Accountant in Livonia, MI

The Salary Picture: Where Livonia Stands

Livonia isn't the first place that pops to mind when you think of major accounting hubs, but it has a solid, steady market. It's a classic middle-class suburb with a strong base of family-owned businesses, a significant manufacturing legacy, and a growing healthcare sector. For an accountant, this translates to a stable demand for generalist roles in corporate accounting, bookkeeping for small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs), and financial reporting for local non-profits.

Let's get straight to the numbers. According to the most recent data, the median salary for an accountant in Livonia 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, which is common for the Midwest. However, the cost of living here is also lower than the national average, making the salary go further. The Livonia metro area has approximately 184 accountant jobs at any given time, indicating a stable but not hyper-competitive market. Over the last decade, the profession has seen a 10-year job growth of 4%, which suggests steady, predictable demand rather than explosive growth.

Experience-Level Breakdown

Salaries in Livonia follow a clear progression based on experience and specialization. Here’s a realistic breakdown:

Experience Level	Years of Experience	Estimated Annual Salary Range	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$55,000 - $68,000	General ledger entries, AP/AR processing, month-end close support, basic financial reporting.
Mid-Level	3-7 years	$68,000 - $85,000	Full month-end close, variance analysis, assisting with budgets, supervising junior staff, internal audit support.
Senior-Level	8-15 years	$85,000 - $105,000+	Leading month-end close, preparing financial statements (GAAP), managing a team, complex reconciliations, interacting with auditors.
Expert/Managerial	15+ years	$105,000 - $130,000+	Controller, Accounting Manager, CFO (for SMEs). Strategic financial planning, ERP system management, full P&L ownership, tax strategy.

Insider Tip: The jump from Senior to Expert/Managerial level is where you'll see the biggest salary increases. This is often tied to taking on a Controller or Manager role at a mid-sized company (e.g., a local manufacturer or a growing healthcare facility). Certification (CPA) becomes almost mandatory at this level.

Comparison to Other Michigan Cities

To understand Livonia's position, let's compare it to other major Michigan metros. Livonia's median salary is competitive for its size, especially when factoring in the low cost of living.

City	Median Salary (Accountant)	Cost of Living Index (US Avg=100)	Key Industry Drivers
Livonia	$85,563	98.0	Automotive suppliers, local healthcare, SMEs
Detroit	~$82,000	~95.0	Automotive (Big Three), finance, tech startups
Grand Rapids	~$83,500	~92.0	Healthcare, furniture manufacturing, logistics
Ann Arbor	~$78,000	~99.0	University of Michigan, healthcare, tech/biotech
Lansing	~$75,000	~88.0	State government, insurance, education

While Detroit and Grand Rapids have similar or slightly higher salaries, their job markets are larger and more competitive. Livonia offers a compelling balance: a professional salary that buys more house and a shorter commute than living in downtown Detroit or Ann Arbor.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

A salary number is just that—a number. What matters is what's left in your pocket after the essentials. Let's break down what an accountant earning the Livonia median of $85,563 can realistically expect.

First, the taxes. For a single filer in Michigan, you can estimate roughly 22-25% of your gross income going to federal, state, and FICA taxes. This leaves you with a monthly take-home pay of approximately $5,100 - $5,400.

Now, the biggest variable: housing. Livonia's average 1BR rent is $1,019/month. This is a fantastic value compared to national averages.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Dual-Income Household Example)

Let's assume a two-income household where both partners are accountants earning the median. Their combined gross is $171,126, with a monthly take-home of roughly $10,200 - $10,800.

Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Housing (2BR/2BA Rent)	$1,400	Slightly above the 1BR average for more space.
Utilities (Elec, Gas, Water, Internet)	$250	Michigan winters can spike heating costs.
Groceries	$700	For two adults.
Transportation (2 cars, gas, insurance)	$600	Livonia is car-dependent.
Health Insurance (Employer Plan)	$300	Varies widely by employer.
Student Loans/Debt	$300	Varies by individual.
Savings & Retirement (401k)	$1,000	10-15% of gross is recommended.
Entertainment & Misc.	$500	Dining out, hobbies, etc.
Total Monthly Outflow	$5,050
Remaining Buffer	$5,150+	This is your safety net and future home fund.

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely. With a strong savings buffer, a household earning the Livonia median can comfortably afford a home. The Livonia median home price is around $285,000. With a 20% down payment ($57,000), a 30-year mortgage at 6.5% would have a monthly payment of roughly $1,450 (PITI). This is very manageable on a dual-income, six-figure household budget.

