Business & Finance Detroit, MI Pop. 639,111

Accountant Salary in Detroit, Michigan

The median accountant salary in Detroit, MI is $70,294 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 2.2% below the Michigan state average.

City Median
$70,294
vs State Avg
$-1,598
vs National
$-9,586
Cost of Living
88%

Accountant Pay in Detroit: What to Expect (2026)

Detroit offers a median accountant salary of $70,294, which is $1,598 below the Michigan state average of $71,892. Compared to the national median of $79,880, Detroit pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Detroit's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $70,294 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $79,880 in an average-cost city. This makes Detroit an attractive option for accountants seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for accountants in Detroit spans from $44,352 at the 10th percentile to $116,864 at the 90th percentile — a $72,512 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $45,760, while senior accountants with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $105,600. As a major metro area with a population of 639,111, Detroit typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Accountant Salary in Detroit by Experience

In Detroit, an entry-level accountant earns around $45,760, while experienced professionals earn up to $105,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$45,760
$-6,240 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$70,400
$-9,600 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$105,600
$-14,400 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Detroit, MI

Percentile Detroit
10th Percentile $44,352
25th Percentile $55,176
Median (50th) $70,294
75th Percentile $90,112
90th Percentile $116,864

Accountant Salary in Other Michigan Cities

Ann Arbor, MI
$83,874
Pop. 123,851
Grand Rapids, MI
$71,892
Pop. 198,917
Warren, MI
$70,294
Pop. 139,387
Lansing, MI
$68,697
Pop. 112,644

How to Become a Accountant in Detroit

Education

Most accountant positions require a bachelor's degree. Detroit and the surrounding Michigan area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

GAAPTax PreparationFinancial AnalysisQuickBooksExcelAuditing

Job Outlook

Nationally, accountant employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Detroit may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Accountant Jobs in Detroit

Browse open accountant positions in Detroit, MI:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Accountant Salary in Detroit

How much does a Accountant make in Detroit, MI? ▼
The median accountant salary in Detroit, Michigan is $70,294 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $79,880. Salaries range from $44,352 (10th percentile) to $116,864 (90th percentile).
How much does a Accountant make per hour in Detroit? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $70,294, a accountant in Detroit earns approximately $34 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Detroit compare to the Michigan state average for accountant pay? ▼
Detroit's median accountant salary of $70,294 is 2.2% below the Michigan state average of $71,892. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Detroit, MI? ▼
Detroit has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a accountant salary of $70,294 in Detroit has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a accountant in Detroit? ▼
Most accountant positions in Detroit require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include GAAP, Tax Preparation, Financial Analysis, QuickBooks. The job market is projected to grow 4% nationally over the next decade.