In 2024, demand for Salesforce talent declined by 37% year-over-year, showing an improvement over 2023’s 46% drop. However, Salesforce Admins have faced a particularly challenging market, with established regions – accounting for 90% of overall demand – experiencing a 28% decline in admin roles.
According to our salary survey, 88% of Salesforce Admins reported that the job market has been tougher than in previous years, and 33.9% noted a decline in admin salaries.
Despite these challenges, positive trends are emerging as the market begins to stabilize:
- The number of Salesforce partners has increased by 20% year-over-year.
- 57.6% of Salesforce Admins feel their salary is fair and equal compared to others in the same role.
- 67.4% of admins received a pay rise last year in their current role.
So, what do Salesforce Admin salaries currently look like? What factors impact your earning potential, and how can you increase your salary? Let’s dive in…
Average Salesforce Admin Salaries
The following salary figures represent the average salaries for Salesforce Administrators based on our recent survey of over 3,500 respondents across 95 countries and more than 20 industries. If you would like full data for all roles – including junior, intermediate, senior, and director-level positions – download the full report.
North America
| Junior (less than 2 years) | Intermediate (3-5 years) | Senior (5+ years) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| US ($) | $75,273 | $93,158 | $115,525 |
| Canada (C$) | $74,500 | $83,403 | $105,463 |
Europe
| Junior (less than 2 years) | Intermediate (3-5 years) | Senior (5+ years) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| UK (£) | £35,626 | £43,149 | £61,704 |
| France (€) | €49,000 | €62,000 | €83,000 |
| Germany (€) | €49,050 | €53,000 | €63,000 |
| Spain (€) | €30,000 | €42,837 | €60,000 |
| Netherlands (€) | €30,000 | €47,750 | €75,000 |
Asia and Oceania
| Junior (less than 2 years) | Intermediate (3-5 years) | Senior (5+ years) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia (AU$) | $76,250 | $106,200 | $141,042 |
| India (INR₹) | ₹457,200 | ₹742,777 | ₹1,608,666 |
| Philippines (PHP₱) | ₱369,000 | ₱766,000 | ₱2,371,200 |
Key Factors Influencing Salesforce Admin Salaries
Relying on a single salary figure can be misleading without context. Various factors can lead to significant differences in salaries between professionals. In this section, we’ll explore the main factors that can impact your earning potential:
- Experience (Seniority)
- Certifications
- Generalists vs. Specialists
- Location
1. Experience (Seniority)
Experience level is one of the most impactful factors influencing salary. Junior admins with limited experience start on the lower end of the salary range, whereas mid- and senior-level admins who take on more complex responsibilities tend to command higher salaries. Seniority not only reflects years of experience but also hands-on technical expertise and the ability to manage large-scale projects and contribute strategically to an organization. Additionally, according to our salary report, senior professionals are more likely to receive a bonus.
2. Certifications
Earning Salesforce certifications can significantly boost earning potential. Certifications validate technical skills and demonstrate commitment to continuous learning, which many employers find attractive. For example, the Salesforce Certified Advanced Administrator is often associated with higher salaries, and a large percentage of certified admins report salary increases after earning new credentials. However, certifications alone aren’t a guarantee; they’re most effective when combined with relevant experience.
3. Generalists vs. Specialists
Salesforce Admins often begin as generalists but may choose to specialize in specific platforms, like Salesforce CPQ or Marketing Cloud, as they gain experience. Specialists with expertise in niche areas generally see higher salaries, especially when their skills meet unique or high-demand needs within an organization. However, generalists with a broad understanding of multiple Salesforce features can also be highly valuable, particularly in smaller organizations that need adaptable talent.
4. Location
Location is a major salary determinant, as the cost of living and local market demand influence what companies are willing to pay. For instance, in the United States, salaries vary significantly depending on the city, with major tech hubs like San Francisco and New York offering higher wages than smaller cities or rural areas. Demand in your location can also drive salaries, so if there is more demand in your country or location, salaries may be higher as there is more competition. For example, according to 10K, in 2024, overall demand for Salesforce talent (all roles) in India increased by 13% YoY.
How to Increase Your Salesforce Admin Salary
If you want to increase your salary, this section is for you. Here are eight ways to increase your salary:
1. Progress in Your Current Role
Advancing within your current role or becoming a more senior admin can lead to a higher salary, though it may require moving to a larger company if salary growth potential is limited. Some companies, especially small- and medium-sized businesses, may not have the budget to offer significant raises, so exploring opportunities in larger organizations could help boost earnings.
2. Work in the Right Role and Team
Although easier said than done, working in the right environment can help you reach the next level. When it comes to deciding between a solo admin or an admin team, there are both benefits and drawbacks.
| Benefits | Drawbacks | |
|---|---|---|
| Solo Admin | Autonomy over your role, more decision-making power, and a reputation as the Salesforce subject matter expert across the organization. | The org you’ll be working with could restrict the products or use cases you encounter. The budget for additional purchases or development work will likely be restricted. |
| Admin Team | Step up to a mid-level admin fast with the right support. Managers (or more experienced admins) could mentor you and delegate tasks that will stretch your skills, e.g. explaining best practices in a given scenario. | Set clear expectations that you want to be challenged, or risk being ‘pigeon-holed’ by only working on a small part of the whole Salesforce operation. |
A team environment will mean you can venture further into the unknown and still have their support to rely on. Just ensure that you identify the organization’s culture and promotion opportunities first.
