The chief investment officer sets and runs the family's investment strategy across public, private and direct investments.
Family Office Chief Investment Officer salary
We estimate $350K–$700K base salary for a CIO at a US single family office managing $250M–$1B, with a typical bonus of 30–100%. Smaller offices pay about 15% less and $1B+ offices about 20% more.
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Estimated base salary at US single family offices. A starting point, not an offer. How we estimate.
CIO salary by city
| City | Base salary (estimate) |
|---|---|
| New York City | $400K–$805K |
| Chicago | $360K–$720K |
| Dallas | $350K–$700K |
| Houston | $345K–$685K |
| Los Angeles | $385K–$770K |
| Miami | $355K–$715K |
| Palm Beach | $360K–$720K |
| Boston | $370K–$740K |
| San Francisco Bay Area | $400K–$805K |
| Seattle | $380K–$755K |
| Atlanta | $345K–$685K |
| Austin | $350K–$700K |
Family Office Chief Investment Officer job description
- Set asset allocation with the family
- Select and oversee managers and direct deals
- Lead the investment team
- Report performance and risk
- Run the investment committee
Skills and background
- Portfolio management
- Private markets
- Risk management
- Team leadership
- Communication with non-specialists
Typical background: 15+ years in investment management, often a portfolio manager, endowment investor or fund partner.
CIO interview questions
- How would you set allocation for a family with a large concentrated stock position?
- How do you think about direct deals vs funds?
- How would you report risk to the family?
- What's your view on liquidity for a multi-generational family?
More in our guide to family office interview questions.
How we recruit a CIO
We run retained searches for this role: a brief with you (and the principal where it matters), a shortlist of three to five vetted candidates, confidential interviews, and support through the offer and the first 90 days. Start a search.
Questions
What does a family office chief investment officer earn?
We estimate $350K–$700K base salary at a US single family office managing $250M–$1B, plus a typical bonus of 30–100% of base. Pay varies by city and office size.
What does a family office chief investment officer do?
The chief investment officer sets and runs the family's investment strategy across public, private and direct investments.
What background does a CIO need?
15+ years in investment management, often a portfolio manager, endowment investor or fund partner.
How do you recruit a CIO?
We usually run a retained search: a brief with the family, a vetted shortlist, confidential interviews and help closing the offer.