A Scrum Master facilitates the Scrum framework, removes obstacles for the team, and ensures Scrum is correctly applied. The Scrum Master is one of the three roles within Scrum, alongside the Product Owner and the Developers. Not a project manager or team leader in the traditional sense, but a coach who helps the team become self-organizing and effective.
In practice, a Scrum Master does the following:
- Coaches the team in self-management and cross-functionality
- Helps the team create high-value Increments that meet the Definition of Done
- Removes obstacles to the Scrum Team's progress
- Ensures all Scrum events take place, are positive and productive, and stay within the timebox
The Tasks of a Scrum Master
The Scrum Master has a broad range of tasks focused on three levels: the Development Team, the Product Owner, and the organization.
Tasks for the Development Team
- Coaching: Guiding the team toward self-organization and continuous improvement
- Facilitating: Leading Scrum events such as Daily Scrum, Sprint Planning, Sprint Review, and Retrospective
- Removing obstacles: Identifying and resolving blockers that hinder the team
- Protecting: Shielding the team from external disruptions during the Sprint
Tasks for the Product Owner
- Helping with effective Product Backlog management
- Supporting the formulation of clear Product Backlog items
- Facilitating stakeholder collaboration
- Promoting empirical product planning
Tasks for the Organization
- Coaching the organization in Agile adoption
- Planning and advising on Scrum implementations
- Helping employees and stakeholders understand Scrum
- Removing barriers between stakeholders and Scrum Teams
Servant Leadership: The Core of the Scrum Master
The Scrum Master practices servant leadership. This is a leadership style where the leader is primarily focused on serving others, rather than on power or control. A servant leader:
- Listens actively: Understands the team's needs before acting
- Shows empathy: Recognizes and respects the feelings and perspectives of team members
- Heals: Helps resolve conflicts and restore trust
- Is self-aware: Knows their own strengths and weaknesses
- Persuades: Achieves consensus through persuasion, not authority
- Thinks conceptually: Sees the big picture and thinks strategically
- Builds community: Creates a sense of connection within the team
Scrum Master vs Project Manager
A frequently asked question is what the difference is between a Scrum Master and a Project Manager. Although both roles focus on successfully delivering work, there are fundamental differences:
| Aspect | Scrum Master | Project Manager |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Team effectiveness and Scrum process | Project deliverables and deadlines |
| Authority | No hierarchical power | Often hierarchical authority |
| Task assignment | Team organizes itself | Assigns tasks to team members |
| Planning | Facilitates Sprint Planning | Creates project schedules |
| Reporting | Transparency through Scrum artifacts | Status reports to management |
In many organizations, the Project Manager role disappears when Scrum is adopted. The responsibilities are then divided between the Product Owner (priorities, stakeholders) and the Scrum Master (process, team).
Skills of an Effective Scrum Master
A successful Scrum Master combines various skills:
Soft Skills
- Communication: Being able to communicate clearly with diverse stakeholders
- Coaching: Helping others grow without giving direct answers
- Facilitation: Leading meetings effectively and engagingly
- Conflict resolution: Being able to resolve tensions in the team
- Empathy: Being able to put yourself in others' shoes
Hard Skills
- Scrum knowledge: Deep understanding of the Scrum framework
- Agile principles: Knowledge of the Agile Manifesto and principles
- Metrics: Working with velocity, burndown charts, etc.
- Tools: Experience with Jira, Azure DevOps, Miro, etc.
Scrum Master Salary in the Netherlands
The salary of a Scrum Master in the Netherlands varies based on experience, sector, and location. Average salaries in 2025:
- Junior Scrum Master (0-2 years): €45,000 - €55,000 per year
- Mid-level Scrum Master (2-5 years): €55,000 - €70,000 per year
- Senior Scrum Master (5+ years): €70,000 - €90,000 per year
In the Randstad area and at large tech companies, salaries are often higher. Freelance Scrum Masters charge rates between €75 and €125 per hour (source: Indeed, Glassdoor, 2025).
How to Become a Scrum Master
There are several routes to becoming a Scrum Master:
- Take a certified training: Start with an official Scrum Master Training from a recognized provider
- Get certified: Obtain a recognized certificate such as CSM (Certified Scrum Master) or PSM (Professional Scrum Master)
- Gain practical experience: Start in a junior role or support an experienced Scrum Master
- Keep learning: Scrum evolves continuously, so keep updating your knowledge
Want a comprehensive step-by-step guide? Read our complete guide Become a Scrum Master with salary comparisons, certification options, and practical tips for beginners.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Scrum Master
What does a Scrum Master do all day?
A typical day for a Scrum Master consists of: facilitating the Daily Scrum (15 min), one-on-one conversations with team members, identifying and removing obstacles, collaborating with the Product Owner on the backlog, and coaching team members. Additionally, the Scrum Master prepares Scrum events and works on continuous improvement of the team.
Does a Scrum Master need a technical background?
A technical background is not required, but it can help to better understand the team's challenges. Many successful Scrum Masters come from non-technical backgrounds such as HR, project management, or coaching. The most important thing is a good understanding of Scrum and strong people skills.
What is the difference between Scrum Master and Agile Coach?
A Scrum Master focuses primarily on one Scrum Team and the Scrum framework. An Agile Coach often works at the organizational level and coaches multiple teams in different Agile frameworks (Scrum, Kanban, SAFe, etc.). An Agile Coach typically has more experience and a broader scope.
Can a Scrum Master also be a Developer?
According to the Scrum Guide, the Scrum Master may also be part of the Development Team, but this is not recommended in practice. The roles have different focus areas and combining them can lead to role conflicts. For larger teams, a dedicated Scrum Master is more effective.
How many teams can a Scrum Master support?
Ideally, a Scrum Master supports one team, especially with new teams or complex environments. Experienced Scrum Masters can sometimes support 2-3 mature teams. More than 3 teams is not recommended, as the quality of coaching decreases significantly.
Start Your Career as a Scrum Master
Are you ready to become a Scrum Master? Our two-day Scrum Master Training fully prepares you for this dynamic role. You'll learn not only the theory but also practice with real-world simulations. Upon completion, you'll receive an official SMC certificate.
Ready to start? Check out the upcoming training dates and register.
Want to learn more first? Read our comprehensive guide Become a Scrum Master with everything about certifications, salary, and career opportunities.
Not sure if Scrum Master is right for you? Take our free Scrum Master or Product Owner quiz and discover which role best fits your personality.
Written by
Merijn Visman
Certified Scrum Trainer
For over 15 years, I have been helping professionals and organizations work more effectively with Agile and Scrum. My trainings are practical, interactive, and immediately applicable in your daily work.
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