How Much Does a Salesforce Developer Cost for a Business?

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May 22, 2025
3 min
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Event Details

October 14th - 16th,
2025

Moscone Center,
San Francisco

Intro

As more companies invest in custom CRM solutions, one question continues to come up: How much does a Salesforce developer really cost?

The short answer? It depends. The Salesforce developer cost varies widely based on experience level, location, certifications, and project complexity. But in 2025, with the growing demand for Salesforce talent, it’s more important than ever to understand what you’re paying for—and what to expect in return.

Whether you're building a custom app, integrating third-party tools, or optimizing your Salesforce org for performance, knowing the market rate helps you budget smartly and hire confidently.

What Does a Salesforce Developer Do?

Before we break down costs, let’s be clear on the value. A Salesforce developer is responsible for customizing and extending the Salesforce platform through coding, automation, integrations, and more. They work with Apex (Salesforce’s proprietary programming language), Visualforce, Lightning Web Components, and REST/SOAP APIs.

In a nutshell, they transform Salesforce from a standard CRM into a fully tailored business engine—streamlining processes, enhancing user experience, and driving measurable ROI.

What Is the Average Salesforce Developer Cost?

Let’s get into the numbers. According to data from Glassdoor, Talent.com, and Upwork, here are the most current Salesforce developer cost estimates:

Full-Time (U.S. Based)

  • Entry-level Salesforce developer: $90,000 – $110,000/year

  • Mid-level developer (2-4 years): $115,000 – $135,000/year

  • Senior developer or architect: $140,000 – $170,000/year+

Freelance Salesforce Developer Cost

  • Entry-level freelancer: $35 – $60/hour

  • Experienced freelancer: $70 – $110/hour

  • Specialized or certified experts: $120 – $180/hour

Offshore Developer Rates

  • India, Eastern Europe, Latin America: $25 – $60/hour
    Keep in mind that while offshore developers often offer lower rates, you’ll want to factor in potential time zone delays, language barriers, and code quality oversight.

What Impacts Salesforce Developer Cost?

Several factors influence how much you’ll pay for a Salesforce developer. Here’s what drives pricing:

1. Certifications and Specializations

A certified Salesforce developer typically commands a higher rate—but for good reason. Certifications like Platform Developer I & II, Salesforce Integration Architecture Designer, or OmniStudio Developer signal deep technical knowledge and up-to-date training.

If you’re working on a complex integration or need someone familiar with Financial Services Cloud, for example, expect to pay a premium.

2. Scope of Work

Is this a short-term project or a long-term engagement? A small automation build costs significantly less than a full Salesforce overhaul with multiple systems connected.

Basic customization work might only take 20–30 hours, while a large-scale CRM rebuild can require 200+ hours over several months. Understanding your scope will help estimate your total Salesforce developer cost accurately.

3. Onshore vs Offshore

As mentioned earlier, geography matters. Hiring in the U.S. gives you real-time communication, familiarity with local compliance, and easier collaboration. Offshore can save money but may require more oversight and testing.

4. Full-Time vs Project-Based

Hiring a full-time employee comes with salary, benefits, and overhead. Freelancers and agencies offer flexibility, making them ideal for short-term or specialized work without long-term commitments.

Is It Worth the Investment?

Absolutely. A skilled developer doesn’t just write code—they optimize how your business operates. With better automation, more efficient workflows, and accurate reporting, the right Salesforce implementation pays for itself in reduced admin time and improved customer experience.

Still, understanding the Salesforce developer cost upfront helps you choose the right talent for your budget and business goals.

How BKONECT Can Help

At BKONECT, we connect businesses with certified, experienced Salesforce developers who deliver real results. Whether you need a dedicated team for an enterprise rollout or a part-time expert for ongoing improvements, we help you navigate the hiring process with clarity and confidence.

We offer flexible engagement models—hourly, project-based, or fully managed solutions—so you can control costs while still getting high-quality development. Every BKONECT developer is vetted for skill, professionalism, and business impact.

Let us help you match your goals with the right talent—without overpaying or compromising on quality.