Ohio's family offices hold wealth from consumer goods, manufacturing, retail, insurance and healthcare across Columbus, Cleveland and Cincinnati.
The family office landscape in Ohio
Family offices in Ohio are concentrated in and around:
- Columbus
- Cleveland
- Cincinnati
Where family office candidates come from in Ohio
Each of Ohio's three big cities has large corporate headquarters, banks and CPA firms, and Ohio State and Miami University supply graduates.
Across the state, accountants and auditors earn an average of $88,280, 7% below the US average of $94,750 and #24 of 51. Financial managers average $162,780, 13% below 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 Ohio
| Role | Base salary in OH | Typical bonus |
|---|---|---|
| Family Office Controller | $165K–$225K | 15–25% |
| Family Office Accountant | $90K–$135K | 5–15% |
| Family Office Tax Manager | $140K–$195K | 10–20% |
| Family Office CFO | $280K–$450K | 25–50% |
| Family Office Chief of Staff | $140K–$235K | 15–30% |
| Family Office Operations Manager | $120K–$190K | 10–20% |
| Family Office Executive Assistant | $85K–$140K | 10–20% |
| Family Office Payroll Manager | $105K–$140K | 5–15% |
Our estimates for a single family office managing $250M–$1B, adjusted for Ohio using BLS pay levels for accountants and financial managers (6% below the national midpoint). Try the salary calculator for other office sizes.
Taxes, trusts and the law in Ohio
Ohio has lowered its income tax and repealed its estate tax in 2013.
How Ohio compares with nearby states
| State | Accountant avg. (BLS) | Financial manager avg. (BLS) | Family office controller (estimate) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ohio | $88,280 | $162,780 | $165K–$225K |
| Illinois | $88,910 | $183,920 | $170K–$235K |
| Indiana | $84,000 | $153,260 | $160K–$220K |
| Michigan | $86,990 | $158,110 | $165K–$225K |
| Wisconsin | $87,870 | $155,800 | $165K–$225K |
What this means for hiring in Ohio
Accountant pay in Ohio sits mid-pack nationally (#24 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 Ohio 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 Ohio can be filled locally; senior roles still benefit from a confidential, recruiter-led search.
Family office questions for Ohio
Which Ohio city is best for family office hiring?
Columbus, Cleveland and Cincinnati each have many family enterprises and a large accounting workforce, so offices usually hire in whichever city the family is based.
How much do family office jobs pay in Ohio?
We estimate a family office controller in Ohio earns about $165K–$225K base and an accountant about $90K–$135K. For context, accountants and auditors in Ohio earn an average of $88,280 across all employers, 7% below the US average (BLS, May 2025).
Where are family offices in Ohio?
Mostly around Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati.
Does Ohio have a state income tax on wages?
Yes. Ohio has lowered its income tax and repealed its estate tax in 2013.