Fractional CTO vs Full-Time CTO: What Fits Your Startup?
Choosing between part-time and full-time technical leadership is one of the key decisions for a growing business. Let's explore the pros and cons of each option.
Comparison Table
| Feature | Fractional CTO | Full-Time CTO |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly cost | $3,000 - $10,000 | $15,000 - $35,000+ |
| Availability | 10-20 hours/week | 40+ hours/week |
| Cross-industry experience | ||
| Quick start | ||
| Deep product immersion | ||
| Team management | Strategic | Day-to-day |
| Contract flexibility | ||
| Equity/options | Rarely | Usually yes |
When to choose each option
Choose Fractional CTO if:
You need expertise without full-time commitment and high costs
- You're at an early stage (Pre-seed, Seed)
- Budget is limited, but expertise is needed
- Development team exists, strategic leadership needed
- Need to establish processes quickly
- Want fresh perspective and cross-industry experience
- Preparing for an investment round
Choose full-time CTO if:
Technology is your competitive advantage
- You're ready for Series A+ and scaling
- Need day-to-day management of large team (10+ developers)
- Developing a complex technical product
- Have budget for $200K+ annual salary
- Ready to invest time in hiring (3-6 months)
- Technology is a key competitive advantage
Cost Comparison
Total cost of ownership for an early-stage startup
Fractional CTO
Monthly retainer$5,000
Annual contract$60,000
Hiring costs$0
Onboarding time1-2 weeks
Total:$60,000
Full-Time CTO
Base salary$200,000+
Taxes and benefits (+30%)$60,000
Recruiting (20-25% of salary)$40,000
Hiring time3-6 months
Total:$300,000+
Help Me Decide
Answer questions to determine the best approach
Question 1 / 5
What stage is your startup at?
Frequently asked questions
Ready to discuss your needs?
Start with a free 30-minute consultation. We'll discuss your goals, challenges, and determine how I can help.
or