If the Salesforce Architect role is a goal of yours but you’re not quite clear on the differences between the types of Architect that you hear about, we discuss the general differences we tend to find in the market. It can be quite a fluid area of expertise as the role titles are quite a personal interpretation and are sometimes used interchangeably. You’ll always find exceptions, such as very technical Solution Architects, but the below is a broad breakdown between the three:
Salesforce Technical Architects are the technical wizards and are like the chief engineer or master builder in the team and are responsible for designing and implementing technical solutions on the Salesforce platform. They have a deep understanding of Salesforce’s architecture, configuration options, and development capabilities. Their primary focus is to provide technical guidance and ensure the solution aligns with best practices. They’re experts in data, integrations, security, and making sure everything runs smoothly.
Salesforce Solution Architects are the problem-solvers, who provide “solutions”. They specialise in analysing business challenges, considering the business needs, gathering requirements and piecing together the right Salesforce solutions that align with the organisation, a bit like solving a complex puzzle. They work closely with different people to figure out the issues and then come up with high-level plans to solve those problems. They consider things like scalability, user experience, and data integrity and work closely with the technical team.
Salesforce Program Architects take a more big picture approach, providing strategic planning and overseeing, like an orchestra conductor. Co-ordination can be needed across entire Salesforce programs or projects, and can be very complex. They ensure that all of the different parts work together harmoniously and align with the organisation’s strategic goals, similar to how a conductor coordinates the different sections of an orchestra. They ensure that the program’s solutions adhere to best practices, standards, and security requirements. Program Architects tend to have a broad understanding of Salesforce’s ecosystem and will often work on very large and complex transformations.
What qualities make a good Architect?
- Strategic thinking
- Design and problem-solving abilities
- Technical expertise
- Communication and collaboration skills
- Leadership skills and confident decision-making
- Enjoy continuous learning
Do the three Architect roles work together?
Yes, the three roles of Salesforce Technical Architect, Solution Architect, and Program Architect often work together collaboratively to ensure the success of Salesforce projects and programs. Their areas of expertise complement each other, and they contribute to different aspects of the project lifecycle.
Would you find all three roles in both end users and consultancies?
Yes, you can find Salesforce Technical Architect, Solution Architect, and Program Architect roles in both end user organisations and Salesforce partners. You’ll often find Program Architects working at Salesforce itself, perhaps having been a Technical or Solution Architect in the past.
Which type of Architect typically earns the most?
Salesforce Technical Architects tend to have a very good earning potential. This is because Technical Architects have a deep technical expertise and often require a strong combination of Salesforce knowledge, software development skills, and implementation experience.
Solution Architects have a strong understanding of Salesforce products and capabilities and their salaries can also be very competitive, often in line with a Technical Architect. Individual salaries or rates for both depend largely on the organisation and their personal cicumstances.
Program Architects, being more focused on strategic oversight and program management may have salary ranges that sit the highest of the Architect space.
You can access data around where Architects would most like to work, which benefits are of value to them and what they think of flexible working amongst a host of other things in our most recent Salesforce salary survey, you can access it here.
We have helped many, many Architects of all types secure fantastic opportunities at Talent Hub, and sourced talent for many organisations and so if you’d like to chat further then reach out to Ben at ben.duncombe@talent-hub.com
