In the IT industry, Scrum masters and project managers play an important role in project management and job productivity. Scrum masters are responsible for ensuring that their teams adhere to all Scrum principles and work in accordance with them. On the other hand, project managers are in charge of managing every aspect of the project, including the budget and all potential hazards. There are numerous differences between a standard project manager and a scrum master in terms of operational methodologies, skills, techniques, duties, and leadership.
This guide offers thorough information on the differences between the project manager vs Scrum master, along with similarities.
Who is a Scrum Master?
A Scrum Master is a specialist who primarily guides a team through the project using Agile project management methodologies. As a result, Scrum masters are involved in the completion of tasks from the projected work backlog. They also assist in overseeing team member participation and communication and ensure that projects of the highest caliber are completed.
What is The Role of a Scrum Master?
They are primarily responsible for planning and executing the Scrum methodology. The scrum master guides the scrum team by facilitating certain scrum-related events such as sprint planning and review. They are in charge of training their subordinates on a variety of concepts, as well as assisting their product owner in managing the product backlog. Moreover, the scrum master aids in the comprehension of Agile principles, practices, values, and guidelines.
Who are Project Managers?
A project manager is a specialist who plans, coordinates and carries out projects while adhering to budgets and timelines. Project managers are primarily in charge of overseeing teams, determining the scope of projects, and interacting and working with stakeholders. A project manager must possess a variety of abilities, including communication, organization, scheduling, and planning.
What is the Role of a Project Manager?
As an employee, a project manager’s primary responsibility is to manage the company’s business operations. Project managers are the company’s leaders who oversee business needs and resources on a regular basis. They specify the project’s scope, budget, and associated risks. They can address any risks that may arise during the course of the project. As a result, project managers assist in producing high-quality projects, keeping track of timetables, and working with managers and stakeholders.
Scrum Master vs Project Manager
The skills required to succeed in both roles overlap, which is one of the reasons they are frequently mistaken for one another. For example, project managers and Scrum Masters need to be well organized and have excellent communication skills, but they employ these abilities differently.
Let’s explore the differences between the scrum Master vs. Project Manager:
| Features | Scrum Master (SM) | Project Manager (PM) |
| Core Focus | The Scrum Team members are the Scrum Master’s primary priority. | The smooth completion of the project is the project manager’s primary goal. |
| Risks | Removes risks quickly and frequently, allowing Scrum Team members to go forward. | The Project Manager must keep the risks connected with the specific project in mind. |
| Role | Serving as a facilitator for the team, the Scrum Master is a servant leader. | The project manager serves as the project’s single point of contact and acts as the leader. |
| Applicable industry | Scrum Masters operate in a variety of industries, including software development, the IT and non-IT sectors, manufacturing, construction, etc. | Project managers are prepared to work on projects of any kind and in any industry sector. |
| Key Responsibilities | Leads the education and coaching of the Scrum Team and stakeholders about Scrum. Facilitates so that the developers can add additional value to the product. | Ensure that all components of the project are properly managed and within acceptable bounds. Balance stakeholder expectations and the project’s goals. |
| Key Tasks | The Scrum Master is responsible for removing impediments, facilitating Scrum events, resolving conflicts, and so on. | The project manager manages multiple projects concurrently. The following knowledge areas are within the purview of PM: human resource management, scope management, resource management, quality management, integration, time management, cost management, and quality management. |
| Flexibility in job Roles | SMs work in an Agile framework called Scrum, which implies that while adhering to the Scrum principles and standards, they can adopt additional techniques that provide value. | PMs have greater flexibility in their responsibilities since they have the freedom to choose the best method and tailor it to their needs. |
| Skills | SM must be an outstanding team coach, mentor, instructor, facilitator, promoter, activator, and supporter. | All of the leadership skills that a PM needs include effective communication, decision-making, negotiation, and motivation. |
| Expertise | SM should be an effective coach with a deep understanding of Scrum. | To successfully plan, create, implement, and deliver projects, a project manager needs to be qualified and skilled. |
| Certifying Body | You must be a Scrum Alliance Certified Scrum Master (CSM). | PMs must hold certificates from Axelos or PMI.org, such as PMP or PRINCE2. |
Let’s explore the differences in detail.
