Product Owner vs. Scrum Master: Key Differences

As a project management professional, I've had the opportunity to explore various methodologies for efficient project management. Among these, the agile methodology stands out as a widely adopted approach. It entails an iterative process in software development, emphasizing continuous releases and frequent customer feedback. Within this framework, two key roles are crucial: scrum masters vs product owners. While these roles may seem similar, they hold distinct responsibilities. Product owners are primarily accountable for guiding the project vision, while scrum masters oversee the process planning aspect. Although both roles aim for successful project delivery, their methods and tasks along the professional journey vary significantly. 

Now, let's delve into a detailed comparison between product owner vs scrum master, exploring their individual roles and contributions.

Scrum Product Owner vs Scrum Master Table

Areas	Scrum Master	Product Owner
Roles	Works as a leader to facilitate team growth.	Works as the customer’s representative and works on delivering the customer's needs.
Responsibilities	Ensures Scrum processes are abided by the team.	Strikes a balance between the clients and the team in terms of understanding the need and delivering them.
Authority	Scrum Masters can schedule and carry out meetings while ensuring team productivity	Product Owners make decisions regarding product backlogs.
Interactions	Scrum Masters generally interact with the team to work on strengthening the Scrum process.	The product Owner works as a bridge between the team, stakeholders, and clients.
Communication	Scrum Masters offer product updates to clients.	The Product Owner analyzes the available information to project how the product meets the client's requirements.
Time Commitment	Scrum Masters are committed to facilitating the Scrum process.	Product Owners are committed to prioritizing product backlog and aligning it with the client's vision.
Skills	Skilled in agile scrum principles and have strong communication and problem-solving skills.	Skilled at agile development and have strong communication and leadership ability.
Certification List	Popular certification in this domain is PSM (Professional Scrum Master).	Popular certification in this domain is PSPO (Professional Scrum Product Owner).
Requirements	Basic understanding of the scrum principles. A certification course for assurance of the skillset.	Bachelor's degree in software engineering or computer science. Relevant certification to prove the skillset.
Salary	The average salary of a scrum master is $118K.	The average salary of a product owner is $97K
Job Outlook	The job growth of a scrum master won’t slow down anytime soon.	The job growth of a product owner wouldn’t slow down anytime soon.
Career Opportunities	Scrum master's career opens doors for lucrative professional opportunities. You can even start giving freelance training.	The career opportunities for a product owner are abundant. There are high chances of becoming a product director after gaining the desired experience.
How to Become	Get a basic understanding of Scrum and attend a certification course relevant to the domain. Once you pass the certification, you can start applying for jobs as a scrum master.	Get a bachelor’s degree in IT or computer science. Opt for a relevant certification program and once you clear the exam, you are eligible to work as a product owner.

What Is a Scrum Master? 

A scrum master is an integral part of the entire scrum framework, a widely used approach in the software development industry. These professionals serve as coaches for each scrum team member, ensuring they are well-versed in the scrum principles and practices. Their role in the development process is so crucial that organizations stress a lot about hiring the best professionals with certified skill sets. So, if you have plans to build a career in the software development industry, consider opting for the best CSM certification course. It will train you in the latest tools and techniques that can help bring efficiency to your scrum-based projects. 

Scrum Master Role and Responsibilities  

Some of the roles and responsibilities that they fulfil are listed below. 

• They serve as an agile coach and train the team regarding scrum principles and practices. 
• They remove the roadblocks in the projects, opening the way for individual progress and overall company growth. 
• Communicate with stakeholders and bridge the communication gap between them and the rest of the team. 

The job roles are not limited to this. Depending on the projects and the organization, there can be a few more added responsibilities that a scrum master has to fulfill. 

What Is a Product Owner? 

A product owner also has a fundamental role in the scrum and the responsibility of defining and prioritizing the product backlog. Their primary goal is to deliver value in each product that the team working under them develops. For this, they make the communication channels sorted and transparent, ensuring every team gets clear instructions and the end results are exactly what the user expects. Furthermore, they guide the teams about task priorities, letting them know which are the most valuable items that need their attention before anything else. 

Product Owner Role and Responsibilities  

Some of the roles and responsibilities fulfilled by the product owners are: 

• To collaborate closely with the stakeholders and make transparent communication between them and the team. 
• Gathering requirements from the end user and communicating them to the concerned teams. 
• Refining the product backlog to reflect the changing priorities. 
• Doing sprint planning and creating a list of backlog items for the next sprint. 
• To be available throughout a sprint to provide clarification and make informed decisions. 