Insider Tip: For a single accountant earning $85,563, buying a home is still possible but requires more discipline. You'd need to be aggressive with savings, potentially starting with a smaller condo or a home in a neighboring, more affordable community like Redford or Wayne, where prices are slightly lower.

Where the Jobs Are: Livonia's Major Employers

Livonia's job market is anchored by long-standing local companies and a few significant regional players. It's not a tech hub, but it's a workhorse economy.

1. Ford Motor Company and Suppliers: While Ford's main operations are in Dearborn, its footprint is massive across Metro Detroit. Livonia itself is home to numerous Tier 1 and Tier 2 automotive suppliers (e.g., Yazaki North America has a major presence in the area). These companies need accountants for cost accounting, inventory management, and financial reporting. The demand is steady and often tied to the health of the auto industry.

2. St. Joseph Mercy Health System (Trinity Health): This is a major employer with a large hospital in nearby Ann Arbor but with numerous outpatient clinics, senior care facilities, and administrative offices throughout the Livonia area. Healthcare accounting is complex, involving revenue cycle management, compliance (HIPAA), and grant accounting for non-profit sections. It's a stable, growing sector.

3. The Henry Ford Health System: While the main campus is in Detroit, the system has a significant outpatient presence in the western suburbs, including Livonia. They offer similar opportunities as St. Joe's, with a focus on advanced financial systems and regulatory compliance.

4. Local Manufacturing Firms: Beyond the auto giants, Livonia has a strong base of smaller, privately-held manufacturing companies. Think of firms like Grote Industries (lighting systems) or Standard Motor Products, which have facilities in the region. These companies often have lean accounting teams, offering a chance for accountants to wear many hats and see the direct impact of their work.

5. Government and Public Sector:

   • City of Livonia: The city government itself is a steady employer for accountants in its finance department. Roles here offer excellent benefits and job security.
   • School Districts: The Livonia Public Schools and Clarenceville School District (covering parts of Livonia) require accountants for budgeting, payroll, and grant management. These are often unionized, state-protected positions.

6. Construction and Real Estate: The area is in a perpetual state of development and renovation. Companies like Hunter Roberts (a major local contractor) and numerous real estate development firms require accountants with expertise in project accounting, job costing, and tax implications.

Hiring Trends: The market is stable but not rapidly expanding. Companies are hiring to replace retirees or to support growth, not for massive new team builds. There is a noticeable trend toward requiring or strongly preferring CPA certification for senior and managerial roles, especially in healthcare and manufacturing.

Getting Licensed in MI

Michigan's licensing requirements are straightforward but require commitment. The Michigan Board of Accountancy (under the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs) sets the rules.

Core Requirements:

1. Education: A bachelor's degree with at least 120 semester credits from an accredited institution. You must have completed 24 credits in accounting and 24 credits in general business.
2. CPA Exam: Pass the Uniform CPA Exam (four sections: AUD, BEC, FAR, REG). This is the gold standard and is often required for senior roles in Livonia.
3. Experience: One year (1,800 hours) of qualifying experience in accounting, under the supervision of a licensed CPA. This can be in public accounting, private industry, government, or academia.
4. Ethics Exam: You must pass the AICPA's Professional Ethics Exam.

Costs & Timeline:

• Exam Fees: ~$1,500 for all four sections (prices set by NASBA).
• Application & Licensing Fee: ~$200 to the state board.
• Study Materials: $1,500 - $3,000+ (Becker, Wiley, Roger CPA Review, etc.).
• Total Estimated Cost: $3,200 - $4,700+.
• Timeline: From starting your exam prep to getting your license, plan for 12-18 months. This includes studying for and passing each exam section (you have 18 months to pass all four once you pass the first), completing your experience, and submitting your application.

Insider Tip: Many larger Livonia employers (like Ford suppliers and health systems) offer CPA exam reimbursement and paid study time as a hiring perk. It's a critical question to ask during interviews. For public accounting firms in the area (like Ernst & Young or PwC's Detroit offices, which draw from Livonia), the CPA path is non-negotiable and is often fully supported.

Best Neighborhoods for Accountants

Livonia is a vast suburb (over 35 sq miles) with distinct pockets. Commute is a key factor, as you'll likely be driving to your job.

1. Central Livonia: The heart of the city, centered on 6 Mile and Middle Belt Road. This is classic suburbia—quiet, safe, with excellent access to I-275 and I-96. You're 10-15 minutes from most major employers in Livonia and a 25-30 minute commute to downtown Detroit. Rent for a 1BR: ~$1,000 - $1,100. Ideal for those who want convenience and a short commute.

