How Much Do Scrum Masters Make

If you’re considering a career as a Scrum Master, you may wonder: How much do Scrum Masters make? 

Here’s the deal: Scrum Masters play a pivotal role in agile teams, guiding them to achieve smooth project execution by removing obstacles and fostering collaboration.

Their expertise is a game-changer across industries, and their salaries reflect the value they bring. 

A recent report reveals that the median Scrum Master daily rate in the UK is £475, according to job vacancies posted in the 6 months leading up to 27 January 2025

Now, salaries for Scrum Masters can vary based on experience, location, and industry. 

For instance, a beginner Scrum Master might start with a decent paycheck, but experienced professionals often see six-figure salaries. 

Think about it: industries like tech, finance, and healthcare always seek agile pros who can drive results.

The bottom line? If you’re passionate about agile practices and team leadership, becoming a Scrum Master isn’t just rewarding, it’s also lucrative.

Keep reading to uncover how your skills and location can impact your earnings.

Average Salary for Scrum Masters

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What kind of paycheck can you expect as a Scrum Master? Let’s dive into the details.

Scrum Master Salary Overview

If you’re wondering how much Scrum Masters makes, you’re in the right place. The average scrum master’s salary can vary greatly depending on location, experience, and industry. 

A reliable job source reports that the estimated total pay for a Scrum Master is $149,115 per year, with an average salary of $114,681.

Let me explain. In correspondence with Fynd’s analysis, in the United States, entry-level Scrum Masters often start at around $70,000 per year. With a few years of experience, you could see your pay jump from $90,000 to $120,000. 

In high-demand areas like Silicon Valley, Glassdoor reports that experienced professionals can earn as much as $130,000-$173,000 annually.

But wait, there’s more! In the UK, the story is slightly different. An online survey reveals that Scrum Masters earn between £45,000 and £65,000 annually, depending on where they work. 

London-based Scrum Masters often command higher salaries due to the city’s higher cost of living and intense demand for tech talent.

To sum it up, whether in the US or the UK, the salary for a Scrum Master offers a lucrative and rewarding career path. 

But what factors influence these numbers? Let’s find out.

Factors That Influence Scrum Master Salaries

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So, what determines how much a Scrum Master can make? Several key factors can influence your paycheck. Here’s the scoop:

Salary Breakdown by Experience

Experience is one of the most significant factors in determining a Scrum Master’s salary. Here’s how the pay evolves as you progress in your career:

Entry-Level Scrum Masters

Are you just starting your journey as a Scrum Master? The good news is that the salary potential is promising, even at the entry-level. 

So, how much do Scrum Masters make when they’re just beginning? On average, professionals with less than two years of experience can earn between $70,000 and $85,000 annually in the United States.

But here’s the thing: location matters. For example, in smaller markets or regions where demand for Scrum Masters is growing but still developing, starting salaries might be closer to $65,000. 

On the other hand, if you live in tech-savvy areas like the West Coast or significant metropolitan hubs, you’ll likely see offers at the higher end of that range, around $85,000.

What does this mean for you? Even if you’re new, your foundational knowledge of Agile practices and frameworks positions you as a valuable asset to companies eager to adopt these methodologies. 

Obtaining basic certifications, such as the Certified ScrumMaster (CSM), can also boost your salary and make you stand out in the job market.

The Bottom Line:

As an entry-level Scrum Master, you’re already starting a lucrative career with excellent growth opportunities. Ready to see how far you can go? Let’s move on to the next phase…

Mid-Career Scrum Masters

After you’ve spent 3-5 years honing your skills, your earning potential skyrockets. So, how much do Scrum Masters make at this stage?

 Mid-career Scrum Masters typically earn between $90,000 and $120,000 annually, depending on their certifications, industry specialisation, and location.

Here’s why: By this stage, you’ve likely built a solid track record of facilitating sprints, resolving conflicts, and driving teams toward success.

Companies are willing to pay a premium for your expertise—especially if you’ve earned advanced certifications like the Advanced Certified ScrumMaster (A-CSM) or Certified Scrum Professional (CSP). 

For instance, salaries in high-demand sectors like software development or finance can easily exceed $120,000.

Now, let’s talk about location. Your earning potential will be even higher if you’re based in tech-centric regions like Silicon Valley or New York City. These areas are known for offering high-paying Scrum Master jobs to attract top-tier talent.

Key Takeaway:

If you’ve reached the mid-career mark, it’s the perfect time to consider industry specialisation or certification upgrades. These steps can help you climb the salary ladder and land the opportunities you’ve been eyeing.

Senior Scrum Masters

Here’s where things get exciting: Senior Scrum Masters with over five years of experience are at the top of the Scrum Master salary range. So, how much do Scrum Masters make at this level? 

