How to Become a Salesforce Developer

If you’re curious about building apps, agents, or workflows that power some of the world’s biggest businesses, you might want to become a Salesforce developer. Salesforce developers design, build, and customize applications using a mix of no-code and pro-code tools. 

It’s a unique blend of creativity and problem-solving — ideal for anyone who loves turning business ideas into real, functional solutions. Read on to learn how to become a Salesforce developer. 

Key Takeaways

• Salesforce developers build and customize solutions using both no-code tools and coding languages like Apex and Lightning Web Components (LWC) to create scalable, AI-powered business solutions.
• The demand for Salesforce developers continues to rise thanks to the growth of cloud computing, CRM adoption, and agentic AI..
• You can become a Salesforce developer in 6–12 months by learning through Trailhead, earning certifications, and gaining hands-on project experience.
• Career paths are diverse — developers can advance to become Technical Architects (TAs), consultants, managers, or freelancers with high earning potential.
• With official training through Trailhead and Trailhead Academy, plus community support and job opportunities across industries, there’s never been a better time to kick off your Salesforce developer journey.

What is a Salesforce developer?

A Salesforce Developer is a professional who builds and customizes business applications, workflows, and agents on the Agentforce 360 Platform — using both no-code and code-based tools. They bring ideas to life through a combination of declarative tools like Flow and Agentforce Builder, and programming languages such as Apex and Lightning Web Components (LWC).

Salesforce developers play a key role in delivering innovative, connected customer experiences across the Agentforce 360 Platform, Agentforce, and Salesforce Data 360 ecosystems — helping companies solve complex business challenges with scalable automation and AI-powered solutions.

Businesses across industries depend on Salesforce to manage customer relationships, streamline workflows, and leverage AI to stay competitive. As a result, skilled developers — especially skilled Salesforce developers — are in high demand to build and optimize these intelligent systems.

Getting to know the Salesforce developer role

Before diving into certifications or training, it helps to understand what Salesforce developers actually do and how their work differs from other key roles in the Salesforce ecosystem.

Common responsibilities for Salesforce developers

Salesforce developers are responsible for turning business requirements into powerful, scalable applications. Their day-to-day tasks often include:

• Designing and building custom solutions using Apex, Lightning Web Components (LWC), and SOQL
• Integrating Salesforce with other platforms through Salesforce APIs
• Maintaining and improving existing functionality to ensure performance and security
• Collaborating with admins, architects, and business stakeholders to deliver great user experiences
• Testing and deploying updates across sandbox and production environments

Skills and qualifications for a Salesforce developers

Successful Salesforce developers combine technical expertise with strong communication and problem-solving abilities.

The technical skills you need include: 

• Apex
• Lightning Web Components (LWC)
• SOQL
• Salesforce APIs
• DevOps tools
• Version control systems 

On top of that, you’ll want these soft skills as well: 

• Problem-solving skills
• Adaptability
• Collaboration
• Clear communication abilities with non-technical teams

While many developers hold Salesforce certifications (like Platform Developer I & Platform Developer II), hands-on developer experience building in the ecosystem often matters just as much. 

Salesforce developer vs. admin 

While both roles work within the platform, their focus and tools differ. Salesforce developers build and customize — writing code, integrating systems, and extending functionality beyond what standard tools allow. They often use Apex, Lightning Web Components (LWC), and APIs to create tailored applications.

Salesforce admins, on the other hand, focus on configuration and management. They handle user permissions, reports, automation, and day-to-day system maintenance using low-code and no-code tools like Flow and the Setup interface. 

Salesforce developer vs. consultant

Salesforce developers focus on technical execution — building, testing, and deploying applications that meet specific business needs. They translate functional requirements into code and integrations that make systems work.

Salesforce consultants, by contrast, take on a more strategic role. They work closely with clients to understand business challenges, design Salesforce solutions, and oversee implementations (often collaborating with both admins and developers). While developers create the functionality, consultants ensure it aligns with business goals. 

Salesforce developer career and salary 

A career as a Salesforce developer offers strong earning potential, flexibility, and room for advancement. As businesses continue to invest in cloud, CRM, and AI-powered platforms, skilled Salesforce professionals are in higher demand than ever.

While pay varies by experience, certifications, and location, here’s a general look at what Salesforce professionals can expect in the U.S.:

• Entry-level Salesforce developer: Typically earns between $85,000–$110,000 per year.
• Mid-level Salesforce developer: Averages $110,000–$135,000 per year.
• Senior Salesforce developer: Often earns $135,000–$160,000 or more annually.
• Salesforce technical architect: Among the highest-paid roles, averaging $180,000+ per year.
• Salesforce consultant: Typically earns between $120,000–$160,000 per year.
• Salesforce development manager: Ranges from $140,000–$190,000 per year.
• Freelance Salesforce developer: Enjoys flexible scheduling and can command high hourly rates, often exceeding $100/hour depending on specialization.

Compensation depends on several factors, including certifications (like Platform Developer II or Technical Architect), the industry you work in, your geographic location, and your specific role within the Salesforce ecosystem.

