6 Steps you must take to become a Salesforce developer

Introduction

In today’s digital-first world, Salesforce developers are among the most in-demand tech professionals. Whether you’ve seen ads like “Salesforce training near me” or researched the best Salesforce admin course, chances are you’ve recognized Salesforce as a gateway to a rewarding and well-paying career. With companies worldwide adopting CRM systems, the need for skilled Salesforce developers continues to skyrocket. According to IDC, the Salesforce ecosystem is expected to create 9.3 million jobs by 2026. So, how can you get started?

In this detailed guide, we outline the six essential steps to become a Salesforce developer, covering everything from foundational knowledge to earning your Salesforce software certification, exploring the Salesforce training cost, and enrolling in Salesforce training online with placement support. We’ll also dive into real-world applications, coding best practices, career growth opportunities, and why this profession is a top choice for aspiring tech talent.

Step 1: Understand What a Salesforce Developer Does

Before jumping into training, it’s crucial to understand the role of a Salesforce developer. These professionals customize Salesforce CRM platforms using programming languages like Apex and Visualforce. They build applications, create workflows, automate processes, and integrate third-party solutions to optimize business operations.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop custom Salesforce applications
• Modify existing CRM workflows
• Use Apex (Java-like language) for back-end logic
• Create user interfaces using Visualforce and Lightning Web Components
• Perform system integration with third-party platforms
• Maintain and improve system performance
• Ensure compliance with security standards

Real-World Example: A Salesforce developer working at a healthcare company might design an app to track patient data across multiple clinics, automating appointment reminders and prescription renewals. In the financial sector, developers often build custom dashboards to help investment advisors manage portfolios.

Understanding these core responsibilities will help you align your learning path and select the best training for Salesforce admin certification as your starting point. It’s not just about coding it’s about problem-solving, consulting, and delivering scalable solutions to business problems.

Step 2: Begin with Salesforce Admin Training

Even though your goal is to become a Salesforce developer, you must start with a solid foundation in the Salesforce ecosystem by taking the best Salesforce admin course available.

Why Start Here?

• You’ll learn to configure the Salesforce environment.
• Understand CRM fundamentals and data models.
• Gain practical experience using Salesforce’s GUI before writing any code.
• Explore object relationships and automation tools like Flows and Process Builders.

Look for Salesforce training with placement, which ensures that you’re not only learning but also getting real-world exposure and job support.

Topics Covered in Admin Training:

• User management
• Workflow automation
• Data security models
• Reports and dashboards
• Object customization
• Permission sets and profiles

Admin training typically takes 4–6 weeks, and many courses include simulation labs, hands-on exercises, and quizzes to test your progress. This foundational phase is key to shaping you into a versatile Salesforce developer.

Step 3: Learn Salesforce Development Languages

After completing your admin training, the next step is to start coding. A Salesforce developer needs to be proficient in Apex, Visualforce, and Lightning Web Components.

Core Skills to Learn:

Apex:

• Syntax similar to Java
• Used to build business logic and triggers
• Supports classes, objects, collections, and DML operations

Visualforce:

• HTML-like markup language
• Used to create custom UI pages in Salesforce
• Enables integration with standard and custom controllers

Lightning Web Components:

• Modern JavaScript-based components
• Offer better performance and user experience
• Follow web standards and reusable design patterns

Hands-On Tip:

Use Trailhead, Salesforce’s free learning platform, and enroll in Salesforce training certification programs with coding practice. Additionally, some advanced training courses also introduce CI/CD pipelines and Git for version control.

Code Snippet Example (Apex):

public class HelloWorld {
    public String sayHello() {
        return 'Hello, Salesforce!';
    }
}

This simple Apex class demonstrates how to write a method in Salesforce’s programming language. You can deploy it via the Developer Console or an integrated IDE like VS Code using the Salesforce Extension Pack.

Step 4: Earn Your Salesforce Developer Certification

Once you’ve gained foundational admin knowledge and development skills, it’s time to validate your expertise with the Salesforce Platform Developer I Certification.

Why Certification Matters:

• Recognized globally by employers
• Increases earning potential
• Proves hands-on expertise
• Makes your resume stand out during job applications

Certification Breakdown:

• Exam Fee: Included in the SFDC certification cost, typically around $200.
• Topics Covered:
  • Apex and Visualforce development
  • Data modeling and management
  • Testing and debugging
  • Integration techniques
  • Lightning Component Framework

Certification isn’t just a formality it’s a career accelerator. According to Salesforce, certified developers earn an average of 25% more than non-certified professionals. Combine this with best IT training and placement in USA programs to amplify your hiring potential.

