tax on wages?
Yes. Arizona moved to a flat 2.5% state income tax, one of the lowest among states that tax wages, which helps attract relocating families and staff.