Michigan has one of the most distinctive public accounting markets in the country — anchored by Detroit's automotive and manufacturing base, but meaningfully broader than that story suggests. The state hosts everything from Big 4 offices to one of the largest regionally-headquartered firms in the US, across markets that vary significantly in size, culture, and compensation.
Below is a market-by-market breakdown of where the work is, what it pays, which firms are active, and what Michigan-specific factors matter if you're hiring or considering a move.
The Michigan market: what drives it
Michigan's public accounting market is shaped by three dominant economic forces, each generating distinct work at CPA firms:
- Automotive and manufacturing. The Big Three automakers — General Motors, Ford, and Stellantis — and their extensive supplier networks generate an outsized volume of audit, tax, and advisory work. Specializations in R&D tax credits, cost accounting, and transfer pricing are particularly in demand and command premiums above standard Michigan ranges.
- Private equity-backed mid-market businesses. A significant and growing portion of Michigan's public accounting work comes from PE-backed manufacturers, distributors, and service businesses, particularly in the Detroit metro area and Grand Rapids. This is driving demand for transaction advisory, quality of earnings, and outsourced accounting services at mid-size firms.
- Healthcare and higher education. Michigan is home to major health systems (Henry Ford Health, Beaumont, Spectrum Health) and prominent universities (University of Michigan, Michigan State), both of which generate substantial audit and advisory engagements. This work is concentrated in Ann Arbor and Grand Rapids.
What this means for candidates: Michigan rewards specialization more than most Midwest markets. Professionals with automotive industry knowledge, R&D credit experience, or PE/transaction advisory backgrounds consistently receive offers at the higher end of market ranges — and are harder to find than generalist candidates at the same level.
Key markets in Michigan
Detroit Metro (including Troy, Southfield, Birmingham)
The dominant public accounting market in Michigan by a wide margin. All Big 4 firms maintain offices here, as do most national and large regional firms. Troy and Southfield — not downtown Detroit itself — are where most CPA firm offices are concentrated, and they host the highest volume of roles at every level. Compensation is the highest in the state, typically 10–20% above secondary markets at Manager level and above.
Grand Rapids
Michigan's second-largest public accounting market and one of the stronger mid-size markets in the Midwest. A robust mid-size firm presence, growing private equity deal flow, and strong healthcare and manufacturing client bases make Grand Rapids an attractive option for professionals who want meaningful work without Detroit's cost of living or commuting demands. Plante Moran, BDO, and several strong regional firms all maintain significant Grand Rapids offices.
Ann Arbor
A smaller but active market, shaped heavily by the University of Michigan and its affiliated healthcare and research operations. Not-for-profit audit experience and healthcare advisory are the predominant work types. Compensation tends to track slightly below Detroit, though the lifestyle and commute trade-off attracts strong candidates. Firms here tend to be mid-size or local rather than Big 4.
Lansing
Smaller than Ann Arbor, Lansing's market is shaped by state government proximity and Michigan State University. Government, not-for-profit, and higher education audits are common. Roles are available primarily at regional and local firms. Compensation is below Detroit and Grand Rapids at comparable levels, but quality of life and housing affordability are often cited as draws by candidates who know the area.
Michigan salary guide: public accounting
Ranges below reflect base salary for public accounting professionals in Michigan. Detroit metro figures represent the top of the in-state market. Secondary market figures apply to Grand Rapids, Ann Arbor, and Lansing. Actual offers vary by firm size, specialization, and individual experience.
Tax — Michigan
| Level | Detroit Metro | Secondary Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Staff / Associate (0–2 yrs) | $55,000 – $72,000 | $50,000 – $65,000 |
| Senior Associate (2–4 yrs) | $72,000 – $97,000 | $65,000 – $88,000 |
| Supervisor / Asst. Manager | $90,000 – $115,000 | $82,000 – $105,000 |
| Manager | $100,000 – $135,000 | $90,000 – $120,000 |
| Senior Manager | $130,000 – $170,000 | $115,000 – $155,000 |
| Director / Principal | $160,000 – $215,000 | $140,000 – $195,000 |
| Partner | $220,000 – $500,000+ | $180,000 – $400,000+ |
Audit & Assurance — Michigan
| Level | Detroit Metro | Secondary Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Staff / Associate (0–2 yrs) | $53,000 – $70,000 | $48,000 – $63,000 |
| Senior Associate (2–4 yrs) | $70,000 – $93,000 | $63,000 – $85,000 |
| Supervisor / Asst. Manager | $87,000 – $112,000 | $78,000 – $100,000 |
| Manager | $97,000 – $130,000 | $87,000 – $115,000 |
| Senior Manager | $125,000 – $163,000 | $110,000 – $148,000 |
| Director / Principal | $155,000 – $205,000 | $135,000 – $185,000 |
| Partner | $210,000 – $475,000+ | $170,000 – $375,000+ |
Michigan vs. national: Michigan salaries run roughly 5–12% below the national average at the Manager level and above, reflecting lower cost of living relative to coastal markets. At the Senior and entry levels the gap narrows. Automotive and R&D tax specializations are the most likely to close the gap — or exceed national figures — at larger Michigan firms.
Major CPA firms active in Michigan
- Plante Moran Headquartered in Southfield, Michigan — one of the largest accounting and advisory firms in the US. Widely regarded as one of the best firms to work for nationally, with a strong culture and deep automotive, manufacturing, and real estate client bases. The dominant employer for mid-career professionals in the Michigan market who want resources without relocating to a coast. Offices across Michigan including Detroit metro, Grand Rapids, and Traverse City.
