Virginia's family offices are concentrated in Northern Virginia (McLean, Great Falls), Richmond and Charlottesville, with wealth from consumer goods, defense and government contracting, real estate and tobacco.
The family office landscape in Virginia
Family offices in Virginia are concentrated in and around:
- Northern Virginia
- Richmond
- Charlottesville
Where family office candidates come from in Virginia
Northern Virginia's large defense contractors and Big 4 offices and Richmond's banks supply accountants, and the University of Virginia adds graduates.
Across the state, accountants and auditors earn an average of $100,660, 6% above the US average of $94,750 and #9 of 51. Financial managers average $199,320, 7% 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 Virginia
| Role | Base salary in VA | Typical bonus |
|---|---|---|
| Family Office Controller | $180K–$250K | 15–25% |
| Family Office Accountant | $100K–$150K | 5–15% |
| Family Office Tax Manager | $155K–$220K | 10–20% |
| Family Office CFO | $310K–$500K | 25–50% |
| Family Office Chief of Staff | $155K–$260K | 15–30% |
| Family Office Operations Manager | $135K–$210K | 10–20% |
| Family Office Executive Assistant | $95K–$155K | 10–20% |
| Family Office Payroll Manager | $115K–$155K | 5–15% |
Our estimates for a single family office managing $250M–$1B, adjusted for Virginia using BLS pay levels for accountants and financial managers (4% above the national midpoint). Try the salary calculator for other office sizes.
Taxes, trusts and the law in Virginia
Virginia taxes wages and has no estate tax.
How Virginia compares with nearby states
| State | Accountant avg. (BLS) | Financial manager avg. (BLS) | Family office controller (estimate) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia | $100,660 | $199,320 | $180K–$250K |
| 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 |
| South Carolina | $85,390 | $160,800 | $165K–$225K |
| West Virginia | $78,020 | $127,910 | $150K–$205K |
What this means for hiring in Virginia
Virginia is one of the ten highest-paying states for accountants (#9), 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. State taxes in Virginia 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 Virginia can be filled locally; senior roles still benefit from a confidential, recruiter-led search.
Family office questions for Virginia
Where are Virginia family offices?
Mostly in Northern Virginia near Washington, DC, and in Richmond and Charlottesville.
How much do family office jobs pay in Virginia?
We estimate a family office controller in Virginia earns about $180K–$250K base and an accountant about $100K–$150K. For context, accountants and auditors in Virginia earn an average of $100,660 across all employers, 6% above the US average (BLS, May 2025).
Where are family offices in Virginia?
Mostly around Northern Virginia, Richmond, Charlottesville.
Does Virginia have a state income tax on wages?
Yes. Virginia taxes wages and has no estate tax.