Scrum Master Salary: Your 2026 Guide

Key takeaways

Scrum Masters earn a lucrative salary in the US. Below are some important facts to know:

• The median annual total pay for a Scrum Master is $126,000, according to Glassdoor [1].

• Top-paying skills for Scrum Masters include program management, Agile software development, professional coaching, and software development management.

• You can gain the foundational knowledge needed for the Scrum Master role by obtaining a bachelor’s degree in computer science. 

Learn more about a Scrum Master salary and job role. Afterward, if you’re ready to level up your project management skills, consider enrolling in the Google Project Management Professional Certificate. Beginner-friendly, this program covers the foundations of Agile project management, with a focus on implementing Scrum events.

What is a Scrum Master?

A Scrum Master facilitates the flow of information between members of a Scrum team in a leadership role. Scrum is a framework for team collaboration and project management. Like a group of musicians performing in a band, Scrum empowers teams to collaborate, learn from past performances, and adjust their rhythm. 

Providing guidance and support throughout the software development lifecycle, a Scrum Master fulfills the role of a facilitator, mentor, and coach for the Scrum team. Scrum-based software development, centered on Agile methodology, comprises three pivotal roles: product owner, Scrum Master, and development team.

As an intermediary between the development team and the product owner, a Scrum Master assists with the following tasks:

• Manage and allocate resources for each sprint

• Identify and address any gaps in the Agile framework

• Coordinate and facilitate training sessions for the team when implementing new technologies

• Resolve conflicts and handle issues that may arise within the team

Did you know?

In 2020, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) of the United States released an Agile Assessment Guide with the aim of assisting federal agencies in implementing, executing, and overseeing Agile programs [2]. The guide was revised and reissued in December 2023 and is available for public use [3].

What is the average salary for a Scrum Master?

The average annual salary for a Scrum Master varies from just over $86,000 to more than $106,000, according to multiple job listing sites. The salary ranges given by four different organizations for Scrum Masters are as follows [4, 5, 1, 6]:

*Glassdoor salary information represents the median total pay. This figure includes base salary and additional pay, which may represent profit-sharing, commissions, bonuses, or other compensation.

According to Glassdoor’s February 2026 data, the estimated total pay for a Scrum Master in the US ranges between $99,000 and $161,000 [1]. This figure includes base salary and additional pay, which may represent profit-sharing, commissions, or bonuses.

Factors that impact Scrum Master salary

Let's explore how factors such as your education, certification, experience, skills, industry, company, and location contribute to your compensation as a Scrum Master.

Education

According to Zippia, Scrum Masters holding a master's degree can expect to earn an annual salary of $98,317 [7]. Individuals with a bachelor's degree can access job opportunities with a yearly income of $90,110, while those with an associate degree earn an average of $78,215 [7].

According to data gathered by Zippia, the majority of Scrum Masters, 66 percent, hold a bachelor's degree as their primary qualification [7]. In comparison, 26 percent of Scrum Masters possess a master's degree [7]. Approximately 4 percent of individuals in this field have an associate degree [7]. Notably, computer science is the top choice among students aspiring to become Scrum Masters.

Certification

Continuing professional development through a Scrum Master certification is a great way to stay current with industry advancements and breakthroughs. Below are some options you can explore to enhance your skills:

• Certified ScrumMaster (CSM): $121,000 [8]

• Professional Scrum Master I (PSM I): $109,000 [9]

• Certified Scrum Professional-ScrumMaster (CSP-SM): $136,000 [10]

Read more: What Are the Popular Agile Certifications?

