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What is a scrum master and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read
Quoted expert
Laura Boman Ph.D.
introduction image

A scrum master is a facilitator for a software development team that uses the agile methodology. They are responsible for ensuring the team follows the Scrum framework, which includes daily stand-ups, sprint planning, and retrospective meetings. The scrum master removes any obstacles that are hindering the team's progress and helps to maintain a productive work environment. They act as a coach, mentor, and mediator, and are often the liaison between the development team and stakeholders.

What general advice would you give to a scrum master?

Laura Boman Ph.D.

Assistant Professor of Marketing, Kennesaw State University

Maximizing your salary potential as you start your career involves several key strategies. Prior to beginning a job hunt, research market rates to understand the typical compensation range for your desired role and industry. When negotiating, confidently advocate for yourself by highlighting your skills, qualifications, and relevant experience. Emphasize the value you bring to the organization and be prepared to make a compelling case for why you deserve a higher salary within the market range. Additionally, consider the total compensation package, including benefits like bonuses, stock options, and professional development opportunities, which can significantly enhance your overall compensation. Investing in skills development and seeking opportunities in high-paying industries can also boost your earning potential. Remaining flexible in terms of job requirements, location, and industry can open up more lucrative opportunities. Networking with professionals and staying informed about market trends will further empower you to negotiate effectively and maximize your salary potential as you embark on your career journey.
ScoreScrum MasterUS Average
Salary
6.7

Avg. Salary $86,329

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
7.4

Growth rate 9%

Growth rate 0.3%

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 33.32%

male 66.68%

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

What are the pros and cons of being a scrum master?

Pros

  • Encouraging continuous improvement

  • Promoting transparency

  • Increasing productivity

  • Building trust with stakeholders

  • Creating a positive team culture

  • Developing leadership skills

Cons

  • Controlling conflicts among team members

  • Managing unrealistic expectations from stakeholders

  • Keeping up with changing technology trends

  • Being accountable for project success or failure

  • Handling multiple projects simultaneously

Scrum master career paths

Key steps to become a scrum master

  1. Explore scrum master education requirements

    Most common scrum master degrees

    Bachelor's

    65.9 %

    Master's

    25.6 %

    Associate

    4.2 %
  2. Start to develop specific scrum master skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Jira7.31%
    Software Development6.29%
    Agile Scrum6.21%
    Kanban5.48%
    Continuous Improvement5.47%
  3. Complete relevant scrum master training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of Less than 1 month on post-employment, on-the-job training. New scrum masters 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 scrum master based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real scrum master resumes.
  4. Research scrum master duties and responsibilities

    • Analyze SQL, SSIS and VBA to achieve better processing time.
    • Manage high-level budgeting and time tracking for the project and also demonstrate knowledge of TDD.
    • Lead UX and e-commerce optimization projects through product road-map ownership, cross-department negotiations, and product requirement creation.
    • Manage the release process and the end to end SDLC for MMIS to ensure that customer commitments are being keep.
  5. Prepare your scrum master resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your 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 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 scrum master resume templates

    Build a professional 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 scrum master resume.
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  6. Apply for scrum master jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a 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 scrum master job

Zippi

Are you a scrum master?

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Average scrum master salary

The average scrum master salary in the United States is $86,329 per year or $42 per hour. Scrum master salaries range between $65,000 and $114,000 per year.

Average scrum master salary
$86,329 Yearly
$41.50 hourly

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How do scrum masters rate their job?

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Scrum master reviews

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A zippia user wrote a review on Apr 2019
Cons

Too much detail oriented


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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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