what is a scrum master?
As a scrum master, you oversee the development and scrum teams. Your knowledge of the Agile methodology and Scrum framework helps you coach and educate others. Scrum is an innovative project management methodology and a subset of Agile methods. In Scrum methodology, creative teams work on projects in steps and release products or updates in small increments. As a scrum master, you are not just a leader but a coach who ensures high productivity and fast project turnovers.
Since you mainly work on projects with undefined solutions, the process involves a lot of back-and-forth feedback from clients and users. That means you guide scrum teams in iterative sprints, enabling them to handle various operating parts of the project and speed up production. Initially, scrum masters only worked with software development teams in which the needs of users and product features change frequently. Nowadays, you can work in any industry that deals with short timelines and multiple projects. For instance, you can work for a manufacturing, marketing or consulting agency.
As a scrum master, you require exceptional interpersonal skills since you act as the coach of your team. Communication skills are also useful in engaging teams and helping navigate obstacles during the project.
Would working as a scrum master suit your active listening and interpersonal skills? Then read on to find out what competencies and qualifications you need to thrive in a scrum master role.
scrum master rolesaverage scrum master salary
According to Job Bank, a scrum master receives an average salary of $124,837 per year or $64.02 hourly. Due to the high demand for the role, even entry-level positions attract high salaries. When you first start, you earn $123,020 per year. As you improve your skills and experience, your remuneration increases up to $132,954 annually.
how to increase your earnings as the scrum master
As a scrum master, your salary depends on qualifications, skills and experience. When you are new to the role, you are likely to take home a lower salary due to having minimal expertise. However, improving your qualifications and experience boosts your skills, so you can negotiate a higher salary.
The industry you work in and the projects you manage also influence your earnings. When you are in charge of multiple project teams, your responsibilities double up, increasing your earning potential. Complex projects require additional expertise and pay more than smaller projects. Working in technology or software development also has higher earning potential.
The location can also affect your earning potential. For instance, scrum masters working in Quebec, Nova Scotia and Ontario have higher salaries compared to other regions, such as British Columbia.
types of scrum masters
The type of scrum master depends on the level of certifications. Some of them include:
- certified scrum masters: when you want to move into a scrum master role, take up a certification to help you understand the scrum framework. Certification shows you understand and can implement the scrum framework in the workplace.
- professional scrum masters: as a professional scrum master, you have the initial certification and a fundamental understanding of scrum principles. You can manage large development teams.
working as a scrum master
If you enjoy managing teams and projects, consider becoming a scrum master. Here are the tasks and work environments of scrum masters.
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what does a scrum master do?
Some of the tasks of a scrum master include:
- planning the scrum process: as a scrum master, you facilitate the scrum process and ensure the team follows it. For instance, you conduct scrum ceremonies necessary for project teams. You organize sprints for project teams, daily stand-ups and sprint reviews to ensure the projects are on track. From the planning stage, you ensure you have the right strategies to maintain the team's momentum.
- removing obstacles: as a scrum master, you ensure the scrum team has everything it needs to deliver value. That means you remove any obstacles and impediments affecting the project. For instance, you identify technical issues and ensure they are resolved. You also check the team dynamics to ensure collaboration.
- coaching team members: as a scrum master, your job involves onboarding new staff to the Agile processes. You are responsible for coaching teams on scrum practices and principles. For instance, you help the team to self-organize and continuously improve your processes. The initial coaching ensures the team can self-manage. As a scrum master, you lead the scrum process and do not micromanage team members. Hence, they should understand their roles.
- minimizing distractions in the workplace: as a scrum master, you should be vigilant in identifying daily distractions that hinder progress. You also handle external distractions to ensure the team can focus on their work.
- facilitating communication: as a scrum master, you are responsible for maintaining information flow. You relay information from stakeholders or product owners and facilitate clear team communication. You help the product owner maintain product backlogs and gather updates from daily stand-up meetings. Clear communications ensure regular feedback on the project's progress.
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work environment of a scrum master
As a scrum master, you work in various industries, from technology to manufacturing companies. The work environment of a scrum master often depends on the company you work for. For instance, in information technology (IT), you work with software development teams. You spend the day on your computer monitoring the work progress of the teams. You also hold brainstorming sessions or meetings to update the scrum team on the progress of the projects. In manufacturing, you sometimes work on the production floor managing the project teams.
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who are your colleagues?
