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Overview of Scrum Master and Agile Coach Salaries in Japan

With the rise of Agile development methodologies, roles like Scrum Masters and Agile Coaches have become increasingly vital in Japan. However, until now, there has been a lack of comprehensive data regarding their salaries and career progression. In response, Agorax LLC conducted a thorough salary survey for Scrum Masters and Agile Coaches in Japan to unveil the realities of these positions.

Introduction

The objective of this research was to clarify the salary trends of Agile Coaches and Scrum Masters in Japan, assisting professionals in evaluating their characteristics and future career paths. While similar surveys are conducted globally, it is not guaranteed that those findings apply directly to the Japanese market. Therefore, a localized investigation was crucial. We approached this survey as a kind of 'experiment' to reveal facts and potentially beneficial feedback for the future.

Defining Scrum Masters and Agile Coaches

A Scrum Master ensures that the Scrum framework is properly understood and executed within teams and organizations aiming to deliver results amidst complex and unpredictable environments. Their core responsibility is to foster the foundation of Scrum through empirical practices, creating an environment that promotes transparency, inspection, and adaptation.

In contrast, the Agile Coach, while not a formally defined role within Scrum, generally serves to support organizations and teams in better practicing Agile principles and practices. This role may involve working closely with specific teams or collaborating with multiple teams and executive leadership to promote Agile transformations across the organization.

Both roles vary in employment types, responsibilities, and methods of practice. The commonality is their aim to guide individuals and teams in navigating complex situations while maximizing value delivery.

Survey Findings Summary

• - Survey Period: May 2025
• - Number of Valid Respondents: 63
• - Percentage of Scrum Masters: 49%
• - Percentage of Agile Coaches: 51%
• - Average Salary: ¥11,080,000 (Median: ¥9,900,000)

Key Insights on Salaries

1. Significant Salary Disparity: There is a marked disparity in salaries between Scrum Masters and Agile Coaches. The roles range widely across age groups, with respondents' ages spanning from 29 to 57 years old. Remarkably, the salary gap between those in their 20s and those in their 50s is more than double, suggesting that the value perceived in these roles can vary significantly with experience.
2. Higher Earnings Without Dual Roles: 44% of Scrum Masters and Agile Coaches juggle dual roles. Those not sharing responsibilities earn on average 16% more than their counterparts managing multiple roles.
3. Salary Growth with Experience: The analysis highlights that salaries generally increase with years of experience, particularly after five years, indicating that accumulated experience plays a pivotal role in salary progression.
4. Higher Earnings with Advanced Certifications: Scrum Masters and Agile Coaches with advanced certifications (such as PSM III and CSP-SM) report higher earnings than those lacking qualifications or holding entry-level certifications.
5. Agile Coaches Earn More: Typical data indicates Agile Coaches earn about 56% more than Scrum Masters. This can be partly attributed to differences in experience levels, with a substantial portion of Scrum Masters being relatively inexperienced.
6. Industries with Highest Salaries: The fields of insurance, finance, and healthcare/pharmaceuticals demonstrate higher salary trends for Scrum Masters and Agile Coaches, possibly due to the higher penetration of Agile methodologies in these industries.
7. Freelance Insights: Freelancers represent a small fraction of respondents (10%) but reported an average salary of ¥18,250,000, 77% higher than other respondents. However, limited data inhibits drawing any definitive conclusion regarding freelancing leading to salary increases.

Agorax LLC Overview

Agorax LLC supports Japanese companies and teams in effectively utilizing Agile development for better organizational and product outcomes. They offer certified training through Scrum.org, alongside consulting, coaching, and recruitment services to foster Agile transformations.

For more details, visit Agorax's official website or contact via email at [email protected].