Experience

As you progress in your career and accumulate more experience, the potential for earning a higher annual income also increases. The following list offers an estimate of the median total compensation across various experience levels, as reported in February 2026 by Glassdoor [1]. These figures include base salary and additional pay, which may represent profit-sharing, commissions, bonuses, or other compensation:

• 0–1 year: $95,000 

• 1–3 years: $103,000

• 4–6 years: $123,000

• 7–9 years: $136,000

• 10–14 years: $152,000

• 15 or more years: $164,000

Skills

According to Payscale, skills such as program management, Agile software development, and others can yield higher-than-average pay levels. The following details the percentage boost four essential skills may offer [6]:

• Program management: 11 percent 

• Software development management: 11 percent 

• Agile software development: 5 percent 

• Professional coaching: 2 percent

Location

By examining salary data from different cities, you can understand the compensation trends in your field. However, it’s essential to remember that salary is just one aspect to consider when evaluating career opportunities. It’s also vital to consider factors like job satisfaction, work-life balance, career advancement prospects, and the overall quality of life in a particular location.

The following are a few of the top-paying cities for Scrum Masters in the United States, according to data aggregated by Zippia [5]:

• San Francisco, CA: $109,758

• Bellevue, WA: $94,592

• Wilmington, DE: $92,408

• New York, NY: $90,632

• Philadelphia, PA: $90,618

• Johnston, RI: $89,065

• Washington, DC: $87,678

• Arlington, VA: $87,673

• Annapolis, MD: $87,513

• Jersey City, NJ: $86,097

Industry

By strategically pairing your skills with industries that offer competitive pay, you can enhance your chances of earning a lucrative salary while simultaneously fulfilling your professional objectives.

The highest-paying industries for Scrum Masters include the following, according to Glassdoor [1]:

• Aerospace and defense: $140,238

• Human resources and staffing: $138,844

• Energy, mining, and utilities: $137,313

• Financial services: $134,408

• Management and consulting: $134,170

As a comparison, Zippia notes the highest-paying industries for Scrum Masters, according to its data [5]:

• Energy: $110,550

• Health care: $98,448

• Professional: $96,450

• Technology: $95,541

• Finance: $91,732

• Insurance: $89,319

Company

A firm’s compensation structures vary significantly based on size and financial performance. These factors, among others, play a crucial role in determining the salary and benefits offered to employees, including Scrum Masters.

The following list highlights the median total pay of popular companies for Scrum Masters, according to Glassdoor [1]:

• Fidelity Investments: $139,000

• Wells Fargo: $145,000

• Capital One: $138,000

• Precision Technologies Corp.: $133,120

• Bank of America: $143,000

• JPMorganChase: $143,000

*The above median total pay figures include base salary data and additional pay, such as commission and benefits, offered by each company as sourced from Glassdoor as of February 2026.

Job outlook 

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) forecasts a 6 percent increase in employment for project management specialists between 2024 and 2034 [11]. These statistics highlight the growing demand for skilled Scrum Masters. Combine that with the earlier salaries, and the job outlook underscores the potential for attractive compensation in this field.

Related job titles

Scrum Master is only one position that might pique your interest. Take a peek at some captivating job titles encompassing different roles and responsibilities within Scrum and Agile frameworks.

All salary information represents the median total pay from Glassdoor as of February 2026. These figures include base salary and additional pay, which may represent profit-sharing, commissions, bonuses, or other compensation.

Scrum developer 

Median total annual salary: $153,000 [12]

As a Scrum Developer, you may advocate and uphold sustainable development practices. Additionally, you will work towards the successful completion of sprint plans.

Scrum product owner 

Median total annual salary: $170,000 [13] 

The designation of a Scrum product owner will require you to oversee the product development team to ensure the creation of a robust end product that meets software guidelines. You will also be responsible for creating a collaborative environment that effectively addresses customers' challenges.

Agile project manager

Median total annual salary: $139,000 [14]

As an Agile project manager, you will lead Agile teams, facilitate the adoption of new processes, and effectively communicate with stakeholders within the organization. Your expertise will also prove instrumental in developing and implementing Agile standards.

Explore our free resources to take your next career step

Join Career Chat on LinkedIn for weekly updates on popular skills, certifications, and career-building advice. Discover more about Agile and Scrum frameworks with our other free digital resources: 

• Learn the difference: Kanban vs. Scrum: What They Are + When to Use Them

• Watch on YouTube: Agile vs. Scrum: A Quick Guide to Mastering These Project Management Philosophies

• Explore relevant tools: Project Management Tools: Uses + Considerations

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