The role of Scrum master is key in guiding development teams during Agile processes, facilitating Agile ceremonies, and advocating for team needs. Scrum master responsibilities include:
- Facilitating Agile ceremonies and promoting Agile principles
- Guiding the development team on self-organization and cross-functionality
- Removing impediments and ensuring productivity and efficiency
- Collaborating with product owners and stakeholders to manage the product backlog
- Coaching the team on Agile best practices and continuous improvement
Below is a job description template built specifically for the Scrum master. Feel free to use it and adapt it to your specific needs.
About [Company]
This section convinces candidates to apply for a role at your Company instead of another. Include practical information about the Company, as well as details about its culture and values.
[Company] helps [Target] do [x].
[Company] consists of over [x] employees spanning over [x] countries. Our culture combines unity and diversity of culture to drive learning and innovation, improving ourselves and our products.
Delivering unparalleled products in the market is made possible by our cutting-edge technology, unmatched expertise, and a global team, all of which are vital to our success and ensuring customer satisfaction.
Why should you be part of [Company] success story?
- To work with a talented and passionate team dedicated to positively impacting the [Target] industry.
- To grow your skills and knowledge through ongoing training and development opportunities.
- To work in a dynamic, fast-paced environment that rewards creativity, innovation, hard work, and continuous improvement.
We envision a world of [x].
We offer [Target] all the tools they need.
There’s never been a more exciting time to join [Company].
About the Scrum master role
Consider whether you need a description of the role or prefer to list duties and responsibilities directly as a bullet-point list.
As our Scrum master, you’ll play a crucial role in ensuring development teams deliver outstanding performance over multiple iterations of a project. You will be the key to enabling scrum processes bringing constant improvements both in terms of productivity and team interactions, and morale.
As a scrum master at [Company], you’ll be responsible for:
- Setting up productive collaboration with several stakeholders (product manager, marketing manager, and developers)
- Coordinating timelines for deliverables
- Understanding product functionalities, marketing, and sales needs
- Guiding and coaching the Scrum team on Agile and Scrum practices and values
- Facilitating Scrum events and ceremonies, such as Sprint Planning, Daily Stand-ups, Sprint Reviews, and Sprint Retrospectives
- Removing obstacles or impediments that prevent team members from achieving their goals
- Promoting and enforcing Scrum principles and practices within the team and across the organization
- Collaborating with the Product Owner to prioritize and refine the product backlog
- Ensuring that the team meets their commitments and delivers high-quality products
- Continuously seeking ways to improve the team’s performance and effectiveness
- Fostering an environment that prioritizes teamwork and interpersonal communication skills as ways to achieve success.
- Coaching team members in creating clear and actionable user stories
About compensation
The more openly you talk about compensation and benefits, the more honest and attractive your job listing will be. We suggest a brief introduction about the values behind your compensation package, followed by a bullet-point list with the details of what is offered.
- Salary
- Bonuses
- Equity
- Perks
- PTO
- Personal development budget
- Health and wellness budget
- Pension plan
- Insurance contribution
- Off-sites or events
Use Deel's Employee Cost Calculator to instantly compare employment costs.
Scrum Master Qualifications
- A Bachelor’s degree (ideally in computer science, project management, or related fields)
- At least [x] years of experience working as a Scrum Master or Agile Coach (Scrum Master certification is preferred)
- A strong track record of delivering high-quality products using Agile practices
- Experience working with cross-functional teams in a fast-paced environment
- A deep understanding of Agile principles and practices and the scrum framework
- Relevant certifications, such as Certified Scrum Master (CSM), Professional Scrum Master (PSM), or any other Scrum certification
- Deep knowledge of project management tools like [Jira, Trello]
- Proven experience with different variations of Agile frameworks such as [Kanban]
- Familiarity with software development, software deliverables, and the needs and roadblocks of a development team
- Proven experience in the process of product development
Scrum Master Skills
List the soft skills and personal qualities you are looking for in the perfect candidate.- A deep understanding of Agile methodologies, particularly Scrum
- Excellent communication and facilitation skills
- Proven problem-solving skills
- Strong leadership and coaching skills within Agile teams
- The ability to act as a servant-leader
- A results-oriented mindset with a focus on delivering high-quality products
- Excellent management of stakeholders and expectations
- High levels of self-organization
- Positive and proactive conflict resolution skills
- A deep understanding of the Scrum process, its timelines, and their relation to a software development team’s progress
How much does a Scrum Master make?
