Accountant Career Guide: Dearborn, MI

If you're an accountant considering a move to Dearborn, you're looking at a market that's stable, affordable, and deeply integrated with one of the region's largest industrial and automotive ecosystems. As a local, I can tell you that Dearborn isn't just the home of Ford—it's a city of distinct neighborhoods, tight-knit professional networks, and a cost of living that makes it one of the most financially livable places in the metro Detroit area. This guide is designed to give you the unvarnished, data-driven facts you need to make an informed decision.

The Salary Picture: Where Dearborn Stands

Let's get straight to the numbers. The median salary for an accountant in Dearborn is $85,563 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $41.14. This is slightly below the national average of $86,080, but that gap is more than offset by Dearborn's cost of living, which sits at 98.0 (the U.S. average is 100). In practical terms, your paycheck goes further here.

Job availability is a critical factor. The Dearborn metro area has 211 active accounting jobs listed as of the latest data, with a 10-year job growth projection of 4%. This isn't explosive growth, but it indicates a stable, consistent demand for financial professionals, particularly in corporate, manufacturing, and healthcare sectors.

Experience-Level Breakdown

Salaries vary significantly based on experience. Here’s a realistic breakdown for Dearborn:

Level	Years of Experience	Estimated Salary Range (Annual)
Entry-Level	0-2	$55,000 - $70,000
Mid-Level	3-7	$75,000 - $95,000
Senior	8-15	$95,000 - $120,000
Expert/Manager	15+	$120,000 - $155,000+

Note: These ranges are based on local job postings and BLS data for the Detroit-Warren-Dearborn metro area. Specialties like forensic accounting or cost accounting in manufacturing can push these figures higher.

Comparison to Other Michigan Cities

Dearborn’s salary is competitive within Michigan, especially when you factor in living costs.

City	Median Accountant Salary	Cost of Living Index (US Avg=100)	Key Industry Driver
Dearborn	$85,563	98.0	Automotive, Manufacturing
Ann Arbor	$88,500	107.2	Higher Ed, Healthcare
Grand Rapids	$82,100	95.6	Furniture, Healthcare
Lansing	$79,800	92.5	Government, Education
Detroit (Metro)	$86,100	95.5	Finance, Legal, Auto

As you can see, Dearborn holds its own. It offers a salary that's more than Grand Rapids or Lansing, with a cost of living that's significantly better than Ann Arbor. For an accountant looking for a balance of income and affordability, Dearborn is a strong contender.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

A salary is just a number until you see what's left after the essentials. Let's break down a monthly budget for an accountant earning the median salary of $85,563.

Assuming a 20% effective tax rate (federal, state, and local), your take-home pay would be approximately $5,700 per month ($85,563 * 0.80 / 12).

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Median Earner):

• Gross Monthly Income: $7,130
• Estimated Taxes (20%): -$1,426
• Net Take-Home Pay: $5,704
• Average 1BR Rent: -$1,029
• Utilities, Internet, Phone: -$250
• Groceries & Household: -$400
• Transportation (Car, Insurance, Gas): -$450
• Health Insurance (Employer Plan): -$300
• Retirement Savings (10%): -$570
• Discretionary Spending: -$705
• Remaining Buffer: $1,000

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely. With a 10-year job growth of 4% and stable median salaries, lenders view this as a secure market. The median home price in Dearborn is approximately $265,000. With a 20% down payment ($53,000), a 30-year mortgage at 6.5% would have a monthly payment of around $1,340 (PITI). For a median earner, this is feasible, especially if you have a dual-income household or are at a senior level.

Where the Jobs Are: Dearborn's Major Employers

Dearborn's job market is anchored by a few major players. Networking here is crucial—many jobs are filled through referrals.

1. Ford Motor Company (Headquarters): The elephant in the room. Ford employs thousands in Dearborn, from corporate finance and internal audit to cost accounting for manufacturing. Hiring is cyclical but constant. Insider Tip: Look for roles under the "Ford Credit" division as well, which operates separately and has a steady need for accountants.