The job roles are not limited to this. Depending on the projects and the organization, there can be certain added responsibilities that a scrum master has to fulfill. 

Now that you know every detail about these job roles individually, it will be convenient to understand the difference between product owner and scrum master. The table below explains the comparison based on different parameters.

Scrum Master vs Product Owner: A Detailed Explanation

Scrum Master vs Product Owner Roles

A scrum master facilitates the team and trains the members in all the required scrum principles. They impediment any product backlogs that might cause hindrance in an individual’s or company’s growth. Their primary focus is on keeping the development process sorted and seamless. 

On the other hand, a product owner plays the role of a professional who defines the product backlogs and prioritizes the tasks based on urgency. Their primary focus is on adding value to each product delivered to the end user. 

Scrum Master vs Product Owner Responsibilities

At every point during the software development process, it is the responsibility of a scrum master to ensure that the scrum principles are followed. They keep a keen eye on every project process in the operational cycle to check if all the teams involved follow the scrum practices religiously. 

On the other hand, a product owner is responsible for maintaining the product backlog list. They stay in touch with the stakeholders to gather their requirements and communicate any change requests they make. They then update the product backlog list based on this information for the development team's ease.  

Scrum Master vs Product Owner Authority

The Scrum Master has the power to facilitate the Scrum process and ensure the team is working together productively. The Product Owner can make decisions about the product and prioritize the backlog. 

Scrum Master vs Product Owner Interaction

The Scrum Master interacts with the team by facilitating the Scrum process, removing any impediments, and helping the team work productively. The Product Owner interacts with the team by providing feedback on the product, helping with requirements, and prioritizing the product backlog. 

Scrum Master vs Product Owner Communication

Scrum masters communicate within the team, so the skill they need the most is conflict resolution. They should be skilled enough to keep influences away from the scrum team and talk them out of potential conflicts. 

Product owners communicate with the internal teams and the stakeholders. There are many messages that they have to convey to and fro, so the skills they should focus on are clarity and transparency. They should ensure that the message reaches the right people without any alterations. 

Scrum Master vs Product Owner Time Commitment

The Scrum Master typically spends most of their time working with the team and facilitating the Scrum process. The Product Owner interacts with the team to develop the vision and prioritize the Product backlog. 

Check out CSPO certification for more details to better understand roles and responsibilities.  

Scrum Master vs Product Owner Skills  

There are multiple personal and professional skills required for each professional working in any domain at any job level. For scrum masters, the personal and professional skills that they need are: 

• Basic understanding of scrum principles and practices 
• Tools for easy and seamless implementation of scrum practices 
• Project management skills 
• Good communication ability and leadership skills to bring the best out of every team member 
• They should be good at conflict resolution 

The product owners also require a set of skills that can make their journey as professional smooth and fruitful. Some of the personal and professional skills that they need are: 

• They should be good at agile development and project management 
• Their collaborative abilities should be top-notch as they interact with almost everyone involved. 
• They should know how to create and maintain product backlogs 

These are the fundamental skills that the scrum master and the product owners should have or develop before they start their respective careers. It is advisable to opt for the agile management certification or any other relevant training program that can help them prepare for a secure and promising career.  

Scrum Master vs Product Owner Certifications list  

Just like any other domain, the software development industry also has a list of certifications to train its professionals. 

As a scrum master, you can opt for multiple certification programs that enhance your skillset and prepare you for the ever-evolving industry. Some of the certification courses that you can opt for are: 

• Professional Scrum Master (PSM) 
• CSD (Certified Scrum Developer) 
• SAFe Scrum Master 
• Certified Scrum Professional (CSP) 

Every product owner wants to scale and reach a higher level of becoming a product director. Certifications that can help you push start your career and achieve desired goals at a later stage are: 

• CSPO Certification Training 
• PMI Agile Certified Practitioner 
• Certified Product Owner 
• Certified Product Manager Logo 

Scrum Master vs Product Owner Requirements  

To become a scrum master, you should fulfill the following criteria: 

• A bachelor’s degree in IT or computer science (recommended, not necessary) 
• Basic knowledge of scrum 
• Certified scrum master professional with a valid certification. 

To become a product owner, you should fulfill the following criteria: 

• More than five years of experience in product development 
• In-depth knowledge of agile methodology 
• Excellent communication and leadership skills 

Scrum Master vs Product Owner Salary   

Comparing the scrum master vs product owner salary, you will see that both the domains are highly paying.  

