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Salesforce Admin VS Developer - Which one to Choose?

Introduction

Salesforce Admin vs Salesforce developer in which aspects do these roles differ? Are the responsibilities pertaining to these roles same? How to set them apart or in which ways they are similar? Well, Salesforce being one of the best and most widely used CRM platforms lately, all the roles related to it are prolific and rewarding. However, when it comes to differentiating the two roles, there is a very fine line between the roles and responsibilities of a real Salesforce Administrator and Developer.

To help you understand the difference between both the positions, let’s begin with the basics: what is Salesforce, why is it so popular and what are the different roles and responsibilities under it?

Salesforce is a CRM that works as a bridge between a company and the customers. It is considered to be one of the best-integrated platforms as it allows your departments (marketing, content, SEO, Sales, etc) to get a shared view of every customer.

Salesforce is used for various things such as

Here are some important facts related to Salesforce that you should go through before we start anything:

  • Salesforce commands about 20% of the CRM market share
  • More than 88% of the Fortune 100 companies are using at least one Salesforce application. Along with them, approx. 71% of customers use various apps from AppExchange.
  • According to an IDC report, Salesforce and its partner ecosystem are expected to create 3.3 million new jobs by 2026.

Along with that, one of the reasons that Salesforce is popular is that it is packed with some unique features (content management, workflow creation, opportunity tracking, customer engagement tool, analytics, and much more) for the market and salespersons.

There are multiple job positions under Salesforce that you can opt for as your career option:

  • Salesforce Administrator
  • Salesforce Business Analyst
  • Salesforce Developer
  • Salesforce functional consultant
  • Salesforce platform manager
  • Salesforce solution architect
  • Salesforce technical architect

These were some basic things you should know about Salesforce if you are interested in any of the above positions. Here, in this article, you will get to know about the difference between roles and responsibilities, salary packages, skills required, and much more about Salesforce Administrator and Salesforce Developer.  

To get a clear picture of both the positions, Let's start with the definition of Salesforce Administrator and Developer!

Who is a Salesforce Administrator?

Salesforce Administrator is considered to be one of the best positions among all. It is because the roles and responsibilities performed by a Salesforce Administrator help the organization to manage the Salesforce systems efficiently. They do this by recommending the best solution, maintaining sales databases, and also help the organization to accommodate well with Salesforce products.

The demand for a Salesforce Administrator depends on the size of the organization. So, if you are interested in the role of an Administrator then the article will further help you know about the roles and responsibilities, salary package, certifications, jobs, and companies' availability. 

What does Salesforce Admin do?

Various roles and responsibilities of Salesforce Admin are:

  • Analyzing business requirements and providing the best solutions
  • Help in up-gradation of Salesforce system
  • Constant and effective integration and configuration 
  • Managing Salesforce roles, profiles, workflow, etc
  • Preparing reports for the teams
  • Importing sales department leads, contacts, and other data

Salesforce Administrator vs Salesforce Developer

Who is a Salesforce Developer?

Salesforce Developer, the name has it all, which means it includes the development side. Being a Salesforce developer, you will be engaged with designing and developing specified codes and functionalities to deliver adequate customized applications. 

Salesforce developer brings new implementing plans to enable successful Salesforce services for business improvements.

You can’t judge any of the positions based on their roles & responsibilities as they both are experts in dealing with Salesforce applications. Both the positions are highly payable (approx. USD 5 to USD 12/per hour depending on your work experience) Salesforce professions, you can opt for any that you wish for.

What does a Salesforce Developer do?

Various roles and responsibilities of Salesforce Developer are:

  • Meeting project managers to determine CRM requirements
  • Designing coding, and implementing Salesforce applications
  • Creating timeline and development goals for the application
  • Testing the stability and functionality of the application, whether it is working fine or not
  • APEX development
  • Debugging
  • Reviewing custom-developed codes

Let’s go through Salesforce admin VS Developer based on various factors:

Salesforce Admin VS Developer

Factors

Salesforce Admin

Salesforce Developer

Why choose them?