Salesforce Developers have multiple directions to grow, including advancing into roles such as technical architect, consultant, development manager, or freelance specialist. Each path offers new challenges and the opportunity to shape how businesses innovate on the Salesforce platform.

How to become a Salesforce developer: 5 steps

Breaking into a Salesforce developer career doesn’t require a computer science degree, but it does take a mix of platform knowledge, coding skills, and hands-on practice. Here’s how to get started and grow your expertise step by step.

1. Lay the foundation

A great first step is to start as a Salesforce admin — it’s optional but highly recommended. This helps you understand how the platform works from the inside out, including objects, data modeling, automation tools, and user management. Gaining admin experience gives you a strong grasp of business logic and processes, which will make you a better developer later on.

2. Master core development skills

Next, build your technical foundation. Learn Apex, Salesforce’s proprietary programming language, and Lightning Web Components (LWC) for front-end development. These are essential for customizing apps and creating dynamic user experiences.

You should also understand the Salesforce development lifecycle (SDLC) — how code is tested, deployed, and maintained across sandbox and production environments.

3. Get hands-on experience

Nothing builds skill faster than real-world projects. Use Trailhead, Salesforce’s free learning platform, to complete guided projects and challenges that simulate real work scenarios.

Check out the Salesforce Developer Career Path to find structured learning modules.

You can also contribute to open-source projects and participate in Salesforce community groups to connect with peers and learn best practices from experienced developers.

4. Get certified

Certifications validate your skills and help you stand out to employers. Start with the Salesforce Platform Developer I Certification to demonstrate your ability to build and deploy basic applications.

Once you’ve gained more experience, consider advancing to the Salesforce Platform Developer II Certification, which covers complex programming techniques and system integrations. 

5. Build your portfolio

Finally, showcase your work. Use GitHub to display your code samples and project repositories, and earn Trailhead Superbadges to highlight your verified technical accomplishments. A strong portfolio not only proves your capabilities — it also demonstrates your initiative and passion for the Salesforce ecosystem.

Training and certification resources

If you’re serious about becoming a Salesforce developer, the best place to start learning is directly from Salesforce itself. We offer a complete ecosystem of official training platforms designed to help you gain both practical skills and recognized certifications.

The foundation of this learning ecosystem is Salesforce Trailhead — a free, interactive platform where you can learn everything from CRM basics to advanced Apex coding. Trailhead breaks learning into “trails,” “modules,” and “projects,” making it easy to follow structured paths toward specific goals like becoming a developer, admin, or architect. 

For more structured and instructor-led learning, Trailhead Academy offers professional training programs taught by Salesforce experts. These courses go deeper into hands-on scenarios, preparing you for certifications such as Platform Developer I and Platform Developer II, as well as more advanced roles like Technical Architect or Consultant.

How to find Salesforce developer jobs

Once you’ve built your skills and earned certifications, the next step is landing your first role. The good news? Salesforce Developers are in high demand, and there are plenty of ways to connect with employers looking for your expertise.

Start with Salesforce’s own job ecosystem — you’ll find listings on the Salesforce Careers site

 and the Trailblazer Community Job Board, where companies specifically post roles for certified professionals. You can also browse mainstream platforms like LinkedIn, Indeed, and Glassdoor, filtering by keywords such as Salesforce Developer, Apex Developer, or LWC Engineer.

Networking plays a major role, too. Join Trailblazer Community Groups and local developer meetups to connect with hiring managers and other professionals in the ecosystem. Many developers find opportunities through community referrals or open-source collaborations.

Kickoff your Salesforce developer journey

Becoming a Salesforce Developer is more than just learning to code — it’s about building meaningful solutions that help businesses connect with their customers in smarter, more efficient ways. Whether you’re transitioning from another tech role or starting fresh, Salesforce offers a clear path with the tools, training, and community support you need to succeed.

With demand for Salesforce talent continuing to rise, there’s never been a better time to start your journey.

---

Salesforce developer FAQs

How long does it take to become a Salesforce Developer?

The timeline varies depending on your background and learning pace, but most people can become job-ready within 6–12 months. If you’re starting from scratch, spending consistent time on Trailhead, earning your Platform Developer I certification, and completing hands-on projects can help you build the skills needed to land an entry-level role.

What experience do I need to become a Salesforce Developer?

You don’t need formal experience to start, but having a foundation in Salesforce administration, basic programming concepts, or CRM systems helps. Many developers begin as Salesforce Admins to understand the platform’s data model and automation tools before moving into more technical development work.

Can a non-IT person learn Salesforce?

Absolutely. Salesforce is designed to be accessible — even for beginners without a coding background. You can start with no-code tools like Flow and App Builder on Trailhead, then gradually learn Apex and Lightning Web Components as you gain confidence. Many successful Salesforce Developers have transitioned from business, marketing, or operations roles.

Which programming language(s) do I need to learn to become a Salesforce Developer?

The main language used in Salesforce development is Apex, a proprietary, Java-like programming language for backend logic. You’ll also want to learn Lightning Web Components (LWC), which use JavaScript, HTML, and CSS to build dynamic user interfaces. Together, these skills allow you to create powerful, custom solutions on the Agentforce 360 Platform.