Senior admins could work for larger enterprise companies in a product owner position, managing a team or external parties to oversee the development of the Salesforce org. If you are a mid-level solo admin, perhaps consider shooting for a job opportunity that fits that criteria.
3. Become a Specialist
There are several career pathways for Salesforce Administrators that focus on specialized skill sets. Mid-level admins often work with Sales Cloud or a combination of clouds, such as Sales and Service Cloud, which can lead to expertise in areas like CPQ or Salesforce Marketing Cloud.
By developing multi-cloud skills, you can differentiate yourself in the job market. Organizations seeking admins with proficiency in multiple platform areas are often willing to offer higher salaries, particularly for less common combinations of products.
4. Nurture ‘In-Demand’ Skills
In-demand admins have nurtured ‘in-demand’ skills and niches; they’ve focused their time on areas that companies are interested in, such as AI, Data Cloud, DevOps, and Business Analysis.
Data Cloud and AI are a great example. Salesforce announced that its Data Cloud and AI segment experienced remarkable growth of 120% year-over-year, reaching $900M in revenue. Chief Operating Officer, Brian Millham, highlighted this surge as a clear sign of the rising demand for expertise in preparation for the AI transformation. The takeaway is unmistakable: as companies increasingly leverage data and AI to maintain a competitive edge, professionals with these skills will be in high demand as this trend continues to evolve.
5. Get Certified
Certifications often face skepticism – can passing an exam truly prove expertise? While hands-on experience is invaluable, certifications play a key role in expanding your knowledge of Salesforce best practices and demonstrating your commitment to professional growth.
Our survey found that 61.7% of Salesforce Admins hold 1-3 certifications. Increasing your certification count can help set you apart from the competition and, according to our data, is linked to higher salaries.
| Certification Count | Salary |
|---|---|
| None | $72,654 |
| 1-3 | $82,250 |
| 4-6 | $91,621 |
| 7-9 | $109,809 |
| 10-12 | $105,037 |
| 13+ | $112,594 |
As the range of Salesforce certifications continues to expand, passing the Salesforce Administrator exam serves as a gateway to a multitude of advanced certifications. Depending on your interests and career goals, you might consider pursuing:
- AI Specialist
- Business Analyst
- Data Cloud Consultant
While certifications alone may not guarantee a higher salary, they do increase your marketability and open doors to job opportunities that require a demonstrated level of expertise.
6. Transition to an Architect Role
Transitioning from a mid- or senior-level Salesforce Admin to a Solution Architect role can unlock higher earning potential and set you on a path for long-term career growth. While the initial salary jump may not be drastic, this move provides valuable new skills and positions you for advanced, high-paying opportunities down the line.
Our salary survey found that Solution Architects in the US earn an average of $165,248 – a massive 64.08% increase compared to the $100,720 average salary for admins.
If you’re looking for a strategic career move that maximizes your future earnings, becoming a Solution Architect could be the next big step.
7. Transition ‘Sideways’
If you’re looking to increase your salary, consider a lateral move into a higher-paying role – like becoming a Salesforce Business Analyst. Business analysts play a crucial role in day-to-day operations, acting as the bridge between business teams to ensure seamless platform adoption and optimal performance.
Our salary survey found that business analysts often out-earn Salesforce Admins, with an average US salary of $107,865, compared to $100,720 for admins.
Notably, this year’s 10K report highlighted Business Analysts as the only role in established markets to see salary growth, with a 7% increase. Meanwhile, India’s talent supply for this role grew by 45% year-over-year, signaling rising demand globally.
Considering a shift? Now might be the perfect time to explore a high-impact, high-value career path in Salesforce Business Analysis.
8. Change Company Type or Industry
Another path to a higher salary is by transitioning to a higher-paying industry or company type. For instance, working as a Salesforce Admin in a consultancy or a tech-heavy industry often yields higher wages than end-user roles in non-tech fields. Examining salary surveys can help identify industries and companies that typically pay more for Salesforce talent, allowing admins to strategically shift their careers for better compensation.
Summary
The Salesforce Admin job market has had a tough few years, with demand dropping and many admins feeling the impact on salaries. But it’s not all bad news! Things are starting to stabilize, and the data shows that opportunities are still out there. Your salary can vary a lot based on experience, certifications, specialization, and location, so knowing what influences your earning potential is key.
If you’re looking to boost your salary, there are plenty of ways to do it! Moving up in your current role, getting certified, learning in-demand skills like AI and Data Cloud, or even transitioning to a higher-paying role – like Business Analyst or Solution Architect – can all open doors. The job market may be shifting, but with the right skills and strategy, you can stay ahead and thrive.
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