Both the positions are valuable but salesforce admin has all the access related to the company/project than Salesforce developer. Also, being the admin, they manage everything so that the team can deliver an error-free project to the client. If you desire to be a boss then you can choose Salesforce admin as your career path.

Talking about Salesforce Developer, it is one of the positions that come under Salesforce. Being a salesforce developer your duties would be to manage and customize the technical side of an organization. So, if you are a technical person or have a great interest in codings then a Salesforce developer is the suitable choice for you.

Beneficiaries of each position

Being a Salesforce admin can serve you with various beneficiaries such as:

  • Get a set of powerful tools and features at your fingertips
  • You play the role of problem solver
  • Incredible career growth

Being a Salesforce developer you can enjoy the following benefits such as:

  • Work with world’s best dominating technology that is Salesforce
  • Enjoy high earning potential
  • Get multiple routes into the ecosystem (you learn about various languages and gain knowledge related to SQL or HTML)

Key Skills

To be a Salesforce Administrator, you should comprise various skillsets such as:

  • Salesforce expertise
  • Data management
  • Conversion rate optimization
  • Email marketing expertise
  • Problem-solving skills
  • The talent of managing huge data sets and routinely checking data for accuracy

To be a Salesforce Developer, you should be expertise in skills such as:

  • Ability to manage projects
  • Bachelor’s degree in computer science or software engineering
  • Advanced knowledge of Salesforce CRM platforms
  • Experience in MySQL, Apex, JavaScript, VisualForce, and Native
  • Exposure in developing customer-facing interfaces

Salary package

Salesforce Administrator salary in India:

  • $7562.43 for employees with less than 1 year of experience to 6 years.

  • USD 4537.46 to USD 12374.89 (above 6 years of experience)

Salesforce Developer Salary in India:

  • Entry-level developers with less than one year of experience can expect approx. USD 4124.96

  • Having about 2-5 years of experience you can expect compensation of close to USD 6874.94

Which position is more secure?

As discussed above, Salesforce admin helps the organization in building functionalities based on new requirements. So, if you desire to choose a Salesforce admin career path then it will lead you to a secure future.

Choosing a Salesforce developer career path will also lead you to a secured future. As it is considered to be in the top 10 jobs in the US today.

Certifications

The certifications required to be a Salesforce admin:

  • Salesforce administration certification
  • Salesforce Advanced Administrator Certification
  • Salesforce Certified Platform App Builder

The certifications required to be Salesforce Developers are:

  • ADM 201
  • DEV 401
  • JavaScript Developer I
  • Platform Developer I
  • Platform Developer II Certificate

Jobs and Companies

Some of the top companies that offer Salesforce administration jobs are Main Street Hub, Amazon, Kaplan Financial, Magnetrol, AvidXchange, Expedia, Globoforce, and many more. 

You can find a Salesforce Developer job in multiple top companies such as Slalom Consulting, Amazon.com Inc, Accenture, Accenture technology solutions, Cognizant, Crossmark, and many more.

Course Duration

There are multiple institutes available that may help you achieve your desired position easily. The institute provides you with the best possible certification training. And the course duration of Salesforce Administration is approximately 6 weeks.

There are multiple institutes available that may help you achieve your desired position efficiently. The respective training institute provides you with the best possible certification training. And the course duration of Salesforce Developer is also approximately 6 weeks.

Salesforce Admin VS Salesforce Developer Certification Details

To become a Salesforce admin or Salesforce developer you should gain some certifications as discussed:

Salesforce Admin Certification

This certification is ideal for individuals already familiar with Salesforce. It will enable you to master additional features, solve complex problems, and help your organization fully leverage the Salesforce CRM.

Knowledge/Skills

  • Managing users data and security
  • Knowledge of how to maintain and customize sales cloud and service cloud applications
  • Know how to build reports, dashboards, and workflows

Topics Included in Exam

  • Topics included in an exam - Organizational setup (3%), user setup (7%), security access (13%), standard and custom objects (14%), activity management and collaboration (3%), data management (10%), Analytics (10%), Workflow (8%), Sales and Marketing Application (14%), Desktop and mobile administration (3%) and much more.

