Accountant salary in Detroit, MI
Median pay, Detroit metro
$80,650/year
about $38.77 an hour full-time
Middle half earns $65,490 – $104,170
Half of accountants in the Detroit metro area earn more than $80,650 a year and half earn less. That's 4% lower than the national median of $83,680, and ranks #23 of the 30 big metro areas we track for this job.
Pay range
| Percentile | Yearly | Hourly* |
|---|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $58,080 | $27.92 |
| 25th | $65,490 | $31.49 |
| Median (50th) | $80,650 | $38.77 |
| 75th | $104,170 | $50.08 |
| 90th (top earners) | $133,870 | $64.36 |
*Yearly pay divided by 2,080 hours (40 hours × 52 weeks), the full-time basis BLS uses.
Is your offer fair?
For a accountant job in the Detroit metro area, here's how an offer compares:
- Below market under $65,490 ($31.49/hr). Fine for a first job in the field, otherwise worth negotiating.
- Typical $65,490 to $104,170 ($31.49 to $50.08/hr). The middle half of what people in this job earn.
- Strong offer over $104,170 ($50.08/hr). Higher than three quarters of workers here.
Before you accept
- A CPA license usually raises pay noticeably, and some employers support the exam with time off or fees.
- Busy season can mean long hours from January to April. Ask how overtime is handled for salaried roles.
- Public accounting and corporate (industry) roles often pay differently for similar titles.
Also watch for the common warning signs in the posting itself: 15 job posting red flags.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, 2025, Detroit metro. Occupation: Accountants and Auditors (SOC 13-2011). Figures cover wage and salary workers and don't include bonuses, benefits or overtime.