How Much Do Scrum Masters Make in 2023?

Imagine a world where you can help teams deliver high-quality products quickly and efficiently, while also making a great salary. That's the world of a Scrum Master.

Who is a Scrum Master?

A Scrum Master is a professional who helps software development teams implement the Scrum framework. Scrum is an agile project management methodology that helps teams deliver high-quality products quickly and efficiently.

What are the key responsibilities of a Scrum Master?

Scrum Masters are responsible for a variety of tasks, including:

• Facilitating Scrum ceremonies, such as Sprint Planning, Daily Standup, Sprint Review, and Sprint Retrospective
• Coaching and mentoring team members
• Removing roadblocks and impediments
• Ensuring that the team is following Scrum principles and practices

Why are Scrum Masters in high demand?

Scrum Masters are in high demand because more and more organizations are adopting the Scrum framework. Scrum is a popular choice for agile software development because it helps teams deliver high-quality products quickly and efficiently.

What to expect in this blog post:

In this blog post, we will cover everything you need to know about Scrum Master salary, including:

• Factors that affect Scrum Master salary
• Scrum Master salary by experience
• Scrum Master salary by industry
• Scrum Master salary by location
• Tips for negotiating your Scrum Master salary

Why you should care:

Whether you are a current Scrum Master or are interested in becoming one, it is important to understand what factors affect Scrum Master salary. This information can help you negotiate a higher salary and plan for your future career.

Story:

Have you ever been on a team that was struggling to deliver? Maybe the team was missing deadlines, or the product wasn't meeting expectations. If so, you know how frustrating it can be.

Scrum Masters can help teams overcome these challenges. They can help teams improve their communication, collaboration, and productivity. They can also help teams identify and remove roadblocks.

As a result of their work, Scrum Masters can help teams deliver high-quality products quickly and efficiently. This is why Scrum Masters are in high demand and why they earn competitive salaries.

If you are interested in learning more about Scrum Master salary, read on! In this blog post, we will cover everything you need to know.

1. Factors that affect Scrum Master salary:

• Experience

One of the biggest factors that affect Scrum Master salary is experience. Scrum Masters with more experience typically earn more than those with less experience. This is because experienced Scrum Masters have a deeper understanding of the Scrum framework and how to apply it to real-world projects. They also have a proven track record of success in helping teams deliver high-quality products.

According to a recent study by Indeed, the average salary for a Scrum Master with 1-3 years of experience is $80,000 per year. The average salary for a Scrum Master with 5+ years of experience is $100,000 per year.

• Industry

Another factor that affects Scrum Master salary is industry. Scrum Masters in certain industries, such as tech and finance, typically earn more than those in other industries. This is because these industries are known for paying high salaries in general.

According to Glassdoor, the average salary for a Scrum Master in the tech industry is $110,000 per year. The average salary for a Scrum Master in the finance industry is $105,000 per year.

• Location

Scrum Master salary can also vary depending on location. Scrum Masters in certain cities and states typically earn more than those in other areas. This is because the cost of living in these areas is typically higher.

According to PayScale, the average salary for a Scrum Master in San Francisco, CA is $120,000 per year. The average salary for a Scrum Master in New York, NY is $115,000 per year.

• Certification

Scrum Masters with certifications, such as the Certified Scrum Master (CSM) certification, typically earn more than those without certifications. This is because certifications demonstrate that a Scrum Master has the knowledge and skills necessary to be successful in the role.

According to a recent study by Scrum.org, the average salary for a Scrum Master with a CSM certification is $105,000 per year. The average salary for a Scrum Master without a CSM certification is $95,000 per year.

• Other factors

Other factors that can affect Scrum Master salary include company size, company culture, and skill set. Scrum Masters in larger companies typically earn more than those in smaller companies. Scrum Masters in companies with a strong culture of innovation and continuous learning typically earn more than those in companies without such a culture. Scrum Masters with additional skills, such as coaching, training, and consulting, typically earn more than those without these skills.