In the US, salaries can exceed $130,000, with some professionals earning as much as $160,000 or more in high-demand areas like Silicon Valley or Boston.

Why such high pay? It’s simple: by now, you’ve become an Agile expert. 

You’re not just facilitating Scrum ceremonies—you’re likely mentoring junior team members, leading large-scale Agile transformations, or even stepping into Agile coaching roles. 

These additional responsibilities justify the premium pay.

And certifications? They’re still critical. Suppose you’ve earned high-level credentials like the Certified Scrum Trainer (CST) or certifications in complementary frameworks like SAFe (Scaled Agile Framework). 

In that case, you’re in a prime position for top-tier roles and salaries.

Salary by Industry

Want to know how your industry impacts your earning potential? Let’s break it down.

Scrum Master in Technology and Software Development

In tech-heavy industries, where agile frameworks are the norm, Scrum Masters are in high demand. As a result, salaries in these sectors tend to be higher.

For example, a Scrum Master working in Silicon Valley or other tech hubs can earn between $100,000 and $150,000 annually, depending on experience and certifications. Roles in software development or IT also offer additional perks like bonuses, stock options, and remote work opportunities.

In a nutshell, the salary for Scrum Masters in tech can vary based on the organisation’s capacity. 

Scrum Masters in Non-Tech Industries

While Scrum Masters are often associated with tech, their skills are valuable in non-tech industries like healthcare, finance, and manufacturing. Salaries in these sectors typically range from $80,000 to $110,000 annually, depending on the organisation and its agile maturity level.

For instance, in healthcare, Scrum Masters help streamline processes, ensuring teams deliver projects that improve patient outcomes. While the pay might not match tech-level salaries, it’s still competitive.

Certifications and Their Impact on Salary

Do certifications matter? Absolutely. Here’s how they can impact your paycheck:

Certified ScrumMaster (CSM)

The CSM certification is one of the most recognised credentials in the field. Scrum Masters with a CSM certification often earn a 10-20% salary boost, as it validates their understanding of Scrum principles and ability to facilitate teams effectively.

For example, if an entry-level Scrum Master without certification earns $70,000, obtaining a CSM could increase their salary from $77,000 to $84,000.

Other Relevant Certifications

Certifications like the Professional Scrum Master (PSM), SAFe Agile Certification, and Agile Coaching certifications can further enhance your earning potential. Advanced certifications often lead to roles with greater responsibility, such as Agile coach or team lead, which command higher salaries.

For instance, a senior Scrum Master with SAFe certification might earn over $140,000 annually in tech-heavy industries.

See Also: Why Career Progression Is Important

See Also: Why You Are Struggling to Find a Job in the UK After Graduation

Salary by Location

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Geography plays a massive role in determining how much you can earn as a Scrum Master. Let’s explore the numbers.

Scrum Master Salaries in the US

In the United States, salaries vary widely depending on the region.

• Silicon Valley: Due to the high demand for tech professionals, Scrum Masters can earn up to $160,000 annually.
• Midwest: In regions with lower costs of living, salaries range from $90,000 to $110,000.
• East Coast: Cities like New York and Boston offer salaries between $120,000 and $150,000 for experienced professionals.

Scrum Master Salaries in the UK

In the UK, salaries also depend on location. Scrum Masters in London typically earn between £55,000 and £65,000, reflecting the higher cost of living and demand in the capital. In other regions, salaries range from £45,000 to £55,000.

For example, a Scrum Master working in Manchester might earn around £50,000, while those in Edinburgh could see similar figures due to Scotland’s growing tech presence.

Final Thoughts

So, how much do Scrum Masters make? The answer depends on your experience, certifications, industry, and location. 

Whether you’re just starting or looking to advance your career, this field offers competitive salaries and many growth opportunities. 

RKY Careers offers the best certification and hands-on training to help you take your job from scratch to the highest level. The best part is that our certification is globally recognised, and our practical training is industry-relevant. 

If you’re considering a career as a Scrum Master, you don’t want to miss out on the information and support available at RKY. Check it out today!

FAQs

What factors can cause a Scrum Master’s salary to vary?

Experience, location, certifications, and industry are the primary factors. For example, a certified Scrum Master in a tech hub will likely earn more than an uncertified one in a non-tech industry.

How much does certification influence a Scrum Master’s earning potential?

Certifications like CSM or PSM can boost salaries by 10-20%, making them a worthwhile investment for career growth.

Are Scrum Masters paid more in tech or non-tech industries?

Scrum Masters in tech industries typically earn higher salaries due to the high demand for agile software development and IT practices.

Can Scrum Masters earn bonuses or additional compensation beyond their salary?

Many Scrum Masters receive bonuses, stock options, or additional perks, especially in high-demand industries like tech.