Colorado's family offices hold wealth from energy, real estate, telecommunications and outdoor brands, plus families who have moved to Denver, Boulder, Aspen and Vail for the lifestyle.
The family office landscape in Colorado
Family offices in Colorado are concentrated in and around:
- Denver
- Boulder
- Aspen
Where family office candidates come from in Colorado
Denver's large accounting and energy finance community supplies controllers and tax staff, and many mountain-town families hire Denver-based staff who travel as needed.
Across the state, accountants and auditors earn an average of $103,150, 9% above the US average of $94,750 and #6 of 51. Financial managers average $209,360, 12% 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 Colorado
| Role | Base salary in CO | 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–$510K | 25–50% |
| Family Office Chief of Staff | $160K–$265K | 15–30% |
| Family Office Operations Manager | $140K–$210K | 10–20% |
| Family Office Executive Assistant | $95K–$160K | 10–20% |
| Family Office Payroll Manager | $115K–$160K | 5–15% |
Our estimates for a single family office managing $250M–$1B, adjusted for Colorado using BLS pay levels for accountants and financial managers (6% above the national midpoint). Try the salary calculator for other office sizes.
Taxes, trusts and the law in Colorado
Colorado has a flat state income tax, and its mountain towns have become second or primary homes for families from across the country.
How Colorado compares with nearby states
| State | Accountant avg. (BLS) | Financial manager avg. (BLS) | Family office controller (estimate) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colorado | $103,150 | $209,360 | $185K–$255K |
| Arizona | $88,400 | $158,550 | $165K–$225K |
| 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 Colorado
Colorado is one of the ten highest-paying states for accountants (#6), 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. State taxes in Colorado 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 Colorado can be filled locally; senior roles still benefit from a confidential, recruiter-led search.
Family office questions for Colorado
Do Aspen and Vail families hire locally?
Often not. Many families with homes in Aspen or Vail employ staff based in Denver, or keep their main office in another state and hire locally for property management.
How much do family office jobs pay in Colorado?
We estimate a family office controller in Colorado earns about $185K–$255K base and an accountant about $100K–$155K. For context, accountants and auditors in Colorado earn an average of $103,150 across all employers, 9% above the US average (BLS, May 2025).
Where are family offices in Colorado?
Mostly around Denver, Boulder, Aspen.
Does Colorado have a state income tax on wages?
Yes. Colorado has a flat state income tax, and its mountain towns have become second or primary homes for families from across the country.