A Scrum Master is a member of the Scrum team, who is responsible for helping everyone on the team understand and follow the Scrum framework. A Scrum Master serves not only the Scrum Team, but also works closely with the Product Owner and the organization as a whole, helping lead, coach, and train the Scrum method.

In this article, I'll take a deep look at the role of a Scrum Master, what their responsibility entails, and how much a typical Scrum Master makes. I'll also look at the difference between the role of Scrum Master and that of a Project Manager, which is a very common question among companies looking to adopt Scrum.

What is a Scrum Master?

A Scrum Master is the person who guides the processes and helps the team ship value to customers. They do this by freeing teammates to focus on their best work - product managers can focus on strategy, developers can focus on the best execution.

The Scrum Master also oversees the Scrum board, making sure cards are updated, and ensures that the Scrum tool is functioning properly. In addition, they meet individually with team members and stakeholders to remove any impediments. Although some Scrum practitioners don't favor 1-on-1 meetings, others find them to be essential for the team's development.

In a traditional project management model, the project manager oversees the work and prioritizes tasks. The Scrum Master, on the other hand, focuses on the team's processes and helps the Product Owner to understand the backlog. In the Agile process, a Scrum Master helps the Product Owner create a clear definition of the backlog and coaches the team.

In order to be effective in the role, a Scrum Master must have a servant leadership style. They must have experience in traditional project management and be an expert in estimation and planning. As Obi-Wan often taught Anakin Skywalker, a good Scrum Master must also be a master of both planning and estimation.

It is not uncommon to find that those with a bachelor's degree in computer science or a related field are ideal for this role, since Scrum was popularized within the software development field. In addition to this, they should also have previous experience in the Agile methodology. But the most important skill that a Scrum Master should have is effective communication skills. This is important because he or she will be the primary communicator between the Scrum Team and stakeholders.

What is a Scrum Master responsible for?

The role of Scrum Master is to facilitate the work of the Scrum Team. They ensure that the team understands the principles of Agile and practices them. They facilitate meetings and make important decisions for the team. A Scrum Master is not an authority figure, but rather a servant leader who provides a sense of community and supports shared decision-making power within the team. They also act as the product owner's representative and are responsible for defining the product goal.

A Scrum Master needs to understand the importance of the Product Owner's voice in a Scrum team. A Scrum Master is responsible for listening to the Product Owner, facilitating the team and making sure that everyone acts according to their roles. They also facilitate meetings and hold people accountable for their commitments. It is often a former project manager who fills this role, but it can also be a technical team leader.

A Scrum Master must have extensive knowledge of Agile Methodology and be capable of communicating best practices. He or she must be an excellent communicator and a gifted mentor. The Scrum Master must be organized and have a clear process for overseeing each Scrum team. Lastly, they need to be able to motivate people and prevent shortcuts during the development process.

How much do Scrum Masters make?

When looking to hire a Scrum Master, you should consider their skills, experience, and personality. As they are never working alone, they must be able to interact with a wide range of individuals and be able to motivate them. In addition to their experience and skills, they should also have an understanding of Agile management and software development.

In the United States, Scrum Masters make close to six figures. According to Salary.com, average Scrum Master salaries were between $80,684 and $109,060 (as October 2022). According to LinkedIn, there are over 10,800 job listings for Scrum Masters in the United States, but that is probably on the lower end as of the publish date on this article due to economic conditions in October 2022. But as you can see from the salary range, there is plenty of opportunity for advancement. The most popular credentials for becoming a Scrum Master are a bachelor's degree and a couple of years of experience.

Certified Scrum Masters earn approximately 40% more than their uncertified counterparts, seeing salaries between $132,891 to $160,683.

As more companies adopt Agile methodologies, the demand for Scrum Masters is growing. As a result, organizations are offering lucrative packages to aspiring Scrum Masters.

The education requirement for the Scrum Master role is a bachelor's degree in a relevant subject such as information technology or computer science. Some employers look for candidates with a graduate degree, while others prefer candidates with work experience in project management. Obtaining a certification does not guarantee you a high salary, but it may help you get the job.

Scrum Master vs Project Manager

The role of a Scrum Master may seem similar to that of a traditional project manager, but has a few distinct differences. For example, a Project Manager has full responsibility for creating, maintaining, and updating all types of documentation, while a Scrum Master has little or no responsibility for document creation. The Scrum Master is a servant leader with a different focus: he or she must always think first about the team.

A Scrum Master will be more focused on team performance and growth, while a Project Manager focuses on the overall project. Their role is to remove impediments to the team's ability to perform its tasks. In many cases, a Scrum Master may not even be necessary if the team is performing well.

The Scrum Master role entails guiding teams through the Scrum framework. A Scrum Master is also responsible for driving an organization's growth in agility. The role requires an individual who is good at organizing and managing projects. The role of a Scrum Master resembles that of a traditional project manager, but the key differences in the two positions make them complementary.

The Scrum Master role is a specialized role that fills two essential roles on a Scrum team. A Scrum Master is a technical expert who coaches teams through the process. A project manager handles the overall project's schedule and budget. In addition, a Project Manager handles the delivery and communication plan, whereas a Scrum Master does not.

There are different certifications to become a Scrum Master. One of the most common certifications for a Scrum master is the Certified Scrum Master (CSM). A CSM must take a course and pass an exam in order to receive the credential. The Project Management Professional (PMP) certification is the one most common for a project manager.

Traits of a good Scrum Master

There are five key traits of a good Scrum Master. Here they are…

Good Scrum Masters need to have good attention to detail. They need to be able to come up with solutions for problems that arise during the project. The level of attention required will depend on the complexity of the issue. They must also be able to multitask. In addition, a good Scrum Master must have the ability to adjust quickly to schedule changes. This is because problems often pop up when they are least expected, or all at once.

Another trait of a good Scrum Master is their understanding of team conflict. The ideal Scrum Master has read 'The Five Dysfunctions of a Team' by Patrick Lencioni and is able to apply different activities to address team conflict. She or he also knows when to seek assistance from others. Lastly, a great Scrum Master embodies the Scrum Values: openness, commitment, and focus.

A good Scrum Master must have the ability to communicate to all members of the team. The group will often contain people with different identities, thoughts, and work styles. The Scrum Master must be able to diffuse these conflicts so the group can progress. If conflicts are not resolved, they can derail a product’s progress.

Another trait of a good Scrum Master is an understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of the team. By analyzing and understanding the team's strengths and weaknesses, they will be able to create a more productive working environment for the team. Lastly, a good Scrum Master will share their knowledge with the team.

A good Scrum Master will be able to facilitate team meetings, ensure that team members are aware of their goals, and foster communication throughout the project. They should also help the team define their PI Objectives and provide support throughout the iteration process. They should also encourage collaboration between the team and the Business Owner during the Business Value Assignment.