In any job role, it’s vital to describe roles and responsibilities clearly. That way, everyone knows their expectations and can work together efficiently. The same is true for the parts of Scrum Master and Product Manager. While there is some overlap in duties, key differences set these two positions apart.
In this article, we’ll explore the similarities or differences between scrum masters and product managers, including what are the roles, salaries, and career paths of a scrum master Vs Product manager.
What is a Scrum Master?
A Scrum Master is a project management professional who helps keep a software development team organized and on track. They’re responsible for ensuring that the team adheres to the scrum methodology, a set of Agile software development guidelines.
These Scrum Masters play a big part in removing any obstacles that might prevent the team from being productive. They also act as a team coach and mentor, helping them improve their performance over time. The Scrum Master is responsible for resolving any conflicts that may arise within the team.
Scrum Masters are not a part of the decision-making process, but their experience allows them to guide the team through scrum easily. Scrum Masters are the glue that holds the project together, assisting with daily scrum meetings by acting as a go-between. The Scrum Master helps the team maintain their burndown chart and set up retrospectives, sprint reviews, and agile sprint planning sessions.
Key Roles of a Scrum Master
- Training the team in self-management and cross-functionality
- The Scrum Master helps the product manager by ensuring that everyone on the scrum team understands the goals, scope, and product domain.
- Keep project stakeholders updated about the current agile sprint and product development progress.
- Scrum Masters offer agile techniques and tools for product backlog management. A Scrum Master also helps scrum team members prioritize urgent user stories in the product backlog.
Scrum Master Career Path
The career path of a Scrum Master may lead to several lucrative vocations, businesses, and industries. With the right skills and attitude, your Scrum Master career can progress to become a Senior Scrum Master, Project Manager, Product Owner, Agile Coach, and Chief Information Officer (CIO), among others.
How to Become a Scrum Master?
A Scrum Master can be anyone with the knowledge and desire to help a team work more effectively. Many Scrum Masters have experience in project management, software development, or other related fields.
Some companies may require that candidates for the Scrum Master role have certification from a Scrum Alliance-approved training program. However, this is not always necessary. Many companies are more interested in whether or not the Scrum Master post candidate has a deep understanding of the scrum framework and how it can be applied to help teams achieve their goals.
What is a Product Manager?
A Product Manager is responsible for developing and managing products throughout their lifecycle. It includes everything from creativity, planning, and execution launch. Product managers work with a cross-functional development team to ensure that all aspects of the product are well coordinated.
Product managers are responsible for an entire team, setting project goals, and talking with stakeholders. The Product Manager is responsible for any project’s outcome, whether a marketing campaign, building construction, computer system development, or product launch.
Product managers typically have a background in business, marketing, or engineering. They use their skills to develop product strategies for bringing products to market and ensuring they are successful.
Key Roles of Product Managers
- Developing product strategy and roadmap
- Defining product requirements
- Working with a cross-functional development team and talking to stakeholders
- Overseeing the cost and sticking to a set budget
- Creating a schedule and making sure to stick to it
- Documenting the project’s progress
- Assessing risks and troubleshooting
Product Manager Career Path
Because there is no fixed product management career path to follow, it can be difficult to advance as a product manager. However, if you’re lucky and skilled enough, your career in product management can lead to several different job titles. It includes the Senior Product Manager, Director of Product Management, and Vice President of Product Management. With enough experience, you could even become the Chief Product Officer (CPO) of a company.
How to Become a Product Manager?
There is no one specific path to becoming a Prduct Manager. Often, people who become Product Managers have experience working on project teams in various roles. This experience can help a person understand how to organize and execute projects.
Some companies may require candidates for the Product Manager role certification from a training program. However, this is just a plus but not a requirement. Companies are more interested in the candidate’s experience and understanding of the Product management process.
Scrum Master Vs Product Manager Salary Comparison
Scrum Master
Entry-level Scrum Masters in the USA earn an average salary of $68,000 per year. Mid-career Scrum Masters earn an average of $100,000 yearly, while experienced Scrum Masters can earn up to $115,000 annually.
Product Manager
On average, a Product Manager in the United States earns $115,000 per year. Most salaries for this position range from $93,000 to $140,000 annually. Among the industries that offer the most compensation to a Product Manager are consulting, resources, aerospace, pharmaceuticals, and food and beverage.
To become effective in a role, knowing the responsibilities is crucial. Those people who do not clearly understand what they are responsible for will not be as effective as those who do.
Both the Scrum Master and Product Manager roles are essential in any organization. The positions require different skill sets and have different responsibilities. A Scrum Master is more focused on the process and ensuring that the team follows the scrum framework, while a Product Manager is responsible for developing and managing products and working with a development team.
A Product Manager cannot simply take on the responsibilities of a Scrum Master and vice versa. It is important to note that while both roles are important, they are not interchangeable, but they can always work together and support each other towards a common goal: the company’s success.
Is Scrum Master a stressful job?
The job of a Scrum Master can be stressful at times, but it is also gratifying. Scrum Masters need to be able to handle stress and be able to work with a team under pressure.
Is Scrum Master high in demand?
Yes, Scrum Masters are in high demand. Many organizations are looking for people with experience in Scrum to help them improve their processes and increase efficiency.
What companies pay Scrum Masters the most?
The industries that offer the most compensation to scrum masters are consulting, resources, aerospace, pharmaceuticals, and food and beverage.