New Jersey's family offices are spread across Bergen County, Short Hills, Princeton and the Jersey Shore, with wealth from pharmaceuticals, real estate, finance and logistics.
The family office landscape in New Jersey
Family offices in New Jersey are concentrated in and around:
- Princeton
- Short Hills
- Jersey City
Where family office candidates come from in New Jersey
Candidates come from New York City's finance industry, New Jersey's pharmaceutical companies and the state's large CPA firm community.
Across the state, accountants and auditors earn an average of $110,590, 17% above the US average of $94,750 and #3 of 51. Financial managers average $216,740, 16% 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 New Jersey
| Role | Base salary in NJ | Typical bonus |
|---|---|---|
| Family Office Controller | $195K–$265K | 15–25% |
| Family Office Accountant | $105K–$160K | 5–15% |
| Family Office Tax Manager | $165K–$230K | 10–20% |
| Family Office CFO | $330K–$530K | 25–50% |
| Family Office Chief of Staff | $165K–$275K | 15–30% |
| Family Office Operations Manager | $145K–$220K | 10–20% |
| Family Office Executive Assistant | $100K–$165K | 10–20% |
| Family Office Payroll Manager | $120K–$165K | 5–15% |
Our estimates for a single family office managing $250M–$1B, adjusted for New Jersey using BLS pay levels for accountants and financial managers (10% above the national midpoint). Try the salary calculator for other office sizes.
Taxes, trusts and the law in New Jersey
New Jersey has high income tax rates and an inheritance tax on transfers to some beneficiaries, though it repealed its estate tax in 2018.
How New Jersey compares with nearby states
| State | Accountant avg. (BLS) | Financial manager avg. (BLS) | Family office controller (estimate) |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Jersey | $110,590 | $216,740 | $195K–$265K |
| New York | $114,070 | $246,560 | $205K–$280K |
| Pennsylvania | $86,070 | $164,650 | $165K–$225K |
What this means for hiring in New Jersey
New Jersey is one of the ten highest-paying states for accountants (#3), 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 New Jersey'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 New Jersey can be filled locally; senior roles still benefit from a confidential, recruiter-led search.
Family office questions for New Jersey
Does New Jersey have an inheritance tax?
Yes. New Jersey repealed its estate tax in 2018 but still has an inheritance tax on transfers to some beneficiaries outside the immediate family.
How much do family office jobs pay in New Jersey?
We estimate a family office controller in New Jersey earns about $195K–$265K base and an accountant about $105K–$160K. For context, accountants and auditors in New Jersey earn an average of $110,590 across all employers, 17% above the US average (BLS, May 2025).
Where are family offices in New Jersey?
Mostly around Princeton, Short Hills, Jersey City.
Does New Jersey have a state income tax on wages?
Yes. New Jersey has high income tax rates and an inheritance tax on transfers to some beneficiaries, though it repealed its estate tax in 2018.