2. Henry Ford Health System: A massive employer with its flagship Henry Ford Hospital just west of Dearborn in Detroit. They need accountants for medical billing, grant accounting, and corporate finance. The healthcare sector in Michigan is recession-proof, making these jobs exceptionally stable.

3. Meritor (formerly Rockwell Automotive): A leading global supplier of commercial vehicle systems. Their Dearborn headquarters and nearby plants require robust cost accounting and financial planning & analysis (FP&A) teams. This is a prime spot for accountants with a manufacturing focus.

4. Dearborn Public Schools: The school district is one of the city's largest employers. They need accountants for budgeting, payroll, and compliance. These are government-adjacent jobs with excellent benefits and pensions, though salaries may be slightly lower than corporate roles.

5. Local CPA Firms (e.g., Doeren Mayhew, Plante Moran): While their headquarters are elsewhere, their Dearborn offices handle a significant volume of automotive, manufacturing, and small business clients. Starting in public accounting here is a classic path to a corporate role later.

6. Beaumont Hospital (Dearborn): Another major healthcare provider, part of the Beaumont-Ascension system. They have a constant need for financial analysts and accountants to manage their large operational budgets.

Hiring Trends: The demand is strongest for accountants with ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) experience, particularly in systems like SAP or Oracle, which are standard in automotive and manufacturing. There's also a growing need for accountants with data analytics skills.

Getting Licensed in Michigan

To practice as a CPA in Michigan, you must meet the state board's requirements. The process is straightforward but requires planning.

Requirements:

• Education: 150 semester hours of college credit, including a bachelor's degree. You must have 24 semester hours in accounting and 24 hours in business-related courses.
• Exam: Pass all four sections of the Uniform CPA Exam (AUD, BEC, FAR, REG).
• Experience: One year (2,000 hours) of qualifying experience under a licensed CPA. This can be in public accounting, industry, government, or academia.
• Ethics: Pass the AICPA Professional Ethics Exam.

Costs:

• CPA Exam Fees: ~$1,500 total (varies by state/section).
• Review Course: $1,500 - $3,000 (e.g., Becker, Roger).
• Licensing Fees: ~$200 (initial application + certification).
• Total Estimated Cost: $3,200 - $4,700 (excluding education costs).

Timeline to Get Started:

1. Months 1-12: Complete your 150-hour requirement if you haven't already. Many local candidates take extra courses at the University of Michigan-Dearborn or Schoolcraft College.
2. Months 12-18: Study for and pass the CPA Exam. Many work full-time while studying.
3. Months 18-24: Complete your 1-year work experience requirement.
4. Month 24: Apply for licensure with the Michigan Board of Accountancy.

Insider Tip: The Michigan Board of Accountancy website is your best resource. Start your application process there as soon as you have the coursework. The experience requirement can be met at a local employer listed above, so consider that when job hunting.

Best Neighborhoods for Accountants

Dearborn's neighborhoods offer distinct lifestyles. Commutes are generally short, but proximity to major employers can be a deciding factor.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	1BR Rent Estimate	Best For
The Acre	Historic, tree-lined streets, close to University of Michigan-Dearborn. 10-15 min drive to Ford HQ.	$1,100 - $1,300	Young professionals, those who value walkability.
East Dearborn	More diverse, commercial corridors, closer to Henry Ford Hospital. 15-20 min drive to Ford.	$900 - $1,100	Budget-conscious, healthcare professionals.
Warren Village	Suburban feel, well-maintained homes, excellent public schools. 20-25 min drive to major employers.	$1,000 - $1,200	Families, those seeking a quiet, residential feel.
Ford Field/Greenfield Village Area	Adjacent to Ford's historic headquarters and Greenfield Village. Very close to work, but can be noisy.	$950 - $1,150	Those who prioritize an ultra-short commute above all else.
Southfield (Bordering)	Technically a separate city, but a major business hub with a high concentration of corporate offices and a diverse population. 20-30 min commute.	$1,150 - $1,400	Those seeking a more urban, corporate-centric lifestyle.