Some additional relevant Certifications:

  • Salesforce Advanced Administrator Certification: This is a higher-level certification that requires you to have the Salesforce Administrator Certification before attempting it.
  • Salesforce Certified Platform App Builder: While primarily aimed at developers, this certification is also valuable for Admins. Obtaining it can allow you to change roles or advance in your career.

Salesforce Developer Certification

Knowledge/Skills

  • Platform development with proper modeling, management, and security
  • Salesforce application customization with using a lightning framework
  • Knowledge of Apex, programming, HTML, and JavaScript

Topics included in exam along with percentage

  • Topics included in the exam along with percentage - Salesforce fundamentals (7%), Data modeling and management (13%), logic and process automation (38%), Testing (7%), User interface (25%), Debug and Deployment tool (10%). 

Some additional relevant Certifications

JavaScript Developer I:

This certification is ideal for those with experience in creating both front-end and back-end JavaScript applications for the web. It includes learning to work with technologies such as Salesforce Lightning Web Components (LWC).

Platform Developer I:

The Salesforce Platform Developer I certification is tailored for seasoned developers. It's suited for individuals who can demonstrate expertise in designing, building, and deploying custom applications.

Platform Developer II Certification

Achieving this certification enables you to utilize Visualforce, Apex, Lightning Platform, and Data Modeling to develop complex business logic and interfaces. It also facilitates career advancement. However, you must first obtain the Salesforce Platform Developer I certification.

What are the shared responsibilities of Salesforce Admin and Developer?

Despite being slightly different, Salesforce Administrator and Salesforce developer do share some common responsibilities such as:

  • A salesforce Administrator helps you manage ongoing system development by communicating with various stakeholders/customers/clients regarding new developments, support, and much more. 
  • Being superior, salesforce admin supports Salesforce Developers and clients so that they can complete their work on time. 
  • The bug fixing process helps in delivering the best product to clients. This is a great opportunity to involve the Salesforce admin in the process.

As they could help you test the usability and provide you feedback related to the project. Nowadays, more and more admins are coding and are taking on some of the responsibilities that would otherwise be left to a Salesforce developer. 

How can you schedule for the Salesforce Admin and Developer Certification Exam?

You can easily schedule for Salesforce Admin and Developer Certification by following the below-mentioned steps thoroughly:

Salesforce Admin Certification Registration Process:

Salesforce Admin Certification Registration Process

  • Log in to www.webassessor.com/salesforce
  • Create your profile, if you don’t have one
  • Choose exam mode (Online/Offline)
  • In case of offline, Choose your test center
  • In case of online, ensure you have all the system requirements
  • Select your preferred Date and Time
  • Read the policy and agreement details and review the details you have entered twice before submitting
  • Proceed with payment gateway
  • Click on submit and your registration is done

NOTE: You will receive a confirmation email for the same and you are good to go.

How to Prepare for Salesforce Admin Certification and Salesforce Developer Certification?

Preparing for the Salesforce Admin certification and Salesforce Developer certification requires a strategic approach, hands-on practice, and consistent study. Here’s how you can effectively prepare for both certification paths:

1. Understand the Exam Structure and Topics

Start by reviewing the official exam guides for the Salesforce Admin certification and Salesforce Developer certification. These guides include key details such as the number of questions, exam duration, topic weightage, and recommended study resources. You'll need to master concepts like user management, platform customization, security, and automation features to succeed.

2. Schedule Your Certification Exam Early

Setting a date for your Salesforce certification exam—even before you start studying—can be a powerful motivator. It helps you create a clear timeline and remain focused on your goal of becoming a certified Salesforce Admin or Developer.

3. Join a Study Group or Find a Study Buddy

Studying with peers who are also preparing for the Salesforce Admin certification or Salesforce Developer certification can make the process more interactive and effective. Sharing tips, discussing doubts, and solving questions together can enhance your understanding and retention.

