Salesforce Admin vs Developer — which one should you choose as your career path in 2024? If you’re entering the Salesforce ecosystem as a college grad or career switcher, this is the decision that sets your future direction. Both roles offer high-paying, secure, and in-demand paths—but they differ greatly in skills, salary, and day-to-day work.
This guide breaks down the Salesforce Admin vs Developer paths in detail so you can confidently choose the one that fits your strengths and goals. We’ll explore salary, certifications, job market demand, and what it’s like to actually do each role every day.
🛠️ What Does a Salesforce Admin Do?
A Salesforce Admin manages and configures the Salesforce platform without code. They serve as the bridge between users and the system—ensuring processes, reports, automation, and permissions are all optimized for the business.
Key Responsibilities:
- Customize objects, fields, and page layouts
- Create reports and dashboards
- Manage users and permissions
- Automate workflows with declarative tools (Flow, Process Builder)
- Train teams and onboard new users
TL;DR: Admins are problem-solvers who make Salesforce usable and efficient for the business.
💻 What Does a Salesforce Developer Do?
A Salesforce Developer builds on top of the platform using code—extending functionality beyond what Admins can configure. Devs typically write Apex (Salesforce’s proprietary language) and build custom Lightning Web Components (LWC).
Key Responsibilities:
- Write Apex classes and triggers
- Build custom components with LWC
- Integrate Salesforce with other systems via APIs
- Deploy metadata using version control and CI/CD
- Optimize system performance at scale
TL;DR: Developers bring complex, custom solutions to life through code.
📊 Salesforce Admin vs Developer: Quick Comparison Table
| Criteria | Salesforce Admin | Salesforce Developer |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Barrier | Lower (no code needed) | Moderate (requires coding) |
| Primary Skillset | Business process + configuration | Coding + architecture |
| Tools Used | Flow, Reports, Permission Sets | Apex, LWC, VS Code, Git |
| Certifications | Salesforce Administrator, Advanced Admin | Platform Developer I, II |
| Avg Salary (US) | $90K–$115K | $110K–$145K |
| Remote Friendly | Yes | Yes |
| Growth Path | Solution Architect, Product Owner | Technical Architect, CTO |
💸 Certifications: What Do You Need to Get Started?
Salesforce Admin Certification Path:
- ✅ Salesforce Certified Administrator
- ✅ Advanced Administrator (optional)
- ✅ App Builder (for Admins who want to build)
Salesforce Developer Certification Path:
- ✅ Salesforce Platform Developer I
- ✅ Platform Developer II (for advanced Apex skills)
- ✅ JavaScript Developer I (for LWC)
You can get Admin-certified within 2–3 months. Developer certs take longer but open doors to higher-paying roles.
📈 Job Market & Demand
According to Salesforce’s own projections, the ecosystem will create over 9.3 million new jobs by 2026.
- Admin roles are growing rapidly in small to mid-size businesses adopting Salesforce
- Developer roles are in high demand at enterprise and consulting firms building custom apps
Both roles are remote-friendly and offer high job security.
🧠 Which Role Is Right for You?
Still not sure which path is for you? Ask yourself these:
- 👥 Do you enjoy helping others and simplifying systems? → Admin
- 💡 Do you love coding and building things from scratch? → Developer
- 📊 Do you enjoy analytics, logic, and business processes? → Admin
- 👨💻 Do you enjoy solving technical puzzles and working in IDEs? → Developer
Pro Tip: Many people start as Admins and move into development once they understand the platform.
🧭 Final Thoughts: Which Salesforce Career Path Should You Choose?
There’s no wrong answer—only what fits you better. If you’re looking for a fast entry into tech with solid income and impact, go Admin. If you want to code, build, and scale powerful systems, go Developer.
Start with your strengths. Learn the basics. Certify. And evolve.
Whichever you choose, Salesforce offers one of the most flexible, lucrative, and community-rich career paths in tech today.
Explore more career-focused guides inside my Free Guides Library to deepen your Salesforce journey.
💬 FAQ: Salesforce Admin vs Developer
❓ Which is easier to start with: Admin or Developer?
Salesforce Admin is easier for beginners—especially those without a technical background. It requires no coding and has a faster certification process.
❓ Who earns more: Salesforce Admin or Developer?
Salesforce Developers typically earn more, but experienced Admins with strong business acumen and platform skills can match or exceed dev salaries.
❓ Can I switch from Admin to Developer later?
Yes! Many Admins evolve into Developers after mastering the platform and learning Apex and JavaScript over time.
❓ Do I need a degree to become a Salesforce Admin or Developer?
No degree is required. Certifications, hands-on projects, and community involvement matter far more in this ecosystem.
❓ How long does it take to get certified?
You can get Admin-certified in 2–3 months with focused study. Developer certifications take 4–6 months depending on your coding background.
