Delaware matters to family offices mostly for its law. Wilmington is a center for trust companies and private wealth firms serving families who live elsewhere, alongside long-established local fortunes.
The family office landscape in Delaware
Family offices in Delaware are concentrated in and around:
- Wilmington
Where family office candidates come from in Delaware
Wilmington's trust companies, banks' private wealth groups and corporate service firms provide experienced trust accountants and administrators.
Across the state, accountants and auditors earn an average of $97,930, 3% above the US average of $94,750 and #12 of 51. Financial managers average $203,890, 9% 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 Delaware
| Role | Base salary in DE | Typical bonus |
|---|---|---|
| Family Office Controller | $180K–$250K | 15–25% |
| Family Office Accountant | $100K–$150K | 5–15% |
| Family Office Tax Manager | $155K–$220K | 10–20% |
| Family Office CFO | $310K–$500K | 25–50% |
| Family Office Chief of Staff | $155K–$260K | 15–30% |
| Family Office Operations Manager | $135K–$210K | 10–20% |
| Family Office Executive Assistant | $95K–$155K | 10–20% |
| Family Office Payroll Manager | $115K–$155K | 5–15% |
Our estimates for a single family office managing $250M–$1B, adjusted for Delaware using BLS pay levels for accountants and financial managers (4% above the national midpoint). Try the salary calculator for other office sizes.
Taxes, trusts and the law in Delaware
Delaware's Court of Chancery, directed trust statutes and favorable treatment of trusts for out-of-state beneficiaries make it one of the most common places to set up family trusts and holding companies.
How Delaware compares with nearby states
| State | Accountant avg. (BLS) | Financial manager avg. (BLS) | Family office controller (estimate) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delaware | $97,930 | $203,890 | $180K–$250K |
| District of Columbia | $122,680 | $210,420 | $200K–$270K |
| Florida | $88,210 | $169,990 | $165K–$230K |
| Georgia | $93,640 | $182,920 | $175K–$240K |
| Maryland | $98,210 | $170,350 | $170K–$235K |
| North Carolina | $93,810 | $196,240 | $175K–$240K |
| South Carolina | $85,390 | $160,800 | $165K–$225K |
| Virginia | $100,660 | $199,320 | $180K–$250K |
| West Virginia | $78,020 | $127,910 | $150K–$205K |
What this means for hiring in Delaware
Accountant pay in Delaware sits mid-pack nationally (#12 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 Delaware are moderate, so pay conversations usually center on base salary and bonus rather than tax. With a smaller local finance community, the strongest candidates for Delaware often live elsewhere. Plan on a recruiter-led search, and budget for relocation on senior roles.
Family office questions for Delaware
Why do families set up trusts in Delaware?
Delaware's Court of Chancery and its directed trust laws let families split investment and administrative roles, and the state offers favorable tax treatment for trusts with out-of-state beneficiaries.
How much do family office jobs pay in Delaware?
We estimate a family office controller in Delaware earns about $180K–$250K base and an accountant about $100K–$150K. For context, accountants and auditors in Delaware earn an average of $97,930 across all employers, 3% above the US average (BLS, May 2025).
Where are family offices in Delaware?
Mostly around Wilmington.
Does Delaware have a state income tax on wages?
Yes. Delaware's Court of Chancery, directed trust statutes and favorable treatment of trusts for out-of-state beneficiaries make it one of the most common places to set up family trusts and holding companies.