Method of Operation
The two are fundamentally different in the way they approach projects. Project managers can choose the framework or methodology they want to use to manage their projects. The most conventional approach is the Waterfall methodology, which is still in use today. According to research conducted by The Project Management Institute (PMI), 56% of organizations polled employ Waterfall in project management, with the remaining 19% utilizing a hybrid approach that includes Waterfall components.
Scrum Masters, on the other hand, are Agile specialists who only work with Scrum projects. This implies they don’t manage projects but rather serve as a guide or coach for teams as they go through the Scrum process.
Team Size
A small team that is constantly in communication with one another is an important aspect of Scrum methodology. Each Scrum team will have a development team, typically consisting of no more than ten individuals, a product owner, and a Scrum Master.
There are no restrictions on how many people can be on a project manager’s team or how many projects they can oversee at once. A crew of 50 or more will be needed for some projects, while only 5 or 6 individuals may be needed for others.
Project Goals
The primary distinction between a Scrum Master and a project manager really comes down to their objectives.
The purpose of project managers is to complete projects on schedule and within budget. They manage risks, set up communication strategies and timetables, and conduct meetings in order to do this. Their team is one component of the greater picture.
A Scrum Master’s purpose is to focus on the process and the team rather than the project. They ensure that all employees receive adequate training in Agile methodologies and concentrate on mentoring Scrum teams to ensure timely project completion.
Similarities Between Scrum Masters and Project Managers
There are numerous significant distinctions between Scrum masters and project managers in terms of roles, abilities, and skill sets. However, there are many similarities between these two job career paths.
Goal of Delivering Successful Projects
Ultimately, both Scrum masters and project managers are concerned with making sure the project is successful. The main goal of each of these positions is to guide their teams to successfully and economically accomplish project goals.
Their methods may differ greatly, but the end goal is always the same.
Leadership and Team Management
Although their roles and responsibilities may differ, both project managers and scrum masters must be capable, strong leaders.
These two professionals are in charge of leading their teams, encouraging teamwork, and making sure that everyone on the team is motivated and productive.
Communication Skills
Both of these professions require constant communication with team members about expectations and critical information. Therefore, having excellent communication skills is essential for both the Scrum master and project manager positions.
It is much more important for project managers to have outstanding communication abilities. Project managers usually communicate not just with the team but also with clients, agency executives, and project stakeholders.
The project manager is responsible for keeping everyone updated on the status of the project, soliciting their opinions, and making sure they stay involved and supportive during the whole duration of the project.
Problem-solving Abilities
Project managers and Scrum masters both require strong problem-solving abilities. When problems and challenges emerge, they have to recognize the problem as soon as possible and come up with a workable solution.
For project managers, this may entail handling modification requests, overcoming financial limitations, and avoiding project schedule delays. For Scrum masters, this can mean handling internal issues and removing obstacles that impede the Scrum team.
In any case, a crucial prerequisite for both project management positions is the capacity to recognize problems and find quick, efficient solutions.
Risk Management
Risk management is an important aspect of the job for both project managers and Scrum masters. Proactive risk management is necessary both to avoid project failure and delays.
When it comes to risk management, project managers typically use a more comprehensive strategy. In contrast, Scrum masters concentrate on recognizing and resolving risks that emerge throughout the Scrum team’s daily activities.
Which Role is Right for You?
The decision between becoming a Scrum master or a project manager is based on your desired career path, interests, and skill set. A job as a Scrum master might be something you want to pursue if you want to work in information technology.
If you would rather collaborate with a team than lead one, this might be the perfect position for you. Consider pursuing a career in project management if you’re not sure which sector is best for you. In this line of work, you can also start off as a project coordinator, which will allow you to gain some experience without committing fully.
Scrum Master vs Project Manager Salary
Naturally, the job descriptions of Scrum Masters and project managers differ, as do their pay scales. It’s crucial to remember that factors like education, geography, and experience level—including certifications held—have a significant impact on the pay breakdowns for each role.
| Role | Low End | High End | U.S. Average |
| Scrum Master | ~$70,000 | ~$155,000 | ~$110,000 |
| Project Manager | ~$65,000 | ~$160,000 | ~$105,000 |
These figures reflect common industry insights where Scrum Masters, especially in agile-heavy industries, may command slightly higher averages due to the specialized nature of the role.
