Pennsylvania has some of the oldest family fortunes in the US, in Philadelphia and the Main Line and in Pittsburgh, from banking, industry, chemicals and pharmaceuticals.
The family office landscape in Pennsylvania
Family offices in Pennsylvania are concentrated in and around:
- Philadelphia
- Pittsburgh
Where family office candidates come from in Pennsylvania
Philadelphia and Pittsburgh both have large CPA firms, banks and trust companies, and the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School adds finance graduates.
Across the state, accountants and auditors earn an average of $86,070, 9% below the US average of $94,750 and #30 of 51. Financial managers average $164,650, 12% 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 Pennsylvania
| Role | Base salary in PA | 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 Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania has a low flat income tax and an inheritance tax on most transfers, which shapes trust planning for older families.
How Pennsylvania compares with nearby states
| State | Accountant avg. (BLS) | Financial manager avg. (BLS) | Family office controller (estimate) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania | $86,070 | $164,650 | $165K–$225K |
| New Jersey | $110,590 | $216,740 | $195K–$265K |
| New York | $114,070 | $246,560 | $205K–$280K |
What this means for hiring in Pennsylvania
Accountant pay in Pennsylvania sits mid-pack nationally (#30 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 Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania often live elsewhere. Plan on a recruiter-led search, and budget for relocation on senior roles.
Family office questions for Pennsylvania
Does Pennsylvania have an inheritance tax?
Yes. Pennsylvania taxes most inheritances, with lower rates for transfers to children and no tax on transfers to a spouse.
How much do family office jobs pay in Pennsylvania?
We estimate a family office controller in Pennsylvania earns about $165K–$225K base and an accountant about $90K–$135K. For context, accountants and auditors in Pennsylvania earn an average of $86,070 across all employers, 9% below the US average (BLS, May 2025).
Where are family offices in Pennsylvania?
Mostly around Philadelphia, Pittsburgh.
Does Pennsylvania have a state income tax on wages?
Yes. Pennsylvania has a low flat income tax and an inheritance tax on most transfers, which shapes trust planning for older families.