Accountant Salary in Michigan
Based on 41K+ workers in Michigan
Median Annual Salary (MI)
$78,820
$37.89/hr
vs National Average
$82,597
-4.6% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$53K – $131K
41K employed in Michigan
Accountant salary in Michigan averages $78,820 annually, reflecting a competitive compensation level for the state's accounting profession. With approximately 41,460 accountants employed across Michigan, this median figure sits about 5% below the national average, indicating slightly lower earning potential compared to other states.
Several factors influence accountant salary in Michigan, including experience level, industry sector, and employer size. Professionals in this field can expect earnings ranging from $52,620 to $131,080 depending on these variables. Geographic location within the state, educational credentials, and professional certifications like the CPA also play significant roles in determining individual compensation packages.
Salary Distribution — Accountant in Michigan
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $52,620 |
| 25th percentile | $63,850 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $78,820 |
| 75th percentile | $101,030 |
| 90th percentile | $131,080 |
Top H-1B Employers for Accountant in Michigan
Companies that filed the most H-1B (LCA) applications for this role in Michigan — ranked by application count.
| # | Employer | Applications | Median Wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ernst & Young U.S. LLP | 15 | $140,049 |
Source: U.S. Department of Labor OFLC LCA Disclosure Data, FY2026.
Accountant H-1B Salary by Wage Level in Michigan
DOL prevailing wage levels approximate seniority — Level I is entry-level, Level IV is senior/expert. Based on certified H-1B (LCA) filings in Michigan.
| Wage Level | Experience | Median Salary | Filings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level I | Entry-level | $58,136 | 5 |
| Level II | Qualified | $84,815 | 16 |
| Level III | Experienced | $140,049 | 8 |
| Level IV | Senior / Expert | $158,800 | 7 |
Source: U.S. Department of Labor OFLC LCA Disclosure Data, FY2026. Based on certified filings with a disclosed wage level.
Top-Paying Industries for Accountant (U.S.)
Which industries pay Accountants the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Accountants in Michigan tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction | $106,050 | 8K |
| Information | $99,430 | 35K |
| Utilities | $98,130 | 8K |
| Finance and Insurance | $93,290 | 119K |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $91,940 | 105K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Accountant in Michigan vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Michigan) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $73,160 |
| 2023 | $76,190 |
| 2024 | $77,720 |
| 2025 | $78,820 |
| 2026 (projected) | $79,936 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Michigan Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $73,160 | $73,060 |
| 2023 | $76,190 | $76,751 |
| 2024 | $77,720 | $79,712 |
| 2025 | $78,820 | $82,597 |
| 2026 (projected) | $79,936 | $83,766 |
Accountant Salary by Experience Level in Michigan
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $63,850 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $78,820 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $101,030 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $131,080 |
Accountant Salary in Other States
Related Accountant Salaries in Michigan
How other high-demand occupations in Michigan compare to Accountant ($78,820 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Accountant | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Financial Manager in MI | $139,370 | +76.8% | $67.00/hr |
| Economist in MI | $106,350 | +34.9% | $51.13/hr |
| Actuary in MI | $100,640 | +27.7% | $48.38/hr |
| Budget Analyst in MI | $96,430 | +22.3% | $46.36/hr |
| Financial Analyst in MI | $95,420 | +21.1% | $45.88/hr |
| Personal Financial Advisor in MI | $77,930 | -1.1% | $37.47/hr |
| Compliance Officer in MI | $77,390 | -1.8% | $37.21/hr |
| Tax Examiner in MI | $75,040 | -4.8% | $36.08/hr |
| Credit Analyst in MI | $74,640 | -5.3% | $35.88/hr |
| Loan Officer in MI | $74,470 | -5.5% | $35.80/hr |
| Securities Sales Agent in MI | $73,480 | -6.8% | $35.33/hr |
| Financial Examiner in MI | $71,050 | -9.9% | $34.16/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do accountants make in Michigan?
- The median salary for accountants in Michigan is $78,820 per year, or $38 per hour. This is 4.6% below the national average, but Michigan still employs 41,460 accountants across the state.
What is the salary range for accountants in Michigan?
- Accountant salaries in Michigan range from a low of $52,620 to a high of $131,080 per year. This wide range reflects differences in experience, specialization, and employer type across the state's accounting workforce.
Is the accountant salary in Michigan competitive compared to the national average?
- Michigan's median accountant salary of $78,820 is slightly below the national average at 4.6% lower. However, the state's cost of living and the availability of 41,460 accounting positions make it a viable market for the profession.
What hourly rate do accountants earn in Michigan?
- Accountants in Michigan earn a median hourly rate of $38, which translates to the annual median salary of $78,820. Entry-level positions may pay less while senior roles can command significantly higher hourly rates within the $52,620 to $131,080 annual range.