Salesforce Admin vs Salesforce Developer: What’s the Difference?
Salesforce Admin vs Salesforce Developer: What’s the Difference?
Salesforce is the world’s leading CRM (Customer Relationship Management) platform.
It helps businesses manage customer relationships, sales, service, and more.
Within the Salesforce world, two major roles often get confused — Salesforce Admin and Salesforce Developer.
Let’s break them down.
Who is a Salesforce Admin?
A Salesforce Admin is like the caretaker of the system.
They manage the platform, users, and data to ensure smooth operations.
Main Responsibilities:
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Creating and managing users
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Setting up roles and permissions
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Creating reports and dashboards
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Managing data — importing, exporting, and cleaning
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Automating simple business processes using tools like Flow, Process Builder, or Workflow Rules
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Customizing fields, page layouts, and objects (without code)
Skills Needed:
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Good understanding of Salesforce basics
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Problem-solving mindset
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Knowledge of automation tools (like Flows)
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Understanding of business processes
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Communication and training skills for end users
Who is a Salesforce Developer?
A Salesforce Developer is like a coder or engineer for the platform.
They write code and build custom solutions when standard tools aren't enough.
Main Responsibilities:
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Writing code using Apex (Salesforce's programming language)
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Building custom UIs with Lightning Web Components (LWC)
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Creating triggers, classes, and Visualforce pages
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Integrating Salesforce with other systems using APIs
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Handling complex business logic
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Testing and deploying custom solutions
Skills Needed:
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Strong coding skills (especially Apex, JavaScript, HTML, LWC)
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Understanding of Salesforce data model and architecture
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Experience with APIs and integration tools
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Debugging and troubleshooting skills
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Knowledge of version control tools (like Git)
Can One Person Be Both?
Yes, especially in small companies.
In startups or small teams, one person may wear both hats.
But in larger companies, the roles are clearly separated.
Admins usually manage daily operations, users, and reports.
Developers focus on building features and custom integrations.
Career Path
For Salesforce Admins:
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Junior Admin
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Salesforce Administrator
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Senior Admin
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Business Analyst
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Salesforce Consultant
For Salesforce Developers:
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Junior Developer
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Salesforce Developer
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Senior Developer
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Technical Architect
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Integration Specialist
Both paths can lead to high-paying, in-demand roles.
Which Role Should You Choose?
It depends on your interests.
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If you enjoy working with people, organizing data, and using no-code tools — go for Admin.
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If you love coding, solving technical problems, and building things — go for Developer.
Both roles are essential in the Salesforce ecosystem.
One maintains the platform, and the other builds it.
Final Thoughts
Salesforce Admins and Developers work together to make Salesforce run smoothly.
Admins make the system user-friendly.
Developers make it powerful and customized.
You don’t have to choose forever.
Many Admins learn to code and become Developers.
Some Developers enjoy Admin tasks and focus on user needs.
In the end, both careers offer great growth, pay, and job security.
So, pick the one that fits you best — or even do both!
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