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Project Management in the software development industry is challenging, but there are two well-defined and dedicated roles to handle this job. If you are new to Salesforce or the IT field, there’s a chance that you are wondering what” Scrum Master” or “Project Manager” means. You might know about these positions if you are currently working in this sector, but there is no doubt that these terms confuse beginners.
Thus, to avoid this confusion, we have prepared the difference between the Scrum Master vs Project Manager. Both roles are crucial for project management work, but to be an expert, you should know what differentiates one from another. So, let’s compare these two famous central figures of project development.
Who is a Scrum Master?
The Scrum Master is the individual who plans, manages, and implements the Scrum Framework in an organization. They guide the Scrum team by facilitating Scrum-specific activities such as sprint planning, retrospectives, and reviews. They instruct their subordinates on various concepts and aid their product owner in managing the product backlog. They help their team understand and apply Agile theories, principles, values, and practices.
“Scrum Framework“
“Scrum is a simple and lightweight framework that helps people to work more productively and creatively by delivering the highest possible value of products. By using this framework, organizations and teams now have the power to deal with complex adaptive problems so they can crush product backlog and generate real value.”
Responsibilities of a Scrum Master
There are several roles and responsibilities of Scrum Master, but they are mainly responsible for the daily standups, facilitating meetings, sprint planning, internal consulting, and retrospectives. Well, it includes multiple tasks that are mentioned below:
- Plan the sprint
- Daily Scrum Meeting
- Would manage the scrum process with proper attention
- Help the team to learn and adopt Scrum principles
- Please help the project product Owner and coach them properly
- Assist the teams with rapid work
- Monitor the sprint progress
- Promote team discussions
- Motivate the Scrum team
- The team that ties up in hard times
- Clear the way and allow your people to do their jobs
- Assistance with clearing the product backlog
- Prepare for the upcoming sprint to design product backlog items
- To remove distractions from their colleagues.
- Shares the record and helps to improve team dynamics.
Who is a Project Manager?
A Project Manager is responsible for looking through all project stages, which begin from initiation and end in closure. While a Scrum Master is Agile trained, Project Managers can work with different methodologies such as Agile (with or without certification), Waterfall, or other hybrid approaches. The Project Manager is related to a more traditional role. They plan and execute projects, typically rendering upon specified criteria for scope, timeline, and budget execution with closed outcomes.
Responsibilities of a Project Manager
Project managers are professionals who coordinate teams to complete projects on time, within budget, and according to their objectives. They are frequently entrusted with leading meetings, developing schedules, managing budgets, liaising with team members and stakeholders, and managing risks. The roles and responsibilities of Project Manager include:
- Define project scope and goals.
- Creating a budget and timetable
- Developing a communication plan
- Managing Risk
- Maintaining regular communication with stakeholders.
Difference Between Scrum Master and Project Manager
Let’s highlight some key differences between Scrum Master and Project Manager:
| Basis | Scrum Master | Project Manager |
| Primary Focus | Facilitates Scrum processes and team collaboration. | Manages overall project scope, timeline, and budget. |
| Methodology | Works within the Scrum framework (Agile). | Can work with various methodologies (Agile, Waterfall, etc.). |
| Role in Decision-Making | Guides and coaches the team; decisions are made collaboratively. | Makes strategic decisions and manages project direction. |
| Team Interaction | Focuses on empowering and supporting the development team. | Manages the team and coordinates with stakeholders and clients. |
| Scope of Responsibility | Ensures the team follows Agile practices and removes impediments. | Oversees the entire project lifecycle from start to finish. |
| Key Meetings | Facilitates Scrum ceremonies (stand-ups, sprint planning). | Conducts project planning, progress reviews, and stakeholder meetings. |
| Risk Management | Helps the team manage risks by removing obstacles. | Directly responsible for identifying and mitigating project risks. |
| Documentation | Minimal, focuses on essential artifacts like Sprint Backlogs. | Extensive including project plans, reports, and documentation. |
| Success Metrics | Success is measured by team productivity and adherence to Scrum. | Success is measured by project completion on time, within scope, and budget. |
Scrum Master vs. Project Managers: Salaries
Scrum Master Salary:
- In the USA, the average salary for a Scrum Master ranges from $110,000 to $135,000 per year, with experienced professionals potentially earning more depending on industry and location.
- In India, Scrum Masters earn an average salary of ₹11,40,000 to ₹22,00,000 per year, with additional bonuses and compensation pushing the total higher in some cases.
Project Manager Salary:
- In the USA, Project Managers earn between $100,000 and $140,000 annually. Those managing large or complex projects, especially in tech-heavy industries, often command higher salaries.
- Project Managers in India can expect to earn between ₹17,00,000 and ₹30,00,000 annually, depending on the complexity of the projects and the sector they work in.
Certifications for Scrum Masters and Project Managers
Certifications can enhance your career opportunities in both roles, providing you with recognized credentials that showcase your skills and knowledge.
Scrum Master Certifications
Here are two top certifications that can convert you into an authorized Scrum Master. There is also a thorough overview of the highest-paying Scrum certifications.
- Certified ScrumMaster (CSM): The CSM, provided by the Scrum Alliance, is the most frequently referenced Scrum credential in job listings across three job search sites. To obtain certification, you must complete a course and pass an exam.
- Professional Scrum Master (PSM): Scrum.org also offers this certification, and it confirms your understanding of Scrum principles and practices.
Project Manager Certifications:
- Project Management Professional (PMP): This is the most widely recognized certification in project management offered by PMI, the Project Management Institute. You require at least three years of experience in project management to qualify for this certification exam.
- Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM): PMI also offers this and can help you jumpstart your career as a project manager. To take the certification exam, you must have a secondary degree (high school diploma or equivalent) and 23 hours of project management training.
Tips to Become a Scrum Master or Project Manager
If you aspire to become a Scrum Master or a Project Manager, you can follow these outstanding tips mentioned below:
1. Gain Prior Experience
It would be better for you to gain experience before pursuing these job roles in the industry. You can earn experience through internships, voluntary work, and jobs, but you must gain practical experience while handling projects on the Agile development team.
2. Become a Certified Professional
If you want to pursue your career in the field of Project management or wish to master the Scrum Framework, you must get certifications like CAPM, PMP, PSM, or CSM. Getting these certifications will surely enhance your job prospects in the future.
3. Build Soft Skills
Hands-on experience will improve your technical skills as a Scrum Master or Project Manager in product development. Still, soft skills are equally crucial to becoming a great team leader. You need to learn some soft skills such as leadership, problem-solving, and good communication skills because they are vital for both job roles.
Summing Up
Lastly, it is better to conclude that a Scrum Master and Project Manager are crucial for successful project development. Both these roles look similar but have huge differences from the ones we already mentioned in the above paragraph. One thing is clear: the Scrum Master is the one responsible for managing the internal teams that use the Scrum Framework.
On the other hand, Project managers are responsible for handling the overall project dealings, including managing resources, analyzing risks, and communicating with stakeholders or clients. Whether you wish to become a Project Manager or a Scrum Master, you must understand the critical differences between these roles.
