What does a Salesforce Administrator do?
A salesforce administrator is considered the gatekeeper for the marketing data and sales of their employer. The administrators create each user account and identify the proper data access level based on the role of the employees within the company. They perform tasks that help users create reports and reset their passwords for data quality, additional fields, and running of backups. It is also their job to handle the sales and service cloud applications for businesses. They are also business leaders with deep knowledge of the operation of their company.
Salesforce administrator responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real salesforce administrator resumes:
- Used python scripting for the manual deployment and Jenkins to automate the deployment process.
- Manage configuration and troubleshooting of DNS and e-mail environments.
- Used asynchronous Metadata API to manage setup and customization information.
- Establish operating policies and procedures and attain SNF Medicare certification.
- Follow ITIL best practices for configuring and managing Incident/Change management process.
- Manage design, development, implementation, release and deployment of web-base applications/solutions involving Java, web and databases.
- Used J2EE to provide an API and to create enterprise software including web services.
- Used SOQL queries in apex triggers, controllers, batch and schedule classes and written aggregate queries.
- Design HTML email templates for mass emailing and used HTML email status report to track email stats.
- Develop the GUI of the system using HTML, JSP and client-side validations are done using JavaScript.
- Develop UI for business users to establish parent/child relationship between records and to display it in tree view using JQuery.
- Used JavaScript, jQuery for client-side validations and implementing custom pagination using data-tables.
- Introduce all PC applications to clients.
- Set up systems using DHCP and static IP addresses.
- Provide VPN training in a classroom environment to hundreds of users.
Salesforce administrator skills and personality traits
We calculated that 12% of Salesforce Administrators are proficient in Dashboards, Apex, and Custom Objects. They’re also known for soft skills such as Detail oriented, Creativity, and Interpersonal skills.
We break down the percentage of Salesforce Administrators that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Dashboards, 12%
Developed several Custom Reports & Dashboards to better assist managers and also report folder to provide report accessibility to appropriate personnel.
- Apex, 7%
Migrated data using Apex Data-loader to centralize data and processes across different divisions that were previously using decentralized systems / databases.
- Custom Objects, 7%
Project involved sales and support functionality, mostly customization of standard objects with some additional custom objects.
- Workflow Rules, 6%
Worked with management, operations and end-users to create and manage over 100 complex workflow rules, data validation and triggers.
- SFDC, 4%
Performed detailed analysis of business and technical requirements and designed the solution by customizing various standard objects of SFDC.
- Validation Rules, 4%
Implemented validation rules, assignment rules and Approval Process to ensure proper authorization and avoid data redundancy.
Most salesforce administrators use their skills in "dashboards," "apex," and "custom objects" to do their jobs. You can find more detail on essential salesforce administrator responsibilities here:
Detail oriented. One of the key soft skills for a salesforce administrator to have is detail oriented. You can see how this relates to what salesforce administrators do because "working with databases requires an understanding of complex systems, in which a minor error can cause major problems." Additionally, a salesforce administrator resume shows how salesforce administrators use detail oriented: "integrated product details between sfdc crm with client's order management application using apex web services. "
Analytical skills. Another skill commonly found on salesforce administrator job descriptions is "analytical skills." It can come up quite often in salesforce administrator duties, since "dbas must monitor a database system’s performance to determine when action is needed." Here's an example from a resume of how this skill fits into day-to-day salesforce administrator responsibilities: "customized email templates and used different error handling techniques to handle the data and send emails depending on the requirement. "
The three companies that hire the most salesforce administrators are:
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Compare different salesforce administrators
Salesforce administrator vs. Data modeler
A data modeler is responsible for designing and creating network systems and applications for efficient and secured data storage solutions. Data modelers work closely with the data management team to identify business needs and execute data modeling techniques for comprehensive analysis. They also strategize in improving existing data systems, upgrading infrastructure, and configuring information for compatibility with every business unit. A data modeler must have excellent technical skills, as well as a strong command of programming languages to modify and optimize data models for smooth navigation and access.
There are some key differences in the responsibilities of each position. For example, salesforce administrator responsibilities require skills like "dashboards," "apex," "custom objects," and "workflow rules." Meanwhile a typical data modeler has skills in areas such as "etl," "data analysis," "data architecture," and "physical data models." This difference in skills reveals the differences in what each career does.
Data modelers really shine in the pharmaceutical industry with an average salary of $115,205. Comparatively, salesforce administrators tend to make the most money in the finance industry with an average salary of $100,809.data modelers tend to reach higher levels of education than salesforce administrators. In fact, data modelers are 9.1% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 1.0% more likely to have a Doctoral Degree.Salesforce administrator vs. Database specialist
A database specialist is responsible for ensuring the safety and security of the databases to maintain the confidentiality of data. Database specialists determine business requirements and manage multiple operating systems to build the database's efficient structures and feasibility. They also install security protection software tools and programs to prevent unauthorized access and potential leak of restricted information. A database specialist coordinates with the system engineers to improve existing databases and upgrade the network infrastructure for optimization.
In addition to the difference in salary, there are some other key differences worth noting. For example, salesforce administrator responsibilities are more likely to require skills like "dashboards," "apex," "custom objects," and "workflow rules." Meanwhile, a database specialist has duties that require skills in areas such as "database management," "database design," "database administration," and "windows." These differences highlight just how different the day-to-day in each role looks.
Database specialists earn a lower average salary than salesforce administrators. But database specialists earn the highest pay in the finance industry, with an average salary of $95,518. Additionally, salesforce administrators earn the highest salaries in the finance with average pay of $100,809 annually.In general, database specialists achieve lower levels of education than salesforce administrators. They're 5.9% less likely to obtain a Master's Degree while being 1.0% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Salesforce administrator vs. Database manager
A database developer/database administrator specializes in designing and developing database programs and systems, maintaining and updating them regularly. They are in charge of understanding project needs and guidelines, establishing and implementing test systems to identify potential risks and issues, fixing and upgrading components, and storing data according to protocols. They may also produce and present reports to managers and participate in creating security and recovery plans to protect company data. Moreover, as a database developer/database administrator, it is vital to be proactive at dealing with issues while adhering to company standards.
The required skills of the two careers differ considerably. For example, salesforce administrators are more likely to have skills like "dashboards," "apex," "custom objects," and "workflow rules." But a database manager is more likely to have skills like "data management," "data entry," "sql server," and "project management."
Database managers make a very good living in the professional industry with an average annual salary of $104,998. On the other hand, salesforce administrators are paid the highest salary in the finance industry, with average annual pay of $100,809.When it comes to education, database managers tend to earn similar degree levels compared to salesforce administrators. In fact, they're 3.4% less likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 1.3% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Salesforce administrator vs. Database engineer
A database engineer is responsible for maintaining the security of an organization's network databases, preventing unauthorized access and activities, and upgrading data infrastructure. Database engineers manage the volume of stored data, ensuring that the information would not affect the traffic flow and navigation. They also design database according to business requirements and needs, conducting multiple quality checks before releasing the final outputs for high functionality. A database engineer must have excellent technical skills, as well as extensive knowledge of programming languages and database administration, to create efficient system networks.
Types of salesforce administrator
Updated January 8, 2025