- Deloitte / PwC / KPMG / EY All four maintain offices in the Detroit metro area (principally Troy and downtown Detroit), with work weighted toward large automotive, financial services, and manufacturing clients. The Big 4 are the primary destination for candidates seeking Big 4 experience without leaving Michigan, though they compete with Plante Moran for senior-level talent more directly than in most US markets.
- BDO USA Active in both Detroit metro and Grand Rapids, with a strong mid-market practice and meaningful PE-backed client exposure. A common next step for professionals coming out of Big 4 who want broader partner-track opportunity or client ownership at a faster pace.
- Rehmann A Michigan-headquartered regional firm with offices across the state, including Troy, Grand Rapids, Lansing, and Saginaw. Strong in closely-held businesses, agricultural clients (in western Michigan), and healthcare. A respected name in the mid-tier Michigan market, particularly for professionals who want client relationships and a partner track without the pressure of a national firm.
- Hungerford Nichols / UHY / Andrews Hooper Pavlik Mid-size regional firms with Michigan roots and strong local client bases. Hungerford Nichols operates primarily from Grand Rapids. UHY has a significant Detroit metro presence. Andrews Hooper Pavlik (AHP) works primarily in the southeastern Michigan market. Each offers a meaningful partner-track opportunity and broad responsibility at the senior level.
Michigan CPA license requirements
Licensure in Michigan is administered by the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA). The requirements are:
- 1 Education: A bachelor's degree or higher, plus 150 semester hours of college education. The 150-hour requirement can be satisfied through a combination of undergraduate and graduate coursework — it does not require a master's degree, though many candidates use a 5th-year master's or MAcc program to reach the threshold.
- 2 Uniform CPA Exam: Passing all four sections — Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR), Auditing and Attestation (AUD), Regulation (REG), and Business Analysis and Reporting (BAR). Sections must be passed within an 18-month rolling window. Michigan administers the exam through NASBA and Prometric testing centers.
- 3 Experience: At least one year (2,000 hours) of supervised accounting experience, verified by a licensed CPA. Michigan accepts experience in public accounting, private industry, government, or academia — it is not limited to public accounting firm experience.
- 4 Ethics exam: Michigan requires passing the AICPA Professional Ethics: The AICPA's Comprehensive Course (for licensure). The open-book exam must be completed before submitting a license application.
- 5 CPE (for renewal): Licensed CPAs in Michigan must complete 40 hours of continuing education per year, including 8 hours of accounting and auditing and 2 hours of ethics. CPE is tracked on a calendar-year basis and the license renews annually on September 30.
Michigan has substantial equivalency with most other states, meaning Michigan CPAs can practice in other participating jurisdictions without obtaining a separate license, and CPAs licensed in other states can practice in Michigan under the same arrangement.
Current hiring conditions in Michigan
The Michigan market reflects national trends, but with some state-specific dynamics worth noting for 2026:
- Automotive specialization commands a premium. Firms serving the Big Three and tier-1 suppliers are actively competing for professionals with manufacturing tax and audit backgrounds. R&D credit specialists in particular are in short supply relative to demand.
- Plante Moran's growth is reshaping competition. As Plante Moran continues to expand nationally and invest in advisory services, it has become a more direct competitor to Big 4 firms for senior talent — and a more attractive destination for professionals who want national-firm-quality work without leaving Michigan.
- Grand Rapids is growing faster than Detroit. The Grand Rapids market has seen disproportionate hiring activity over the past two years, driven by PE deal flow and business formation in western Michigan. Mid-size firm hiring in Grand Rapids is as competitive as the Detroit metro at the Manager and Senior Manager level.
- Remote work has expanded where candidates look. Michigan-based professionals are now more frequently being recruited by firms in Chicago, Cleveland, and Indianapolis — increasing competitive pressure on Michigan firms to improve compensation and flexibility to retain talent.
Frequently Asked Questions
In Michigan, a licensed CPA at the Manager level typically earns between $100,000 and $135,000 in the Detroit metro area, and $90,000 to $120,000 in secondary markets like Grand Rapids and Ann Arbor. Salaries vary significantly by firm size, specialization, and years of experience.
Michigan requires 150 semester hours of education (including a bachelor's degree), passing all four sections of the Uniform CPA Exam, and one year of supervised accounting experience (2,000 hours) under a licensed CPA. An ethics exam is also required before licensure. Applications are processed through the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA).
The Detroit metro area — including Troy, Southfield, and Birmingham — is by far the largest public accounting market in Michigan. Grand Rapids is the second-largest market, with a growing mid-size firm presence. Ann Arbor and Lansing offer smaller but active markets, particularly tied to healthcare and government-adjacent work.
Automotive and manufacturing are the dominant drivers, generating demand for R&D tax credits, cost accounting, transfer pricing, and manufacturing audit expertise. Healthcare, private equity-backed businesses, and financial services are growing secondary demand sources, particularly in the Detroit metro and Grand Rapids.
Plante Moran is one of the largest public accounting firms in the United States and is headquartered in Southfield, Michigan. It is consistently ranked among the best firms to work for nationally and is a dominant employer in the Michigan market — particularly for mid-career and senior professionals who want the resources of a large firm without moving to a coastal market.