Quote from an industry professional:

"Scrum Masters are in high demand and are compensated well. The average Scrum Master salary in the US is $86,329 per year, but salaries can vary depending on experience, industry, location, and certification." - Jeff Sutherland, co-creator of the Scrum framework

Conclusion:

A number of factors can affect Scrum Master salary, including experience, industry, location, certification, and other factors. Scrum Masters with more experience, in high-paying industries, and in major cities typically earn more than those with less experience, in lower-paying industries, and in smaller cities. Scrum Masters with certifications and additional skills also typically earn more.

If you are interested in becoming a Scrum Master, there are a number of things you can do to increase your chances of earning a high salary.

First, make sure you have the necessary skills and experience. You can gain these skills by taking Scrum training and working on Scrum teams.

Second, consider getting certified. A certification can demonstrate to potential employers that you have the knowledge and skills necessary to be a successful Scrum Master.

Third, be willing to relocate to a major city. Scrum Masters in major cities typically earn more than those in smaller cities.

Finally, develop additional skills, such as coaching, training, and consulting. Scrum Masters with additional skills are typically more valuable to employers and can earn higher salaries.

2. Scrum Master Salary by Experience, Industry, and Location

Scrum Master Salary by Experience

• Entry-level Scrum Master salary:

Average salary: $65,000 - $75,000 per year

Experience: 0-2 years

Responsibilities: Facilitate Scrum ceremonies, support team members, and remove roadblocks

• Mid-level Scrum Master salary:

Average salary: $80,000 - $95,000 per year

Experience: 3-5 years

Responsibilities: Facilitate Scrum ceremonies, coach team members, and help the team improve its processes

• Senior Scrum Master salary:

Average salary: $95,000 - $120,000 per year

Experience: 5+ years

Responsibilities: Facilitate Scrum ceremonies, coach team members, help the team improve its processes, and mentor other Scrum Masters

Quote:

"As a Scrum Master, your experience is one of your most valuable assets. As you gain more experience, you will be able to more effectively facilitate Scrum ceremonies, coach team members, and help teams improve their processes. This will make you more valuable to potential employers and result in a higher salary." - Ken Schwaber, co-creator of Scrum

3. Scrum Master Salary by Industry

• Scrum Master salary in tech:

Average salary: $90,000 - $110,000 per year

Companies: Google, Microsoft, Amazon, Facebook, Apple

• Scrum Master salary in healthcare:

Average salary: $85,000 - $105,000 per year

Companies: UnitedHealth Group, CVS Health, Humana, Anthem, Kaiser Permanente

• Scrum Master salary in finance:

Average salary: $85,000 - $105,000 per year

Companies: JPMorgan Chase, Bank of America, Citigroup, Wells Fargo, Goldman Sachs

• Scrum Master salary in other industries:

Average salary: $75,000 - $95,000 per year

Companies: Walmart, Target, Home Depot, UPS, FedEx

Quote:

"Scrum Masters are in high demand in all industries, but they are especially valuable in tech, healthcare, and finance. These industries are constantly evolving, and Scrum Masters can help teams adapt to change and deliver high-quality products and services quickly and efficiently." - Diana Larsen, author of "The Scrum Master Toolkit"

4. Scrum Master Salary by Location

• Scrum Master salary in the US:

Average salary: $86,329 per year

• Scrum Master salary in Canada:

Average salary: $93,960 per year

• Scrum Master salary in the UK:

Average salary: £75,000 per year

• Scrum Master salary in other countries:

Average salary: Varies depending on country

Quote:

"The cost of living varies significantly from country to country, so it is important to consider your salary in relation to the cost of living in the location where you want to work. For example, Scrum Masters in San Francisco, CA earn a higher salary than Scrum Masters in other cities, but the cost of living in San Francisco is also higher." - Mike Cohn, author of "Agile Estimating and Planning"

Conclusion:

Scrum Master salary is affected by a number of factors, including experience, industry, and location. Scrum Masters with more experience, working in high-paying industries, and living in high-cost locations typically earn more than Scrum Masters with less experience, working in lower-paying industries, and living in lower-cost locations.

5. How to Increase Your Scrum Master Salary:

Scrum Masters are in high demand, and they earn competitive salaries. However, there are a number of things you can do to increase your earning potential as a Scrum Master.

• Gain more experience.

The more experience you have as a Scrum Master, the more valuable you will be to potential employers. As a result, you will be able to command a higher salary.

