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Do you plan to develop a successful career in Agile? Agile, the hottest project management methodology, is currently in high demand among organizations of all sizes. Many MNCs seek skilled Agile Professionals who understand Agile Framework, Agile Methodologies, & Agile Practices. However, Agile itself is a diverse field with various roles and responsibilities. It is widely used in software development and many other areas. If you need clarification on which career path to choose in Agile, this article is for you! 

Keep reading as we explain the most in-demand career paths you can consider in Agile.

1. Agile Coach

The demand for an experienced Agile Coach is the highest. The Agile Coach’s responsibility is to help organizations adopt and implement Agile methodologies. 

Key Responsibilities of an Agile Coach:

• Help organizations adopt and implement Agile methodologies
• Guide teams and individuals on effective collaboration
• Remove obstacles that prevent teams from delivering value
• Continuously improve Agile practices and processes within the organization
• Conduct Workshops and Agile Training for the project teams

As an Agile Coach, you will guide the teams and individuals on collaborating effectively, removing obstacles, and continuously improving.

Suggested Certification:

• Certified Scrum Coach (CSC) from Scrum Alliance
• Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe) Program Consultant (SPC)

Average Salary Expectations:

According to Glassdoor, a professional Agile Coach can earn an average of $117,000 annually in the US. However, it depends on the individual skillset and the organization's requirements.

2. Scrum Master

Scrum Masters are responsible for implementing Scrum practices within a team. They facilitate Scrum ceremonies, such as Daily Scrum, Sprint Planning, and Sprint Retrospectives. They ensure that the teams follow Agile principles.

Key Responsibilities of a Scrum Master:

• Facilitate Scrum events, such as Daily Scrum, Sprint Planning, Backlog Refinement, etc.
• Ensure that the team is following Agile principles and Scrum practices
• Remove impediments that prevent the unit from delivering value
• Act as a servant-leader and coach to the team and help them continuously improve
• Ensure that the team is self-organizing and cross-functional

Suggested Certification:

• Certified Scrum Master (CSM) from Scrum Alliance
• Professional Scrum Master (PSM) from Scrum.org

Average Salary Expectations:

According to Indeed, the average annual salary for a Scrum Master in the US is around $100,000. However, this can vary depending on the company's hiring criteria, such as the individual’s work experience, certification, skillset, etc.

3. Product Owner

Product Owners are responsible for defining and prioritizing the Product Backlog, which outlines the Product Features and Requirements. They work closely with the development team to ensure the product meets customer expectations.

Key Responsibilities of a Product Owner:

• Define the Product Vision along with the Product Goal and objectives
• Ensure timely delivery of Product Features and increase business value
• Prioritize Product Backlog based on changing business requirements and customer feedback
• Collaborate with stakeholders to communicate the project’s progress
• Ensure everyone is aligned with the project deliverables

Suggested Certification:

• Certified Scrum Product Owner (CSPO) from Scrum Alliance
• Certified Scrum Product Owner (CSPO) from Scrum.org

Average Salary Expectations:

According to Payscale, the average salary for a Product Owner in the US is around $85,000 annually. However, Product Owners with more experience can earn up to $135,000 per year.

4. Agile Software Developer

Agile Developers are responsible for building high-quality software that meets customer needs. They work closely with the Scrum and QA Testing teams to ensure timely delivery with the expected quality.

Key Responsibilities of an Agile Software Developer:

• Write clean and maintainable code using agile development methodologies
• Collaborate with the team to design, develop, test, and deploy software features
• Participate in regular team meetings, sprint planning calls, and sprint retrospectives
• Continuously improve development processes and practices to deliver high-quality software

Suggested Certification:

• PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP)
• Certified Scrum Developer (CSD) from Scrum Alliance

Average Salary Expectations:

According to Glassdoor, the average salary for an Agile Software Developer in the US is around $95,000 annually. However, this can vary based on the developer's experience.

5. Agile Quality Assurance (QA) Tester

An Agile QA Tester ensures that the software meets the latest industry standards. The QA Engineer works closely with the Developers to design and execute test cases and identify bugs/code defects.

Key Responsibilities of an Agile QA Tester:

• Create and execute test cases to validate the software code 
• Participate in Agile Events like Daily Scrum, Sprint Planning, and Sprint Reviews
• Collaborate with developers to ensure code defects/bugs are resolved
• Provide feedback on the software's design and user experience after testing the performance
• Suggest process improvements to implement best practices for test case execution

Suggested Certification:

• ISTQB Agile Tester Certification
• Certified Scrum Developer (CSD) from Scrum Alliance

Average Salary Expectations:

According to Glassdoor, the average salary for an Agile QA Tester in the US is around $73,000 annually. However, salaries can vary depending on experience, skillset, and location.

6. Agile Project Manager

Agile Project Managers are responsible for managing the project's delivery. They ensure that the project teams complete their responsibilities on time, within budget, and to the desired quality.

Key Responsibilities of an Agile Project Manager:

• Communicate the project's progress and status to stakeholders and senior leadership
• Plan and prioritize project activities based on the project's goals and objectives
• Interact with cross-functional teams to complete project deliverables on time
• Facilitate daily stand-up meetings to maintain transparency about work progress among teams
• Manage project risks and issues to address potential roadblocks proactively

Suggested Certification:

• Project Management Institute Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP)
• Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) from Scrum Alliance

Average Salary Expectations:

According to Glassdoor, the average salary for an Agile Project Manager in the US is around $107,000 annually. However, the compensation may vary depending on the individual’s work experience.

Conclusion 

Before you choose a career path in Agile, consider your skills, interests, and career aspirations. Now you know which Agile Role has which work responsibilities, it will be easier for you to choose the best-suited career path. Remember, obtaining certifications from reputable organizations to develop the necessary skills and knowledge!

Reference

1. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/exploring-different-career-paths-how-determine-which-one-balkaran/