If you’re working in SAFe® or considering it for your career path, you’re probably wondering about the practical realities: What skills do employers actually value? Where are the real opportunities? And how can you position yourself for success in a changing market?
These are important questions, and they deserve clear, data-backed answers.
That’s exactly why we created the 2026 SAFe Careers Snapshot. This annual report takes a thoughtful look at current job market data to help you understand what’s happening right now and what it means for your career journey.
Whether you’re exploring SAFe for the first time, deepening your expertise in a specific role, or planning your path into leadership, this research gives you the insights you need to make informed decisions about your next steps.
Understanding the shift: AI meets Agile practice
This year’s data reveals something important: AI capabilities are becoming an expected part of many SAFe roles, not just a nice-to-have addition.
We’re seeing this trend across roles—from Scrum Masters and Product Owners to Release Train Engineers, Architects, Coaches, and SAFe Practice Consultants. Employers are increasingly looking for professionals who can:
- Integrate AI tools effectively into their daily work
- Use AI insights to enhance flow, planning, and quality decisions
- Make more informed, data-driven decisions faster
- Guide teams through new AI-enabled ways of working
At the same time, the fundamentals of SAFe practice remain as important as ever:
- Certifications continue to be a valuable signal of expertise and commitment
- Demonstrating real outcomes still matters more than impressive titles
- Hybrid work skills and leadership capabilities are essential
- A commitment to continuous learning consistently separates successful candidates from the rest
The opportunity is significant for those who are willing to grow alongside these changes.
What you’ll find in the 2026 Snapshot
We’ve designed this guide to give you practical, actionable information about today’s SAFe job market. The report covers eight key roles and certifications:
- Scrum Master
- Agile Coach
- Product Owner
- Product Manager
- Release Train Engineer
- Architect
- SAFe Practice Consultant
- SAFe Agilist
For each role, you’ll discover:
- Current salary ranges and earning potential based on real market data
- Typical years of experience that employers are seeking
- Which certifications are required versus preferred
- Where demand is strongest across industries
- Core responsibilities and the skills that matter most
- AI-related capabilities that are increasingly expected
- Step-by-step career guidance tailored to your current goals—whether you’re trying to break into a role, grow your expertise, or advance into leadership
Three ways this report can support your journey
No matter where you are in your career, the Snapshot offers guidance designed for your specific situation:
- If you’re working to land a role: You’ll learn what employers are really looking for, which certifications to prioritize first, and how to present your experience in the most compelling way.
- If you’re focused on growing in your current role: You’ll find direction on building deeper expertise, developing AI fluency, and creating creative outcomes that genuinely increase your value to organizations.
- If you’re preparing for leadership: You’ll discover what it takes to expand your impact through broader systems thinking, portfolio-level awareness, and enterprise-wide influence.
Why this matters for your career right now
The SAFe job market is evolving more quickly than it has in recent years. Some roles are consolidating while others are expanding. Organizations are investing more deliberately in professionals who can lead meaningful transformation, not just participate in processes.
Based on our research, the professionals who are finding the most success in 2026 share several characteristics:
- They’re combining strong SAFe expertise with developing AI capabilities
- They can point to clear business impact from their work
- They’re committed to ongoing skill development
- They lead change with both confidence and empathy
This Snapshot is designed to help you develop each of these strengths in practical, achievable ways.
Ready to Explore Your Career Path?
We encourage you to download the 2026 SAFe Careers Snapshot and explore the data that’s most relevant to your situation. You’ll find current salary insights, realistic skill expectations, and AI-integrated career guidance that can help you move forward with clarity and confidence.
Your career growth isn’t just about keeping pace with change. It’s about positioning yourself to contribute meaningfully to what comes next. We hope this report helps you do exactly that.