4. Complete Salesforce Trailhead Certification Paths

Leverage Salesforce Trailhead to complete the Admin or Developer certification trails. These guided learning modules align closely with the actual Salesforce certification exams, helping you build practical skills, improve accuracy, and focus on the highest-weighted topics.

5. Practice with Mock Tests and Sample Questions

Solving practice exams is one of the best ways to prepare for both the Salesforce Admin certification and Salesforce Developer certification. It boosts your confidence, improves speed, and trains you to manage time effectively during the real exam.

Salesforce Developer Certification Registration

Salesforce developer certification registration process

Log in to www.webassessor.com/salesforce

  • Click on register for an exam
  • Choose the exam you wish to attempt
  • Make a choice between Onsite proctored or Online proctored

In case you choose the Onsite proctored exam:

  • Choose a testing center
  • Select the date and time as per your preference

In case you choose Online proctored:

  • Select date and time
  • All online proctored exam is automatically adjusted as per your selected time zone
  • Review your details twice and then click on checkout
  • Enter your payment type
  • Certification exams are taxable as per law
  • Click on submit
  • You can see a purchase confirmation on your screen

NOTE: You will receive a confirmation email for the same

Conclusion

The Salesforce Admin role and the Salesforce Developer role are two distinct yet equally rewarding career paths within the Salesforce ecosystem. Each comes with its own set of responsibilities, skill requirements, and certifications, but both are in high demand and offer excellent growth opportunities.

If you’re someone who enjoys managing users, automating workflows, and maintaining data integrity, the Salesforce Admin role might be the perfect fit for you. On the other hand, if you're interested in writing code, customizing applications, and building scalable solutions, the Salesforce Developer role could be your ideal path.

Many professionals begin their careers in the Salesforce Admin role and later transition into the Salesforce Developer role, especially after gaining a strong understanding of how the platform functions and how users interact with it. This makes it easier to bridge the gap between configuration and custom development.

Typically, a Salesforce Developer will create new functionality using Apex or Visualforce in a sandbox environment. Once the development is complete, the Admin manages the deployment and ensures everything runs smoothly in production.

Both roles offer competitive salary packages and are considered solid, future-proof career options in the tech industry. Whether you choose the Salesforce Admin role or the Salesforce Developer role, what matters most is aligning your decision with your interests and skill set.

Still unsure? Speak to our career experts today they can help you evaluate your strengths and guide you toward the best Salesforce career path for your future.

FAQs

Q1. What are the career opportunities for Salesforce Admins?

Salesforce Administrators have a variety of career paths available to them, including:

  • Salesforce Administrator: Responsible for managing Salesforce instances, which involves user administration, data maintenance, and security oversight.
  • Business Analyst: Utilize Salesforce data to make informed business decisions and provide actionable insights. 
  • Salesforce Consultant: Guide organizations in optimizing their use of Salesforce to meet specific business requirements and objectives.
  • Salesforce Project Manager: Lead Salesforce development and implementation projects, ensuring they are completed on time and within budget.
  • Sales Operations Manager: Use Salesforce to improve sales processes, develop strategies, and streamline operations.

Q2. What are the career opportunities for Salesforce Developers?

Salesforce Developers have several career opportunities to explore, including:

  • Salesforce Developer: Create custom solutions within the Salesforce platform to address business needs and project requirements.
  • Salesforce Architect: Design scalable, secure, and high-performing Salesforce solutions.
  • Salesforce Technical Lead: Lead development teams and oversee the technical aspects of Salesforce projects.
  • Salesforce Consultant: Offer technical expertise and solutions tailored to clients' specific Salesforce needs.
  • Application Developer: Develop applications using Salesforce's development tools and platforms, such as Force.com.

Q3. How do I choose the right Salesforce role for me?

To select the most suitable Salesforce role, consider your interests, skills, and career aspirations. If you like problem-solving, analyzing business processes, and engaging with users, the Salesforce Admin role might be perfect for you. However, if you have a strong technical background and enjoy coding and developing solutions, the Salesforce Developer role could be more fitting.

Q4. How can I secure a job as a Salesforce Admin?

