Scrum Master vs. Project Manager: Differences Explained

Scrum Masters can be project managers and project managers can be Scrum masters, but they’re not the same thing. A Scrum Master is a role embedded specifically on a Scrum team, whereas a project manager refers to the professional leading virtually any type of project. While a Scrum Master’s primary focus is leading a team to follow Scrum principles, a project manager is occupied with the logistical aspects—the budgets, schedules, and communication plans—in addition to keeping their team on track and motivated.

Let’s take a closer look at the details.

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Google Project Management:

Get on the fast track to a career in project management. In this certificate program, you’ll learn in-demand skills, and get AI training from Google experts. Learn at your own pace, no degree or experience required.

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Project Risk Management, Agile Project Management, Project Controls, Agile Product Development, Applicant Tracking Systems, Backlogs, Project Performance, Communication Planning, Project Management Life Cycle, Milestones (Project Management), Scope Management, Sprint Retrospectives, Project Schedules, Project Closure, Project Management, Agile Methodology, Project Planning, Sprint Planning, Interviewing Skills, Project Scoping, User Story, Product Roadmaps, Team Management, Employee Coaching, Coaching, Influencing, Problem Solving, Stakeholder Management, Stakeholder Communications, Quality Management, Goal Setting, Project Documentation, Requirements Analysis, Generative AI Agents, Project Estimation, Timelines, Change Management, Decision Making, Organizational Change, Leadership and Management, Strategic Thinking, Waterfall Methodology, Organizational Structure, Business Writing, Cost Benefit Analysis, Performance Measurement, Project Management Software, Resource Management, Continuous Improvement Process, Risk Management, Data-Driven Decision-Making, Team Leadership, Quality Assurance and Control, Generative AI, Professional Development, Branding, Resilience, Prompt Engineering, Workforce Development, Communication, Planning, Budget Management, Work Breakdown Structure, Procurement, Budgeting, Estimation

Difference between a Scrum Master and a project manager

What does a Scrum Master do?

A Scrum Master is an individual who ensures a project team successfully implements Scrum principles in a project. They can lead team meetings and coach teams on best Scrum practices while supporting individual members and resolving issues that come up. You’ll sometimes hear the Scrum master called a “servant leader” because of the strong, supportive role that they play. The Scrum master, along with the product owner and development team, is one of the three roles on a Scrum team. Specific tasks might include:

• Facilitating meetings, including daily stand-ups, sprint planning, and retrospectives

• Addressing issues that hinder a team member’s capacity to work

• Fostering good communication and teamwork within the team

What is Scrum, exactly?

Scrum is a project management methodology designed for work where change or unpredictability is expected. Scrum is characterized by short daily meetings called daily standups and short, cumulative work cycles called “sprints.” A sprint typically lasts one to four weeks and helps the project keep an iterative process to achieving goals, instead of an “all-at-once” approach. Scrum is the most popular Agile methodology, with 63 percent of Agile adopters using Scrum [1].

What does a project manager do?

Project managers are professionals who organize a team to ensure projects are completed on time, within budget, and with their goals fulfilled. They are often tasked with leading meetings, creating schedules, managing budgets, liaising between the team and stakeholders, and managing risks. Project manager tasks can include:

• Defining project scope and goals

• Maintaining consistent communication with stakeholders

• Setting a budget and schedule

• Creating a communication plan

• Managing risk

Scrum Master and project manager differences

Here are the main differences between Scrum Masters and project managers:

• Scrum Masters are exclusive to Scrum projects and Scrum teams. Project managers can work on any type of project, like Agile or Waterfall.

• While Scrum Masters are focused on making sure a project team is successful, project managers are generally tasked with the logistics of making a project work, like budgeting and risk management.

Is the Scrum Master a project manager?

Yes and no. Scrum Masters practice a type of project management and will need to have certain project management skills like communication and organizational skills. In this regard, they can be considered project managers. Many project manager job descriptions also ask for experience with Scrum.

However, the Scrum Master on a Scrum team does not necessarily need to be a formal project manager—though they often are. Scrum Masters can be product managers or professionals with leadership experience in software development, design, or other fields relevant to the project.

Scrum Master vs. project managers: Salaries

Here are the average US salaries for Scrum Masters and project managers according to various salary aggregation websites. Salaries are accurate as of April 2025.

Project managers are often tapped to be Scrum Masters on Scrum teams. But professionals who act solely as Scrum Masters tend to have higher salaries. This may be because Scrum is a specialized field of project management and can require specific skill sets.

Scrum Master certification vs. PMP

Though their roles overlap, there are distinct certifications—and professional paths—that you can consider to enhance your career as a Scrum Master or project manager.

Scrum Master certifications

Below are two common certifications that can make you an official Scrum Master. You can also check out a full list of the most in-demand Scrum certifications.

• Certified ScrumMaster (CSM): The CSM, administered by the Scrum Alliance, is the most-mentioned Scrum certification in job descriptions on three different job search sites, according to research by Coursera. You’ll need to take a course and pass an exam to get the certification.

• Professional Scrum Master (PSM I): Administered by Scrum.org, the PSM I is an often-cited alternative to the CSM. No coursework is required, but you’ll need to pass an exam to be PSM certified.

Project management certifications and certificates

Project management credentials can help start your career in project management or further your current career.