Scrum masters work alongside various professionals, depending on the industry they work in. When you work in IT, your colleagues include business systems analysts, software engineers and developers. You often work alongside HR managers, digital marketing coordinators and accounting technicians. You may also work with systems analysts and project managers.
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scrum master work schedule
As a scrum master, you have a full-time schedule that runs through the traditional office hours. That means you work weekdays, from 9 am to 5 pm, with occasional overtime hours when you're running behind schedule. Sometimes, you work weekends to complete urgent projects or supervise teams for companies operating 24/7. Part-time scrum master roles are also available, and you can work on a contract basis.
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career opportunities as a scrum master
Scrum masters have promising career opportunities, especially in technology and manufacturing companies. You also have exciting opportunities for career growth. For instance, you can become a project manager or a product manager. As a scrum master, you know the production process or manufacturing techniques. Hence, you can become an independent consultant after achieving several years of experience.
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advantages of finding a job as a scrum master through randstad
Working with Randstad offers you a range of benefits.
- always a contact person you can fall back on and ask for help from
- many training opportunities
- a range of jobs in your area
scrum master skills and education
There are no educational requirements for scrum masters, but you require prior knowledge of the scrum process. Some of the routes to becoming a scrum master include:
- scrum certification course: the first step to becoming a scrum master is understanding the Agile methodology. Learn about the scrum framework to gain foundational knowledge. Check out the resources on the Scrum Alliance. When you have a certification, you can seek internship opportunities.
- experience: as a scrum master, you require experience working in scrum teams. The knowledge you gain helps you supervise other workers in the scrum teams.
competencies and characteristics of scrum masters
Some of the skills of scrum masters include:
- interpersonal skills: as a scrum master, you require exceptional interpersonal skills. You are responsible for guiding and coaching the scrum team. Hence, your communication skills help you coach team members to navigate obstacles at work. You also require active listing skills to engage with the workers.
- adaptability: as a scrum master, you work in diverse environments. It is crucial to be adaptive to the changing work environments. Your flexibility also helps you handle various obstacles when working on projects.
- emotional intelligence: as a scrum master, emotional intelligence helps you understand the emotions of those around you. Your ability to manage your emotions during conflicts can positively impact your development team.
- influential: as a scrum master, you guide multiple teams toward completing sprints or projects. For instance, you ensure the team achieves specific milestones and deliverables. Your ability to motivate stakeholders and multiple groups helps you manage the progress of the projects. You also have strong leadership skills since you guide other team members.
- observation skills: as a scrum master, you are in charge of a development team. You should pay attention to team members' challenges during the project. Your observation skills also help you understand each team member's contribution in sprint sessions.
FAQs
Here, you will find the answers to the most frequently asked questions about the profession of a scrum master.
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how much do scrum masters earn in Canada?
As a scrum master, you earn an average salary of $124,837 per year. The earnings of scrum masters usually depend on the area of specialization and level of qualification. When you are new in the role, you are likely to earn a lower salary. Entry-level positions usually pay $123,020 yearly, while experienced scrum masters take home over $132,954 annually.
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what kind of scrum master roles can I get?
As a scrum master, you have exciting career paths to pursue aside from being a facilitator. For instance, you can become an Agile coach, product owner or project manager. Scrum masters also explore careers in their preferred fields of interest. For instance, if you work in manufacturing, pursue scrum master roles in manufacturing.
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what does a scrum master do?
As a scrum master, you empower the development team to complete projects. You remove the impediments and obstacles, ensuring the creation of innovative products. You also empower the team to make decisions and manage their work activities. As a scrum master, you are the master of sprint planning, reviewing and analyzing daily retrospectives.
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do scrum masters need to know how to code?
As a scrum master, you require knowledge of the scrum framework. That means you don't need to know how to code, but having working knowledge of development processes doesn't hurt. Technical expertise is not necessary since you facilitate a collaborative work environment.
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is scrum master an IT job?
Strict educational requirements are not required to become a scrum master. However, if you work with software development teams, you should have a good understanding of IT. A bachelor's degree in IT or business administration improves your chances of finding a scrum master job.
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how do I find a job as a scrum master?
Finding a job near you as a scrum master is easy. Search our job offers. Have you found what you're looking for? Then submit your application using the 'Apply' button top right on the page. No jobs available right now? Send us your resume, and we'll pass it on to a recruiter who will contact you if an opportunity opens up for you.
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