Navigating Salary Expectations in 2025: A Guide for Salesforce Talent and Employers

As we hurtle towards the end of the calendar year, inevitably, we’re fielding many valid queries around what the next 12 months will look like:

“Will the market pick up?” “ Should I wait to change roles?” “Is it the right to negotiate my contract?” “What should my salary expectations be like?”

Firstly, there’s no use sugarcoating it — it’s been a year of ups and downs in the Salesforce ecosystem. The uncertainty we’ve been working through hasn’t quite resolved itself fully yet.

But there is a silver lining: there are real signs of growth next year, with Salesforce currently going on a hiring spree in Australia, and from our current pipeline of jobs we are working on, a much more positive outlook exists collectively than what was apparently around mid-year.

Getting the lay of the land

So, whether you’re a Salesforce professional or an employer, understanding current salary trends and setting realistic expectations is a very worthy exercise at this point in the year.?

From my perspective, an interesting trend (but not a particularly welcome one if you’re a candidate!)? is that after the crazy run of high salaries post-pandemic, we are currently experiencing a period of adjustment back to pre-pandemic salary levels.

Here's a short (but comprehensive) guide to help you navigate the landscape.

Salary Benchmarks for Key Roles in Australia for 2025

What does your skills and experience command? Based on recent data, here are the average salary ranges for core Salesforce roles across Australia ($AUD):

Salesforce Administrator

• 0-2 years: $70,000–$100,000
• 2-4 years: $100,000–$130,000
• 4+ years: $130,000–$140,000

Salesforce Developer

• 0-2 years: $80,000–$100,000
• 2-4 years: $100,000–$130,000
• 4+ years: $130,000–$150,000+

Salesforce Consultant

• 0-2 years: $90,000–$110,000
• 2-4 years: $110,000–$130,000
• 4+ years: $130,000–$160,000

Salesforce Technical Architect

• 0-2 years: $160,000–$170,000
• 2-4 years: $170,000–$200,000
• 4+ years: $200,000–$250,000+

Salesforce Solution Architect

• 0-2 years: $160,000–$170,000
• 2-4 years: $170,000–$190,000
• 4+ years: $190,000–$220,000

Salesforce Business Analyst

• 0-2 years: $90,000–$110,000
• 2-4 years: $110,000–$140,000
• 4+ years: $140,000–$160,000+

Salaries can vary depending on factors like location, certifications, and industry. Professionals in Sydney and Melbourne often command higher pay due to increased demand and cost of living pressures.

For Employers: Setting Competitive Salaries

If you’re an employer, what should you consider when attracting top-tier Salesforce talent??

1. Understand Market Dynamics: Research salaries for specific roles and experience levels within your region. Offering below-market rates risks losing candidates to competitors.
2. Factor in Certifications: Candidates with advanced certifications, like Application and System Architect certifications or Platform Developer II, can sometimes justify higher salaries. Consider investing in training programs for existing staff to close skills gaps.
3. Provide Non-Monetary Benefits: Flexible work arrangements, professional development opportunities, and clear career progression paths are increasingly attractive to candidates.
4. Stay Agile: As demand continues to evolve, remain flexible with budgets and prepared to adjust offers quickly.

For Job Seekers: Maximising Your Earning Potential

If you’re in the market for a new role or are just entering the Salesforce ecosystem, there are some core considerations you should get across before jumping in:

1. Build Your Certifications: There are something like 40 Salesforce Certifications you can currently get. As a newbie, focus on certifications in the administrator or platform app builder area. For others look into industry cloud certifications, specific product certifications, and for experienced candidates, look into design and architect certifications.
2. Showcase Experience: Highlight specific projects, such as successful implementations or integrations, that demonstrate your value.
3. Research Regional Trends: Know the going rates in your city or region and tailor salary negotiations accordingly.
4. Negotiate Wisely: Articulate how your skills align with the organisation's goals. Be prepared to discuss salary, but also consider perks like remote work or additional leave.

Looking Ahead

While it’s been a tougher than normal year for many in our industry, the Salesforce market in Australia is poised for continued growth. This is driven by the advent of new tech (AI/data integration) and ever-increasing adoption across industries like finance, retail, and healthcare.?

From our perspective, we wouldn’t be surprised to see salaries start to level out or rise modestly in 2025 as competition for experienced talent intensifies and business investment begins its climb out of this quiet period.?

So, whether you’re hiring or seeking new opportunities, staying informed and flexible is the key to navigating this dynamic ecosystem.

At CalibrX, we specialise in connecting top Salesforce professionals with leading employers.?

Ready to explore opportunities for 2025? Contact us to take the next step in your Salesforce journey.

- Garth