Salesforce Developer [Remote Jobs]

What does a Salesforce Developer do?

A Salesforce Developer is responsible for designing, building, and maintaining custom applications, features, and integrations within the Salesforce platform to address an organization’s specific needs and objectives. 

Their primary goal is to optimize the platform’s functionality, streamline business processes, and improve user experience by leveraging their technical expertise and understanding of the Salesforce ecosystem.

Key responsibilities of a Salesforce Developer include:

• Collaborating with business analysts, project managers, and end-users to gather and analyze requirements for new applications or enhancements to existing ones
• Designing and developing custom applications, features, and integrations using programming languages like Apex, Visualforce, Lightning Components, and web development technologies such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript
• Creating and maintaining technical documentation, including design specifications, test plans, and user guides
• Ensuring the quality and performance of Salesforce solutions through rigorous testing and debugging
• Providing ongoing support and maintenance for Salesforce applications, including troubleshooting and resolving issues
• Staying up-to-date with the latest Salesforce technologies, best practices, and industry trends

To be successful in this role, Salesforce Developers typically have a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field, proven experience with the Salesforce platform, proficiency in Apex, Visualforce, Lightning Components, and other Salesforce development tools, as well as strong problem-solving, analytical, and communication skills.

What are the key skills required for a Salesforce Developer?

The key skills required for a Salesforce Developer include:

Technical Skills

• Proficiency in Salesforce’s programming languages like Apex and Visualforce
• Knowledge of Lightning Web Components for building components
• Familiarity with integrating Salesforce with external systems and APIs
• Understanding of data modeling and database design principles
• Expertise in Salesforce’s security and sharing models
• Proficiency in web development technologies like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript

Problem-Solving and Analytical Skills

• Ability to analyze complex business processes and identify opportunities for improvement
• Strong problem-solving skills for troubleshooting and resolving issues

Communication and Collaboration Skills

• Effective communication skills to work with stakeholders, including business analysts, project managers, and end-users
• Collaboration skills to work effectively in a team and be open to feedback

Continuous Learning

• Commitment to staying up-to-date with the latest Salesforce technologies, best practices, and industry trends

Other Key Skills

• Hands-on experience with scripting languages like MySQL, JavaScript, Apex, Native, and Visualforce
• Fundamental object-oriented programming techniques
• Implementing unit tests and following Test-Driven Development (TDD) principles
• Using version control systems to manage the codebase effectively
• Maintaining clear and up-to-date documentation for code and applications

By possessing these technical, problem-solving, communication, and continuous learning skills, Salesforce Developers can create innovative, tailored solutions that help organizations maximize the value of their Salesforce investment and drive business success.

What are some common tools used by Salesforce Developers?

Some common tools used by Salesforce Developers include:

Salesforce’s Native Tools

• Apex for writing custom server-side logic
• Visualforce for building custom user interfaces
• Lightning Components for building reusable UI components
• Developer Console for debugging, testing, and deploying code

Integrated Development Environments (IDEs)

• Salesforce DX (Salesforce Developer Experience) for building, testing, and deploying applications
• Visual Studio Code with Salesforce extensions for a powerful IDE experience

Version Control Systems

• Git for tracking changes and collaborating on code
• GitHub for hosting and managing Git repositories

Deployment and Release Management Tools

• Gearset for managing deployments and releases
• Copado for DevOps and release management

Testing Tools

• Apex Testing framework for unit testing Apex code
• Selenium for browser automation and UI testing

Integration Tools

• Mulesoft for integrating Salesforce with external systems
• Jitterbit for building custom integrations

Productivity Tools

• Dropbox Sign for embedding eSignature functionality into Salesforce applications
• Weave for creating custom Salesforce reports and dashboards

How to find a job as a Salesforce Developer?

Here are some tips for finding a job as a Salesforce Developer:

Develop the Required Skills

• Gain proficiency in Salesforce’s programming languages like Apex, Visualforce, and Lightning Components
• Learn web development technologies such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript
• Understand Salesforce APIs and integration patterns
• Master data modeling and database design principles
• Familiarize yourself with Salesforce’s security and sharing models

Build a Strong Portfolio

• Contribute to open-source projects or create your own applications to showcase your skills
• Participate in Salesforce developer communities and hackathons to gain experience and visibility
• Earn Salesforce certifications to validate your expertise

Network and Engage with the Community

• Attend local Salesforce user group meetings and conferences to connect with potential employers
• Engage with Salesforce developers on forums like the Salesforce Developer Community
• Reach out to Salesforce consulting partners and agencies for potential job opportunities

Optimize Your Resume and Online Presence

• Highlight your Salesforce development experience, skills, and certifications on your resume
• Create a professional online profile on platforms like LinkedIn and GitHub to showcase your work
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to each job application, emphasizing how your skills match the job requirements

Search for Job Openings

• Check job boards like Indeed, Glassdoor, and LinkedIn for Salesforce developer job listings
• Visit Salesforce’s job board and search for openings at Salesforce-certified consulting partners
• Reach out to Salesforce recruiters and staffing agencies for potential job opportunities

Is it possible to work remotely as a Salesforce Developer?

Yes, it is possible to work remotely as a Salesforce Developer. There are many job opportunities available for remote Salesforce Developer positions.

What is the job outlook for Salesforce Developers?

The job outlook for Salesforce Developers is very positive, with strong demand and growth projected in the coming years:

• Salesforce developer job growth is projected to grow 21% from 2018 to 2028, with about 284,100 new jobs expected over the next decade.
• There are currently over 6,349 Salesforce developers employed in the United States, with 82,312 active job openings.
• The average Salesforce Developer salary is $98,375 per year, with salaries increasing 10% in the last 5 years.
• Experienced Salesforce Developers are in high demand, with average salaries ranging from $120,000 to $150,000 per year.

While the job market is competitive, especially for entry-level roles, Salesforce Developer positions remain in high demand compared to other Salesforce roles like Administrators and Consultants. Larger companies and consulting firms are actively seeking to hire junior Salesforce Developers.

What are the average salaries for Salesforce Developers?

The average salaries for Salesforce Developers in the United States are:

• $92,654 per year on average, with salaries ranging from $60,000 to $128,000 per year
• $113,422 per year on average, with additional cash compensation of $10,979 and a total average compensation of $124,401
• $120,000 to $150,000 per year on average for experienced Salesforce Developers

The average salary can vary based on factors such as:

• Years of experience: Entry-level Salesforce Developers earn around $71,551 per year on average, while experienced Salesforce Developers can earn over $100,000 per year
• Location: Salaries tend to be higher in cities like Seattle ($99,996 on average) and San Francisco ($136,767 on average)
• Company size: Salesforce Developers at companies with 1,000+ employees earn $121,409 on average

Salesforce Developers with strong skills in areas like integration patterns, coding standards, and best practices tend to have higher salaries. Earning Salesforce certifications can also help boost earning potential.