Determining the exact salary of a Scrum Master can be difficult, as many factors, including geographical location, level of experience, industry, and organizational size, influence it. Here is a general overview of median salaries for Scrum Masters in different regions.
- North America: In North America, particularly the United States and Canada, Scrum Masters typically earn a median annual salary ranging from $90,000 to $120,000.
- Europe: In countries like the United Kingdom, Germany, and the Netherlands, median Scrum Master salaries can range from €60,000 to €90,000 annually.
- Middle East and North Africa: Median Scrum Master salaries in countries like the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, or Saudi Arabia can range from $50,000 to $80,000 annually.
- Asia-Pacific: In countries like Australia, Singapore, or Japan, median Scrum Master salaries can range from $80,000 to $110,000 or more.
Additional salary-related considerations
While these figures provide a general indication, it’s very important to also consider other factors when comparing salaries across regions:
- Cost of living (CoL): Cost of living can significantly impact the real value of a salary. A higher salary in one region may be offset by a higher cost of living, impacting purchasing power.
- Taxes: Tax rates vary widely between countries and can significantly affect take-home pay. Understanding local tax regulations is essential for an accurate salary comparison.
- Social welfare: Some regions offer robust welfare programs, impacting the overall compensation package. Benefits such as healthcare, retirement plans, and other perks should be considered alongside the base salary.
- Market demand: The demand for Scrum Masters can vary, influencing salaries. Salary salaries may be more competitive in regions with a high demand for Agile expertise.
While these salary ranges provide a helpful reference point, individuals considering a Scrum Master career should conduct thorough research and consider each region’s broader economic and lifestyle factors.
How to become a Scrum Master
Becoming a Scrum Master often requires a combination of education, hands-on experience, and continuous development. While there is no fixed path for becoming a Scrum Master, certain common steps can guide individuals aspiring to this role.
Common pathways to becoming a Scrum Master
Relevant experience
The most common path to becoming a Scrum Master starts with gaining hands-on experience in Agile methodologies. Individuals often begin as Agile team members or project managers, actively participating in Scrum and familiarizing themselves with its principles and frameworks.
Certifications
Earning relevant certifications can significantly enhance your credibility as a Scrum Master. Certificates provide a foundational understanding of Scrum, and the confidence to manage Agile projects yourself. These certifications validate your knowledge and serve as a testament to your commitment to Agile practices. Consider looking into the following certifications:
- Certified ScrumMaster (CSM)
- Professional Scrum Master (PSM)
- Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP)
Scrum Master education
Degrees
While there is no dedicated degree for the role, a degree in a related field can provide a solid foundation for your professional claims. Moreover, some form of higher education may be required in many companies.
Many aspiring Scrum Masters pursue degrees at the bachelor’s or master’s level to gain a deeper understanding of project management, Agile principles, and organizational behavior. Degree programs that can help your Scrum Master career include:
- Bachelor’s or Master’s in Project Management
- Bachelor’s or Master’s in Psychology
- Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) with a focus on Agile Management
Training and workshops
Attending workshops and training sessions focusing on Scrum, Agile methodologies, and team collaboration can also be a great strategy to boost your professional profile or hone specific skills. Scrum Masters could especially benefit from training in:
- Facilitation and coaching for Agile teams
- Agile leadership workshops
- Advanced Scrum Master training
Alternative career paths
In many cases, the shift to the role of a Scrum Master is horizontal, meaning people come to it from different roles and positions. Understanding which roles can easily make the transition to Scrum Master is crucial, as it can help you plan your career with a more long-term scope.
