As the world’s #1 customer relationship management (CRM) platform, Salesforce gives every business team⁠ – from sales to marketing, commerce to service, and beyond – a single, shared view of every customer. Over 150,000 companies, both big and small, are growing their business with Salesforce. But it’s more than just a CRM platform; it’s a community of over 10 million innovators, disruptors, and community shapers they call Trailblazers. 

Why is this exciting? Salesforce recently announced a new study from IDC that found Salesforce and its ecosystem of partners will create 9.3 million new jobs and $1.6 trillion in new business revenues worldwide by 2026. The opportunity is huge, and in New Zealand it is expected to create 26,000 new jobs by 2026.

What’s more? If you are interested in riding this wave to build a career, a job in salesforce development may be the right fit for you. This is especially true for New Zealand where lack of skilled professionals in technology makes this a highly lucrative career choice to pursue – one where average salaries for a Salesforce developer with 1 to 3 years’ experience range from $80,000 to $90,000. NZ Tech’s Digital Skills Report published in 2021 also talks about other careers that are in demand and worth exploring. 

Learn about our 19-week Salesforce accelerator.

Getting started in this role is easy. All you require is a good internet connection, a laptop and some learning up your sleeve, and you are good to go. 

Here’s everything you need to know about being a Salesforce Developer. From what does a Salesforce Developer do to what you need in order to become one, and even the scope of job opportunities that lie ahead. We have created an exhaustive resource to help answer all questions you may have about pivoting to this career choice.

Let’s dive right into it!

Q: What makes Salesforce so successful?

The credit would surely go to the Salesforce taskforce, including Salesforce Developers, Salesforce Administrators, and Salesforce Consultants. We believe that the Salesforce Developers are the backbone of the entire CRM. This role is essential for a successful Salesforce implementation. This is also the reason these roles are in such high demand. 

Q: What is a Salesforce Developer?

All businesses have different needs and their Salesforce requirements will be different. The Salesforce Developer plays a crucial role working with clients and customers to realise the full capability of the CRM by customising and offering tailor-made solutions. 

Learn about our 19-week Salesforce accelerator.

Q: What does a Salesforce Developer do?

If you choose this career path, you’ll be responsible for all types of standard Salesforce Development and customisation. This includes coding, unit testing, building applications, and creating and modifying existing applications.

A Salesforce Developer has an understanding of how Salesforce works, coupled with experience in the platform. The developer is hired by a customer/client for the purposes of customising Salesforce to the specifications of the hiring party. Alternately, it could be an in-house programmer who happens to be skilled at working with Salesforce. These developers use tools such as Apex and Visualforce, as well as frameworks like Lightning Component in order to develop apps.

A Salesforce Developer doesn’t have to work for Salesforce. The Salesforce eco-system is huge, ranging from small, mid-sized and large organisations who are either a Salesforce Partner (i.e. they support businesses to implement Salesforce) or a Salesforce Customer (i.e. they use the Salesforce CRM to successfully manage their customers). 

Q: What are the first steps to becoming a Salesforce Developer?

The first step to becoming a Salesforce Developer is starting your learning journey. We highly recommend you complete the below three certifications recognised by Salesforce within its eco system:

1. Salesforce Certified Administrator (TVB201)
2. Salesforce Certified Platform App Builder (TVB403)
3. Salesforce Certified Platform Developer I (TVB450)

Salesforce makes it fun and easy to get started on your learning journey through their online learning platform, Trailhead, which we highly recommend for those who are driven, motivated, and have strong time management skills. You can earn certifications and badges through Trailhead and become a professional in no time. 

For those who are looking for an alternate approach, we highly encourage you check out our Salesforce Developer Accelerator. You will not only gain the three certifications but also gain industry experience, access to the NZ industry network, and professional advice and mentorship to help you land your dream role.

Q: How much time will it take to learn these skills?

Begin with investing some time in coding, and then the 19-week Salesforce Developer Accelerator. This covers the material required to achieve the three certificates listed above, as well as industry professional skills and valuable mentored workplace experience.

Q: Do I need to have a degree in computer science to be a Salesforce  Developer? 

Salesforce development is largely dependent on skills,  so there’s absolutely no reason why you can’t get hired without a degree.

What’s more, New Zealand currently has a talent shortage, so to close this gap, more companies are committed to hiring skilled talent who may not have a degree, but possess the requisite skills. 

If you are really interested in pursuing this line of work, we would recommend ditching the degree route (unless you have 2-4 years at your disposal) and getting started on learning. The internet has many online tutorials that you could get started with. You can also start your self-paced learning on Trailhead, or consider joining tech accelerators like the one we run at Mission Ready HQ where you’ll not only learn the requisite skills, but also become certified and job-ready in just 19 weeks. 

Learn about the Salesforce accelerator now.

Q: How much can I hope to earn once I have acquired these skills?

For a role that is in huge demand and an industry faced with serious skill shortages, it would be fair to expect that such a position would demand a reasonable compensation. According to Payscale, a salesforce developer in NZ earn an average of $90,000 with extra bonuses that may also be available depending on the organisation you join. This could be an extra $5,000 to $10,000 per annum. 

You may start at a salary of $55-60,000. Some companies are known to attract talent with higher starting salaries. If you check an experienced Salesforce Developers salary, it could be over $130,000. There are a number of factors that can influence the salary package including location and experience. Having said that, this is potentially a pretty lucrative career choice.

Ready to get started? Check out our accelerators and how we support you to transform your careers and launch a new career in as short as 19 weeks.