Is the Scrum Master Role Dying?

- 2025 Data Shows It’s Evolving (and Earning More Than Ever)

Did You Know? 

Despite all the buzz about AI taking over jobs, Agile and Scrum are not only surviving; they’re thriving in 2025. Over 86% of teams use Agile practices, and between 81% and 87% rely on Scrum as their preferred framework. Moreover, 95% of professionals say that Agile remains highly relevant even with the rise of intelligent automation. Reading some people on LinkedIn shows a much darker sentiment, so let me “pep" you up! 

And let’s discuss the Scrum Master. Far from being outdated, the role is evolving into one of the most strategic and future-proof positions in modern product and tech organizations (even if people are changing the name to Scrum Leads, Agile Coaches, etc). 

So What? 

The widespread adoption and continued relevance of Agile and Scrum show that organizations are not abandoning agility; they’re doubling down on it, especially as AI becomes more integrated into product development workflows. 

Here’s why it matters:

• Scrum Masters are in higher demand than ever, with salaries reaching up to $170,000 + in the U.S., and averaging around $119,000 in my home town (Dallas-Fort Worth, TX).
• The Scrum Master role has expanded beyond facilitation and it now includes AI literacy, hybrid team leadership, and enterprise-level agile coaching (as it always should have).
• AI complements Agile practices, rather than replacing them. It automates repetitive workflows (like reporting and prioritization), allowing Scrum teams to focus on strategic thinking, innovation, and value delivery.

In short, AI isn’t replacing Agile frameworks, it’s reinforcing their importance and allowing humans to spread their wings!

Now What?

If you’re involved in product development, tech leadership, or Agile coaching, here’s what you can do next:

1. Elevate the Scrum Master Role
   • If you’re a Scrum Master, deepen your skill set beyond facilitation—become a coach, a strategist, and a facilitator linking AI tools to team value.
2. Incorporate AI into Agile Workflows
   • Encourage your teams to experiment with AI tools that improve agile ceremonies and streamline workflows.
   • Use AI for:
     • Retrospective insights
     • Backlog analysis
     • Velocity forecasting
     • Team sentiment analysis
3. Invest in Organizational Agility
   • Organizations should empower Scrum Masters to lead change across departments. With AI driving disruption in every area, enterprise agility isn’t optional; it’s essential.

The idea that Agile, Scrum, or the Scrum Master role is becoming obsolete doesn’t align with the data. In 2025, Scrum remains the leading Agile framework, and the Scrum Master is more vital and better compensated than ever.

With AI as an enabler, not a disruptor Scrum Masters who adopt new technologies, lead with flexibility, and coach cross-functional teams will be tomorrow’s leaders in digital transformation.

So, if you believed Agile was dead, think again. It's evolving. And it's thriving.