  • Educational Background: Begin by earning academic qualifications in IT, Business, or related fields.
  • Salesforce Certification: Obtain the Salesforce Administrator certification to demonstrate your expertise.
  • Build Experience: Acquire experience through internships, volunteer work, or entry-level positions involving CRM systems.
  • Networking: Connect with industry professionals via Salesforce events, user groups, and online communities.
  • Job Applications: Search for Salesforce Admin job openings on job boards and company websites, and submit customized resumes and cover letters.

Q5. How can I secure a job as a Salesforce Developer?

  • Acquire Technical Skills: Learn programming languages such as Apex and Visualforce, and familiarize yourself with Salesforce development tools and best practices.
  • Obtain Certification: Pursue Salesforce Developer certifications to boost your credibility.
  • Build a Portfolio: Create sample projects or contribute to open-source initiatives to demonstrate your skills.
  • Networking: Connect with the Salesforce developer community through forums, social media, and events to gain insights and meet potential employers.
  • Apply Strategically: Look for job opportunities that align with your skills and experience, and prepare for interviews by highlighting your technical expertise and problem-solving capabilities.

Salesforce Tutorial Overview


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JanBask Training

A dynamic, highly professional, and a global online training course provider committed to propelling the next generation of technology learners with a whole new way of training experience.


Comments

  • K

    Knox Miller

    I want to grow my career in salesforce but was not able to decide between salesforce admin and developer.

     Reply
    • logo16

      JanbaskTraining

      Thank you so much for your comment, we appreciate your time. Keep coming back for more such informative insights. Cheers :)

  • E

    Emilio Davis

    Well written post! After going through this blog now I am able to understand which one is better for me?

     Reply
    • logo16

      JanbaskTraining

      Thank you so much for your comment, we appreciate your time. Keep coming back for more such informative insights. Cheers :)

  • Z

    Zane Brown

    Thanks for such great guidance to prepare for the salesforce certification examination.

     Reply
    • logo16

      JanbaskTraining

      Thank you so much for your comment, we appreciate your time. Keep coming back for more such informative insights. Cheers :)

  • S

    Sean Richardson

    In my opinion the developer role will be more tough than the administrator role.

     Reply
    • logo16

      JanbaskTraining

      Glad you found this useful! For more such insights on your favourite topics, do check out JanBask Training Blogs and keep learning with us!

  • J

    Jax Williams

    Please suggest some good institutes where I can prepare for the salesforce administrator exam.

     Reply
    • logo16

      JanbaskTraining

      Glad you found this useful! For more such insights on your favourite topics, do check out JanBask Training Blogs and keep learning with us!

  • K

    Knox Miller

    Thanks for the information! Now my mind is clear which one to choose between Salesforce admin Vs Developer Certification.

     Reply
    • logo16

      JanbaskTraining

      Thank you so much for your comment, we appreciate your time. Keep coming back for more such informative insights. Cheers :)

  • P

    Paul Wilson

    Hi! The article is really informative and helped me choose wisely. Thanks team!

     Reply
    • logo16

      JanbaskTraining

      Glad you found this useful! For more such insights on your favourite topics, do check out JanBask Training Blogs and keep learning with us!

  • A

    Adonis Smith

    Can you suggest some names of institutes from where I can take Salesforce admin training?

     Reply
    • logo16

      JanbaskTraining

      Hello, JanBask Training offers online training to nurture your skills and make you ready for an amazing career run. Please write to us in detail at help@janbasktraining.com. Thanks!

  • E

    Emilio Davis

    After reading your article I think developers have more roles and responsibilities than admin. Is it true?

     Reply
    • logo16

      JanbaskTraining

      Hello, JanBask Training offers online training to nurture your skills and make you ready for an amazing career run. Please write to us in detail at help@janbasktraining.com. Thanks!

  • Z

    Zane Brown

    What is the cost of Salesforce admin and developer course?

     Reply
    • logo16

      JanbaskTraining

      Thank you so much for your comment, we appreciate your time. Keep coming back for more such informative insights. Cheers :)

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