2026 Fractional CFO Pricing Survey
What fractional CFOs actually charge—by region, industry, experience, and engagement type. Comprehensive rate data to inform your hiring decisions.
Key Takeaways
- •Hourly rates range from $175-$450/hour, with most falling between $200-$350/hour
- •Monthly retainers typically run $3,000-$12,000 for 10-20 hours of support
- •Experience, industry specialization, and location significantly impact pricing
- •Fractional CFO costs are typically 60-80% less than full-time CFO compensation
Understanding fractional CFO pricing helps you budget appropriately and evaluate proposals effectively. This survey compiles current market data on fractional CFO rates across different variables.
About This Data
This survey aggregates publicly available pricing data, industry surveys, and market research from 2024-2025. Actual rates vary based on specific circumstances. Use these figures as benchmarks, not guarantees.
2025 Pricing Summary
Hourly Rate
$200-$350
typical range
Monthly Retainer
$5,000-$8,000
typical range
Annual Cost
$60,000-$150,000
vs. $300K+ full-time
Rates by Experience Level
Experience is the primary driver of fractional CFO rates. More experienced professionals command premium rates based on their track record.
| Experience Level | Years Experience | Hourly Rate | Monthly Retainer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry Level | 2-5 years CFO/VP Finance | $175-$250/hr | $3,000-$5,000/mo |
| Mid-Level | 5-10 years CFO experience | $250-$350/hr | $5,000-$8,000/mo |
| Senior Level | 10+ years, notable exits/raises | $350-$450/hr | $8,000-$15,000/mo |
| Executive/Advisory | Former public company CFO | $400-$600/hr | $12,000-$25,000/mo |
Higher Rate ≠ Better Value
Match the CFO's experience level to your needs. A $400/hour former public company CFO may be overkill for a $5M private company. An experienced mid-level professional often provides better value for growing businesses.
Rates by Industry Specialization
Industry expertise commands premium pricing. CFOs with specialized knowledge in regulated or complex sectors can charge 15-30% more than generalists.
| Industry | Hourly Rate Premium | Typical Monthly Range |
|---|---|---|
| SaaS / Technology | +10-20% | $6,000-$12,000 |
| Healthcare / Life Sciences | +20-30% | $7,000-$15,000 |
| Financial Services | +15-25% | $6,500-$14,000 |
| Manufacturing | +5-15% | $5,000-$10,000 |
| Professional Services | Baseline | $4,500-$9,000 |
| E-commerce / Retail | +5-10% | $5,000-$9,500 |
Rates by Geographic Region
Location affects pricing, though remote work has compressed regional differences. Major metros still command premium rates.
Premium Markets (+20-40%)
- San Francisco Bay Area
- New York City Metro
- Boston
- Los Angeles
- Seattle
Standard Markets (Baseline)
- Denver / Colorado
- Austin / Texas
- Chicago
- Atlanta
- Most remote-first arrangements
With the shift to remote work, geographic premiums have decreased significantly. Many businesses now hire fractional CFOs from different regions to access talent at more competitive rates.
Pricing by Engagement Model
Different engagement structures come with different pricing approaches:
Hourly Billing
Pay for time as used. Common for variable or uncertain scope. May include minimum monthly commitments.
Typical range: $175-$450/hour
Monthly Retainer (Most Common)
Fixed monthly fee for defined scope and hours. Provides predictable costs and committed time allocation.
Typical range: $3,000-$12,000/month for 10-20 hours/week
Project-Based
Fixed fee for specific deliverables. Common for fundraising prep, M&A support, or system implementations.
Typical range: $15,000-$75,000 per project
Hybrid / Success-Based
Lower base retainer plus performance components (e.g., bonus on successful fundraise). Less common but available.
Typical structure: 50-70% base + success fee
Cost Comparison: Fractional vs. Full-Time CFO
The primary economic advantage of fractional CFO services is cost savings versus a full-time hire. Here's how the numbers compare:
| Cost Component | Fractional CFO | Full-Time CFO |
|---|---|---|
| Base Compensation | $60,000-$150,000/year | $200,000-$350,000/year |
| Benefits & Taxes | $0 (1099) | $40,000-$80,000/year |
| Equity / Bonus | Rare/minimal | $50,000-$150,000+/year |
| Recruiting Cost | Minimal | $50,000-$100,000 (one-time) |
| Total Annual Cost | $60,000-$150,000 | $340,000-$680,000 |
60-80% Savings
Fractional CFO services typically cost 60-80% less than full-time CFO employment. This makes executive-level financial leadership accessible to companies that couldn't justify a full-time hire.
Typical Hours by Company Stage
Different stages require different levels of CFO involvement:
| Company Stage | Revenue Range | Hours/Month | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Startup / Seed | <$2M | 10-20 hrs | $2,500-$5,000 |
| Growth Stage | $2M-$10M | 20-40 hrs | $5,000-$10,000 |
| Scaling | $10M-$30M | 40-60 hrs | $8,000-$15,000 |
| Mature / Complex | $30M+ | 60-80 hrs | $12,000-$20,000 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the average hourly rate for a fractional CFO in 2025?
The average hourly rate for fractional CFOs in 2025 ranges from $175 to $450 per hour, with most experienced professionals charging between $200 and $350 per hour. Rates vary significantly by experience level, industry specialization, and geographic location.
How much should I budget monthly for a fractional CFO?
Monthly retainers typically range from $3,000 to $12,000, with most engagements falling between $5,000 and $8,000 per month. This usually covers 10-20 hours of CFO time monthly. Your specific needs—complexity, hours required, and scope—will determine where you fall in this range.
Are fractional CFO rates negotiable?
Yes, most fractional CFO arrangements are negotiable based on scope, commitment length, and specific needs. Longer-term commitments often come with better rates. Some CFOs also offer project-based pricing for specific initiatives like fundraising or M&A support.
Why do some fractional CFOs charge so much more than others?
Rate variations reflect experience (Fortune 500 CFO vs. controller stepping up), industry specialization (SaaS metrics expert vs. generalist), and geographic market (NYC vs. midwest). Premium rates often correlate with specialized expertise that delivers measurable value—a CFO who's raised $500M in venture capital can command higher rates for fundraising support.
Related Research
How Much Does a Fractional CFO Cost?
Complete pricing guide
Is a Fractional CFO Worth It?
Calculating the ROI
SMB Finance Team Benchmarks
Staffing by revenue stage
How to Hire a Fractional CFO
Complete hiring guide
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