Roles that fit well with a transition to a Scrum Master generally include:
Project manager
Professionals with a project management background, such as project managers or team leads, can easily transition into a Scrum Master role. Their familiarity with managing complex projects can complement their Scrum Master responsibilities.
Team lead
Team leads often find it natural to transition into Scrum Master roles. Their project and people management experience provides a strong foundation, and by gaining Scrum certifications, they can seamlessly shift into the role of a Scrum Master.
Product owner
Individuals with experience in product management or business analysis bring valuable skills to the role of a Scrum Master. Understanding how to prioritize and deliver value is crucial in Scrum.
Continuous learning
The Agile landscape is continuously evolving, so a commitment to continuous learning is essential for a Scrum Master. The key is to cultivate a deep understanding of Scrum, develop strong coaching skills, and remain adaptable in the face of changing organizational landscapes.
What is a Scrum master?
The Scrum master is a coach and facilitator to help Scrum teams work efficiently and effectively, fostering collaboration and adherence to agile principles. A Scrum master is crucial in the Scrum framework, a popular Agile software development methodology.
What does a Scrum master do?
A Scrum master’s responsibilities include:
- Facilitating Scrum events (daily stand-ups, sprint planning, retrospectives, etc.)
- Removing obstacles or impediments to team progress
- Coaching the team on agile practices and values
- Promoting continuous improvement
- Shielding the team from external interruptions
- Facilitating communication and collaboration
- Ensuring the Scrum framework is followed
What is the Scrum master’s role in daily Scrum?
In the daily Scrum (daily stand-up), the Scrum master ensures that the team follows the format of providing updates on what they accomplished yesterday, what they plan to do today, and any impediments they’re facing. The Scrum master doesn’t lead the meeting but ensures it stays focused and is time-boxed.
How much do Scrum masters make?
Scrum master salaries vary based on location, experience, industry, and company size. In the United States, the annual salary for a Scrum master can range from $70,000 to $130,000 or more, depending on many factors.
Is Scrum master a project manager?
While both roles involve project management aspects, they have different focuses. A Scrum master facilitates and coaches Agile teams to follow the Scrum framework, while a project manager is responsible for the planning and execution of projects.
Is the Scrum master a management position?
No, the Scrum master is not a traditional management position. They don’t manage the team’s work or make decisions for the team. Instead, they serve as a servant leader, supporting the team’s self-organization and fostering an environment of continuous improvement.
Do Scrum masters need to know coding?
No, coding knowledge can be helpful, but it is not a strict requirement for Scrum masters. Scrum masters focus on facilitating the team’s workflow, communication, and adherence to agile principles. Technical knowledge can aid in understanding the team’s work, but it’s not the primary focus.
What should a Scrum master do on the first day?
On the first day, a Scrum master should introduce themselves to the team, get familiar with the team’s work and current sprint, establish open communication, and start building relationships. They should also begin understanding any ongoing challenges or impediments the team faces.
What falls outside the Scrum master’s responsibility?
Scrum masters focus on facilitating the team’s agile processes and helping the team become more effective. They are not responsible for making technical decisions, managing the team’s work, or providing detailed solutions to problems.
Do Scrum masters need a degree?
No, a formal degree is not a strict requirement to become a Scrum master. However, a degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Business, or a related discipline can provide a strong foundation for understanding agile projects’ technical and business aspects.
Is Scrum master a stressful job?
The stress level in a Scrum master role can vary based on team dynamics, project complexity, and organizational culture. While facilitating and supporting the team’s progress can be rewarding, it can also involve addressing challenges and conflicts. Strong communication and problem-solving skills can help mitigate stress.