Insider Tip: Traffic on Michigan Avenue and the Lodge Freeway (M-10) can be a factor. Living east of the Lodge (like in East Dearborn) can make your commute to Ford or downtown Detroit smoother.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Dearborn offers solid, if traditional, career paths. The 10-year job growth of 4% signals stability, not hyper-growth.

• Specialty Premiums: Accountants with certifications and specialized skills command higher salaries. A CPA license can add a 10-15% premium to your base salary. Expertise in cost accounting for automotive or financial analysis for manufacturing can push you toward the top of the salary bands. Forensic accounting roles, often tied to legal firms or insurance companies in the broader metro area, also pay a premium.
• Advancement Paths: The most common path is from a public accounting firm (like Doeren Mayhew) to a corporate role at Ford, Meritor, or a healthcare system. From there, you can move from staff accountant to senior accountant, then to accounting manager, controller, and eventually CFO. Another path is staying in government/non-profit (schools, city government) for the benefits and work-life balance.
• 10-Year Outlook: The outlook is steady. The automotive and manufacturing sectors will remain the backbone, transitioning to EV and autonomous technology, which will require new financial analysis and cost modeling. Healthcare will continue to grow as an employer. The key is to adapt—learning data visualization tools (Tableau, Power BI) and advanced Excel will be essential for long-term growth.

The Verdict: Is Dearborn Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Affordable Cost of Living (index of 98.0) lets your $85,563 salary go far.	Job growth is modest (4% over 10 years); not a hotspot for explosive career jumps.
Stable, Major Employers like Ford and Henry Ford Health provide long-term career options.	Heavily tied to the automotive cycle; economic downturns in auto can impact the market.
Short Commutes within the city and to key employers like Ford HQ (10-15 min).	Cultural experience can be less diverse than in larger cities like Detroit or Ann Arbor.
Strong Network for CPAs and manufacturing accountants; easy to build local connections.	Limited public accounting choices compared to downtown Detroit.

Final Recommendation: Dearborn is an excellent choice for an accountant who values stability, affordability, and a short commute over chasing rapid salary growth. It's ideal for mid-career professionals, especially those with families, and for anyone with a background or interest in automotive, manufacturing, or healthcare accounting. If you're a new graduate seeking a fast-paced, high-growth environment, you might find more immediate opportunity in downtown Detroit or Ann Arbor. However, for a balanced, sustainable career, Dearborn is a hidden gem.

FAQs

1. Is it necessary to have a CPA license to get a good accounting job in Dearborn?
Not strictly necessary, but it is a significant advantage, especially for senior and managerial roles. Many corporate staff accountant positions don't require a CPA, but it's often a prerequisite for controllers or finance directors. Public accounting firms definitely require it.

2. How competitive is the job market for entry-level accountants?
It's moderately competitive. The 211 jobs in the metro indicate demand, but many of those are for experienced hires. As a new grad, you'll need a strong GPA, relevant internships (ideally in automotive or manufacturing), and networking. Targeting smaller local firms or internal audit roles at large companies can be a good entry point.

3. What's the work culture like at Ford or a major hospital?
It's generally structured and process-oriented. Ford, like many large manufacturers, can be bureaucratic but offers tremendous resources and learning opportunities. Healthcare is fast-paced and complex due to insurance and regulatory requirements. Both offer good work-life balance compared to public accounting, but long hours are common during month-end or year-end close.

4. Can I live in Dearborn and commute to downtown Detroit for work?
Yes, easily. The commute is typically 20-30 minutes via I-94 or the Lodge Freeway (M-10). Many professionals do this. However, you'll pay a premium for living in Detroit's downtown or Midtown if you choose, which may not be necessary given Dearborn's own robust job market.

5. Are there opportunities for part-time or remote accounting work?
Yes, especially post-pandemic. Many local companies, particularly small and mid-sized businesses, are open to hybrid or remote models for experienced accountants. Remote roles for larger national companies with a presence in the metro area are also available. Check job boards for "remote" or "hybrid" listings.