Comparing the roles of a project manager with a scrum master is essentially analogous to comparing some kind of fruit. While these are two distinct professions with few aspects of their duties in common, they both fundamentally require the same qualities and charm.

Scrum is an Agile framework that aims to create a high-value product while quickly resolving complicated issues. The individual who serves as the Scrum team's servant-leader is known as the Scrum Master. They must ensure that each team member and stakeholder comprehends the fundamentals of Scrum and applies them to their development work.

Definition of Scrum Master & Project Manager

Scrum Master:

As a component of the agile technique, the Scrum Master designs and administers the Scrum framework. They facilitate scrum-specific activities, including sprint planning, retrospectives, and reviews, as they lead the Scrum team. In addition to helping their product owner oversee the product backlog, they teach their subordinates other concepts. Agile ideas, norms, practices, and values are more accessible for individuals to comprehend and apply. 

In addition to ensuring that the team is functioning effectively and coaching them to properly align with the Scrum methodology, a Scrum Master assists the product owner in managing teamwork. With effective teamwork and communication, all of this is to enable the project's benefits to increase. 

Project Manager: 

Whether they work for the organization as an employee or consultant, a project manager oversees its business procedures. Regardless of the organization or sector, these leaders handle various business needs and resources daily. 

At the individual level, a project manager delineates the job and responsibilities. They manage the project's budget and risk and set its scope. Aside from managing the project's risks, they also oversee the quality of deliverables, schedule monitoring, resource procurement, and resource approval to project completion. In addition, a project manager arranges meetings to review the work's progress and works with stakeholders and other managers.  

Roles And Responsibilities Of A Scrum Master Vs Project Manager

Scrum Master Roles and Responsibilities- 

Scrum masters use agile approaches while working within the Scrum framework to direct their teams toward predetermined objectives. The everyday duties of a scrum master are listed below.

• Maintain focus and high work production standards while adhering to scrum principles by managing a scrum team. Possess a deep comprehension of the agile approach and scrum concepts related to product development.
• Lead scrum teams as they tackle sprint backlogs to accomplish the objectives for each sprint. Organize daily scrum meetings to evaluate the team's performance regarding the goals and make any modifications.
• To tackle any obstacles or issues head-on, contact the product development teams. Address any problems that can cause the development of new products to halt.

Learn more about theScrum Master Roles and Responsibilities

Project Manager Roles and Responsibilities- 

During the start, planning, execution, and closing stages of a project, project managers oversee all activities. These are some of their duties.

• Take care of a project's preliminary components, such as establishing parameters and creating schedules for other participants.
• Ascertain the project's cost and ensure it is within the allocated funds. In the event of unforeseen expenses, this might entail reallocating resources.
• Oversee the recruiting and firing of team members, other employees, and the human resources associated with a project.
• Track a project's advancement. It includes resolving issues, evaluating the risks, and caring for anything that might impact the project's quality.
• Maintain open lines of communication with all project stakeholders to ensure they are all aware of its status.

Learn more aboutProject Manager Roles and Responsibilities in 2024

Similarities Between The Scrum Master And The Project Manager

At some point, the Scrum Master and Project Manager work similarly. We have listed down how they are similar in some manner. 

1. Both positions benefit from several transferable hard and soft skills. Both benefit from having strong coordination, problem-solving, leadership, and communication abilities. Technical competencies such as risk management and project planning are among the many traits of a strong applicant for these positions. 
2. Both roles are essential to ensure goal achievement by managing and coordinating diverse functioning elements. 
3. The project manager and the scrum master are fallible human beings. However, they both debug and grow from their errors. They can give and accept criticism, reduce risks, and promote strong team dynamics.
4. The ultimate authority is not the project manager or the scrum master. While the Scrum Master must communicate with the Product Owner in addition to the stakeholders and clients, the Project Manager is responsible for reporting to the client and stakeholders.
5. When they disregard the fundamentals meant to be followed, the project manager and the scrum master fall short. When professionals fail to act like professionals, and when they are professionals with inadequate skill sets, they die. They occasionally only succeed if they respect the team members' opinions.
6. To minimize the scope of errors, the Scrum Master and the Project Manager collaborate well throughout the project. They welcome input from one another, share risks, and foster strong team bonds. 
7. Their respective efficiencies are equal. They are both not in positions of ultimate power. Whereas the project manager answers directly to the customers and stakeholders, the scrum master reports to the product owner, clients, and stakeholders. 

Comparison Between Scrum Master and Project Manager Courses? 

Difference Between Scrum Master and Project Manager

Experience

• Scrum Master- A minimum of five years of experience in any role within the IT business is required to work as a Scrum Master. It will enable you to understand software development fundamentals and the advantages and disadvantages of various techniques.
• Project manager- A qualified project manager possesses the temperament, abilities, and experience required for the job. A minimum of three years of experience in a similar position, communication skills, authorized training, and a PMP certification are usually prerequisites.

Requirements

• Scrum Master- Learning scrum concepts through training is required to become a certified scrum master. Your ability to exhibit your knowledge and skills as a scrum master is demonstrated by meeting the prerequisites for scrum master certification.  Some companies provide certification programs for scrum masters. Most programs require a thorough exam and a minimum two-day training course. However, specific criteria may vary. 
• Project Manager- If you want a project management profession, consider obtaining certification. Project management certificates come in various forms, with requirements ranging from entry-level to professional credentials. The Project Management Professional (PMP)® and the Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)® are two popular qualifications.

Trends and Factors Influencing Scrum Master vs Project Manager Salary

• Scrum Master- An average Scrum Master may take between 6 and 12 lakhs a year. It's crucial to remember that compensation can also differ based on several other variables, including the industry, the size of the business, the employee's experience level, and credentials.
• Project Manager- A project manager typically makes between 20 and 22 lakhs annually. Experience, industry or sector, location, and organization size affect a project manager's salary. Managers with much experience and a proven track record of winning projects typically make more money.

Final Verdict 

With Simpliaxis's Project Management Fundamentals Training and Certified Scrum Master (CSM)® Certification Training, you can advance your career. Learn about the requirements, working details, and responsibilities of the Scrum Master and Project Manager we have gone through. 

Take advantage of a day of live, interactive online training with PMI-certified instructors with several years of experience. As a proficient Project Manager or Scrum Master, advance your career by obtaining eight contact hours/PDUs. Our excellent digital resources help you discover. Enroll in Simpliaxis' extensive training programs to take your career to the next level!

FAQs

1. Does a Scrum Master have a more significant position than a Project Manager?

They both perform at the same level. They are both not in positions of absolute power. While the project manager reports directly to clients and stakeholders, the scrum master reports to the product owner in addition to them.

2. Is it possible for a project manager to become a Scrum Master?

Project managers can execute any Scrum role depending on their abilities and enthusiasm. For example, if they can swear off their 'command' and 'control' managerial impulses and embrace the Servant Leadership style, they can be excellent Scrum Masters.

3. What part does the PM play in the Agile scrum?

Under Agile Scrum, the project manager's job is to keep the project organized and to give the team direction and leadership. They also guarantee that the group adheres to the predetermined plan, which makes it possible for the project to be finished on schedule and within budget.