California creates more new family offices than almost anywhere, mostly from tech founders and early employees in the Bay Area, along with entertainment, real estate and agriculture fortunes in Los Angeles and the Central Valley.
The family office landscape in California
Family offices in California are concentrated in and around:
- San Francisco Bay Area
- Los Angeles
- San Diego
- Orange County
Where family office candidates come from in California
Candidates come from Big 4 offices in San Francisco, Los Angeles and San Diego, from the business management firms that serve entertainment clients, and from venture and private equity fund administration teams.
Across the state, accountants and auditors earn an average of $103,760, 10% above the US average of $94,750 and #5 of 51. Financial managers average $210,490, 13% above 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 California
| Role | Base salary in CA | Typical bonus |
|---|---|---|
| Family Office Controller | $185K–$255K | 15–25% |
| Family Office Accountant | $100K–$155K | 5–15% |
| Family Office Tax Manager | $160K–$225K | 10–20% |
| Family Office CFO | $320K–$515K | 25–50% |
| Family Office Chief of Staff | $160K–$270K | 15–30% |
| Family Office Operations Manager | $140K–$215K | 10–20% |
| Family Office Executive Assistant | $95K–$160K | 10–20% |
| Family Office Payroll Manager | $120K–$160K | 5–15% |
Our estimates for a single family office managing $250M–$1B, adjusted for California using BLS pay levels for accountants and financial managers (7% above the national midpoint). Try the salary calculator for other office sizes.
Taxes, trusts and the law in California
California has the highest top income tax rate in the US at 13.3%, so some families relocate to Nevada, Texas or Florida. Offices that stay compete for talent on total pay and flexibility.
How California compares with nearby states
| State | Accountant avg. (BLS) | Financial manager avg. (BLS) | Family office controller (estimate) |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | $103,760 | $210,490 | $185K–$255K |
| Alaska | $90,350 | $139,740 | $160K–$220K |
| Hawaii | $79,300 | $146,850 | $155K–$215K |
| Oregon | $93,870 | $173,790 | $170K–$235K |
| Washington | $102,700 | $195,430 | $180K–$250K |
What this means for hiring in California
California is one of the ten highest-paying states for accountants (#5), so family offices compete head-to-head with Big 4 firms and large employers. Expect to pay at or above market and to move quickly when a strong candidate appears. Because California's taxes are among the highest in the country, candidates weigh total pay, bonus and flexibility carefully, and some families hire staff who live across a state line. With several metro areas to draw from, most staff-level searches in California can be filled locally; senior roles still benefit from a confidential, recruiter-led search.
Family office questions for California
Why do California families move their family offices?
California's top income tax rate of 13.3% is the highest in the US, so some families relocate to no-income-tax states such as Nevada, Texas or Florida, often keeping staff in California.
How much do family office jobs pay in California?
We estimate a family office controller in California earns about $185K–$255K base and an accountant about $100K–$155K. For context, accountants and auditors in California earn an average of $103,760 across all employers, 10% above the US average (BLS, May 2025).
Where are family offices in California?
Mostly around San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles, San Diego.
Does California have a state income tax on wages?
Yes. California has the highest top income tax rate in the US at 13.3%, so some families relocate to Nevada, Texas or Florida. Offices that stay compete for talent on total pay and flexibility.