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What Does a Fractional CIO, CTO or CISO Cost?
Compare a full-time executive with a fractional engagement in under a minute. Pick the role, your company size and a salary, and see typical monthly retainers, hours, and what is included.
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Qualified CIOs typically earn $200K to $400K in base salary. We add 25% for benefits, payroll taxes, equipment and recruiting. Bonuses and equity are not included, so a full-time hire often costs more than shown.
Your estimate
Estimated yearly savings
$279,000 to $315,000
About 74% to 84% less than a full-time CIO
Best for
50 to 150 employees, growing complexity
How we work
Weekly or biweekly check-ins; monthly leadership meeting; replies within 1 business day
What's included
Everything in Advisory, plus roadmap delivery, MSP and partner management, a security and AI governance program, budget and quarterly business review
Fractional ranges are typical monthly retainers, not a quote. The right scope and price are set after a short conversation about your environment. Estimates are for illustration and exclude equity and bonuses on the full-time side.
Questions
Fractional Leadership Cost, Answered
How much does a fractional CIO cost?
Fractional engagements start at $3,000 per month and scale with scope. Advisory is typically $3,000 to $4,000 per month for about 8 hours a month; Growth is typically $5,000 to $8,000 per month for about 12 to 18 hours a month; Scale is typically $10,000 and up per month for about 30 to 40 hours a month. The right scope and price are set after a short conversation about your environment.
Is a fractional CIO cheaper than hiring a full-time CIO?
Usually, by a wide margin. Total compensation for a qualified full-time Chief Information Officer (CIO) runs $200,000 to $400,000 a year before benefits, payroll taxes, equipment and recruiting, which often add another 25% or so. A fractional engagement starts around $36,000 a year, and reaches $120,000 a year and up at the Scale level. Either way, you get the same caliber of strategic leadership for the hours your organization actually needs.
What is the difference between a fractional CIO, CTO and CISO?
A Chief Information Officer (CIO) sets overall IT strategy, budget and vendor decisions. A Chief Technology Officer (CTO) guides technology architecture, platforms and engineering direction. A Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) owns cybersecurity strategy, risk management and compliance readiness. Elevaire Systems provides all three as fractional roles, and the pricing tiers in the calculator apply to each.
Does a fractional executive replace our IT team or managed service provider?
No. A fractional CIO, CTO or CISO works alongside your internal team or managed service provider. They set direction, oversee vendors and hold the plan together, while your existing team keeps running day-to-day operations. At higher engagement levels they also manage your MSP and internal IT staff.
What does the calculator leave out?
The full-time figure uses the salary you choose plus a 25% allowance for benefits, payroll taxes, equipment and recruiting. It does not include equity, bonuses, or the months it can take to hire. The fractional figures are typical monthly retainers, not a quote.
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