2. Schoolcraft Area: Near the intersection of Schoolcraft and Merriman Roads. This area is close to the Ford Motor Company's Research & Engineering Center and numerous suppliers. It's a popular spot for automotive professionals. Commutes to the heart of Livonia are easy, and it's a quick hop to I-96. Rent for a 1BR: ~$1,050 - $1,200.

3. The "5 Mile" Corridor: The stretch of 5 Mile Road between I-275 and Middle Belt. This is a vibrant commercial and retail hub (think Laurel Park Place mall). It offers a mix of apartments and single-family homes. Commutes are easy via 5 Mile to major arteries. Rent for a 1BR: ~$950 - $1,100.

4. Plymouth/Livonia Border: While technically Plymouth, this border area (near Ann Arbor Trail and Haggerty) is a prime spot for accountants working in the burgeoning Plymouth/Northville tech corridor or those at the Henry Ford Health System clinics. It offers a more "downtown" feel with walkable streets and a higher price point. Rent for a 1BR: ~$1,200 - $1,400.

5. Newer Developments (Northwest Livonia): Areas near 6 Mile and Levan Road feature newer apartment complexes and townhomes. They offer modern amenities but can be a longer commute to the core of Livonia or Detroit. Rent for a 1BR: ~$1,100 - $1,250.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In Livonia, career growth for accountants is more about depth and specialization than climbing a corporate ladder at a Fortune 500. The path often leads to Controller or CFO roles within local SMEs.

Specialty Premiums (Estimated):

• CPA Certification: Adds a 10-15% premium to your base salary, especially in public accounting and senior corporate roles.
• ERP System Expertise (SAP, Oracle, NetSuite): Highly valuable. A mid-level accountant with SAP experience can command a $5,000 - $10,000 premium.
• Industry Specialization: Deep knowledge in automotive cost accounting or healthcare reimbursement (RCA, DRG) can lead to faster promotions and higher pay within those sectors.
• Tax Expertise: While more common in public accounting, corporate accountants with deep tax knowledge (especially state/local and international) are valuable for larger manufacturers.

Advancement Paths:

1. Public Accounting → Private Industry: Many start at a local or regional firm (e.g., Doeren Mayhew, Plante Moran's Detroit office) and after 3-5 years move to a senior role in industry (e.g., at a Livonia-based manufacturer). This is a classic path.
2. Industry Ladder: Accountant → Senior Accountant → Accounting Manager → Controller. This is the most common path in the Livonia market. At the Controller level ($100k-$130k+), you're managing the entire finance function for a mid-sized company.
3. Niche Consulting: With 10+ years of experience, some accountants branch out as independent consultants, providing part-time controller services for multiple small businesses in the area.

10-Year Outlook: The 4% job growth is telling. It's not a boom, but it's not a bust. Automation will handle more transactional work (AP/AR, data entry), but the need for analysts, controllers, and strategic financial partners will remain robust. The key to longevity is continuous learning—staying on top of new software, regulations (like new lease accounting standards), and industry-specific trends.

The Verdict: Is Livonia Right for You?

Livonia offers a fantastic quality of life for accountants who value stability, affordability, and a manageable pace of life. It's not a cutthroat, high-stakes market like New York or San Francisco, but it offers a solid career path with a salary that goes a long way.

Pros and Cons Table

Pros	Cons
Excellent Cost of Living: Your $85,563 salary buys more here than in most metro areas.	Limited High-Growth Sectors: Fewer opportunities in tech startups or cutting-edge finance.
Stable Job Market: Steady demand from established industries (auto, healthcare, manufacturing).	Car Dependency: Public transit is minimal. A reliable car is a must.
Top-Tier Public Schools: Livonia Public Schools is highly rated, a major draw for families.	Can Feel Generic: Lacks the unique cultural character of a major city.
Central Location: Easy access to Detroit, Ann Arbor, and Windsor, ON via major interstates.	Professional Network: Smaller than in a major city; you need to be proactive to network.
Safe, Family-Friendly: Low crime rates, numerous parks, and community amenities.	Slower Pace: If you crave the energy of a bustling metropolis, you may find it quiet.

Final Recommendation:
Livonia is an ideal choice for mid-career accountants (5-10 years experience) looking to purchase a home, start a family, and build a stable, well-compensated career without the stress and high costs of a major coastal city. It's also a great fit for entry-level accountants who want to start their career with a low cost of living and gain experience at a local manufacturer or healthcare provider.

It may not be the best fit for a recent graduate seeking a high-flying career in investment banking or a seasoned expert looking