“ScrumMaster” was created around 1992 by Jeff Sutherland and his teams. In that short time, however, companies worldwide are starting to see the value of the role. According to research by LinkedIn, ScrumMaster appeared as #10 of 20 jobs on the “Most Promising Jobs of 2017.”  In this blog post, we’ll explore scrum master salary around the United States.

The median salary of a Certified ScrumMaster is:

Updates:

  • Updated January 16, 2023 with new average salary information from Glassdoor
  • Updated October 19, 2018 with new average salary information from Glassdoor.
  • Updated August 20, 2018 with the release of a study by Glassdoor.
  • Updated April 26, 2018 with the release of the 2017-2018 Scrum Alliance salary survey.

Moving from Development Team member to the ScrumMaster position typically results in a salary increase of up to $7,000.

According to 2018 research by Glassdoor, the ScrumMaster role is among the highest-paying jobs in the United States, with a median base salary of $98,239 and over 1800 job openings. The hottest markets for ScrumMasters? New York, Atlanta, Charlotte, Columbus, and Richmond. Update January 2022: According to new research by Glassdoor, Scrum Master still makes #32 on the list of the top 50 jobs in the United States (based on salary, job satisfaction, and available openings).

At a Glance

Where are the highest salaries? Lowest? Biggest gainers? Read on…

  • Highest average salary: San Francisco, CA ($133K)
  • Lowest average salary: St. Louis, MO ($111K)
  • Largest increase since 2018: Seattle, WA ($36K increase)
  • Smallest increase since 2018: Washington, DC ($23K increase)

No matter where you work in the United States, a Scrum Master’s salary is no small thing. Very few locations in the country offer starting salaries below the $100K line.

Across the United States

In this article, you’ll find average scrum master salary across the United States as of December 2022. Hot job markets (highest salaries and largest increases) are highlighted in bold letters.

Scrum Master Salary in the Northeast US

Here’s a list of northeastern cities in the US, along with the average scrum master salary:

  • New York City, $125K (up $20K since 2018)
  • Boston, $123K (up $24K since 2018)
  • Philadelphia, $122K (up $28K since 2018)
  • Washington, DC, $119K (up $23K since 2018)
  • Baltimore, $118K (up $29K since 2018)

Scrum Master Salary in the Southeast US

Here’s a list of southeastern cities in the US, along with the average scrum master salary:

  • Atlanta, GA – $118K (up $32K since 2018)
  • Tampa, FL – $118K (up $32K since 2018)
  • Richmond, VA – $115K (up $28K since 2018)
  • Jacksonville, FL – $113K (up $29K since 2018)
  • Miami, FL – $113K (up $29K since 2018)

Scrum Master Salary in the Central US

Here’s a list of cities in the central US, along with the average scrum master salary:

  • Chicago, IL – $122K (up $30K since 2018)
  • Minneapolis, MN – $120K (up $27K since 2018)

  • Dallas, TX – $118K (up $32K since 2018)

  • Austin, TX – $117K (up $31K since 2018)

  • Denver, CO – $117K (up $29K since 2018)

  • New Orleans, LA – $117K (up $30K since 2018)
  • Houston, TX – $115K (up $27K since 2018)
  • Memphis, TN – $112K (up $29K since 2018)
  • St. Louis, MO – $111K (up $25K since 2018)

Scrum Master Salary in the Western US

Here’s a list of cities in the western US, along with the average scrum master salary:

  • San Francisco, CA – $133K (up $25K since 2018)
  • Seattle, WA – $131K (up $36K since 2018)
  • Los Angeles, CA – $121K (up $23K since 2018)
  • Portland, OR – $118K (up $27K since 2018)
  • San Diego, CA – $116K (up $23K since 2018)
  • Boise, ID – $116K (up $33K since 2018)
  • Phoenix, AZ – $115K (up $28K since 2018)
  • Salt Lake City, UT – $113K (up $31K since 2018)

Regardless of the salary, we at Artisan recommend that you pursue a career you are passionate about, not one that pays well and might seem to provide a low barrier to entry. Being a Certified ScrumMaster is all about passion and being a servant leader. If you don’t have the skills to be a strong servant leader where your team’s achievements are YOUR most outstanding achievements, being a ScrumMaster isn’t for you.

On the other hand, if you have a real passion for leading teams and helping them become hyper-productive teams, take the first step and earn your certification.

FEATURED RESOURCE:

FEATURED RESOURCE:

Successful Event Planning Guide

Download Now!

Swipe this FREE DOWNLOAD to supercharge your work sessions.

Normally available ONLY to Artisan students, we’re offering this handy guide to you for a limited time!

More About #Certifications

Artisan News – April 2021

Included in this Newsletter: The New Certified Scrum Developer Program, Recovery from COVID-19, and a Return to In Person Training?

ScrumMaster Certification Renewal

So, you attended a Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) class a while ago and have noticed your certification has expired, or is about to expire. What are your options?