New York has the largest concentration of single family offices in the US, built on finance, real estate, media and inherited fortunes across Manhattan, Westchester and Long Island.
The family office landscape in New York
Family offices in New York are concentrated in and around:
- New York City
- Westchester
- Long Island
Where family office candidates come from in New York
New York's banks, hedge funds, private equity firms and Big 4 offices produce more family office-ready accountants, controllers and chiefs of staff than anywhere else.
Across the state, accountants and auditors earn an average of $114,070, 20% above the US average of $94,750 and #2 of 51. Financial managers average $246,560, 32% 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 York
| Role | Base salary in NY | Typical bonus |
|---|---|---|
| Family Office Controller | $205K–$280K | 15–25% |
| Family Office Accountant | $110K–$170K | 5–15% |
| Family Office Tax Manager | $175K–$245K | 10–20% |
| Family Office CFO | $350K–$555K | 25–50% |
| Family Office Chief of Staff | $175K–$290K | 15–30% |
| Family Office Operations Manager | $150K–$230K | 10–20% |
| Family Office Executive Assistant | $105K–$175K | 10–20% |
| Family Office Payroll Manager | $130K–$175K | 5–15% |
Our estimates for a single family office managing $250M–$1B, adjusted for New York using BLS pay levels for accountants and financial managers (16% above the national midpoint). Try the salary calculator for other office sizes.
Taxes, trusts and the law in New York
New York State and New York City both tax income, and the state has its own estate tax with a cliff for estates just above the exemption.
How New York compares with nearby states
| State | Accountant avg. (BLS) | Financial manager avg. (BLS) | Family office controller (estimate) |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York | $114,070 | $246,560 | $205K–$280K |
| New Jersey | $110,590 | $216,740 | $195K–$265K |
| Pennsylvania | $86,070 | $164,650 | $165K–$225K |
What this means for hiring in New York
New York is one of the ten highest-paying states for accountants (#2), 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 York'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 York can be filled locally; senior roles still benefit from a confidential, recruiter-led search.
Family office questions for New York
Why is New York the biggest family office market?
New York has the most family offices and the deepest talent pool from banking, hedge funds, private equity and Big 4 firms.
How much do family office jobs pay in New York?
We estimate a family office controller in New York earns about $205K–$280K base and an accountant about $110K–$170K. For context, accountants and auditors in New York earn an average of $114,070 across all employers, 20% above the US average (BLS, May 2025).
Where are family offices in New York?
Mostly around New York City, Westchester, Long Island.
Does New York have a state income tax on wages?
Yes. New York State and New York City both tax income, and the state has its own estate tax with a cliff for estates just above the exemption.