As the Salesforce ecosystem continues to grow, so do the demands on its architects. In 2025, technical knowledge alone isn’t enough. Architects are now expected to blend strategic thinking, hands-on execution, and strong communication to deliver scalable, business-aligned solutions. But which skills truly set successful architects apart?
In this article, we break down the latest data from the SF Ben Architect survey to uncover which skills matter most today — and which ones are less critical than you might think.
The Salesforce Architect Landscape in 2025
It’s 2025, and the Salesforce Architect role continues to evolve at pace. As the ecosystem matures, so too do the expectations placed on architects, especially in terms of skills that go beyond just technical proficiency.
Our SF Ben Architect survey paints a revealing picture. While 65.5% of architects reported being satisfied or somewhat satisfied with their current skill levels, the data also shows a divide across role types. Enterprise Architects, Program Architects, and Technical Architects lead in satisfaction. They’re typically positioned to drive strategic decisions and often have broad visibility across the Salesforce stack.
However, not all architects feel as confident. Data Architects, Solution Architects, and Integration Architects report comparatively lower satisfaction with their skills. This doesn’t point to dissatisfaction overall. Rather, it highlights that these architects may be grappling with rapidly shifting expectations or broader responsibilities in their roles.
Despite these variances, one thing is consistent. A staggering 94.4% of architects still do hands-on work, either regularly or to some extent. The idea that architects step back from the keyboard has not materialized. Instead, architects today are expected to bridge strategy and execution. They are hands-on problem solvers as much as they are visionaries.
So what skills matter most in 2025? Surprisingly, coding takes a back seat.
1. Communication Skills
With an average score of 4.7 out of 5, communication is considered the most essential skill for Salesforce Architects. Whether it’s leading stakeholder discussions, translating technical concepts for business teams, or driving alignment across cross-functional groups, the ability to communicate effectively is non-negotiable.
“It’s really interesting to see that Communication scores incredibly highly, with Diagramming skills second.
Being an architect is sometimes like being a teacher; we have to take complex information and present it in a way that is most easily understood by the audience.
That can mean high-level capability maps that allow senior leadership to understand trade-offs and make decisions, or solution diagrams that are detailed enough that the development team can understand how the solution should be developed.” Michael Spencer, Senior Salesforce Solutions Architect, Desynit
2. Diagramming Skills
Visual storytelling matters. At 4.1 out of 5, diagramming is ranked just behind communication. It helps architects express complex ideas simply and build shared understanding quickly. Whether using Lucidchart, Visio, or other tools, the ability to convey architecture visually has become a core competency.
3. Low-Code Skills
Low-code tools continue to shape how solutions are designed and delivered. Scoring 3.8 out of 5, low-code skills now outrank both project management and DevOps capabilities. Architects are expected to be familiar with Flow, App Builder, and other declarative tools to guide their teams effectively.
4. Project Management Skills
With a score of 3.6 out of 5, project management remains a valuable skill for architects, particularly for those working in complex or multi-cloud environments. Architects are often called upon to align technical decisions with delivery timelines, resource constraints, and stakeholder priorities. A basic understanding of agile methodologies, risk management, and scope control can make a meaningful difference.
5. DevOps Skills
DevOps came in at 3.4 out of 5. While it’s not at the top of the list, having a working knowledge of CI/CD tools, sandbox management, and deployment strategies is increasingly useful. Architects don’t need to build pipelines themselves, but they should be able to collaborate effectively with DevOps teams and design with operational sustainability in mind.
6. Coding Skills
At 3.1 out of 5, coding is the lowest-rated skill for Salesforce Architects. This does not mean coding is irrelevant. It simply means that in today’s environment, architects are expected to focus more on vision, enablement, and strategy. They need to know enough to guide developers, but their value lies in making the entire solution work, not writing every line of Apex themselves.
Summary
If you’re a Salesforce Architect or aspiring to become one, focus your energy where it counts. Invest in your communication skills. Practice explaining complex topics in simple terms. Spend time diagramming your ideas before jumping into the build. Strengthen your grasp of low-code tools so you can lead effectively without needing to code everything yourself.
Most importantly, don’t underestimate the value of soft skills. As the data shows, the best architects are not just technical experts. They are collaborators, communicators, and connectors. That’s where the real impact lies in 2025.
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