Salesforce Developer vs. Architect: What Are the Differences?
Learn about the two careers and review some of the similarities and differences between them.
A Salesforce developer is responsible for the coding, configuration and maintenance of Salesforce applications. A Salesforce architect is responsible for the design and implementation of Salesforce applications. Both roles require a deep understanding of the Salesforce platform and its capabilities. In this article, we compare and contrast the job titles Salesforce developer and architect.
What is a Salesforce Developer?
Salesforce Developers are responsible for building and managing custom applications on the Salesforce platform. They work with business users to understand their needs and then design, develop, test and deploy Salesforce applications to meet those needs. Salesforce Developers also maintain and troubleshoot existing applications, as well as integrate Salesforce with other systems. They typically have a deep understanding of the Salesforce platform and its features, as well as experience with Apex and Visualforce.
What is an Architect?
Architects design and oversee the construction of buildings and other structures. They work with clients to determine the functional and aesthetic needs of a project, then develop plans and specifications to guide the construction process. Architects typically work for architectural firms, but some may be self-employed. They typically spend most of their time working in offices, but they may also travel to construction sites to monitor progress and ensure that their designs are being executed properly. Architects must have a bachelor’s degree in architecture, and they must be licensed in order to practice.
Salesforce Developer vs. Architect
Here are the main differences between a Salesforce developer and an architect.
Job Duties
Although both roles have the ability to develop new applications and software, there are differences in their job duties. An architect develops high-level strategies for a company’s technology needs. They research new technologies and advise other employees on which systems would be most beneficial for the business. A developer uses existing technologies to create new programs and software. They use an established blueprint to build products that meet a company’s requirements.
Job Requirements
Salesforce developers and architects typically need a bachelor’s degree in computer science or another related field. However, some employers may prefer candidates with a master’s degree. Additionally, Salesforce developers and architects must have experience working with the Salesforce platform. They can gain this experience through internships, part-time jobs or full-time positions. Some employers also require developers and architects to pass a certification exam before they can begin working.
Work Environment
Salesforce developers and architects work in different environments. Salesforce developers typically work in an office setting, either for a company that uses the software or as part of a development team. They may also travel to meet with clients and attend conferences related to their field.
Architects often work in an office environment but can also travel to visit clients and attend conferences. Architects who work for companies that use the software may spend time on-site at client locations to help them implement the system.
Skills
Salesforce developers and architects share some skills, such as being able to code in Apex and Visualforce, understanding object-oriented programming and being familiar with the Salesforce platform. However, they have different responsibilities that require different skillsets.
A Salesforce developer is responsible for building custom applications on the Salesforce platform. They need to be able to understand the requirements of a project and translate them into code. In addition to coding skills, they also need to be able to troubleshoot issues that arise during development.
A Salesforce architect is responsible for designing the overall structure of a Salesforce implementation. This includes defining the data model, security model and workflow rules. They also need to be able to integrate Salesforce with other systems. To do this, they need to have a deep understanding of the Salesforce platform and how it can be customized to meet the needs of a specific organization.
Salary
Salesforce developers can earn an average salary of $104,133 per year, while architects can earn an average salary of $87,570 per year. Both of these average salaries may vary depending on the size of the company at which you work, location of your job and the level of experience you have prior to pursuing either position.