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What is a project manager/scrum master and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read
Quoted expert
Nicole Jones Young Ph.D.
introduction image

As a project manager, you are in charge of overseeing and planning projects to ensure they are completed in time and within budget. You are also responsible for determining project objectives and scope. About this, you must predict the resources needed to reach objectives and also manage the resources effectively and efficiently. To know the total cost of a project, you must prepare the budget based on the scope of work and resource requirements. With this knowledge, you are to track project costs to meet the budget estimate.

You should also provide project updates consistently to several stakeholders about progress, adjustments, and strategy. Your responsibility involves managing suppliers and vendors by communicating expected deliveries and assigning tasks. You are to use the best techniques, equipment, and standard throughout the entire project execution. Throughout the project execution, you must monitor progress and make necessary adjustments. In essence, you are in charge of measuring project performance to identify an area of improvement.

The basic skills needed are excellent analytical skills, strong interpersonal skills, the ability to solve problems easily, and experience in project management. The average salary of a project manager yearly is $78,087. To become a qualified candidate for this job, you must have a bachelor's degree in Computer Science or other related fields.

What general advice would you give to a project manager/scrum master?

Nicole Jones Young Ph.D.Nicole Jones Young Ph.D. LinkedIn profile

Assistant Professor of Organizational Behavior, Franklin and Marshall College

Be flexible. The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a lot of uncertainty, but has created new opportunities in others. Staying flexible allows individuals to shift focus away from industries or occupations that may be in decline, and re-focus on employment opportunities that may be more aligned with our current moment.
ScoreProject Manager/Scrum MasterUS Average
Salary
7.4

Avg. Salary $95,047

Avg. Salary $59,228

Diversity
4.1
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.51%

Asian 11.99%

Black or African American 6.24%

Hispanic or Latino 8.82%

Unknown 4.70%

White 67.73%

Gender

female 33.43%

male 66.57%

Age - 43
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 43
Stress level
7.4

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity level
8.5

Complexity level is advanced

7 - challenging

Work life balance
3.7

Work life balance is poor

6.4 - fair

Project manager/scrum master career paths

Key steps to become a project manager/scrum master

  1. Explore project manager/scrum master education requirements

    Most common project manager/scrum master degrees

    Bachelor's

    65.6 %

    Master's

    26.3 %

    Associate

    3.5 %
  2. Start to develop specific project manager/scrum master skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Sprint Planning7.08%
    Jira6.59%
    Scrum Meetings6.55%
    Agile Scrum5.98%
    Software Development4.42%
  3. Complete relevant project manager/scrum master training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of Less than 1 month on post-employment, on-the-job training. New project managers/scrum master learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a project manager/scrum master based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real project manager/scrum master resumes.
  4. Research project manager/scrum master duties and responsibilities

    • Utilize VersionOne to groom backlog, create epics and stories and manage movement through the storyboard.
    • Lead and manage various technical projects in IBM z/OS mainframe, end user UI Java, Linux mid-tier.
    • Manage and supervise adherence to project schedule utilizing JIRA.
    • Manage ERP conversion to standalone financial and HR/Payroll applications.
  5. Prepare your project manager/scrum master resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your project manager/scrum master resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a project manager/scrum master resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose from 10+ customizable project manager/scrum master resume templates

    Build a professional project manager/scrum master resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your project manager/scrum master resume.
    Project Manager/Scrum Master Resume
    Project Manager/Scrum Master Resume
    Project Manager/Scrum Master Resume
    Project Manager/Scrum Master Resume
    Project Manager/Scrum Master Resume
    Project Manager/Scrum Master Resume
    Project Manager/Scrum Master Resume
    Project Manager/Scrum Master Resume
    Project Manager/Scrum Master Resume
  6. Apply for project manager/scrum master jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a project manager/scrum master job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first project manager/scrum master job

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Average project manager/scrum master salary

The average project manager/scrum master salary in the United States is $95,047 per year or $46 per hour. Project manager/scrum master salaries range between $70,000 and $128,000 per year.

Average project manager/scrum master salary
$95,047 Yearly
$45.70 hourly

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How do project managers/scrum master rate their job?

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Project manager/scrum master reviews

profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Feb 2023
Pros

I like to work with a team. Satisfaction of seeing the successful completion of a project

Cons

Strict deadlines, and stakeholders. Feeling undervalued or underappreciated.


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A zippia user wrote a review on Aug 2020
Pros

not applicable because I dont work as a technical project manager

Cons

not applicable because I dont work as a technical project manager


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A zippia user wrote a review on Jun 2020
Pros

I enjoy problem-solving and identifying a path to completing a complex project. I like to ensure that moving parts come together smoothly and communicating successes and celebrating with the team.

Cons

Without the right support from project sponsors, a project manager is doomed to failure. There is an enormous amount of responsibility on a project manager to deliver a product on time and on budget, though without proper authority or backing, it's basically wheel spinning.


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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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