Here are 5 Proven Ways to Earn the Best Salesforce Developer Salary

The global tech landscape has been witnessing mass layoffs of late, but the demand for one tech role remains unaffected—that of a Salesforce developer. They specialize in customizing applications on Salesforce’s platform to meet organizational needs. In fact, an International Data Corporation (IDC) whitepaper predicts that Salesforce will be responsible for creating nearly nine million jobs by 2026. They are in high demand because businesses continue to digitize and streamline their operations, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic. It benefits Salesforce, which now has amassed more than 150,000 clients across the world. Furthermore, consistent demand is likely to have a positive impact on the median Salesforce developer salary. They currently earn an annual average of $92,476 in the U.S. At the high end of the spectrum, the pay can go up to $129,000. With this in mind, let’s examine the factors driving a Salesforce developer salary and what you need to do to boost your prospects.

In this blog, we will explore:

• What Factors Influence the Salesforce Developer Salary?
• Is It Necessary to Become Salesforce-Certified to Command a Higher Salary?
• How Does the Experience Level of a Salesforce Developer Affect Their Salary?
• What are the Current Market Trends Regarding Salesforce Developer Salaries?
• Can Additional Skills Beyond Salesforce Development Boost Salary Prospects?
• Kick-Start Your Technology Career With Emeritus

What Factors Influence Salesforce Developer Salary?

Several factors influence the average Salesforce developer salary. Here are some key ones:

• Seniority

Several years of experience as a Salesforce developer is very helpful in commanding a good package. A senior developer is in a better position to maximize their earnings significantly when compared to junior developers. For instance, senior developers in the US. reportedly earn an average annual salary of $117,227.

• Certifications

A developer who possesses relevant certifications is likely to succeed over their peers. In fact, according to a Mason Frank survey, 86% of professionals believe certifications make one a more valuable candidate. They help illustrate a developer’s skills to a potential employer, thus improving their earning potential.

• Location

It is important to note that location is influential in determining a Salesforce developer salary. This is due to the varying levels of cost of living between countries and within countries. The demand for professionals is higher in tech hubs like San Francisco or New York. In addition, they also have to deal with a higher cost of living, which increases their pay.

• Specialization

It is handy to have a broad range of skills in order to market yourself effectively. Developers proficient in Apex (Salesforce’s programming language) can boast of skills not possessed by others. There is also a demand for developers specializing in areas such as Salesforce CPQ (Configure, Price, Quote), Service Cloud, and Marketing Cloud.

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Is It Necessary to Become Salesforce-Certified to Command a Higher Salary?

We have already discussed how certifications are crucial in determining a Salesforce developer salary. These certifications can often be the difference in proving one’s competency to an employer. There are a wide range of certifications, such as Salesforce Certified Platform Developer I, Platform Developer II, Platform App Builder, etc. While they may not be the sole determinant in fetching a high salary, they are still important for the following reasons:

• Recognition

Certifications lend credence to one’s Salesforce skills. They help to demonstrate knowledge and serve as a reliable way to gauge expertise. Moreover, certifications signal a commitment to professional development, which is what employers look for.

• Access to Various Job Profiles

Certifications offer a chance to a range of positions or projects. This is because the selection of a candidate for promotion often depends on their certifications. It is no secret that promotions usually come with better pay.

• Competitive Advantage

A certified developer will likely stand out, especially in a competitive job market. Companies usually don’t shy away from spending on attracting certified talent, and this increases the chances of negotiating for a solid pay package.

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How Does the Experience Level of a Salesforce Developer Affect Their Salary?

Data from the Mason Frank survey underscores the significance of experience. It reveals that 94% of respondents believe several years’ worth of experience is the factor most likely to increase one’s Salesforce developer salary. And here’s why:

1. Demand for Expertise

Most companies are willing to pay a premium for experience. Senior developers possess an evolved set of skills that they have put to use during the course of their work. They have the advantage of using their expertise to improve the efficiency of companies.

2. Familiarity

Salesforce is a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) platform that can turn complex for developers with limited experience. This is why companies go for experienced developers who have a thorough understanding of the platform, including its features and characteristics.

3. Project Accessibility

Senior developers open up their doors to a variety of projects that are intricate and massive in scale. The success of these projects is important to companies, and that is why they need developers who can work on such projects effectively.

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What are the Current Market Trends Regarding Salesforce Developer Salaries?

1. Resilient Salesforce Economy

Salesforce’s 2022 earnings reports suggest that the pace of growth has been slowing down amid the downturn. However, according to Salesforce, that is not a cause for concern. For one thing, it has registered strong growth in its Q2 results for fiscal 2024. The company assures that its huge market share, coupled with a sticky product, makes Salesforce a fairly safe choice.

2. Bet on Specializations

Specializations are helpful, especially when the market is becoming increasingly competitive and standing out from the crowd is necessary. There are a bunch of specializations developers can look into, such as Sales and Service Cloud, Salesforce Marketing, etc. Salesforce DevOps is also gaining traction if we are to go by Salesforce’s analysis. Specialization, thus, places a premium on Salesforce professionals.

3. Develop Skills

According to Salesforce, many Salesforce professionals are looking to upskill on Flow, Salesforce’s new automation tool. The company is also looking to integrate Slack further into its ecosystem. A developer with skills that include Flow and Slack will undoubtedly secure better pay.

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Can Additional Skills Beyond Salesforce Development Boost Salary Prospects?

A professional with additional skills can undeniably boost their salary prospects. Diversifying the resume with in-demand skills can future-proof careers. Here are some popular skills:

• Programming and Web Development
• Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
• Data Analytics and Management
• Project Management
• Cybersecurity
• Cloud Computing

Kick-Start Your Technology Career With Emeritus

It is imperative for every individual to future-proof their career in today’s fast-paced digital landscape. One of the best ways to ensure your success is to upskill continuously in order to stay relevant. Emeritus’ courses are your answer to augmenting your career with relevant skills. We believe every technological transformation demands a swift response, which is how we have designed our courses. They equip you with the skills and knowledge to thrive in a technology-driven world. So don’t get left behind; enroll in Emeritus’ technology courses and take the first step toward enhancing your salary prospects.

Write to us at content@emeritus.org