The average salary of a scrum master is $118K. You may get a total of around $83K in the beginning. After a few years of experience, it can go up to $160K.  

The average salary of a product owner is $97K. You may get a total of around $71K in the beginning. After a few years of experience, it can go up to $130K.  

Scrum Master vs Product Owner Job Outlook  

As a scrum master, you will find countless job opportunities, and it will not slow down in many years to come. As per a report, there will be more than a 48% increase in the demand in the next two years. 

As a product owner as well, the world of opportunities is vast. Companies will rely more and more on agile methodology, and they will surely require more product owners. As per a report, there will be more than a 10% increase in the demand in the next two years. 

Scrum Master vs Product Owner Career Opportunities 

As a scrum master, you wouldn’t have to cease your growth in this job role. As you gain expertise and hands-on experience in this domain, you can start exploring it independently. Become a freelance scrum coach, and you will get the opportunity to interact with multiple organizations across the globe.  

On the other hand, you may not start working individually, but product owner professionals also get ample career opportunities. After gaining relevant experience, they can move on to become a product developer and can even try for a position on the board of directors.  

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Benefits of Working as a Product Owner/ Scrum Master

We have discussed all the details of product owner vs scrum master responsibilities. You know the roles these professionals play in the software development industry and how significant both these job roles are for any organization. It is easier to infer that working as a product owner or a scrum master can be a fruitful career move. Especially if you come from a relevant background and have completed a course like the KnowledgeHut best CSM certification, your career gets a significant boost. Some of the benefits you can experience are: 

• There are countless job opportunities for proficient experts, and it will not slow down anytime soon. 
• You can fetch excellent salary packages from the market, working as a scrum master or a product owner. 
• There is job security in both domains as the demand for scrum masters and product owners has seen excellent growth in the past few years. 
• You can explore the global market as organizations across the globe look for these professionals and make hiring on handsome terms. 

There are multiple other benefits of opting for scrum master or product owner as a career option. So, explore them thoroughly, considering your personal interests, and make a fair decision. 

How Are They Similar?

The PO and SM ensure that the developed product meets customer needs and is built within the set goals. Let's look at how they are similar. 

• Both roles are responsible for communicating the goals and objectives of the project to all involved stakeholders. 
• They act as facilitators to ensure the project progresses effectively and efficiently. 
• They both work closely with the development team to ensure they understand the project's requirements to ensure that the product meets the desired outcomes. 
• They are both responsible for ensuring that all stakeholders are updated on the project's progress. 
• Both act as a buffer between the development team and other stakeholders to ensure the project objectives are met. 
• They both ensure that the project meets the desired quality standards and any other goals the stakeholders/sponsors set. 
• They ensure that the project aligns with the organization's objectives and values. 

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Who Should You Choose Between a Scrum Master and a Product Owner?

The choice between a Scrum Master and Product Owner should depend on the individual's skills and experience. If the individual has a strong understanding of the Scrum process and good communication skills, they might be better suited to take on the role of a Scrum Master.  

On the other hand, if the individual has a good understanding of the product goals and objectives, and possesses experience in product management and customer relations, then they might be better suited for the role of a Product Owner. Ultimately, the decision should be based on the individual's strengths and preferences. A Scrum Master vs Product Owner certification can offer you more areas to speculate. 

For more information on each role, check out these pointers: 

Scrum Master: 

• The Scrum Master is a facilitator and coach responsible for removing any obstacles and errors that prevent the team from delivering the product. 
• They are responsible for helping the team to adhere to the Scrum process. 
• They hold the team accountable for meeting their commitments and delivering quality work. 

Product Owner: 

• The Product Owner is responsible for evaluating customer needs and translating them into Product requirements. 
• They ensure that the team builds the right product by prioritizing the backlog. 
• They are responsible for maximizing the value of the team's work by continuously refining the Product backlog. 

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Conclusion

Integrating a Scrum Master or a Product Owner into the workflow can be a great way to help ensure that projects are completed on time and with the best quality. Both roles offer unique perspectives and ensure that the team is focused and organized. To kick-start your career in Scrum, enroll in the CSPO certification course. 

By understanding the differences between a Scrum Master and a Product Owner, you can make the best decision for your career. Whether you decide to become a Scrum Master or a Product Owner, ensure that you have the right skills in place to make sure that your projects are successful. To upskill yourself, you can take our Agile Project Management with Scrum training course. It will help you to understand the different agile concepts better.