According to Glassdoor, the average Scrum Master salary in the US is $86,329 per year. However, Scrum Masters with 7+ years of experience earn an average of $127,721 per year.

• Work in a high-paying industry.

Scrum Masters in certain industries, such as tech and finance, typically earn more than those in other industries. For example, the average Scrum Master salary in the tech industry is $90,000 - $110,000 per year, while the average Scrum Master salary in the healthcare industry is $85,000 - $105,000 per year.

• Work in a high-cost-of-living city.

Scrum Masters in certain cities and states typically earn more than those in other areas. For example, the average Scrum Master salary in San Francisco, CA is $110,000 - $130,000 per year, while the average Scrum Master salary in other cities is $75,000 - $95,000 per year.

• Get certified.

Getting a Scrum Master certification is a great way to demonstrate your knowledge and skills to potential employers. According to Indeed, Scrum Masters with a CSM certification earn an average of 10% more than those without the certification.

• Develop additional skills.

In addition to Scrum Master skills, there are a number of other skills that can make you more valuable to potential employers and increase your earning potential. For example, skills in coaching, training, and consulting are all in high demand.

Quote:

"Scrum Masters who invest in their development and skills are more likely to earn higher salaries." - Ken Schwaber, co-creator of Scrum

Conclusion:

By following the tips above, you can increase your earning potential as a Scrum Master. Gaining more experience, working in a high-paying industry and location, getting certified, and developing additional skills are all great ways to boost your salary.

Additional tips:

Network with other Scrum Masters. Networking is a great way to learn about new opportunities and meet potential employers. Attend Scrum meetups and conferences, and connect with other Scrum Masters on LinkedIn.

Stay up-to-date on the latest Scrum trends and best practices. This will help you stay ahead of the curve and make you more valuable to potential employers. Read Scrum blogs, articles, and books, and attend Scrum training courses.

Be proactive and take on new challenges. If you want to earn a higher salary, you need to be proactive and take on new challenges. Volunteer to lead new projects, and be willing to learn new skills.

By following these tips, you can increase your chances of earning a higher salary as a Scrum Master.

6. Tips for Negotiating Your Scrum Master Salary

Negotiating your salary can be a daunting task, but it is important to remember that you have the power to advocate for yourself and get the salary you deserve.

Here are a few tips for negotiating your Scrum Master salary:

• Do your research: Before you start negotiating, research Scrum Master salaries in your area and industry. This will help you understand what a fair salary is. You can use websites like Glassdoor, PayScale, and Indeed to research salaries.
• Be confident: Believe in your worth and be confident in your negotiating skills. Remember that you are a valuable asset to any team, and you deserve to be compensated fairly.
• Be prepared to walk away: If you are not happy with the offer, be prepared to walk away from the negotiation. This shows that you are serious about getting a fair salary.

Quote:

"The best way to negotiate your salary is to be confident and prepared. Do your research, know your worth, and be prepared to walk away if you don't get what you deserve." - Sheryl Sandberg, COO of Meta

Conclusion

Scrum Masters are in high demand, and they earn competitive salaries. However, salary can vary depending on a number of factors, including experience, industry, and location.

If you are interested in increasing your Scrum Master salary, there are a few things you can do:

• Gain more experience.
• Work in a high-paying industry.
• Work in a high-cost-of-living city.
• Get certified.
• Develop additional skills, such as coaching, training, and consulting.
• And when it comes time to negotiate your salary, be confident, prepared, and willing to walk away if you don't get what you deserve.

7. Tips for Scrum Masters who are negotiating their salaries:

Have a realistic expectation of your salary: Do your research to understand the typical salary range for a Scrum Master with your experience and skills in your area. This will help you set a realistic goal for your negotiation.

• Be prepared to justify your salary: Be able to articulate your skills, experience, and accomplishments to your potential employer. Explain how you can help them achieve their business goals.
• Be flexible: Be willing to negotiate on both salary and other benefits, such as vacation time, work-from-home options, and professional development opportunities.
• Be professional and respectful: Even if the negotiations don't go your way, be professional and respectful to your potential employer.

By following these tips, you can increase your chances of negotiating a salary that you are happy with.

If you would like explore more about Agile Scrum Certification, click here to check out the Agile Scrum Certification Course.