One can’t deny that the Salesforce ecosystem continues to grow, not just in complexity but also in capability. Along with this growth, the platform surges forward, adding AI-driven features and sunsetting legacy tools. The bar has been raised for what’s possible, and as a result, the admin role is more critical (and complex) than ever. Many admins are looking ahead to their next career move. As an admin, it’s inevitable to ask yourself, “What’s the next stepping-stone on my career path?”
The Salesforce Ben Administrator Survey asked admins which roles they most aspire to, and three roles rose to the top.
1. Solution Architect (19.8%)
Chosen by nearly one in five respondents, the Solution Architect looks to be the most coveted next step for Salesforce Admins. It’s an important role that shapes high-impact, enterprise-wide implementations across multiple Salesforce clouds.
A Solution Architect sits at the intersection of business strategy and technical execution, possessing the capability to translate business strategy into scalable technical designs. This includes defining data models, security frameworks, and multi-cloud integration patterns.
While this role shares some overlap with administrators and consultants, the primary job is to translate high-level business requirements into a solidly built and scalable solution that adheres to best practices within the platform.
The Path to Solution Architect
- Certify and apply: B2B or B2C solution architects each have a certification of their own, but the path differs for each due to their prerequisite certifications.
- Shadow and absorb: Sit in on solution reviews or kickoff workshops to learn stakeholder analysis and architecture best practices.
2. Developer (11.2%)
The respondents who aspire for the developer role are usually the ones who thrive on hands-on problem solving. While Salesforce is already highly customizable with declarative development and out-of-the-box features, the Developer role unlocks more customization with Apex, Lightning Web Components, and more sophisticated UI enhancements. You’ll extend the platform beyond declarative limits.
Developers play a key role in building tailored solutions that address complex business needs, especially solutions that simply can’t be achieved with clicks alone. It’s a path that requires a strong technical foundation and coding expertise, but also offers endless opportunities to innovate and grow.
The Path to Developer
- Trailhead deep dive: Tackle the Apex and Advanced Apex Specialist superbadges, or consider taking this class in Trailhead Academy for a more in-depth learning experience.
- Earn that credential: study for and take the Platform Developer I credential.
- Mentorship and contribution: Consider pairing with a seasoned dev or contributing to a Salesforce open-source project to build your portfolio.
3. Technical Architect (8.2%)
Coming in as the third most desired future role, the Technical Architect appeals to those who want to take full ownership of the technical vision. You can consider this the ultimate authority on complex implementations; a role that blends deep technical expertise with strategic oversight and team leadership.
Technical Architects go beyond simply architecting and designing features – they oversee the entire technical foundation of a Salesforce project. Due to their expertise, they can do everything from reviewing Apex and Lightning Web Component code to designing integrations and APIs, which means this could be the best next step for a seasoned Salesforce developer.
The Path to Technical Architect
- Document your wins: Make a case study on an architecture you led, or a project you oversaw, specifically emphasizing design decisions and outcomes.
- Start the CTA journey: Prepare for the Certified Technical Architect certification by taking the prerequisites, mastering multi-cloud solution design, and presenting in internal “mock review” sessions.
4. Freelance Consultant (7.4%)
When you hear the word “freelance”, I’m sure flexibility, autonomy, and variety come to mind. The same must be true for the number of respondents who aspire for the Freelance Consultant role.
This career path opens the door to working with a pretty wide and diverse range of clients, projects, and industries – all on your own terms. Freelancing offers a level of control that traditional roles don’t always provide, so it’s a good choice for those who desire a side hustle or want to transition into full-time independent work.
Typically, freelance consultants specialize in a particular niche. They blend technical Salesforce expertise with project management, client relationships, and implementation know-how. While you wear many hats (like a typical admin), the payoff is the capability to handpick projects that align with your interests and schedule.
The Path to Freelance Consulting
- Niche down: Identify the type of clients you want to accommodate as well as what particular problems you’re best equipped to solve.
- Start small: You can start offering your services on freelance platforms or reach out to smaller local businesses that you feel might benefit from Salesforce.
- Build your own branding: Create your own portfolio site to showcase your skills. If you have any positive feedback from people you’ve previously worked with, collect their testimonials and market yourself through LinkedIn or other community groups.
5. CRM Manager (7.1%)
Some admins enjoy the hands-on aspect of building and configuring an org, while others find joy in handling the strategic side of Salesforce. This is the primary role of a CRM Manager in Salesforce – taking ownership of how it can support the entire business. The focus is less on the specifics of building and configuration and more on shaping the overall CRM strategy, such as analyzing how Salesforce is used, adopted, and maximized across departments.
A CRM Manager handles all relationships, systems, and outcomes, meaning close collaboration with other departments – like sales, marketing, and service teams – will ensure the platform can drive the business onward to its goals.
The role may not be tied to any specific section of the platform, but that broad scope does not make it any less technical. In fact, CRM Managers should have hands-on experience (typically that of an admin) as they are expected to have solid platform knowledge and a deep understanding of how it all fits together.
The Path to CRM Manager
- Think big picture: If you’re currently an admin, expand your mindset and look beyond your specific admin tasks. Shift your perspective and see how Salesforce ties into business KPIs or overall cross-functional processes. Ask yourself: How does what I build impact sales performance, customer satisfaction, or executive reporting?
- Get stakeholder-savvy: CRM Managers are often considered the bridge between technical teams and business stakeholders. Hone and develop your communication or presentation skills so you can confidently work with leadership and different business units.
6. Roles Outside the Salesforce Ecosystem (6.7%)
The top five answers prove that many admins see their next step within the Salesforce ecosystem, but with this coming in at 6th place, it seems a small (but notable) percentage are looking away from it. This path is perfect for those who are curious and ready for a bigger shift. There’s honestly a whole sea of possibilities outside the ecosystem – anything from data analytics to product management – or even something completely unrelated (like nursing or acting).
However, the admins who chose this answer are probably not completely abandoning their Salesforce experience. Rather, they’re using it as a launchpad into roles where their problem-solving and critical thinking skills would still be highly valued. After all, roles outside Salesforce don’t necessarily mean leaving behind everything you’ve learned. It’s more about taking that knowledge and applying it in a different setting or context.
There are several possibilities to jump into: there’s data analytics, product management, and UX design, just to mention a few. These are paths that can still benefit from a solid understanding of systems, user needs, business processes, or troubleshooting, all of which are areas where experienced Salesforce admins naturally excel.
The Path to Other Roles
- Talk to people who’ve made the leap: There may not be many, but try to seek out others who’ve transitioned out of Salesforce-specific roles. Maybe it’s time to catch up with former colleagues or explore stories shared in professional communities like LinkedIn (or even Reddit). Their stories can provide direction and reassurance, or even practical tips that can help you feel more confident with the move.
- Identify your transferable skills: Start by listing what you’re good at, then map those skills to other career paths where they are in demand.
- Upskill in adjacent areas: This could be your chance to explore complementary tools or platforms.
Final Thoughts
You could be an admin drawn to either big-picture solution design, hands-on development, or leading enterprise-level technical strategy. Whatever it may be, these roles represent different paths that offer exciting and achievable next steps for Salesforce admins who are ready to level up their careers.
The SF Ben Salesforce Admin Survey only proves how many admins view these roles as natural progressions because they build on the problem-solving, stakeholder management, and platform expertise they use every day.
With the growing complexity of Salesforce and increased expectations on admins, it’s no surprise that many are seeking roles where they can specialize, take on greater technical ownership, or drive org-wide change. How about you? What is your ultimate dream role? Let us know in the comments!
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