• Project Management Professional (PMP): The PMP is administered by the Project Management Institute (PMI) and is widely recognized as a leading certification in project management. You’ll need at least three years of project management experience to qualify to take the certification exam.

• Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM): Also administered by the PMI, the CAPM is an entry-level project management certification. You’ll need a secondary degree (that’s a high school diploma or equivalent) and 23 hours of project management training to qualify for the certification exam.

Becoming a Scrum Master or project manager

Maybe you’re a project manager aspiring to be a Scrum Master, or perhaps both roles are new to you. Here are a few tips on breaking into each role, regardless of where you stand.

• Take a course: If you’re new to Scrum or project management, taking a course online or in-person can help you build foundational knowledge. You can check your local community college for in-person options. Enroll in an online course like the Google Project Management: Professional Certificate to learn the basics of project management and Scrum. 

• Build experience: Practical experience can teach you a lot. Try incorporating some elements of your desired role into your current work. Find projects you can help plan or execute, like improving a process in your current workflow. Approaching your manager to tell them you’re interested in project management or Scrum can be helpful as well.

• Get certified: The process of getting a certification can help you learn plenty about your target role. Plus, certifications can signal to employers your level of competency, a huge plus if you don’t have much relevant experience and your commitment to learning. Aspiring Scrum Masters should look at Scrum certifications like the CSM or PSM I. The CAPM is an entry-level project management certification.

Project managers and Scrum Masters can go on to become product managers, Scrum coaches, or operations managers.

Continue learning about Scrum and project management on Coursera

Taking one of our online courses can be a great way to build job-ready skills, learn more about Scrum or project management in general, and discover career opportunities at your own pace. Explore options below: 

professional certificate

Google Project Management:

Get on the fast track to a career in project management. In this certificate program, you’ll learn in-demand skills, and get AI training from Google experts. Learn at your own pace, no degree or experience required.

4.9

(121,361 ratings)

2,172,862 already enrolled

Beginner level

Learn More

Average time: 6 month(s)

Learn at your own pace

Skills you'll build:

Project Risk Management, Agile Project Management, Project Controls, Agile Product Development, Applicant Tracking Systems, Backlogs, Project Performance, Communication Planning, Project Management Life Cycle, Milestones (Project Management), Scope Management, Sprint Retrospectives, Project Schedules, Project Closure, Project Management, Agile Methodology, Project Planning, Sprint Planning, Interviewing Skills, Project Scoping, User Story, Product Roadmaps, Team Management, Employee Coaching, Coaching, Influencing, Problem Solving, Stakeholder Management, Stakeholder Communications, Quality Management, Goal Setting, Project Documentation, Requirements Analysis, Generative AI Agents, Project Estimation, Timelines, Change Management, Decision Making, Organizational Change, Leadership and Management, Strategic Thinking, Waterfall Methodology, Organizational Structure, Business Writing, Cost Benefit Analysis, Performance Measurement, Project Management Software, Resource Management, Continuous Improvement Process, Risk Management, Data-Driven Decision-Making, Team Leadership, Quality Assurance and Control, Generative AI, Professional Development, Branding, Resilience, Prompt Engineering, Workforce Development, Communication, Planning, Budget Management, Work Breakdown Structure, Procurement, Budgeting, Estimation

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IBM IT Project Manager

Launch your career as an IT project manager. Get job-ready and prep for the Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) certification exam.

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Average time: 4 month(s)

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Skills you'll build:

Stakeholder Engagement, Agile Project Management, Software Architecture, Communication, Software Engineering, Project Management Institute (PMI) Methodology, Professional Networking, Agile Software Development, Project Management Life Cycle, Leadership, Information Technology, Software Design, Project Closure, Project Documentation, Project Management, Agile Methodology, Computer Systems, Stakeholder Management, Risk Management, Software Development Life Cycle, Sprint Planning, Sprint Retrospectives, Meeting Facilitation, User Story, Analysis, People Development, Risk Analysis, Employee Coaching, Interviewing Skills, Applicant Tracking Systems, Negotiation, Business Research, Communication Strategies, Relationship Building, Keyword Research, Writing, Recruitment, Portfolio Management, Presentations, LinkedIn, Verbal Communication Skills, Business Writing, Cloud Computing, Operating Systems, Data Storage, Computer Networking, Cybersecurity, Computer Hardware, Databases, Program Development, Technical Support, Network Troubleshooting, IT Infrastructure, Business Analysis, Scope Management, Cost Management, Communication Planning, Emotional Intelligence, Resource Management, Virtual Teams, Decision Making, Leadership and Management, Project Risk Management, Conflict Management, Risk Mitigation, Active Listening, Stakeholder Communications, Systems Development Life Cycle, Software Development Methodologies, Back-End Web Development, Software Development, Computer Programming, Software Development Tools, Front-End Web Development, Data Ethics, Systems Development, Python Programming, Git (Version Control System), Cloud Development, Requirements Analysis, Software Testing, Web Applications, Project Management Software, Waterfall Methodology, Project Planning, Backlogs, Work Breakdown Structure, Change Management, Project Controls, Scrum (Software Development), Kanban Principles, Performance Metric, Team Performance Management, Estimation, Prioritization, GitHub, Agile Product Development, Continuous Improvement Process, Project Management Office (PMO), Quality Management, Earned Value Management, Project Scoping

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