South Carolina attracts relocating families to Charleston, Kiawah, Hilton Head and Greenville, alongside local manufacturing and real estate fortunes.
The family office landscape in South Carolina
Family offices in South Carolina are concentrated in and around:
- Charleston
- Greenville
Where family office candidates come from in South Carolina
Charleston and Greenville have growing finance communities, and many offices relocate staff from the Northeast.
Across the state, accountants and auditors earn an average of $85,390, 10% below the US average of $94,750 and #31 of 51. Financial managers average $160,800, 14% 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 South Carolina
| Role | Base salary in SC | 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–$445K | 25–50% |
| Family Office Chief of Staff | $140K–$230K | 15–30% |
| Family Office Operations Manager | $120K–$185K | 10–20% |
| Family Office Executive Assistant | $85K–$140K | 10–20% |
| Family Office Payroll Manager | $100K–$140K | 5–15% |
Our estimates for a single family office managing $250M–$1B, adjusted for South Carolina using BLS pay levels for accountants and financial managers (7% below the national midpoint). Try the salary calculator for other office sizes.
Taxes, trusts and the law in South Carolina
South Carolina has been lowering its income tax and has no estate tax.
How South Carolina compares with nearby states
| State | Accountant avg. (BLS) | Financial manager avg. (BLS) | Family office controller (estimate) |
|---|---|---|---|
| South Carolina | $85,390 | $160,800 | $165K–$225K |
| 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 |
| Virginia | $100,660 | $199,320 | $180K–$250K |
| West Virginia | $78,020 | $127,910 | $150K–$205K |
What this means for hiring in South Carolina
Accountant pay in South Carolina ranks #31 of 51, below the national average. That makes a well-paid family office role attractive locally, and candidates relocating from higher-cost states will sometimes trade a little base salary for quality of life. State taxes in South Carolina 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 South Carolina often live elsewhere. Plan on a recruiter-led search, and budget for relocation on senior roles.
Family office questions for South Carolina
Why are families moving to Charleston?
Charleston, Kiawah and Hilton Head attract families for their coastal lifestyle and South Carolina's falling income tax rates.
How much do family office jobs pay in South Carolina?
We estimate a family office controller in South Carolina earns about $165K–$225K base and an accountant about $90K–$135K. For context, accountants and auditors in South Carolina earn an average of $85,390 across all employers, 10% below the US average (BLS, May 2025).
Where are family offices in South Carolina?
Mostly around Charleston, Greenville.
Does South Carolina have a state income tax on wages?
Yes. South Carolina has been lowering its income tax and has no estate tax.