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Software development manager vs scrum master

The differences between software development managers and scrum masters can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 4-6 years to become both a software development manager and a scrum master. Additionally, a software development manager has an average salary of $134,747, which is higher than the $86,329 average annual salary of a scrum master.

The top three skills for a software development manager include java, AWS and architecture. The most important skills for a scrum master are jira, software development, and agile scrum.

Software development manager vs scrum master overview

Software Development ManagerScrum Master
Yearly salary$134,747$86,329
Hourly rate$64.78$41.50
Growth rate21%9%
Number of jobs265,46444,670
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 71%Bachelor's Degree, 66%
Average age4444
Years of experience66

What does a software development manager do?

A software development manager is an individual who manages teams of software developers that design and create software applications and web services for clients. Software development managers should delegate duties and establish development standards for the development team as well as create a budget and timeline for the project. They must meet with management to discuss how software applications can achieve business objectives. Once the software has been developed, software development managers must train technical and non-technical end-users. They must also be skilled in different programming languages such as HTML, SQL, and JavaScript.

What does a scrum master do?

A scrum master is a job that's rooted in leadership. It is the scrum master's responsibility to ensure a scrum process over the development of a project. They are not directly involved in the decision-making but guide the team in completing the scrum process with their experience and expertise. Also, a scrum master must be adept at being agile in approaching a project and also be able to schedule meetings during the process. In addition, the scrum master acts as a coach as well, helping the scrum teamwork cross-functionally.

Software development manager vs scrum master salary

Software development managers and scrum masters have different pay scales, as shown below.

Software Development ManagerScrum Master
Average salary$134,747$86,329
Salary rangeBetween $100,000 And $180,000Between $65,000 And $114,000
Highest paying CitySan Francisco, CASan Francisco, CA
Highest paying stateAlaskaCalifornia
Best paying companyMetaICE Mortgage Technology
Best paying industryTechnologyEnergy

Differences between software development manager and scrum master education

There are a few differences between a software development manager and a scrum master in terms of educational background:

Software Development ManagerScrum Master
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 71%Bachelor's Degree, 66%
Most common majorComputer ScienceComputer Science
Most common collegeStanford UniversityStanford University

Software development manager vs scrum master demographics

Here are the differences between software development managers' and scrum masters' demographics:

Software Development ManagerScrum Master
Average age4444
Gender ratioMale, 85.1% Female, 14.9%Male, 66.7% Female, 33.3%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 6.2% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 8.8% Asian, 12.0% White, 67.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%Black or African American, 6.2% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 8.8% Asian, 12.0% White, 67.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%
LGBT Percentage11%11%

Differences between software development manager and scrum master duties and responsibilities

Software development manager example responsibilities.

  • Plan and manage release schedules, upgrades and patches, maintenance windows.
  • Justify, evaluate, hire, and manage offshore contractors to supplement staff for a large HTML form coding project.
  • Manage workflow of projects through JIRA, ensuring that all necessary reviews are perform and projects are successfully release to production.
  • Manage all phases of application design--from requirements gathering, coding and prototyping through system testing, integration and deployment.
  • Manage many infrastructure upgrade projects nationwide.
  • Manage resource allocation for Lawson ERP implementation project.
  • Show more

Scrum master example 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.
  • Manage the release development and deployment of mission critical ERP and call center web-base java application in an Agile/SCRUM environment.
  • Implement agile methodologies by managing and prioritizing Kanban board.
  • Show more

Software development manager vs scrum master skills

Common software development manager skills
  • Java, 17%
  • AWS, 9%
  • Architecture, 8%
  • Project Management, 4%
  • Database, 4%
  • Cloud Computing, 3%
Common scrum master skills
  • Jira, 7%
  • Software Development, 6%
  • Agile Scrum, 6%
  • Kanban, 5%
  • Continuous Improvement, 5%
  • User Stories, 5%

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