The Scrum framework has become a popular methodology for software development and project management. As a result, the demand for certified Scrum Masters has increased globally.
A Certified Scrum Master (CSM) is a professional who helps teams to adopt and implement the Scrum framework, ensuring that the team members understand and follow Scrum principles and practices.
A CSM plays a critical role in the success of Scrum projects, and as such, they are in high demand. One of the key considerations for individuals considering a career as a CSM is the earning potential. In this article, we will take a closer look at the top paying countries for certified Scrum Masters.
Scrum Master Responsibilities
Scrum Master is a facilitator for the Scrum Team and the product owner. They make sure that the Scrum Team is working according to the Scrum framework and rules. The main responsibilities of a Scrum Master include:
1. Facilitating Scrum ceremonies such as Sprint Planning, Daily Scrum, Sprint Review, and Sprint Retrospective.
2. Removing any impediments that the team may face during the Sprint.
3. Coaching the team on how to use Scrum effectively.
4.Protecting the team from external interruptions and distractions.
5.Helping the team maintain a steady pace of work, called “sprint cadence”.
6. Helping the team improve their processes and practices.
7. Assisting the Product Owner in making the product backlog usable and visible.
8. Educating stakeholders on the Scrum framework and how it benefits the organization.
9. Encouraging collaboration and communication within the team and between different teams.
10. Ensuring that the team is following the Scrum values and principles.
A Scrum Master is responsible for ensuring that the team is adhering to the Scrum framework, helping them to deliver the product incrementally, and facilitating the team’s progress towards achieving the goals.
Salary of Scrum Master
The salary of a Scrum Master can vary based on factors such as certification level, years of experience, the company they work for, and the professional’s skills. In general, a Scrum Master’s salary will increase with more years of experience.
A survey conducted by Age of Product in 2017, which evaluated the salary of Scrum Masters in different countries, found that the highest paying countries for a Scrum Master were the United States, United Kingdom, and India.
These figures are listed in USD and are as follows:
- United States: $100,001-$125,000
- United Kingdom: $60,001-$70,000
- India: $20,000-$30,000
It’s worth noting that these figures are not up-to-date and you should research more recent data before making any career decisions.
Why Does Scrum Master Paid is High?
A lot of value to the team and the company, and as a result, they are in high demand and command high salaries.
According to Glassdoor, the average salary for a Scrum Master in the United States is around $100,000 per year.
This makes it one of the highest-paying jobs in the country. The demand for Scrum Masters is expected to continue to grow as more industries adopt Agile methodologies.
As a result, a career as a Scrum Master can be a highly rewarding one with excellent earning potential.
Salary By Years of Experience
The salary of a Scrum Master in America can vary greatly depending on their years of experience. Here are some approximate figures based on data from various sources:
- 0-3 years of experience: $70,000 – $85,000
- 3-5 years of experience: $85,000 – $100,000
- 5-10 years of experience: $100,000 – $120,000
- 10+ years of experience: $120,000 – $150,000
It’s important to note that these figures are approximate and can vary depending on the specific employer, location, and other factors. Additionally, salaries for more senior roles such as Scrum Coach or Agile Coach may be higher than those of a Scrum Master.
Scrum Master Available Career Path
A career as a Scrum Master offers a high earning potential and growth opportunities. Learn about the different steps you can take to advance in this field and become a successful Scrum Master.
1. Agile Coach
An Agile Coach is a specialized version of a Scrum Master who focuses on facilitating the implementation of both Scrum and Agile methodologies within an organization.
They are responsible for guiding teams and individuals in the adoption and application of Agile principles and practices, with the goal of achieving a more efficient and effective workflow.
Agile Coaches often have a more extensive understanding of Agile and Scrum and can offer more specialized guidance compared to a Scrum Master.
2. Mentor
After gaining a solid understanding of Scrum methodology and gaining experience as a Scrum Master, you may want to consider transitioning into a teaching role.
As organizations and businesses often have multiple Scrum teams, there is a growing demand for experienced Scrum Masters to mentor and train others in the Scrum framework.
As a Scrum Master, you will use your knowledge and experience to guide others in becoming effective Scrum Masters themselves.
This career path allows you to share your expertise and make a positive impact on other teams and organizations.
3. Manager
After gaining experience as a Scrum Master, you may also consider transitioning into a management role.
A Scrum Master is responsible for leading the team and ensuring the smooth functioning of the development process, skills that are highly valued in a manager.
As a manager, you will use your knowledge of the organization and leadership skills to guide and support the team in achieving their goals and objectives.
This career path allows you to leverage your expertise in Scrum and management to drive the success of the organization.
Which Industries Pay Better?
Scrum methodology is widely used in the IT industry and is becoming increasingly popular in other sectors as well. Some industries that commonly use Scrum include software development, finance, healthcare, and government.
The demand for Scrum Masters can vary depending on the economy and the specific industry. It’s important to note that entry-level Scrum Master salaries may differ greatly from those of senior-level Scrum Masters.
It’s also worth noting that the salary figures provided here are not absolute and can vary depending on a variety of factors. However, it gives a good approximation of the earning potential in different sectors.
High Salary
In terms of payment, the financial sector dominates the field, with product owners able to earn approximately $149K a year.
The insurance industry offers product owners up to $136K annually, while telecommunications offers $125K a year.
The computer industry, where Scrum first came into being, has similarly high salaries, as evidenced by Apple’s project manager opportunities coming in at around $145K a year.