Step 5: Work on Real-World Projects

Becoming a Salesforce developer is not just about theory it’s about practical application. The best way to gain hands-on experience is by working on real projects.

Ideas for Practice Projects:

• Job Portal App: Create custom objects for Jobs and Candidates.
• Expense Tracker: Use Lightning components to log and visualize expenses.
• Customer Support App: Automate ticket generation and response workflows.
• Property Management App: Manage listings, leases, and tenant inquiries.
• Learning Management System: Track courses, modules, and certification progress

Where to Find Projects:

• Training platforms like H2KInfosys
• Freelance platforms (Upwork, Freelancer)
• GitHub repositories
• Hackathons and Salesforce developer forums

Real-world projects strengthen your grasp on system design, scalability, security, and user experience. Moreover, showcasing these in a portfolio is crucial to attract employers during your Salesforce training with placement program.

Step 6: Apply for Jobs and Keep Learning

After certification and hands-on experience, you’re ready to enter the workforce as a Salesforce developer. But don’t stop learning Salesforce frequently updates its tools.

Job Roles to Target:

• Junior Salesforce Developer
• Salesforce Technical Consultant
• CRM Developer
• AppExchange Developer
• Integration Specialist
• Salesforce Automation Engineer

Tips to Land Your First Role:

• Create a portfolio of projects on GitHub
• Highlight your Salesforce training certification in your resume
• Build a LinkedIn profile with endorsements and badges
• Attend virtual Salesforce events and webinars
• Take mock interviews and join forums

Continued Learning Options:

• Salesforce Platform Developer II Certification
• Specialized tracks: Marketing Cloud, Service Cloud, CPQ
• AI integrations with Einstein GPT
• Mobile SDK Development

A successful Salesforce developer knows that learning never ends. Stay ahead by embracing new technologies within the Salesforce ecosystem.

Salesforce Developer Career Outlook

Here’s why now is the perfect time to become a Salesforce developer:

• Job Growth: According to Glassdoor, there are over 30,000 Salesforce-related job listings monthly in the U.S. alone.
• High Pay: Entry-level Salesforce developers earn $80,000–$100,000 annually.
• Global Demand: Salesforce skills are in demand across the globe, not just in the USA.
• Versatility: Roles available in sectors such as healthcare, finance, retail, and education

Additionally, a well-structured training program with Salesforce training with placement can significantly shorten your job search timeline.

Cost of Becoming a Salesforce Developer

Understanding the Salesforce training cost is key for planning. Here’s a quick breakdown:

Estimated Costs:

• Salesforce Admin Course: $300–$700
• Salesforce Developer Course: $500–$1,000
• Certification Exams: $200–$400
• Practice Projects & Tools: Free or subscription-based
• IDE and Plugins: Free (e.g., VS Code with Salesforce extensions)

Total investment: ~$1,000–$2,000

This cost is minimal when compared to the long-term salary and job security a Salesforce developer enjoys. H2KInfosys offers programs designed to provide high ROI, combining flexibility, mentorship, and hands-on learning.

Real-World Example: Career Journey

Priya, a computer science graduate, searched for “Salesforce training near me” and enrolled in a Salesforce training online course from H2KInfosys. She completed the best Salesforce admin course, learned Apex through hands-on modules, and earned her Salesforce training certification. Today, she works as a Salesforce developer at a top U.S. tech firm, earning six figures.

Jason, a marketing analyst, pivoted into tech by investing in the best IT training and placement in USA. With no coding background, he started from scratch, completed his SFDC certification, and is now a full-time Salesforce developer specializing in Sales Cloud implementations.

Their stories prove that with the right steps and training, anyone can become a successful Salesforce developer.

Key Takeaways

• Becoming a Salesforce developer is a step-by-step process that starts with admin training and ends with real-world projects and certification.
• Opt for programs that combine learning with placement, especially those offering the best IT training and placement in USA.
• Understand the total Salesforce training cost upfront and plan your budget accordingly.
• Use keyword searches like “Salesforce training near me” or “Salesforce training online” to find credible options.
• Don’t underestimate the power of certification and hands-on experience.

Conclusion: Your Future Starts Now

The demand for Salesforce developers is rising fast. If you’re serious about building a future-proof career, start today. Enroll in H2KInfosys’ industry-recognized Salesforce courses for hands-on training, certification prep, and expert placement assistance.

Take the first step toward becoming a certified Salesforce developer. Learn, build, and succeed with H2KInfosys.