Fractional CTO vs. Full-Time Hire
You need technical leadership. But should you commit to a $400K+ full-time executive or start with a fractional engagement? Here's a real comparison, plus a quick quiz to figure out what makes sense for your situation.
The Real Numbers
Most founders don't think about these costs until they're already committed.
| Category | Full-Time CTO | Fractional CTO |
|---|---|---|
| Base Salary | $250K–$400K/year | From $22K/month |
| Equity | 1–3% typical | None required |
| Recruiting Time | 3–6 months | 1–2 weeks |
| Ramp Time | 3–6 months | 2–4 weeks |
| Severance Risk | 6–12 months salary | Cancel anytime |
| Total Year-1 Cost | $400K–$700K+ | $264K–$360K |
Question 1 of 3
How many engineers do you have?
Question 2 of 3
What's your biggest mobile challenge right now?
Question 3 of 3
When do you think you'd hire a permanent CTO?
Book a 30-Minute Call
Rather email? [email protected]