Certifications for Scrum Masters and Project Managers
One excellent method to broaden your expertise and raise your pay is to become professionally certified as a project manager or Scrum Master. Generally speaking, qualified professionals in both project management and Scrum management earn far higher compensation. qualified Scrum Masters typically earn 44% more than certified project managers, and PMP-certified project managers typically earn 25% more.
Although there are many organizations that offer certification for both professions, the following are some of the more well-known:
For Project Managers
- Professional in Project Management (PPM)
- Project Management Professional (PMP)
- Program Manager Professional (PgMP)
- Associate in Project Management (APM)
- BVOP Certified Project Manager
- Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)
For Scrum Masters
- Advanced Certified ScrumMaster (A-CSM)
- Certified ScrumMaster (CSM)
- Certified Scrum Professional Product Owner (CSP-PO)
- Certified Scrum Professional ScrumMaster (CSP-SM)
- Certified Scrum Developer (CSD)
- Professional Scrum Developer
- Professional Scrum Master (PSM)
Tips for Project Managers Collaborating with Scrum Masters
- When necessary, ask outcome-focused questions and communicate often.
- Work together and schedule frequent meetings to stay up to date on team advancements and project updates.
- Examine the Scrum Masters position from the perspective of a “curious scientist” by keeping an open mind and asking questions about how you might support their leadership success.
- Recognize the time and deadline to reduce disruptions to the sprint commitment.
Tips for Scrum Masters Collaborating With Project Managers
- As the team needs change, be open and honest about the availability and capabilities of your resources.
- Maintain open channels of communication and keep asking how you can best assist the project manager in achieving the objectives of the project.
- Notify the project manager of any delays, changes, or occurrences of Scrum events, including the sprint features that will be discussed.
- In order to allow the project manager to independently traverse the system for status updates and details released, set up project boards, tales, and epic numbers and share access.
Become a Scrum Master or Project Manager
Maybe you’re a project manager who wants to be a Scrum Master, or maybe both roles are new to you. Regardless of where you are, here are some pointers for how to succeed in any capacity.
Take a Course
If you’re new to project management or Scrum, enrolling in an online or in-person course can help you learn the basics. Check your local community college for in-person choices. To master the fundamentals of Scrum and project management, sign up for an online course such as Google Project Management: Professional Certificate.
Build Experience
Experience in the real world can teach you a lot. Consider adding aspects of your ideal position to your current position. Look for projects that you can assist with planning or carrying out, such as streamlining a procedure in your present workflow. It can also be beneficial to approach your manager and express your interest in Scrum or project management.
Get Certified
Obtaining a certification might teach you a lot about your desired position. Additionally, certificates can demonstrate to employers your degree of proficiency, which is quite advantageous if you lack a lot of relevant experience, as well as your dedication to study. Scrum certifications such as the PSM I or CSM should be considered by aspiring Scrum Masters. An entry-level certification in project management is the CAPM.
The Bottom Line
This is our in-depth guide on Scrum Master vs Project Manager. Both positions have a lot of credibility within a company. While the Scrum Master lends credibility to the Scrum Framework, the Project Manager adds credibility to each stakeholder associated with the project under consideration. Since both Scrum Master and Project Manager have important roles to perform in the business, the dispute between them is not a comparison of two similar roles.
The role of an SM is more like that of a coach and facilitator, whereas that of a PM is more like that of a leader. Before selecting one role over another, you should carefully consider your personal interests and likes. Each role requires a different set of skills. To make the best decision, you must take into account the requirements and qualifications for each position as well as your suitability for each.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Scrum Master a good career?
Being a Scrum Master will help you receive great growth possibilities and high-paying offers. For seasoned team managers, it’s a fantastic career choice. These abilities will enable you to work with more difficult teams or to become a manager, product owner, and mentor.
What’s an Agile project manager?
The technical team is led by an Agile project manager who uses essential techniques to propel the business. They have extensive expertise and are in charge of providing top-notch technical solutions on schedule. They take the lead in every stage of product development, from discovery to launch.
What’s a product owner?
A product owner is in charge of establishing user stories and building a product backlog for each Scrum team. As the main point of contact for the customer in order to determine the product requirements for the development team, a product owner guarantees the success of a project under Scrum.
